Review: 8 reasons to watch Penguin - a real villain!

In recent months, DC fans have been treated to one of the best productions of the year—and perhaps in the history of Detective Comics. The Penguin aired one episode every Sunday for eight weeks, maintaining consistent quality and receiving rave reviews from critics and audiences alike. Every episode earned IMDb ratings of 8.5 or higher.

In fact, some episodes were rated highly enough to rank among the top 10 episodes in television history.

The first season concluded this week, and here at Maratona Pop, we’ve watched it all to bring you this spoiler-free review of The Penguin. Check it out!

The Penguin, via Max"/>

The story takes place immediately after the events of The Batman (2022), so it’s recommended to watch the movie first for better context. However, it’s not strictly necessary—unlike other superhero productions, The Penguin stands as an independent narrative, with past events gradually explained throughout the series.

The topics explored in The Batman aren’t the main focus here. While some situations from the movie influence the series, they are presented in a way that’s easily understood within the show itself.

At no point does the script attempt to soften Oz, the Penguin’s actions. On the contrary, it consistently showcases his cruelty and disregard for others, as he focuses solely on his own interests.

Typically, we root for and admire protagonists whose actions align with our expectations. But Oz is different: he behaves in ways that defy belief, creating unpredictable situations that make perfect sense when we see him for what he is—a villain.

Gotham City has always been a crime-ridden place, frequently depicted in Batman animations or in Detective Gordon’s battles against corruption in the series Gotham.

In this universe, Gotham remains the same. However, with a villain as the protagonist, we see the city from a new perspective. The focus is no longer on eliminating corruption but rather on exploiting it to gain power, delivering a fresh narrative approach.

The evolution of the key figures in the plot is evident, particularly Sofia Falcone and Victor Aguilar. Their development feels incredibly natural, allowing us to understand their motivations and actions in a relatable way.

Victor, in particular, transitions from a mere victim representing the common people to a fan-favorite character. Starting as a minor figure in the first episode, he becomes a pivotal presence by the season’s end.

The Penguin, via Max"/>

Of course, we can’t forget the Penguin himself. As he learns what it takes to succeed in his “field,” he continuously improves as a criminal. Watching him rise from a mere driver to a mafia boss is nothing short of fascinating.

The series delivers intense dialogue scenes with two or three characters dominating the screen spectacularly. Performances by Colin Farrell, Cristin Milioti, and Deirdre O’Connell are Oscar-worthy.

Another key element that enhances the viewer's immersion is the audiovisual quality, which is flawless. The makeup work is particularly impressive, especially for the Penguin, as Colin Farrell becomes unrecognizable, embodying the character completely.

The soundtrack is equally masterful, with lyrics that symbolically align with the series’ moments, delighting dedicated fans who appreciate these subtle references.

Who hasn’t been disappointed by an amazing show that falters in its final episode? That’s not the case with The Penguin. The final episode exceeded all expectations, delivering a conclusion that does justice to the entire series.

In fact, “A Great or Little Thing,” the eighth episode, was the highest-rated of the season, scoring a 9.6/10 on IMDb.

While the finale provided an excellent conclusion, it also left the door open for continuation—either with a second season or in The Batman: Part II, slated for release in 2026.

The final minutes strongly hint that at least two additional characters will play a role in Oz’s future. This universe still has plenty of stories to tell.

Even in a year packed with outstanding series, The Penguin stands out as a top contender. Its widespread acclaim from both media and fans solidifies its status as a must-watch, and it’s highly likely to receive several awards at the upcoming Emmy Awards, particularly in the writing and acting categories.

For me, The Penguin exceeded all expectations and earns a solid 9.7. Every aspect is either perfect or near-perfect, making it a favorite production for many in 2024.

I hope you enjoyed this review! You are welcome to reach out with any questions or suggestions.