The Penguin Season 1 Review

Introduction

As a devoted fan of Matt Reeves’ The Batman, I held high expectations for The Penguin series. While Reeves' involvement was minimal, his influence is unmistakably woven into the show’s DNA. The atmospheric storytelling, layered characters, and gritty realism carry the essence of his cinematic Gotham. However, the heart of this series lies in the brilliant writing of Lauren LeFlanc. Her script masterfully balances a sprawling cast of characters, each given room to shine, beginning with Oswald Cobb himself.

Oswald Cobb: The Penguin's Journey

“Oswald Cobb: man of the people.” This line, uttered by both of the Falcone siblings, encapsulates the central theme of Oz’s journey. From the opening moments, the series establishes him as a force to be reckoned with. The shocking murder of Alberto Falcone in the first episode is a statement of intent—Oz is impulsive yet cunning, instinctive yet deliberate. These traits define his rise to power.

Unlike his wealthy comic-book counterpart, this Oz hails from a lower-middle-class background, adding an underdog element to his ascent. His intelligence, ruthlessness, and ability to manipulate those around him are on full display as he navigates Gotham's treacherous criminal underworld. Whether framing the Maronis or uniting gang leaders under false pretenses, Oz proves he’s always two steps ahead.

A key influence in shaping Oz is his mother, Francis. Her unwavering approval of his darker impulses fostered his moral detachment. Her chilling line, “What you did wasn’t impulsive; it was instinctual,” cements her role as both his greatest supporter and a tragic figure in her own right.

Oz’s journey is brutal and unapologetic, but the show ensures we understand him. His insecurities, ambitions, and need for validation create a character who is as fascinating as he is irredeemable—a perfect antihero for Gotham’s chaotic underworld.

Sofia Gigante: A Tragic Counterpoint

Sofia Gigante emerges as both a foil and an adversary to Oz. Introduced as Carmine Falcone’s brilliant but unhinged daughter, Sofia commands attention in every scene. Her intelligence and resourcefulness make her a formidable rival, but her ultimate downfall lies in her naivety.

Before her time in Arkham, Sofia is portrayed as a compassionate figure—a philanthropist, a loving sister, and someone willing to forgive her father’s sins. However, Arkham’s dehumanizing environment transforms her. Flashbacks reveal her torment and gradual descent into violence, culminating in her chilling declaration of innocence even as she commits murder. Sofia’s duality—capable of great brutality yet clinging to her victimhood—underscores the tragedy of her character.

Her relationship with Oz is a masterclass in tension. She sees through his lies yet struggles to counter his manipulations effectively. Her arc serves as a cautionary tale about the cost of underestimating Gotham’s criminal players.

Victor Aguilar: Gotham’s Tragic Everyman

Victor Aguilar begins as an innocent bystander—caught stealing Oz’s rims at the worst possible moment. What follows is a tragic evolution from petty thief to loyal subordinate. Oz’s manipulation of Victor is heartbreaking, as he transforms from a hopeful young man into a pawn in the Penguin’s schemes.

Victor’s relationship with Francis is a poignant subplot. Acting as her caretaker, Victor finds a sense of family, but this closeness ultimately seals his fate. His interactions with Squid, his neighborhood drug dealer, add layers of tension and highlight his struggle to escape Gotham’s grip. Victor’s fate, foreshadowed throughout the series, is devastating but serves as a powerful reminder of the cost of survival in Gotham.

Supporting Cast

Francis Cobb

Francis’s role as Oz's mother is both the foundation of his character and a haunting shadow over his actions. Her unwavering support of his darkest impulses shaped him into the man we see in the series. From the chilling moment she tells Oz that his first murder wasn’t impulsive but instinctual, we understand her profound and dangerous influence. The show portrays Francis as a complex figure—loving in her way but utterly ruthless. Her decision to spare Oz’s life after he killed his brothers, betting that he would grow into someone powerful enough to provide her with the life she wanted, is pivotal.
Tragically, Francis reaps what she sows, ending the season in a state that suggests both physical and emotional decay. The ambiguity of Oz’s feelings toward her—whether he is oblivious to her resentment or deliberately cruel—is one of the season's most haunting threads. Her final moments reveal the price of enabling someone like Oz and highlight the emotional costs of his climb to power.
Julian Rush

