In the much-anticipated debut of The Penguin, a spinoff from Matt Reeves’ acclaimed film The Batman, fans are left wondering about the absence of Gotham’s caped vigilante. As viewers dive into the chaos of Gotham City following the death of influential crime lord Carmine Falcone, they quickly notice that Robert Pattinson’s Dark Knight is conspicuously missing from the show’s landscape.
Launching on Max, The Penguin showcases Colin Farrell’s character, Oswald “Oz” Cobb, as he navigates his ascent in Gotham’s shadowy underbelly. The narrative unfolds just one week after the catastrophic events orchestrated by Paul Dano’s Riddler, who left the city in turmoil by unleashing devastating floods. While Bat-signal fans might expect the Caped Crusader to step in amid the disarray, he remains absent from the show’s inaugural episode.
So, what exactly is Batman up to during this tumultuous time? Following the destruction wrought by Riddler, Gotham’s most vulnerable areas bear the brunt of the aftermath, making Batman’s role in restoring order crucial. Reports hint at his ongoing efforts to stabilize the beleaguered city, but details remain scant, leading to speculation about whether Batman may have gone underground after the city’s crisis.
Adding to the intrigue is the creative team’s insistence on Batman taking a backseat in this narrative. According to showrunner Lauren LeFranc, the decision to explore Gotham from Oz Cobb’s perspective is both refreshing and liberating. In an interview, LeFranc emphasized that the intent is to tell a compelling story centered around Cobb without making audiences yearn for Batman’s presence.
Executive producer Matt Reeves elaborated on the creative direction, explaining that the Batman films focus on Bruce Wayne’s point of view, allowing The Penguin to delve into an alternate lens of the same universe. This creative choice opens up the possibility to explore characters and situations that might not have received ample attention on the big screen.
As it stands, there’s no indication of Batman’s return in the immediate future of the series, but viewers remain hopeful. The Penguin promises to expand the narrative framework of Reeves’ Gotham while teasing moments that keep the lore of Batman alive, even in his absence. With new episodes streaming Sunday nights on Max, fans can look forward to witnessing how Oz Cobb’s ambitions unfold amidst the remnants of Riddler’s chaos.