Behold, dear reader, a cautionary tale doth unfold – an article replete with insights that may spoil the sanctity of your viewing pleasure. Enter, if thou dare, the realm of “The Penguin” Episode 1, entitled “After Hours.”
Lo, “The Penguin” bestows upon us a spinoff for the infamous Oz Cobb from “The Batman.” But hark! Doth the main supervillain, the enigmatic Riddler portrayed by Paul Dano, make a cameo in this HBO limited series of 2022?
Inquiry arises – doth Paul Dano’s Riddler grace the corridors of “The Penguin”? Nay, for the esteemed actor shall not reprise his role as Edward Nashton, the enigmatic Riddler, in this tale. Though the character doth dwell within the walls of Arkham in this Bat-Verse timeline, he hath no place in Oz Cobb’s new narrative.
Yet, fear not, for “The Penguin” doth not forsake the shadow of Riddler entirely. References, both blatant and subtle, to the enigmatic figure doth permeate the eight-episode journey. Episode 1, “After Hours,” doth commence with a montage recounting Riddler’s havoc upon Gotham City in “The Batman.” Moreover, a scene unfolds wherein Oz encounters a follower of Riddler, distributing question mark-branded leaflets in the subway. Thus, though Nashton may be absent, his presence lingers over the series like a specter.
Enter, the sage Matt Reeves, executive producer of “The Penguin” and director of “The Batman,” defending this narrative choice. In an interview with Total Film, Reeves expounded on the decision to keep Riddler and the Batman at bay, allowing the spotlight to shine brightly on Oz and his criminal cohorts. “I’m a point-of-view filmmaker,” he proclaimed. “Batman and Bruce must assume the foreground in my tales. The rogues gallery demands more focus than a film permits; hence, this series. Batman retains a mere semblance of a presence, a catalyst for all that unfolds. Riddler and Batman remain concealed, for true depth resides in Oz and his ilk.”
“The Penguin” doth grace the halls of HBO and Max, releasing new episodes upon the Sabbath. Embrace this story, fraught with shadows and intrigue, as it unfolds before your very eyes.
