The intense struggle for control of Gotham’s criminal world is nearing a climactic showdown. HBO’s popular series The Penguin, a spinoff from Matt Reeves’ The Batman, has attracted millions with its twists, violent confrontations, and complex character dynamics.
With each episode, the story has unfolded in a gritty, tense narrative that brings new dimensions to Gotham’s dark underworld.
Recently, the series introduced a time jump, accelerating the storyline and intensifying the stakes for the final three episodes.
Now, with just two episodes remaining, The Penguin is set to deliver on its promise of an explosive confrontation between Oz Cobb, played by Colin Farrell, and Sofia, portrayed by Cristin Milioti.
Tensions are running at an all-time high, with each new episode earning critical praise and high ratings. Here’s everything you need to know about The Penguin, Episode 7, titled “Top Hat.”
When Will ‘The Penguin’ Episode 7 Be Available?
Episode 7 of The Penguin, titled “Top Hat,” is scheduled to premiere on Sunday, November 3, at 9 PM ET/6 PM PT. For those who are catching up or rewatching, all previous episodes are available on Max.
The series has received acclaim not only for its storytelling but also for its stylistic approach, engaging audiences in the complex domain Gotham’s crime-ridden streets.
For viewers without a Max subscription, a range of options are available to ensure access in time for the penultimate episode:
Subscription Plans Available on Max
With Ads Plan
- Access to Max’s library of films and shows, though ad-supported.
- Two devices can stream on the same account simultaneously.
- Full HD (1080p) streaming quality.
- Monthly price: $9.99.
Ad-Free Plan
- Access to all films and shows on Max, without ads.
- Two devices can stream on the same account.
- Download up to 30 titles to watch offline.
- Full HD (1080p) quality.
- Monthly price: $15.99.
Ultimate Ad-Free Plan
- Complete ad-free access to all Max content.
- Four devices can stream on the same account.
- Enhanced video quality with 4K UHD, Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision, and HDR 10 on select titles.
- Download up to 100 titles for offline viewing.
- Monthly price: $19.99.
These options make it easier for new viewers to experience The Penguin and go into the gritty narrative before the series finale.
Recap of ‘The Penguin’ Episode 6: “Gold Summit”
In Episode 6, titled “Gold Summit,” The Penguin deepens its scheme of the criminal underbelly of Gotham. After the events of Episode 5, where Oz reveals his Bliss base in an abandoned underground railway, Episode 6 sees this illegal venture flourishing.
However, Sofia, who has now asserted herself as a Gigante, challenges Oz’s operations by violently eliminating some of his dealers. This act raises the stakes, marking her ruthless approach in the battle for control.
Throughout the episode, the complex cat-and-mouse game between Oz and Sofia continues, each taking risky moves to strengthen their hold on the city’s criminal underworld.
Sofia’s calculated and often vicious maneuvers contrast with Oz’s evasive tactics. The episode effectively conveys the volatility of Gotham’s power dynamics.
The sixth episode also dives into the character arc of Victor, played by Rhenzy Feliz, a naive enforcer who faces a transformative moment.
During an attempted pay-off, Victor ends up committing a murder in cold blood, a shocking turn that adds a deeper layer to his journey. Discussing this scene, Feliz told Collider’s Perri Nemiroff:
“That was something that I thought about a bit. I think he goes into it totally thinking that the money play is gonna work, and then I think it’s a heat-of-the-moment thing where there’s not much time to make a decision, but you know what the consequences could be if you let him come back, so without really having much time to think, you gotta make a decision.
I think before he knows what he’s doing, he’s doing it, which I thought was really exciting. When I read it, I thought it was really cool because you kind of get to do it all on camera. That was always fun, that idea.”
What to Expect in ‘The Penguin’ Episode 7: “Top Hat”
As The Penguin heads into its penultimate episode, the stakes for Oz Cobb have never been higher. Viewers anticipate the peak of the escalating tension between Oz and Sofia, with the storyline hinting at a brutal confrontation.
In the preview, Sofia reveals her intent, stating, “I want Oz to feel pain. Real pain.” Her words set the tone for a harsh showdown as she and her ally Sal (Clancy Brown) prepare to confront Oz.
