The Penguin: Why We Might Have the Best Series of the Year ? (Review)

© Warner Bros

This time, it's here is. After months of waiting, the series The Penguin is finally launched on the Max platform. This spin-off of the Dark Knight, which takes us to the lows -Gotham funds, clearly keeps all its promises. We were able to see the first episode, here is what we thought of it.

A direct sequel to The Batman

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Warner Bros had promised that this production would take place right after Matt Reeves' feature film, and we were clearly not lied to about the merchandise. We immediately recognize the Michael Giacchino piece in the background to immerse us in the atmosphere.

As a reminder, Riddler managed to ravage part of the city following an attack that caused a vast flood. At the same time, Carmine Falcone, the great mafia baron, was killed. Oswald Cobblepot (Colin Farrell) aka the Penguin, who worked for him, therefore intends to jump at the chance to climb the ladder.

In addition to this great soundtrack, we therefore remember this very dark (including the daytime scenes) but sublime photography which is very reminiscent of the first film. Gotham comes to life before our eyes, and the metropolis is a character in its own right. The whole thing is particularly credible and we are really immersed in the daily life of this city without a compass.

Who will recover the throne ?

After the death of Carmine Falcone, everyone feels like they have wings in the underworld. Alberto, his son, is supposed to succeed him, but we can tell that he is a little weak on the shoulders to take up the challenge.

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A gallery of characters, very well played, make their appearance in this first episode. Special mention to the young Victor Aguilar (Rhenzy Feliz) who becomes, in spite of himself, the Penguin's sidekick.

We also discover the disturbing Sofia Falcone (Cristin Milioti), Carmine's daughter, who has just been released from Gotham asylum and intends to play the leading roles. Finally, the Maroni clan, some of whose leaders are in prison, also wants to jump at the chance to get a second chance.

The struggles between these different groups promise to be particularly captivating throughout this season, and we can imagine that Oswald Cobblepot will try to take advantage of it, even if his opponents also manage to read his game.

The HBO series is a reflection of its time. The American dream, which sells promises of ascension, is in trouble in a country where social reproduction has never been so strong. Not fooled, the protagonists of The Penguin lay down their own (ultra-violent) rules to climb the ladder. “The world isn't made for guys like us, that's why what we want, we have to go get it”, sums up the gangster.

A Batman series without Batman

If he was promising in The Batman, the character played by Colin Farrell, clearly gains momentum here. No one really takes him seriously with his luxury car that can be spotted from miles away, and his limping gait, but that's a mistake.

The other great strength of this series is undoubtedly to free itself from the Dark Knight, even if his figure is of course mentioned. The universe and the villains presented in the comics are also quite rich, and the success of the film Joker is also there to attest to it.

Of course, we will wait to watch the following episodes to form a definitive opinion. But, the least we can say is that The Penguin is off to a flying start and we can't wait to see what happens next.

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