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Warning: This article contains spoilers for the HBO series “The Penguin.” In the eight-episode series, mob boss Oswald Cobb, also known as Oz and portrayed by Oscar nominee Colin Farrell, rises to power in the wake of his previous boss, Carmine Falcone’s death in “The Batman” (2022). Oz battles against Carmine’s daughter Sofia (Cristin Milioti) who seeks vengeance for her brother’s murder and plans to introduce a potent new street drug borne out of her time in Arkham Asylum. Now that “The Penguin” has concluded, we look forward to “The Batman Part II” in 2026 where the dynamics of power in Gotham City are set to shift dramatically.
It’s unsurprising that Oz survives the series, carrying the moniker he earned due to his facial scars and physical disability. Despite Sofia’s character not being a new creation for the series, she’s less known both within and outside of the DC Comics universe compared to the Penguin. Colin Farrell’s portrayal presents a darker and more realistic version than previous ones. As the series concludes, our sympathy for Oz wanes, replaced by an image of him dancing in his penthouse, with the iconic Bat-Signal visible in the night sky.
The climax of “The Penguin” serves a dual purpose – it affirms Colin Farrell’s return in “The Batman Part II” and reveals who won’t be making an appearance in the sequel. Amidst a season filled with violence and death, the most shocking moment is arguably Oz’s brutal murder of his closest ally, Victor (Rhenzy Feliz). The murder follows a heartfelt conversation between the two, suggesting that emotional connections and family ties only serve as a hindrance to Oz’s rise to power. This presents a stark contrast to the Batman-and-Robin dynamic – Oz is a lone wolf, willing to sacrifice personal relationships in his quest for power.
The Penguin: Gotham’s New Crime Lord
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The surprising turn of events does not stop at Victor’s death at Oz’s hands. Sofia, too, manages to survive “The Penguin” but is now facing her worst fear once again – being confined in Arkham Asylum indefinitely. Previously, her father Carmine had her committed to Arkham by fabricating evidence that she was a serial killer targeting young women. The true killer, as revealed in the 2022 film, was Carmine himself. This time, Sofia is in Arkham for a crime she actually committed – detonating a devastating bomb in the Crown Point neighborhood with the aim of killing Oz. Although Sofia survives, she finds herself back in Arkham. Despite the uncertain future, she finds solace in a letter from her half-sister Selina Kyle.
As “The Penguin” concludes with the Bat-Signal’s appearance, it becomes clear that Batman is still active in Gotham. Despite Robert Pattinson or Zoe Kravitz not making cameo appearances in the show, Batman’s presence is still felt. As the first “Batman” movie shows, Batman’s focus is on combating drug dealers. With the new drug Bliss now in circulation, it’s highly likely Batman will be hot on its trail.
The Collision Course: Batman and Oz in The Batman Part II
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When Batman eventually faces Penguin again, he’ll have to acknowledge that the once mid-level thug he encountered in the first film’s car-chase scene has undergone significant changes. One of the key ways “The Penguin” sets up for the upcoming “Batman” sequel is by finally transitioning Oz Cobb into the Penguin character we’re all familiar with. Although he’s not seen with his signature umbrella in the final scenes, he’s dressed in a tuxedo and tails, living in a lavish penthouse, and finally in control. With the Maroni family and the Falcones no longer in the picture, Batman and Jim Gordon will have to face not only Oz but also the various groups he’s amassed across Gotham City.
The final scenes of “The Penguin” highlight Oz’s escalating ruthlessness. We learn that a young Oz Cobb is responsible for his brothers’ deaths, a fact he seems only mildly remorseful for. Apart from killing Victor, Oz also brings his dementia-ridden mother Francis home, not as a victory lap but as a show of power. As the series concludes, it’s revealed that Francis knew about Oz’s actions, despised him for it, and even failed to have him killed by a local Mafioso. In response, Oz confines her to a bed in an empty room overlooking the city, despite her debilitating stroke.
“The Penguin” does not feature any appearances from Batman and his allies, and references to the 2022 film are sparse, leaving much to speculation about its influence on the 2026 sequel. What’s clear, however, is that Oz Cobb, originally a side character notable for his makeup that concealed Colin Farrell’s movie-star good looks, has risen to power. With Oz now in charge, it’s inevitable that Batman will have to confront him and his new followers. The Penguin, unlike the Riddler, doesn’t possess flashy intellect but is a villain who’s not only willing to take down anyone for power but has proven who he’s willing to kill to achieve his goals. Batman needs to be cautious.
“The Penguin” is currently available for streaming in its entirety on Max.
Credit: www.slashfilm.com