The Penguin on HBO Max plunges into the gritty aftermath of The Batman (2022), with Colin Farrell returning as the disfigured and ambitious Oz Cobb, formerly Oswald Cobblepot. Set in a chaotic Gotham reeling from Carmine Falcone’s death, Oz seizes the opportunity to climb the criminal hierarchy. Adding fuel to the fire, Cristin Milioti’s Sofia Falcone emerges from Arkham Asylum, bringing her own psychopathic, unhinged energy into the mix. Episode one, After Hours, sets the stage for a unpredictable battle for Gotham’s underworld. We discuss how the show’s heavy atmosphere and complex character dynamics compare to other Batman universe projects and whether this portrayal of Oz Cobb can stand out amidst a sea of dark, brooding antiheroes. Welcome to Today’s Episode!