The Penguin isn’t for kids: What parents need to know about Oz Cobb’s story

The Penguin isn't for kids: What parents need to know about Oz Cobb's story

As a seasoned gamer and movie enthusiast with a knack for delving into darker narratives, I can confidently say that “The Penguin” seems to be an intriguing addition to the Batman universe. Having grown up on gritty crime dramas like The Sopranos, I can appreciate the raw, unapologetic approach this series takes towards Gotham’s underbelly.


If you and your family or older kids enjoyed watching Matt Reeves’ film “The Batman,” you might be eager to follow the story further, this time from Oz’s perspective. However, before you organize a movie night at home, there are some points to consider about “The Penguin” first.

On Thursday, Sept 19, the new HBO original series will premiere, carrying a TV-MA rating. After watching the first episode, I can assure you that this show is far more explicit than the movie it spins off from. Unlike “The Batman”, which was dark, brooding, and violent, yet had a detective story at its core and was rated PG-13, this new series delves deeper into mature themes and coarse language.

The Penguin is a crime drama, and it embodies the usual elements of the genre. It carries an atmosphere reminiscent of “The Sopranos,” but set in the rough and tumble streets of Gotham. The character Oz, now known simply as Cobb, finds himself entangled in a labyrinthine network of alliances and deceit as he struggles for power in the city, all while the Falcone family remains suspiciously watchful.

In the premiere episode titled “After Hours,” penned by showrunner Lauren LeFranc, there’s a portrayal of murder, intense violence, explicit language, and scenes where blood spurts from injuries. The series delves deeper into Oz’s criminal empire as it lies beneath the surface of Gotham. Expect to uncover more about his drug business, as well as his involvement in the seedy underworld activities such as prostitution. Given his local influence, he likely has ties to the clandestine dealings happening within the area.

In a typical crime drama fashion, The Penguin doesn’t shy away from intensity, even amid its lighter, comedic scenes. As the trailer suggests, Sofia Falcone, Carmine’s daughter who has just been released from Arkham, will be Oz’s sparring partner. Her character promises a certain level of unpredictability, and while I won’t reveal the specifics, Cristin Milioti delivers a truly chilling and disquieting performance in this role.

Born into a criminal dynasty, Sofia grew up immersed in violence. She’s intimately acquainted with power struggles, intimidation, retaliation, and revenge – skills she wields either skillfully or impulsively. Her background will significantly influence the narrative, as will Oz’s knack for manipulation and survival through physical confrontations such as punching, shooting, adopting a chameleon-like approach to blend in with his surroundings, and patiently waiting for the right moment to strike.

As a dedicated gamer, I must say that just like how I’m captivated by the gritty, dark world of Batman, Ozark’s storyline has me hooked too, especially with Colin Farrell and Milioti’s outstanding performances. However, it’s not a series for the little ones, but your older teens might find it engaging. In essence, The Penguin seems to be what Fox’s Gotham could have been if it hadn’t been on broadcast television. This crime drama, with its focus on a younger Jim Gordon, a teenage Bruce Wayne, and a slew of DC villains, often pushed the boundaries of its TV-14 rating, making for an intense viewing experience.

The specific details about the content within the HBO original have not been disclosed as of now. However, it’s important to note that this program carries a TV-MA rating, indicating it’s suitable for mature viewers only. Let’s delve into the show now.

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2024-09-19 19:31

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