‘The Penguin’ “Certified Fresh” on Rotten Tomatoes, Surpasses ‘Agatha All Along’

As a seasoned gamer and avid comic book fan with a soft spot for the Dark Knight, I must confess that I was initially skeptical about Colin Farrell donning the wings of The Penguin. However, the masterful costume design and Farrell’s captivating performance left me speechless, turning what could have been a dubious decision into an undeniable triumph.


Initially, some viewers harbored doubts when it was announced that Colin Farrell would portray Oswald Cobblepot, also known as The Penguin, in Matt Reeves’ ‘The Batman’. Concerns arose over whether Farrell fit the character’s appearance, but the costume design team excelled at transforming him into an authentic version of the villain. Furthermore, Farrell delivered an exceptional performance that left viewers impressed. The role was so captivating, in fact, that HBO promptly commissioned a separate spin-off series featuring the character.

The show known as “The Penguin” debuted on September 19, 2024, and has been met with nothing but praise from both viewers and critics. It’s being hailed as a worthy successor to Reeves’ movie and an outstanding example of world-building, with fans raving that the series boasts the greatest pilot episode they’ve ever seen.

In a tough battle against Disney’s “Agatha All Along,” The Penguin emerged victorious, outperforming other contenders. As a result, it has become one of TV’s most successful shows, garnering outstanding reviews and earning the title of “Certified Fresh.

The television show titled ‘The Penguin’ made its debut on HBO Max on September 19, 2024. The early feedback for this series has been nothing short of spectacular, with an opening rating of over 90%, eventually settling at 89% among critics and 88% among viewers. In less than a day, it achieved the “Certified Fresh” label, demonstrating its exceptional quality and the audience’s enthusiasm for it. Here’s what some critics have to say:

The novel titled ‘The Penguin’ skillfully balances the gritty realism of a street-based crime narrative with an amusing blend of grotesque elements and larger-than-life characters who harbor intricate grudges, often portrayed in an exaggerated manner.

– Clint Worthington, RogerEbert.com

A spin-off series based on a superhero character, which can be seen as an allegory for the Trump era, deserves acknowledgement. Michael Farrell skillfully hides his charming persona under 50 pounds of rubber without masking his outstanding abilities.

– Ben Travers, IndieWire

If The Penguin needed to strictly adhere to a bigger storyline, I suspect it wouldn’t possess as much zest and character as it currently does. This could be The Penguin’s ultimate aspiration: order emerging from disorder.

– Richard Lawson, Vanity Fair

This exceptional series is a must-watch for mafia movie enthusiasts. It skillfully blends elements of Italian-American gangster stories, positioning Farrell in a delightfully wicked zone, somewhere between Tony Soprano’s ruthless charm and Robert De Niro’s portrayal of Vito Corleone’s quiet menace.

– Martin Robinson, London Evening Standard

The story effectively creates a captivating crime chronicle, minimizing the need for the missing Dark Knight character. However, despite this, it unfortunately succumbs to certain flaws that are often found in Batman adaptations.

– Christian Holub, Entertainment Weekly

It’s equally significant to notice how The Penguin triumphed over its main rival this week, Agatha All Along, given that the DC series performed exceptionally well against Marvel. Interestingly, Agatha All Along achieved a “Certified Fresh” rating, but it has a lower score and fewer people are excited about it. This is a clear advantage for DC, and it’s heartening to know that both shows are thriving!

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2024-09-20 19:44