“The Penguin,” a series that delves into the rise of Oswald Cobblepot (played by Colin Farrell) in Gotham’s criminal underworld, has concluded its eight-episode run on HBO. With a finale full of high stakes, questions arise about Oz’s future, his relationship with Sofia Falcone, and whether Batman will ever show up. The ending sets the stage for the next chapter in this universe, building a complex web that connects the events of “The Penguin” to the anticipated “The Batman 2.” Let’s break down the finale and discuss what’s in store.
From the start, “The Penguin” focuses on Oswald Cobblepot’s strategic battle against Sofia Falcone, played by Cristin Milioti. Both characters are after control of Gotham’s criminal empire, a position once held by Sofia’s father, Carmine Falcone. As the story unfolds, the power dynamic shifts back and forth between the two, with betrayal, manipulation, and deception at every turn. In Episode 7, Oswald appears to have an edge after stealing Sofia’s Bliss drug and repelling an attack by Sal Maroni’s gang. But Sofia retaliates fiercely, destroying Oz’s underground lab and taking both Oswald and his ill mother, Francis (Dierdre O’Connell), hostage.
The Penguin Ending Explained
By the finale, Oswald finds himself in a vulnerable position. At the mercy of the ruthless Sofia, he is forced to confront his darkest secret – his responsibility for the deaths of his two brothers during his childhood, a truth his mother has known for years. Despite his monstrous past, Oswald has a knack for survival. With his mother’s help, he manages to escape Sofia’s clutches, though she suffers a stroke during their escape.
Oswald’s resilience comes through as he regroups and turns the tide against Sofia. He enlists the help of his trusted ally, Victor (Rhenzy Feliz), to convince the Chinese Triads to betray their leader, Feng Zhao (François Chau). This alliance leads to Sofia’s capture, and Oswald seizes the opportunity to end their bloody feud once and for all. However, Oz opts for a more poetic form of revenge rather than a simple killing. In collaboration with Councilman Sebastian Hady (Rhys Coiro), Oswald frames the destruction of his drug lab as a gang war between the Maronis and the Falcones. Sofia is eventually arrested by the GCPD and sent to Arkham Asylum, her worst nightmare.
The Lonely Victory of Oswald Cobblepot
With Sofia defeated, Oswald finally claims his place as the undisputed leader of Gotham’s criminal underworld. Yet, victory comes at a heavy price. His only remaining allies are his mother, now in a catatonic state after her stroke, and his lover, Eve (Carmen Ejogo), who seems distant and disconnected from him. In a symbolic gesture of ruthlessness, Oswald kills Victor, strangling him for his loyalty. As the criminal kingpin of Gotham, Oswald is now alone at the top, surrounded by betrayal and loss. His ambition has come to fruition, but it is a hollow achievement.
One of the biggest questions surrounding “The Penguin” was the absence of Robert Pattinson’s Batman. While it would seem natural for Batman to intervene in Gotham’s criminal chaos, showrunner Lauren LeFranc confirmed that Pattinson’s version of the hero would not appear in the series. The finale does feature a subtle nod to the Dark Knight, with the Bat-Signal illuminating the Gotham skyline, but Batman himself is absent. This absence serves a purpose in the context of the series.
The events of “The Penguin” unfold shortly after the events of “The Batman.” At that point, Batman is still coming to terms with his role in Gotham and learning that his actions can have consequences beyond just taking down criminals. However, Batman’s presence is not necessary for the story of Oswald Cobblepot, as the focus shifts to the power struggles within Gotham’s underworld. While Batman is aware of the chaos unfolding in his city, his absence in “The Penguin” highlights how Oz’s rise to power happens beneath Batman’s radar.
Why Batman’s Absence Matters
Gotham’s underworld is expanding beyond the places Batman typically patrols. The areas that Oswald Cobblepot controls in Crown Point and other neighborhoods are not on Batman’s radar. In fact, it seems that Batman never paid much attention to Cobblepot during his early years as a vigilante. The series uses this absence to showcase Gotham’s vulnerability in the face of new threats. The fact that Batman wasn’t there to prevent the rise of a new criminal empire speaks volumes about his limitations. A promotional faux-newspaper hints at this, showing Commissioner Gordon standing by the Bat-Signal, wondering where Batman has gone. The show implies that, like the “No Man’s Land” comics, Batman may have left Gotham to advocate for federal aid after the Riddler’s attack, leaving the city vulnerable to chaos.
