My coworker was begging me to hop on The Penguin (even though he has a review of Ep01 himself) as soon as I could and seeing how we needed some coverage here, I happily hippity-hopped my way to it. Luckily, I have seen The Batman (2022) which is what this show’s story follows. After a quick refresh, I was ready to dive in. Are you ready to dig into the seedy underbelly of Gotham? Maybe, just maybe, could the Caped Crusader appear at some point? I don’t know, but I’m just batty over it!
Episode # 1 After Hours
Graciously, the show’s creators give us an opening montage; refreshing the events of The Batman and reminding us of the destruction of the seawall, flooding Gotham, and creating a hotbed of criminal activity. The leader of the Falcone crime family is killed, leaving a vacuum of power for his spot. It’s a clear shake-up for the Falcone family and all underworld families in Gotham. Could this be the perfect opportunity for more? Falcone’s son Alberto (Michael Zegen) is set to take his spot, but he’s lacking the serious approach his father had. Carmine was known to be ruthless. Alberto’s known to be a druggie. Addicts can be easily manipulated. And that’s exactly what Oswald Cobb (Colin Farrell) hopes for.
Oz tries to infiltrate Alberto’s apartment and run away with some goods. He’s quickly caught but plays it off. Alberto might be known to use Drops but alcohol ain’t Drops, so why not? The beginning of seeing Oswald’s masterful playing of the game. Once addicts start on the easier substance, it’s that much easier to take the harder one. It’s a matter of time before Alberto is getting high, running his mouth. It’s always the stuff that loosens the tongue. Alberto admits Carmine knew Penguin was skimming off the top, but since he’s such a good little soldier, they let it be. Penguin has his own vision of what or rather who he wants to be. He sees himself as the hero. He can take care of the neighborhood. And Alberto’s fatal flaw was to laugh at that. Better think fast, Oz. Dead bodies draw attention.
Throwing the body down the stairs is classic – the perfect humorous touch to an otherwise horrible and frightening situation. Also, there’s Penguin’s maniacal laughter and subsequent seriousness—brilliant acting by Farrell. And I know there’s even more to come. Penguin’s trying to make it to his car but some kids are 
trying to jack it. Unsurprisingly, one gets caught. Victor (Rhenzy Feliz, at left ) just couldn’t get out of there. His stutter just killed me. I am just immediately behind this kid and want him to be okay. Of course, he’s under Penguin’s thumb now, and the threat of murder so that’s less cool. But even after a momentary scare at the junkyard, Vic pledges his loyalty and I see a strange friendship blossoming here. Before dumping the body completely, Penguin slips the Maroni family ring off Alberto’s finger. That could come in handy later.
Meanwhile, he’s also arranging to see his hooker gal Eve (Carmen Ejogo) just to make sure his alibi is covered. I wonder how long you’ve known each other because that seems like a pretty massive solid to do for someone. But I guess whatever works for you guys. Penguin gets called in to see the family. Now that Alberto is missing, some of the older uncles have arrived to help situate things. Plus, Sofia (Cristin Milioti, at right) has arrived as well. Alberto’s sister is desperately wanting answers and not thrilled about what she’s hearing. Penguin either, since the older gents have decided to relocate his operation and essentially shutter his part of it. Ouch.
But for now, Penguin has errands to run. He needs to check on his ‘momsie’ (Deirdre O’Connell) who is clearly struggling with dementia or cognitive decline of some kind. Oz is doing his best but eventually, she’s going to need constant care and how will that work? But for now, she’s still pretty fiery and trying to push her son towards greatness. I think I know where he learned the game from even if he does end up leaving himself exposed. He goes to visit Maroni (Clancy Brown) and gives the ring back; confirming and sadly providing evidence that he was the one who killed Alberto. Which means, he better be careful. The fewer people who know that information the better. For now, a tentative partnership can occur.
However, Sofia is on the hunt and eventually snags a penguin in her net. She’s smart and I think we’re going to see these two go head to head quite brilliantly this season. But before much else can occur, a surprise appears, well, crashes the party really. It’s a delivery of something valuable with a little message. Vic, you’ve done well but please don’t become too evil. I don’t think my fragile heart could handle that.
2. Inside Man
Sofia is back in Arkham. Luckily just in her dreams, but my god, I cannot imagine being in that awful place. And for as long as she had to be, I’d absolutely go mad. “You’re safe.” “I’m not safe. I’m home.” She knows what awaits her here. She knows she’s walking directly into a viper’s nest. Everyone wants that open seat and they’ll all do what they have to in order to get it. And really, I think they should all be scared of what she could do for that seat.
Meanwhile, Penguin is in deals with Maroni who calls him on his shit. Maroni knows he’s playing the game, it’s just a matter of what Maroni can get out of it. And also how f*cked over could he get in the process? For now, let’s tag team a drug raid and we’ll go from there. Last minute alterations see Penguin thrown for a loop, but he’s a quick-thinking guy. He’s able to play it all just right. I mean, it seems like everything goes to absolute sh*t and it does, but he’s able to kill all the right people and walk away. Yet, here he is appealing to Sofia who just tortured him last episode. Oh, you do love the game, don’t you Oz? More or less than hookers and tacos? Quite the after-party for surviving your hit.
But it’s not all fun and games. Mom’s dementia is getting worse. It’s going to be a question of how long she can continue this way before she ends up accidentally harming herself. Penguin doesn’t really have time for this now and needs to go to Al’s funeral. Protestors there are making sure everyone knows the Hangman 
killer is in the family. What a circus. But Penguin tries to lift her spirits. Love catching the blatant lies. Truly, it’s been such a fantastic show watching the intricate groundwork be laid that will lead to amazing fruition down the line.
However, Maroni’s man has been lifted from the hospital. The one man who can confirm that Oz was involved. UH-OH. Sofia wants answers and she’s not going to let anyone get in her way. She’s done. Sofia is sick of the whispers and comments and jabs. She’ll play it up now, just to make them uncomfortable. And I get it, if someone is going to talk sh*t about you, then give them something to talk about!
For now, though, Oz has followed through and cut the thread. There will be one less interrogation happening in the Falcone basement. And Oz maneuvers the whole thing stunningly. Grabbed to be interrogated for being involved in the drive, he instead can plant his knife on one of Sofia’s men. And now Sofia is spiraling. How could this be? How could her man have done this? If they want crazy, Sofia can give them crazy.
Stay tuned for more episode reviews coming soon! I’ve never been a huge DC Comics fan, with the exception of Batman. So I’m really looking forward to more!
