HBO Max’s “The Penguin” has taken the world by storm. It has been in the top ten most streamed since its debut on Sept. 19 for its entire run. With many waiting for the new episode each Sunday, it leaves others to wonder, ‘What makes this show different from any other villain spin-off?’ Here’s why this limited series is grabbing the attention of millions and why you should give it a try if you haven’t.
Angeline’s Assistant Principal, Ms. Michelle Topham, enjoyed the more realistic and gritty setting in the show.
“This one feels much more mafia and like ‘The Sopranos’; I like the other Batman movies, but this one feels much more realistic,” Topham explained.
Batman and the DC Universe can feel a bit outlandish at times. With villains like a man crocodile, a woman who can control plants, and a man made of clay. While they make for interesting villains, they don’t feel like something you could encounter in real life. In “The Penguin” however, the mafia power struggle and everyone grasping for power can and has happened; making it feel much more believable than other Batman movies.
This change helped both longtime fans and those unfamiliar with DC enjoy the show. With new viewers getting a compelling story and DC superfans also getting a few easter eggs hidden throughout the show.
The characters are one of the main selling points of the show. Oswald Cobb, the Penguin, is just one of the many interesting characters- he’s deceitful, manipulative, and will stab you in the back if he thinks he can benefit from it. But he also shows a completely different side to the few people he cares about like his pupil and mom. It makes for a character that you know isn’t a good guy but is still someone people can root for.
“I really like the Penguin’s sidekick, Vic, he’s like a nicer and younger version of the penguin,” English teacher, Ms. Tracie O’Nolan said.
Vic is portrayed as a normal person who was dragged into the life of the mafia. When he gets caught stealing from Oz’s car, he must help him dispose of a body. He manages to survive the encounter and goes on to be Oz’s number-one ally. Just like Oz, Vic’s character seems fully fleshed out.
While “The Penguin” is an award-winning show, with actor Collin Farrell earning a 2024 Golden Globe for Actor in a mini-series, it is not for everyone.
“I didn’t like it too much; there’s lots of brutal scenes, and it just isn’t my type of show,” eighth-grade student Brooklyn Barr said.
Overall, “The Penguin” is a compelling show with a captivating story and unique characters, and has been skyrocketing in popularity for good reason. You should consider watching it if you haven’t already and join many others in the rise of “The Penguin”