Setting the Stage for The Batman Sequel
While “The Penguin” doesn’t deliver a ending, it does lay the groundwork for the sequel to “The Batman.” Fans who are already familiar with Oz’s ambitions, established in the first movie, will recognize how he eventually takes Carmine Falcone’s place atop the criminal food chain. The series provides a detailed look at the steps Oswald takes to achieve this goal, revealing the toll it takes on his relationships and alliances.
Even though “The Penguin” might not be essential viewing for the sequel, it offers valuable context for anyone who wants to understand the full extent of Oswald’s rise. By the end of the series, Oswald is in control, but his success has isolated him from the few people he trusted. The fallout of his actions will surely echo into “The Batman 2,” where the consequences of this shakeup in Gotham’s underworld will play a significant role.
The Evolving Threats of Gotham
The conclusion of “The Penguin” signals a shift in the balance of power within Gotham’s criminal world. Longtime figures like Carmine Falcone and Sal Maroni are being replaced by a new generation of ruthless criminals, with Oswald Cobblepot emerging as the new head of the underworld. This transition marks the beginning of a darker era for Gotham, one where Batman will have to confront an even more dangerous breed of villain. This evolving threat is key to “The Batman 2,” as it promises a deeper exploration of the changing criminal.
The introduction of the drug Bliss in “The Penguin” also suggests that this new criminal will have long-lasting effects. Although Oswald’s drug lab is destroyed, the remnants of the drug trade remain. In “The Batman 2,” the return of Bliss could become a subplot, with Batman trying to rid the streets of the drug, potentially coming into conflict with Oswald once again.
A lingering question remains: where was Batman during the events of “The Penguin”? His absence is never fully explained, but it does seem that the upcoming sequel will address this. The final moments of “The Penguin” suggest that Batman’s absence has only made things worse. Gotham’s problems have escalated in his absence, and Batman will have to confront the consequences of not being there to stop the gang war that ravaged the city. “The Batman 2” will likely explore how Bruce Wayne’s mysterious departure impacts the crime-ridden city.
Will Sofia Falcone Return in The Batman 2?
Sofia Falcone’s fate remains unresolved at the end of “The Penguin.” Despite the bloodshed that surrounds Oswald, he spares Sofia’s life, sending her to Arkham Asylum instead. This could be the beginning of a new chapter for Sofia, especially given her connections to Gotham’s criminal elite. There’s a chance that Sofia will return in “The Batman 2,” potentially serving as a key figure in Batman’s investigation of Gotham’s deep-seated corruption.
While Milioti’s portrayal of Sofia Falcone was one of the highlights of “The Penguin,” there are multiple ways the character could continue to evolve. Whether Sofia becomes a major antagonist in the sequel or even a possible ally for Batman remains to be seen. Regardless, the potential for Sofia to play a crucial role in Gotham’s future is clear.
Sofia’s Relationship with Selina Kyle
The series also hints at a future connection between Sofia and Selina Kyle, played by Zoe Kravitz. At the end of “The Penguin,” Sofia is seen reading a letter from Selina, suggesting that their paths may cross in the future. This could potentially open up an intriguing storyline for the sequel, where Selina, instead of Batman, takes a more active role in dealing with Sofia’s plans.
The Penguin’s Impact on Gotham’s Future
While “The Penguin” serves as a deep go into the rise of Oswald Cobblepot, it also sets the stage for major changes in Gotham’s criminal underworld. The power vacuum left by the Falcones, combined with Batman’s absence, creates a perfect storm for a new breed of villain to rise. This evolution will play a crucial role in “The Batman 2,” and fans can expect a continuation of the gritty, crime-filled narrative that started with Matt Reeves’ first movie.