Dr. Julian Rush is a morally ambiguous figure whose actions remain shrouded in mystery. While aiding Dr. Ventris in Sofia’s shock therapy, he exhibits moments of hesitation that suggest he may not fully agree with the methods being used. Despite his ethical struggles, Julian played a critical role in Sofia’s escape from Arkham, aligning with Alberto to orchestrate her release. This partnership raises questions about his motivations—was he coerced, or does he have a deeper agenda?
Outside Arkham, Julian’s dynamic with Sofia becomes fascinating. He is subservient to her demands but still maintains a presence of authority. His duality as both a participant in her suffering and a potential ally makes him one of the show’s most enigmatic characters. As Sofia returns to Arkham and Julian remains within its walls, their relationship is primed for further development, with lingering questions about his true allegiances.
Eve Carlo

Eve Carlo represents the heart of Gotham’s resilience, embodying survival in a city of chaos. Her ability to adapt by creating various personas—reflected in her ever-changing wigs and appearances—makes her a captivating character. Eve’s empathetic nature brings her into conflict with the city’s criminal elements. Her decision to guide Sofia to Oz’s whereabouts demonstrates her moral complexity—helping a violent individual out of loyalty while knowing it could lead to more destruction.
The finale underscores her importance when Oz forces her into a role-playing scenario, making her act as his mother. This chilling moment encapsulates Oz’s ability to manipulate and destroy everyone close to him, leaving Eve trapped in a life she can no longer control. Eve’s arc exemplifies the cost of proximity to power and sets her up as a potential wildcard in future seasons.
Salvatore Maroni

Maroni serves as a cautionary tale of what happens when a criminal leader refuses to adapt to a changing world. His reliance on outdated methods and his inability to foresee betrayal make him a stark contrast to Carmine Falcone's calculated approach. Maroni’s emotional decision-making—driven by family loyalty and pride—seals his fate, leaving him as a relic of Gotham’s past. His downfall, orchestrated by Oz, serves as a critical turning point in the power dynamics of Gotham, further solidifying Oz’s rise as the new kingpin.
Carmine Falcone

Carmine Falcone’s presence looms large over the series, even after his death in The Batman. Through flashbacks and character recollections, we see him as the ruthless patriarch of Gotham’s largest criminal family. His unrepentant villainy and manipulation of his children shaped Sofia and Alberto in different ways, creating both loyalty and resentment. His absence creates a vacuum that characters like Oz and Sofia scramble to fill, setting the stage for much of the series' conflict. Falcone’s legacy serves as a constant reminder of Gotham’s brutal history and the consequences of unchecked power.

Expanded Predictions for Batman and Oz’s Future

The show’s finale and its careful setup leave the door wide open for Batman and Oz to eventually cross paths in a way that feels inevitable yet fresh. Here’s how I see it unfolding:

The Rise of Penguin
As Oz consolidates his power, it’s likely he will expand his influence beyond the criminal underworld into Gotham’s political scene. His cunning and ability to manipulate make him an ideal candidate for a mayoral run. A corrupt politician with deep ties to Gotham’s criminal elite, Oz could become a uniquely formidable opponent for Batman. This shift to politics would allow Oz to operate in plain sight, making it harder for Batman to target him without risking public backlash.
Batman’s Watchful Eye
Batman’s absence in the show is deliberate, emphasizing his larger-than-life presence without overshadowing Oz’s journey. However, the finale’s Bat-Signal tease suggests that Bruce Wayne is aware of the escalating chaos. I predict Batman will initially monitor Oz from the shadows, gathering evidence and observing his methods. This calculated patience mirrors the detective aspect of Batman’s character, allowing him to strike when Oz is at his most vulnerable.
A Strategic Conflict
Unlike traditional physical confrontations, Batman and Oz’s eventual clash may take the form of a psychological and strategic battle. Oz’s political aspirations could force Batman to operate outside his usual tactics, targeting corruption through public exposure rather than brute force. This approach would showcase the intelligence and restraint that define Batman while contrasting sharply with Oz’s manipulation and ruthlessness.
Sofia and Batman’s Intersection
Sofia’s continued presence in Arkham, her ongoing rivalry with Oz, and her newly formed relationship with her half-sister Selina Kyle (Catwoman,) could create an interesting dynamic for Batman to exploit. If Sofia becomes an unlikely ally, her intimate knowledge of Oz’s tactics could aid Batman in bringing him down. This partnership, likely brought to fruition because of Selina, would add moral complexity to both characters, forcing Bruce to weigh his principles against the necessity of working with someone as damaged and dangerous as Sofia.

Conclusion

The Penguin transcends its role as a spin-off to The Batman, delivering a gripping, character-driven crime drama that stands firmly on its own. With its richly drawn characters, brutal storytelling, and clever nods to Gotham’s larger mythos, the series sets the stage for an expanded Batman universe that feels organic and deeply interconnected.

As Oz continues his rise and Batman inches closer to reentering the fray, the lines between hero, villain, and everything in between blur in ways that promise a thrilling continuation of this dark, captivating story.