'The Penguin': Episode One Review: An okay start, with a few problems that could be ironed out

I don't usually do reviews of single episodes, and usually when I'm just starting something new, I tend to throw out a first impressions post that details the first few thoughts I've had on something while it's still somewhat fresh to me. Though I didn't feel like doing that today, instead I felt like looking into a show that I otherwise wouldn't watch. I'm not sure what pulled me in with this one, especially given any other Marvel or DC related show I tend to avoid to no end. But I must admit that I enjoyed The Batman's cinematography and general atmosphere despite finding the story and performances quite poor. I think I wanted some more of that style, that feeling of doom and the more comic book truthful atmosphere. Not many productions that pursue comic book stories manage to really capture that atmosphere, and from the casting of The Penguin, it definitely seemed like it wanted to pursue a serious but also rather exaggerated look at the character. To add to this, I also have to admit that I'm a really big fan of Colin Farrell, and this seems to be one of his most diverse performances yet. The actor is great to say the least, but covered in makeup and costume, is that skill still present? I guess there was only one way for me to find out.

The show starts off with a pretty poor series of news reports which detail the events of The Batman and the events unfolding as a result of Riddler. If you didn't see the film, then some of this won't make a whole lot of sense. Though it's taking place directly after the film. News report scenes are always a bit off in shows and films, so it seemed odd to start the show off with a montage of them as they give some basic context to the time and setting of the show. Still, it's pretty cool to see them giving more attention to the story of the film and building the world more, rather than the films just being sequels and prequels and the likes without much depth to them. With the nature of these comic book franchises, there's always so much more that could be done. So there's some praise to be given in this regard.

Gotham's look seems to reflect that of The Batman, if not a little bit more dirtier and polluted. The Batman saw a more gothic look at the city with beautiful architecture and cleaner streets, with the odd dirty environment here and there. I guess Batman doesn't leave the central areas of Gotham all that too often. Though I liked that the city felt more real, like a more real reflection of a decayed, criminal underworld riddled with dirt.

I found the character and performance by Rhenzy Feliz to be the worst part of the episode, to which his emotional range felt incredibly limited when it mattered the most, and his character was just totally void of interest. He's thrown into the criminal underworld by force, but fails to show the fear of death when it's facing him, as the Penguin is ready to punish him for trying to steal from him. In typical mafia nature Penguin is ready to just dish out the ulimate and immediate punishment of death, and the character is supposed to be essentially begging for his life, yet there's just nothing. The expressions are void of emotion, there's not a glint in the eye of fear. And it really pulled me out of the immersion in scenes where he appeared. A disappointment given the sheer dedication from Farrell and the rest. Where there's a more serious tone and things seem more professional and understood. It felt as if his character was thrown in to be the youthful sidekick that attracts the younger demographic to the television show, and I don't think it really worked alongside the character of Penguin. Especially when it is clear that Penguin works alone and is ready to use and drop anyone to get what he wants.

For him to suddenly show kindness and also restraint for being targeted by someone else almost seems out of character as a result. But Victor as a character needed to be used later on for the plot, and his purpose also serves as some filler to the rest of the episode. It felt a bit forced in this regard, where a character only exists to be utilised when it's convenient, not really offering much else to the story. I'm hoping to see less of that character going forward, because the show itself and the rest are actually quite well made. Especially in the directing regard. Perhaps the cinematography in parts relies too much on the darkness, too many perspectives in the shadows and trying to show the criminal underworld operating in the dark, of course where Batman often refers to lurking and finding crime.

I'd say it's decent first episode, but not one that really managed to pull me in. It all felt a bit too tame and structured without much of a wow factor to it. Where it focused perhaps too much on one scenario rather than giving us a deeper look into the Penguin character. A few sketchy deals here and there, but nothing that really shows that he can be a real monster. Nothing that really shows what he's capable of. In many regards, it felt like other characters were better at this. Where Sofia went from seeming naive at the start to suddenly this highly psychotic force best avoiding and staying on the good side of. Hopefully things improve as the show moves on. But I will be paying attention to the show still, it has some potential for sure.