The Penguin Feels Like a Good Sopranos Parody

Note: There is Spoilers in this piece for The Penguin & The Batman

There is no denying that The Penguin was an entertaining series. As someone who loves Matt Reeves, "The Batman" I was beyond excited to return to this version of Gotham City. The shows gritty, gloomy atmosphere draws you in, and Colin Farrell gives another great performance in his role as Oswald Cobblepot. The show It's very nicely done, but whenever I tunning in, I couldn't help but feel like I was watching a Sopranos parody.

Now, is that a good thing or a bad thing? Honestly, I’m not sure. Earlier this year, I finished watching through the entire Sopranos series for the first and I can for sure say it is one, if not the greatest TV shows ever created. Therefore, any show that captures even a small portion of its intensity is bound to have its moments. That type of narrative seems to be a perfect fit for Oswald Cobblepot's journey to become Gotham's next crime ruler after the death of Carmine Falcone in the Batman. It's all there: the power battles, the family drama, the tension that surrounds every interaction throughout the series.

However, it's difficult to determine whether The Penguin is simply relying too much on that blueprint. Not only did Tony Soprano have a captivating mob angle, but he was also a flawed, nuanced, and reflective human being. The Penguin doesn't appear to be aiming for the same depth as of yet. Though it works in many aspects, Cobblepot comes across as a bit unoriginal, more like a comic book villain attempting to fit into a prestige TV mold.

Ultimately, the show is good and I would recommended it. And as much as I did enjoy the series, the best thing The Penguin has done is get me even more excited for The Batman Part II.

Matt Reeves, how do you expect me wait two years to return to this version of Gotham for a new adventure in this epic crime saga?