The finale of The Penguin delivers an intense and unexpected ending to Oz Cobb’s journey in Gotham’s criminal underworld.
While Colin Farrell’s Penguin has clawed his way to the top, this jaw-dropping finale doesn’t end in triumph but instead sets the stage for Matt Reeves’ The Batman – Part II.
Here’s a closer look at the gripping finale, and how it calls for the Dark Knight to rise again:
What’s the Outcome of Sofia’s Attempt to Destroy Oz?
Sofia Falcone, portrayed by Cristin Milioti, launches one final assault against Oz in episode 8. As she prepares to exit Gotham’s world of crime, her anger over the losses he’s caused her family drives her to deliver a final blow.
She unveils dark secrets to Oz and his mother, Francis, exposing painful truths about the murder of Oz’s brothers.
Francis, who has long nurtured resentment toward her son, finally snaps, turning on Oz and attempting to kill him in a jazz club—ironically, the very place where he once hoped to give her a better life.
What Did Oz Do In Retaliation?
Oz narrowly escapes the deadly confrontation with his mother, ultimately taking her to a hospital where she remains in a vegetative state, unable to witness the legacy he’s fought so hard to build.
In a bold act of rebellion, Sofia sets fire to her father Carmine Falcone’s mansion, severing her last ties to the city. However, in a shocking twist, Oz turns the tables on her.
He aligns with Gotham’s gang deputies, orchestrating a scheme with the help of his right-hand man, Victor.
Why Didn’t Oz Kill Sofia?
Rather than killing Sofia, Oz decides to keep her alive as a scapegoat, ensuring that Gotham’s authorities see her as an unstable criminal.
Councilman Hady, an ally Oz approaches in episode 8, is eager to paint Sofia as a dangerous rogue. By allowing her to live, Oz strengthens this narrative, enabling Hady to reassure the public while Oz solidifies his control over Gotham’s streets.
In a quiet but strategic move, Oz spares Sofia’s life not out of mercy but to further his own standing.
Why Did Penguin Kill Victor?
Victor was known for his loyalty and support throughout the show, but met an unfortunate ending in the Finale when Oz strangled his own Right-Hand Man to death.
Although by this time Victor is almost a family-figure, in a crazy realization that “closeness is liability”, Oz takes this violent decision.
As the brand-new kingpin in the criminal underworld of Gotham city, Oz cannot have any person too close to him, even Victor.
In the final moments, Oz does mutter an apology to acknowledge Victor’s good heart and service, the damage is already done, and the Penguin’s dark emotional transformation is evident.
What’s the Significance of the Bat-Signal in the Finale?
Oh, how could anyone EVER miss that? The Bat-Signal made a surprising appearance teasing the Penguin-Batman face-off that is yet to be seen, since Batman has evaded the screen for the whole show, allowing Penguin to reach the position that he’s at right now.
The Dark Knight is on the way, setting up the stage for Batman Part II, a wonderful and highly-anticipated continuation of the DC Universe.
Finale (Or is it?)
With a thrilling conclusion (not without the legendary Bat Signal, of course), Penguin’s finale delivered twists and teases for the fans to enjoy.
After the defeat of Gigante and the disillusionment of rivals, Oz now takes the throne of the underworld of Gotham city.
With Colin Farrell garnering more fans by the hour, the fans wait eagerly for the final showdown: Batman versus Penguin. This is not to be missed!
About The Penguin
The Penguin is an American television miniseries created by Lauren LeFranc for HBO. Based on the DC Comics character Penguin, it is a spin-off from the film The Batman (2022) that explores the Penguin’s rise to power in Gotham City’s criminal underworld. LeFranc serves as the showrunner of the series, which is produced by DC Studios in association with Warner Bros. Television.
Colin Farrell stars as the Penguin, reprising his role from The Batman, alongside Cristin Milioti, Rhenzy Feliz, Deirdre O’Connell, Clancy Brown, Carmen Ejogo, Michael Zegen, Berto Colón, James Madio, Joshua Bitton, David H. Holmes, Daniel J. Watts, Ben Cook, Jayme Lawson, Michael Kelly and Mark Strong. Development was underway by September 2021, and HBO Max ordered it in March 2022, after The Batman was released. The film’s director, Matt Reeves, supervised the writing and was involved in hiring the creative team. Filming began in March 2023 in New York, but was halted in June by the 2023 Hollywood labor disputes. Production resumed in late November and concluded in February 2024. The series moved from HBO Max’s successor Max to HBO in July 2024. Craig Zobel directed the first three episodes.
The Penguin premiered in the United States on HBO on September 19, 2024, and is set to run for eight episodes until November 10.
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