By Darren Johnson
Campus News
This new series is on Max, formerly HBO, which brought us “The Sopranos” — and that’s what “The Penguin” aspires to be. Great acting, a great look, very writerly — about a mafioso — but, in the end, it’s about the freakin’ Penguin.
It’s bound to eventually turn into this:
Superhero/bad guy origin stories are always a turd polish, based on old comic books that were at one time haphazardly written by flippant chain smokers — and now big money producers are trying to class up these scanty stories in retrospect.
“The Penguin” would be so much better if it were just a mafia story. Make it the new “Sopranos.” No Batman or Robin needed. No supernatural elements.
Because without the DC Comics aspect, this could be a good thing.
It could be “Sopranos,” or at least “Ozark.”
(See the latest “Joker” movie as proof that these concepts can’t be maintained.)
Otherwise, these type productions are a waste of money and talent — capital that could be spent on original fare. I can’t invest anymore in it, knowing I will eventually be disappointed.
Entertainment budgets are being held hostage by nerdom. Ask Martin Scorsese.
Yes, everyone is liking “The Penguin” so far, and I have to admit, I’ve been impressed, as well, but I know the disappointment’s coming.
Just wait for that Bat Signal in the sky.
That fateful night will come in this series.
It will tell us “here comes the stupidity.”
Bam! Kapow!
Facebook Comments