How The Penguin Achieved What Breaking Bad Could Not

Key Insights

The Penguin establishes a new benchmark for superhero spin-offs, drawing parallels to acclaimed series like The Sopranos and surpassing Breaking Bad.
There are striking contrasts in the character journeys of Oz and Walter White, with Oz portrayed as a more overt antagonist.
The narrative ensures the audience despises Oz, strategically preparing for his role in The Batman Part 2.

HBO’s The Penguin is redefining the superhero spin-off landscape, drawing comparisons to iconic series such as The Sopranos while seeking to accomplish what Breaking Bad could not. Despite Breaking Bad being widely regarded as a pinnacle of television history, The Penguin has already made its mark as an impactful new entry.

Created by Lauren LeFranc, this series serves as a cautionary tale focused on a man’s insatiable appetite for power, deftly portraying how Oswald Cobblepot’s journey diverges from that of Walter White.

The Penguin’s Oz and Breaking Bad’s Walter White

Contrasting Origins of Anti-Heroes

When juxtaposing Oswald Cobblepot from The Penguin with Walter White from Breaking Bad, one might first note the stark differences in their character traits. Both serve as anti-heroes, navigating their descent toward villainy as they rise to prominence in their respective realms—Gotham and Albuquerque, New Mexico. However, the delineation in audience perception and the emotional resonance of their character arcs reveals an intriguing contrast. The Penguin stands out for how unapologetically it villainizes its titular character.

Walter White: A Relatable Beginning

Walter White’s story begins with broad empathy from viewers; he’s a high school chemistry teacher battling cancer, striving to provide for his family. However, as he adopts his Heisenberg alter-ego, the reversal of morality unfolds. No longer bound by desperation, Walter indulges in the darker sides of his newfound power, leaving the audience grappling with the extremity of his actions.

Oz: A Villainous Legacy

Unlike the transformation of Walter, audiences already perceive Colin Farrell’s Oz as a nefarious figure from his prior appearance in Matt Reeves’ The Batman. From the outset, he embodies villainy, yet the series takes strides to flesh him out, revealing layers behind his malevolence. His actions—forcing alliances, betraying trust, and enacting violence—serve to establish him as an unlikable antagonist.

Betrayals in Character Arcs of Oz and Walter

The Moment of Betrayal: Victor Aguilar

Both Oz and Walter emerge as mentorship figures to their respective protégés, Victor Aguilar and Jesse Pinkman. Their relationships, akin to father-son dynamics, devolve tragically, albeit in contrasting manners. Walter’s betrayal culminates in Jesse’s tragic loss of his girlfriend Jane, an event that haunts their relationship. In contrast, Oz brutally eliminates Victor, perceiving genuine relationships as vulnerabilities in his ascent to power, marking a pivotal moment in his character arc.

Walter White’s Opportunity for Redemption

Walter White’s fate allows for a form of redemption—a tragic end where he sacrifices himself, paving the way for Jesse’s survival. This closure offers viewers a sense of catharsis, albeit through loss. Conversely, The Penguin takes a darker route with Oz, ensuring his character remains irredeemable, producing a lingering sense of revulsion amongst viewers and emphasizing his portrayal as an antagonist.

Walter White’s Controversial Image in Pop Culture

The ‘Literally Me’ Phenomenon

The evolution of Walter White as a character has sparked considerable debate. He is often compared to other infamous cultural icons like Michael Corleone and Tony Montana—characters who, while designed to elicit dismay, paradoxically become role models for some viewers. Breaking Bad’s creator, Vince Gilligan, articulated his discomfort with the character’s idolization in a 2022 interview with The New Yorker, suggesting that viewers often misinterpret Walter’s journey.

“He was really sanctimonious, and he was really full of himself. He had an ego the size of California. And he always saw himself as a victim… Why was I rooting for this guy?”

While some may excuse Walter’s actions because of Bryan Cranston’s compelling performance, The Penguin purposefully steers away from such complexities. The intention is clear: Oz is crafted to evoke hatred and fear, with no illusion of relatability.

Setting the Stage for The Batman Part 2

Ultimately, the narrative strategies employed in both series have been strategic and effective. Breaking Bad stands as a complete six-season saga, while The Penguin serves as a villain’s origin story, setting the stage for future encounters in The Batman Part 2. The meticulous crafting of Oz’s character ensures that viewers will root for Batman to triumph over him, heightening the anticipated conflict.

It’s not just a call. It’s a warning. #ThePenguin pic.twitter.com/WwfO89Wdtu

— The Penguin (@TheBatman) November 11, 2024

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