The Penguin surprised me. The first episode was as cinematic as a movie. It’s about a ground-level gangster and his rise to power. Similar to other HBO gems (The Sopranos, Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon) it reminds me of a favorite film I look forward to rewatching.

The tone matches the Batman but then it drills down deeper into that world. The actors are well-cast, especially the unrecognizable Colin Farrel, who is ideal for the Penguin role. To understand Farrel’s range, check out In Bruges directed by Martin McDonagh.

What is best about The Penguin is the writing. It’s impossible for dialogue to illuminate what the characters aren’t saying yet it does, and the action does as well. Excellent show. At least the first episode. I’ve watched it twice and I’m nervous the next episode won’t be as I hope…

* Watched the second episode. No longer nervous. And I’m hooked.