DiscoverSpun Today with Tony OrtizBonus: Writing Lessons from Gotham's Underworld (Companion to Ep. 278)
Bonus: Writing Lessons from Gotham's Underworld (Companion to Ep. 278)

Bonus: Writing Lessons from Gotham's Underworld (Companion to Ep. 278)

Update: 2025-11-13
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In this special bonus episode, we return to the shadowy corners of Gotham to unpack The Penguin — the gritty, character-driven follow-up to The Batman.

Colin Farrell's Oswald Cobblepot is a study in power, loyalty, and moral decay — and in this breakdown, I explore five key writing lessons from the series:

·       How ambition reshapes identity

·       How setting becomes a mirror of conscience

·       The art of sharp, subtext-heavy dialogue

·       The burden of legacy and validation

·       And why moral ambiguity keeps audiences hooked

Whether you're a screenwriter, storyteller, or just a fan of dark, character-based drama, this episode dives deep into how The Penguin turns crime and chaos into masterclass storytelling.

🎧 Plus, download the free companion guide to follow along — complete with reflective writing prompts and scene-based analysis.

 

Download the FREE guide here: The Penguin Companion Guide

 

The Spun Today Podcast is a Podcast that is anchored in Writing, but unlimited in scope.  Give it a whirl.   

 

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@spuntoday  

Website: http://www.spuntoday.com/home 

Newsletter: http://www.spuntoday.com/subscribe 

 

 

Links referenced in this episode

 

 

Get your Podcast Started Today! https://signup.libsyn.com/?promo_code=SPUN

(Use Promo code SPUN and get up to 2-months of free service!)

 

Check out all the Spun Today Merch, and other ways to help support this show! https://www.spuntoday.com/support

 

Check out my Books

 

Make Way for You – Tips for getting out of your own way

FRACTAL – A Time Travel Tale

Melted Cold – A Collection of Short Stories

 

http://www.spuntoday.com/books/ (e-Book, Paperback & Hardcover are now available).

 

Fill out my Spun Today Questionnaire if you're passionate about your craft.  I'll share your insight and motivation on the Podcast: http://www.spuntoday.com/questionnaire/  

 

Shop on Amazon using this link, to support the

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Bonus: Writing Lessons from Gotham's Underworld (Companion to Ep. 278)

Bonus: Writing Lessons from Gotham's Underworld (Companion to Ep. 278)

Tony Ortiz