Is the Penguin a Flightless Bird? Why a Gotham Series Without Batman Makes Sense

The Warner Bros. studio never ceases to surprise with the way it handles the DC universe. Let’s take a step back a few years. First, they established a shared universe, only for it to effectively be scrapped later. To salvage it, they brought in a director from Marvel to piece things together. He drafted a new universe, kicking it off with the safest spectacle imaginable—a new Superman. His counterpart, Batman, fared quite well in his solo film, though interestingly, it had no connection to either the old or new universes. Are you confused yet? Regardless, the “Joker” movie was made, surprising everyone so strongly that the studio made the peculiar decision to produce a sequel. It didn’t work out, as expected.

Meanwhile, Warner Bros. took another gamble—greenlighting a project centered around another Batman antagonist, this time from Matt Reeves’ film. “It might work,” the suits at the studio likely whispered to themselves. And you know what? It actually did. On paper, “The Penguin” didn’t seem like the most intriguing project. Many viewers feared that without Batman, the story would lack weight or a compelling anchor. Such concerns were likely heightened by the spectacular financial failure of the second “Joker” film. Yet “The Penguin” proved it could soar. The series underscored an old Hollywood truth: what truly matters isn’t the “how” or “with whom” but whether we care about the characters and their journeys.

A Fascinating Plot at Gotham’s Core

The storyline of “The Penguin” draws from gangster cinema, reminiscent of “The Sopranos.” However, this mafioso is just beginning to build his nest, with a very limited concept of “family.” The intrigue—dark, gritty, and teetering on the edge of morality—is constructed on classic, almost archetypal, mafia conflicts that perfectly capture the decay and ruthlessness of Gotham. The creators succeeded in crafting a tale that, despite being set in DC’s fictional world, feels remarkably real. This has become a hallmark of Reeves’ “The Batman” and other “Elseworlds” projects—the characters are richly developed, and the circumstances feel authentic. Yet this seemingly typical rise-from-nothing-to-something story stands out due to nuanced storytelling, creating a unique experience. With its blend of suspense, dread, and unpredictable twists, “The Penguin” captivates from the first episode to the last, proving that Gotham doesn’t lose its intensity or allure without Batman. A feat once thought impossible.

Oswald Cobb, The Penguin: Father and Son of the City of Crime

Admittedly, I was skeptical that Colin Farrell could carry the role in the long format of a series. He seemed perfect as a supporting character in “The Batman,” but a show focused solely on him? Surprisingly, Farrell’s portrayal of The Penguin is exceptional, a testament to his extraordinary commitment. The series reveals various facets of Oswald Cobb—not only is he a ruthless gangster, but also a man trapped in a toxic relationship with his mother. This subplot provides him with fascinating motivations and adds depth, showing a character who doesn’t run from his past shadows but wrestles with guilt and familial obligations. His love for his mother becomes a source of creative inspiration. His dynamic with Victor is equally compelling, adding a paternal dimension to his character that shifts him away from being a simple villain. Farrell captures these psychological subtleties brilliantly and reportedly endured long hours in costume to achieve the right look—something he’s expressed little desire to revisit. Still, his sacrifice resulted in a performance worthy of Emmy recognition.

Sofia Falcone: Cristin Milioti’s Brilliant Electricity

One of the deliberate narrative nuances is the spotlight given to Sofia Falcone. While the title and premise center on The Penguin, Sofia often takes center stage, which is both surprising and refreshing. Cristin Milioti’s portrayal is stunning. She brings an unpredictable magnetism and strength to the series, embodying a cunning, intelligent woman who manipulates and fights for her place in Gotham’s dark world. This role demanded not only great acting skills but also immense charisma, and Milioti delivers, solidifying her star power. Her portrayal of Sofia not only adds dynamism to the series but also highlights Gotham’s many faces, showing there’s more to the city than we might have assumed.

Gotham Without Batman—Is It Possible?

On paper, “The Penguin” seemed like a risky endeavor, as did the idea of telling Batman-related stories without the Caped Crusader himself. While “Joker” proved this could work, the creators of “The Penguin” still ventured into uncertain territory with their flightless bird. Expectations were low, given that Oswald lacked the gravitas of the Joker, and stretching a Batman-less story into a series format didn’t seem like a recipe for sustained attention. However, the show demonstrated that it’s not the hero but the depth of characters and a well-crafted plot that keep audiences engaged. Gotham serves as a nearly symbolic space—a city steeped in decadence and darkness where even a villain can shed a bit of light and warmth through raw sincerity.

It’s worth noting that this isn’t the first time the concept of a Batman-less Gotham has been explored. The 2014–2019 series “Gotham” attempted something similar, portraying the city teeming with Batman villains before the Dark Knight came of age. Compared to “The Penguin,” however, “Gotham” now feels like a shallow narrative experiment, bordering on the campiness of Joel Schumacher’s Batman films, far removed from the gravity of Christopher Nolan’s. Matt Reeves strikes a middle ground—his Batman and “The Penguin” inhabit a world that feels believable yet nightmarish, chilling viewers to the bone.

Potential for the Future

Will “The Penguin” get a second season? Is the idea of expanding Batman’s rogue gallery into standalone stories viable? It seems so. The success of this series could pave the way for others. Although James Gunn has denied rumors of a Joker-focused series in development, who’s to say it isn’t just a smokescreen? Gotham’s rich tapestry of villains offers plenty of material to explore, provided creative and sensitive writers are involved. Perhaps we won’t see a deep dive into Mr. Freeze’s story just yet, but expanding on Catwoman’s tale seems plausible.

“The Penguin” proves that cinema isn’t solely the domain of superheroes. Villains possess a unique quality that lends itself to storytelling: they’re fallen angels, whose greatness stems from their flaws and morally complex choices. They may be flightless birds, but that doesn’t mean they can’t soar.