“The Penguin” is a 2024 American crime drama miniseries developed by Lauren LeFranc for HBO. Serving as a spin-off and sequel to the 2022 film “The Batman,” the series delves into the rise of Oswald “Oz” Cobblepot, portrayed by Colin Farrell, within Gotham City’s criminal underworld. The narrative unfolds over eight episodes, each contributing to Oz’s transformation into the notorious crime lord known as The Penguin.
Episode by Episode Summary
Episode 1: “After Hours”
Set shortly after the events of “The Batman,” the series opens with Gotham City in turmoil following the death of crime boss Carmine Falcone. Oz Cobblepot, formerly Falcone’s right-hand man, seizes the opportunity to assert his dominance. He forms an alliance with Victor Aguilar (Rhenzy Feliz), a young and ambitious associate, to navigate the treacherous power vacuum. Their partnership is tested when Sofia Falcone (Cristin Milioti), Carmine’s daughter, returns to Gotham seeking answers about her brother’s disappearance and aiming to reclaim her family’s empire.
Episode 2: “Inside Man”
Oz and Victor strategize to consolidate power by infiltrating rival factions. Sofia’s presence complicates their plans as she begins to gather her own allies, challenging Oz’s authority. The episode explores the intricate dynamics between Oz and Sofia, highlighting their shared history and mutual distrust.
Episode 3: “Bliss”
Tensions escalate as Oz’s operations face sabotage, leading him to suspect a mole within his ranks. Simultaneously, Sofia makes bold moves to undermine Oz, leveraging her family’s connections. The episode delves into Oz’s psychological state, revealing his vulnerabilities and the lengths he will go to maintain control.
Episode 4: “Cent’Anni”
A significant power shift occurs when Oz orchestrates a daring attack on a rival gang, solidifying his reputation as a formidable leader. Sofia retaliates by targeting Oz’s personal life, bringing his mother, Francis Cobblepot (Deirdre O’Connell), into the fray. The episode underscores the personal stakes involved in their power struggle.
Episode 5: “Homecoming”
Sofia’s machinations lead to Francis suffering a massive stroke, leaving her in a vegetative state. This personal blow propels Oz into a vengeful rage, intensifying his resolve to eliminate Sofia. The episode portrays Oz’s descent into ruthlessness, marking a turning point in his character arc.
Episode 6: “Gold Summit”
Oz and Sofia engage in a high-stakes confrontation at a city council meeting, each attempting to sway public opinion and secure political leverage. Their battle extends beyond the criminal underworld, highlighting the pervasive corruption within Gotham’s institutions.
Episode 7: “Top Hat”
The penultimate episode sees Oz executing a meticulously planned coup against Sofia, dismantling her operations and isolating her from her allies. Sofia, in a desperate move, kidnaps Francis, forcing a final showdown between the two adversaries. The episode builds tension, setting the stage for the series’ climax.
Episode 8: “A Great or Little Thing”
In the series finale, Oz confronts Sofia in a brutal confrontation, ultimately prevailing and solidifying his position as Gotham’s crime lord. In a shocking turn, Oz murders Victor, perceiving his loyalty as a potential weakness. The episode concludes with Oz embracing his identity as The Penguin, donning his iconic top hat and suit. The final scene features the Bat-Signal illuminating the Gotham sky, foreshadowing Batman’s impending return and setting the stage for future conflicts.
Critical Reception
“The Penguin” received critical acclaim for its performances, writing, direction, tone, and production values. Colin Farrell’s portrayal of Oz Cobblepot was particularly lauded, with critics highlighting his transformation into the iconic villain. Cristin Milioti’s performance as Sofia Falcone was also praised for adding depth and intensity to the series. The series was noted for its dark, gritty atmosphere and its exploration of complex character dynamics within Gotham’s criminal underworld.
Review
Power and Corruption: The series examines Gotham as a city where power and morality rarely coexist. Oz’s rise to power reflects the harsh reality of Gotham’s criminal world: success comes at the cost of trust and personal relationships.
Identity and Legacy: The series also explores the characters’ quest for identity:
- Oz transitions from being a pawn to becoming a kingpin, finally embracing his Penguin persona.
- Sofia struggles with her family’s legacy, oscillating between loyalty to her father’s memory and her ambitions.
Human Vulnerability: Despite its crime drama elements, The Penguin delves into the personal vulnerabilities of its characters. Oz’s relationship with his mother, Francis Cobblepot, and Sofia’s emotional wounds from losing her family add layers of humanity to the power struggle.
The Ending Explained
The final episode, titled “A Great or Little Thing,” culminates in a brutal confrontation between Oz and Sofia. Oz emerges victorious, killing Sofia and dismantling her operations. This victory solidifies his control over Gotham’s criminal underworld.
- Oz’s Transformation: By killing Victor and fully embracing his persona as The Penguin, Oz becomes the epitome of a Gotham crime lord. The closing moments, where he dons the iconic top hat and suit, symbolize his metamorphosis into the infamous villain from the Batman mythos.
- Foreshadowing Batman: The final scene with the Bat-Signal illuminating Gotham’s sky teases Batman’s eventual return, setting the stage for The Batman Part II. This moment suggests that while Oz may have risen to power, Gotham’s savior is not far behind.
Character
- Oswald Cobblepot: Oz’s transformation is the central focus. Initially, he is a calculating but restrained figure. By the end, after enduring betrayals, personal losses (his mother’s health decline), and Sofia’s challenges, he becomes a ruthless crime lord willing to kill even his closest allies to secure his dominance.
- Sofia Falcone: Sofia starts as a confident and determined antagonist but is slowly undone by Oz’s manipulative strategies and her inability to maintain control over her allies. Her downfall symbolizes the changing tides of Gotham’s power structure.
- Victor Aguilar: A key ally to Oz throughout the series, Victor represents ambition and loyalty. However, his ultimate fate—murdered by Oz in a bid to eliminate potential threats—shows the extent of Oz’s paranoia and determination.
Connections to The Batman Universe
- Continuity: The series ties directly into The Batman’s narrative, with Gotham still reeling from Falcone’s death and the Riddler’s actions. It acts as a bridge to the upcoming sequel, enriching the universe by deepening the audience’s understanding of Gotham’s underworld.
- World-Building:
- Sofia Falcone’s storyline ties into Gotham’s mob history, introduced in The Batman.
- Oz’s rise complements the chaos left in the wake of the Riddler’s attacks, reflecting Gotham’s systemic corruption.
- Hints for the Future: The show lays the groundwork for new alliances and rivalries in the sequel, teasing conflicts between Oz and both Batman and Selina Kyle (Catwoman).