The once-tense alliance between Oz and Sofia has now into a fierce rivalry, with each side determined to gain dominance over Gotham’s criminal world.
One of the most talked-about aspects of the upcoming episode is the possibility that Oz may finally adopt his iconic “Penguin” look.
Throughout the series, Colin Farrell’s portrayal of Oz Cobb has stood out, thanks in large part to the work of the show’s makeup and wardrobe teams.
The transformative makeup that Farrell wears has brought the character to life, making Oz both menacing and highly expressive. Academy Award-nominated makeup artist Mike Marino discussed this process with Collider’s Perri Nemiroff, saying:
“All the materials are sensitive, so everything affects it. A stiff collar might rub the beard color off, or if he’s doing a certain expression, it might wrinkle in a strange way.
If it’s hot and he’s sweating, there are bubbles that come up. It’s a battleground. You’re trying to deal with it and adapt each day of filming.
But he’s great in it. When I design each makeup, and in particular this, I look at the actor’s face, and I see what’s the most expressive part of that person.
Do I wanna cover that up, or do I wanna leave that there? Because it’s not like you’re covering the whole face with a mask.
You’re leaving pieces of expressive features that you want to blend in with each other. So, Colin’s forehead is his own. He’s got a very expressive forehead, but his brows are different. I wanted to change that shape. His eyes, around [them], are his own.
These are things I wanted to keep. I didn’t want to cover those up. So, the mobility is a factor going in, saying, “What do I wanna leave? How can I hide and disguise this person within and not have any of the tricks revealed?””
If Episode 7 does show Oz in his full costume, it could mark a significant moment for fans who have been waiting for this iconic look since the series began.
The transformation would further solidify Oz’s identity as “The Penguin,” a role that he is slowly but surely growing into.
‘The Penguin’ Episode Schedule
As the series nears its end, viewers may want to revisit previous episodes to fully understand the build-up to this point. Here is a breakdown of each episode’s title, description, director, writer, and release date:
- Episode 1: “After Hours”
- Description: “The death of Carmine Falcone and a post-flood crime wave motivate Oz Cobb to fill the power vacuum left in Gotham’s criminal underworld, while Falcone’s children work to keep their family together.”
- Director: Craig Zobel
- Writer: Lauren LeFranc
- Release Date: Thursday, September 19, 2024
- Episode 2: “Inside Man”
- Description: “Sofia works to secure her family’s strength, while Oz tries to manipulate the Falcones and Maronis to his advantage.”
- Director: Craig Zobel
- Writer: Erika L. Johnson
- Release Date: Sunday, September 29, 2024
- Episode 3: “Bliss”
- Description: “Oz and Sofia confront hidden secrets as they try to control Gotham’s drug trade, while Victor struggles between his new life and remnants of his past.”
- Director: Craig Zobel
- Writer: Noelle Valdivia
- Release Date: Sunday, October 6, 2024
- Episode 4: “Cent’Anni”
- Description: “Sofia faces the traumatic events that turned her into the Hangman and fueled her fight for survival in Arkham. She begins to plan for a hopeful future.”
- Director: Helen Shaver
- Writer: John McCutcheon
- Release Date: Sunday, October 13, 2024
- Episode 5: “Homecoming”
- Description: “Oz makes a risky move to secure his operation, while Sofia attempts to establish a new legacy for herself.”
- Director: Craig Zobel
- Writers: Breannah Gibson and Shaye Ogbonna
- Release Date: Sunday, October 20, 2024
- Episode 6: “Gold Summit”
- Description: “Despite enemies attempting to flush him out, Oz works to extend his reach in Gotham. Meanwhile, Victor encounters a former rival.”
- Director: TBA
- Writer: Nick Towne
- Release Date: Sunday, October 27, 2024
- Episode 7: “Top Hat”
- Description: TBA
- Director: Vladimir Cvetko
- Writer: TBA
- Release Date: Sunday, November 3, 2024
- Episode 8: “Great or Little Thing”
- Description: TBA
- Director: TBA
- Writer: Lauren LeFranc
- Release Date: Sunday, November 10, 2024
