For someone who doesn't usually gravitate towards crime/gangster shows, I found myself really enjoying The Penguin. I'm not as obsessed with it as others are, but I can certainly see why it's so beloved. In an age where so much streaming content comes and goes without making much of an impression, The Penguin stands out as a well-crafted series that succeeds in telling a compelling story and keeping its viewers invested. While it doesn't offer anything groundbreaking in terms of storytelling, the show does do a great job exploring the criminal underworld of Gotham and showcasing Oswald Cobb's rise to power. The writing is surprisingly good and I found myself genuinely caring about what was going on.
The cast is a big part of why the show works so well. Colin Farrell delivers a fantastic performance as Oswald Cobb. He was one of the best parts of The Batman and he shines here as well, completely disappearing into the role and making Oz a complex, interesting character. The makeup team also deserves praise for their work here. The makeup and prosthetics are so good and Farrell is so believable in the role that many times I felt like I was watching a completely different person. I also loved the fact that the Penguin isn't turned into a misunderstood anti-hero. Despite having moments of vulnerability the show never lets you forget what a despicable, irredeemable person he is. Cristin Milioti also does an outstanding job. Sophia Falcone is equally as exciting as the Penguin and her episode is one of the highlights of the season. The supporting cast is very strong, mainly Rhenzy Feliz and Deirdre O'Connell. They are both excellent and their characters have lots of standout moments.
Overall, The Penguin is a very good crime drama. It rises above other comic book shows thanks to top-notch writing, compelling characters, and engaging storytelling.