ENTERTAINMENT

The Rise of the Underdog

Gotham CityFri Sep 20 2024
In the shadow of Gotham City's devastation, a new era of power struggles emerges. The once-thriving metropolis lies in ruins, its citizens struggling to survive. Amidst the chaos, a peculiar figure rises to prominence - Oswald Cobb, aka the Penguin. With his disfigured face and steely determination, he sets out to claim the city's underworld empire. The Penguin's journey begins where we left him in Matt Reeves' The Batman, perched on the city's rooftops, looking out over the devastation. His goal? To seize the opportunity presented by the Riddler's attack on Gotham. With a cunning mind and a willingness to do whatever it takes, Oswald Cobb embarks on a perilous path to become the city's most feared and respected figure. In the dead of night, Oswald breaks into the Iceberg Lounge to uncover the secrets of his departed boss, Alberto Falcone. He confronts Alberto and convinces him to share a drink, only to stage a dramatic monologue about the old-school gangster who once ran his neighborhood with respect and kindness. Alberto Falcone, however, fails to grasp the lesson, and his hubris ultimately leads to his downfall. As Oswald navigates the treacherous underworld, he encounters a cast of characters, each with their own agendas and motivations. There's Sofia Falcone, the family's resident serial killer, who reveals a surprising sense of vulnerability behind her cold demeanor. Then there's Victor Aguilar, a young and impressionable teenager who becomes Oswald's unlikely sidekick. As Oswald's ambitions grow, he faces numerous challenges and setbacks. He must outsmart his enemies, manipulate those around him, and confront his own demons. With each obstacle, he proves himself a master strategist, always staying one step ahead of his adversaries. The Penguin's ascent to power is marked by a series of intense confrontations and morally ambiguous decisions. He must decide whether to play by the rules or break them to achieve his goals. With each choice, he edges closer to his ultimate objective - becoming the kingpin of Gotham City.

questions

    Does the show's use of Tony Soprano as a character drawing from the Sopranos add to the overall narrative?
    Is the show's portrayal of Gotham City's destruction justified by the events of The Batman?
    Is the show's portrayal of the absurdity of the mafia's operations and the characters involved effective in making the audience laugh?

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