The Penguin – After Hours review S1 E1

After Hours made a strong case that The Penguin might be the best live-action comic book-based series of 2024.

Colin Farrell’s Oz Cobb was arguably the best part of Matt Reeves’ The Batman (available now on Amazon) though a Penguin series with no trace of Bruce Wayne or The Batman didn’t seem that enticing. It wasn’t that long ago when FOX’s Gotham series heavily spotlighted Penguin as a main character. Robin Lloyd Taylor delivered a fantastic turn as Oswald Cobblepot to the extent that a MAX series about The Penguin not only seemed unnecessary, but also irrelevant.

Turns out there’s plenty of room for more strong portrayals of The Penguin. And an exceptional entry in the Reeves’ Batman universe.

Maybe some of the novelty has worn off, but it’s still amazing how Farrell completely disappears into this role. In interviews he’s stated his dislike for the makeup and prosthetics, but it’s worth it from a viewing perspective to not see A-lister Colin Farrell at work — just Oz Cobb.

After Hours kicks off not long after The Riddler’s reign of terror culminating in the massive flooding of Gotham. The city is in the midst of repairs with aid from FEMA, but crime is on the rise especially after the assassination of crime boss Carmine Falcone. Falcone’s son, Alberto (Michael Zegen), is next in line to take over the family, but he’s reckless and prone to rash decisions.

It’s the perfect opportunity for someone with vision to make a move for more power. Oz seems to understand his position with the Falcones and pays his respect to Alberto, who laughs at Oz’s ambition. This doesn’t sit well with Oz, who shoots Alberto first and then starts thinking of the repercussions second.

One immediate aspect of Penguin that stands out is that Oz doesn’t immediately have all the answers. He’s used to some fast talking and being able to gauge the temperature of a room, but he’s not some devious all-knowing mastermind. Oz is capable of making mistakes and bad calls, which in turn allows him to be a far more intriguing character.

After killing Alberto, Oz has to ditch the body. Fortunately, he gets a “recruit” in Vic (Rhenzy Feliz, Runaways), part of a gang trying to steal his tires off his purple…plum car. That seems somewhat like color gimmick infringement, but maybe his purple-clad pal wouldn’t mind? Rather than kill Vic — and director Craig Zobel does a fantastic job of building legitimate tension if that will happen — Oz brings Vic into his organization. It’s a fun development as Oz seems to see a little of himself in this somewhat shy, stuttering teen.

MORE:

• McFarlane DC Multiverse Batman Reborn review
• Image Comics 9/25/24 reviews – The Manchurian #1
• Agatha All Along – Circle Sewn With Fate Unlock Thy Hidden Fate
• Masters of the Universe New Eternia Skeletor review

Alberto had a big score in the works and Oz plans on cashing in regardless if the Falcone family signs off on it. Oz’s plans get slightly altered with the return of Alberto’s sister, Sofia (Cristin Milioti), who’s back after a stint in Arkham Asylum. Milioti quickly provides After Hours with another captivating presence — one capable of rivaling Farrell in every scene.

Sofia wants to know if Oz saw Alberto before he disappeared. Oz is smart enough to be suspicious and goes to his burner car to handle some of his affairs. The CD player blaring 9 to 5 was a hilarious touch especially with Vic trying not to laugh at this tough guy mafioso listening to a little Dolly Parton. They go to Oz’s mother, Francis (Deirdre O’Connell). Oz doesn’t keep secrets from her and tells Francis he killed Alberto.

In a very intriguing development, Francis encourages Oz for doing what he felt like he needed to do adding a killer line from showrunner/episode writer Lauren LeFranc. “This city is meant to be yours sweetheart. What are you gonna do to get it?” Inspired, Oz tells Vic he knows his tenement was destroyed in The Riddler’s attack. Vic is like Oz. He doesn’t have much and appreciates having something. Unlike the Falcones who have always had everything they ever needed or wanted.

To tip the odds in his favor, Oz visits Sal Maroni (Clancy Brown) in prison and offers to be his double agent. As a show of his sincerity, Oz presents Sal with the Maroni family ring he grabbed from Alberto. That’s enough to have Sal consider that maybe he doesn’t know all there is to know about Oz Cobb.

Oz gets chased by Sofia’s men leading to a violent chase scene involving Oz’s “air-freshener” and a torture scene when they catch him. It’s a strong interrogation sequence that sends Sofia further spiraling when a car slams into the Falcone grounds. It’s the same car Oz and Vic placed Alberto’s body. In the trunk is Alberto with his finger missing and a spray-painted message of “Payback.” That’s a solid bit of chess with that play that works out either way for Oz.

It gets him in good with Maroni and throws Sofia off of correctly thinking he killed her brother. And to wrap it up, Oz treats Vic to mixed slush puppies. With a full day’s work of mayhem done, it’s time for Oz and Vic to spend this after hours shift enjoying a slushy treat as 9 to 5 plays in the background. What an impressive first episode.

If the rest of the show is as entertaining as After Hours, The Penguin is going to quickly become appointment viewing every Sunday.

Rating: 9.5 out of 10

Photo Credit: Warner Bros.