The Penguin ending explained: Why does Oz kill [SPOILER]?

As a seasoned observer of the criminal underworld and its denizens, I must say that The Penguin has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on Gotham City. His meteoric rise from an orphaned child to the kingpin of organized crime is nothing short of astounding. It’s a testament to his cunning, ruthlessness, and unrelenting ambition that he has managed to carve out a kingdom for himself amidst the chaos and corruption that pervades the city.

Warning: Major spoilers ahead for The Penguin episode 8.

In the thrilling climax, I found myself witnessing a long-awaited showdown between The Penguin and Sofia Falcone, with Oz Cobb ultimately emerging victorious. Yet, the question remains: What heavy price was paid in this triumph?

After the shocking revelation in episode 7 that Oz had murdered his own brothers as a young boy, the final episode delivers even more unexpected plot twists, jaw-dropping moments, and suspenseful turns. Not only does it effectively wrap up this season, but it also tantalizingly hints at what’s to come in The Batman: Part 2.

So, with more violence, loss and terror in episode 8, here’s exactly what went down.

The Penguin ending explained: Why does Oz kill Vic?

In simpler terms, we’re getting straight to the point. The final episode ends with Oz fatally wounding Vic (Rhenzy Feliz) due to his concern that Vic might make him vulnerable.

Episode 8 continues with Deirdre O’Connell’s character, Francis (Oz’s mother), delving into her emotions from the past, specifically following the tragic deaths of her sons Jack and Benny. It is revealed that she was aware of Oz’s involvement in their deaths as a child. However, there are additional layers to this story.

In simpler terms, Rex Calabrese (played by Louis Cancelmi) pays her a visit, and she confesses that Oz confined his siblings within a tunnel. Rex proposes a solution – to “release him” which essentially means eliminating Oz. Francis requests assistance from Rex and subsequently escorts Oz to a jazz club – a location reminiscent of a previous scene. She informates Oz that Rex will be chauffeuring him home later on this evening.

The Penguin ending explained: Why does Oz kill [SPOILER]?

In the flashback, Dr. Julian Rush (Theo Rossi) and Sofia Falcone (Cristin Milioti), who took Francis in the previous episode, unexpectedly emerge, encouraging her to stay focused, hinting that they are privy to everything that transpired that night. Young Oz, trying to reassure his mother, vows to look after her, imploring her not to lose faith in him, and then invites her for a dance.

Currently, Vic finds Crown Point shrouded in smoke following the blast from episode 7’s finale. In a panic, he looks for Oz, who has been abducted by Sofia and Julian and transported to a jazz club together with his mother.

Sofia directly communicates to Oz that she’s aware he murdered his brothers and his mother ignored it. She questions why he deceived her about spending time with his siblings. However, Oz feigns ignorance. But then, Sofia discloses to Oz that his mother had requested Rex to take him out, mockingly targeting the duo.

The Penguin ending explained: Why does Oz kill [SPOILER]?

Julian readies himself to amputate one of Francis’s fingers, while Sofia urges Oz to confess the truth about his siblings to his mother. Francis instructs him to spill it out – as she is well aware of the situation. In a fit of rage, Francis shatters a bottle and impales Oz, labeling him as the devil.

As a devoted cinephile, I can’t help but recount an eerie scene that left me shaken to my core. In sheer terror, I witnessed a chilling apparition: a youthful Oz, imploring my presence alongside Jack and Benny. Their spectral forms dripped with water as if they had just emerged from a pool. As the duo of Jack and Benny gradually vanished, Francis, inexplicably, crumpled to the ground.

Could it be that Oz wasn’t telling the truth when he claimed no involvement in his brothers’ deaths, as suggested by Actor Farrell? Perhaps there’s another explanation.

In a different turn of phrases: Oz manages to free himself from his bindings, firing at Sofia. He flees, hastily taking his mother to the hospital, and eventually contacts Vic. Vic discovers Oz bandaging his injury inside a hospital closet (asserting that it was Sofia who wounded him). Vic offers words of encouragement to Oz, expressing that the people in Crown Point admire him.

At the same time, Sofia convenes a meeting in her father’s residence, announcing her intention to depart from Gotham and relinquishing her home, territories, and businesses to anyone who can deliver Oz to her. However, Link (Robert Lee Leng) maintains a double game – he contacts Vic with a warning that there’s a reward for capturing Oz.

Despite having grand ambitions, Oz makes a visit to City Hall where he informs councilman Sebastian Hady (Rhys Coiro) that Sofia intentionally destroyed Crown Point in order to dismantle Gotham’s largest drug lab. However, he cleverly substitutes himself for Salvatore Maroni in the narrative, claiming it was him who murdered Alberto Falcone and that Sofia targeted his drug business instead.

The speaker suggests that this situation presents a chance for the councilman to introduce someone whom the public may dislike, along with someone they adore. In this scenario, he proposes that Hady would be credited for reviving interest in Crown Point, which has not received significant attention in a while.

Inquired about his demands, Oz replies that he seeks connections within City Hall, setting the stage for his political ascent. Upon reentering the vehicle, however, it’s Zhao (François Chau) who awaits him to escort him to Sofia instead. Sofia instructs Zhao to meet her at the airport and offers her congratulations.

Sofia isn’t finished with the theatrics – before departing from her father’s home, she sets it ablaze.

Upon Zhao’s arrival at the airport, he fulfills his promise by retrieving Oz. However, Link betrays him, firing at Zhao and giving Oz a weapon instead. Soon enough, it’s just Oz’s associates and Sofia who remain unharmed. Oz then drives Sofia somewhere, explaining that Link grew weary of being sidelined – a feeling not exclusive to him, as Oz is assembling a team of underdogs.

In the moment when Oz aims to shoot Sofia, she accuses him of being monstrous all along, to which he retorts that her fate will be damnation. However, Oz’s actions don’t stop there. Contrary to what was expected, Sofia does not perish, and a radiant light signifies the arrival of the police instead. In their stead, Oz is now untraceable.

Upon returning to the hospital, he rejoices with his mother, as his story unfolds on the news. However, Francis remains unresponsive and a nurse reveals that his mother has experienced a severe stroke, placing her in a prolonged vegetative state. Desperately, Oz urges his mother to express pride in him, but she cannot due to her condition, leaving Oz to recognize that his efforts have been in vain.

Later on, he spends time with Vic, pondering over all his actions and his loved ones. He praises Vic for doing a good job, to which Vic reciprocates by acknowledging their familial bond.

At that instant, Oz recognizes what needs to be done, grabbing Vic in shock. He explains that although family provides strength, it can equally be a source of vulnerability.

It’s evident that he’s been influenced by Sofia and his mother, and he intends to never let anyone become a vulnerability for him in future. As Vic tries to reason with him, Oz chokes the child, expressing that he has a kind heart, and it wasn’t given to him without a purpose.

How does The Penguin set up The Batman: Part II?

Previously at Arkham, Dr. Julian delivers Sofia’s mail, revealing her newfound fame. However, a letter arrives from a woman named Selina Kyle, who is claimed to be Sofia’s half-sister. Upon reading the letter, Sofia smiles, suggesting a potential encounter between Sofia (played by Milioti) and Catwoman (portrayed by Zoë Kravitz) in The Batman: Part II.

Meanwhile, Oz keeps his mother in the penthouse he had pledged to her, which she now calls home. She remains in a vegetative state and lies in a hospital bed, facing the window for a view. A single tear trickles down her cheek as Oz assures her that it’s everything she had always desired.

As I bask in my victory, I proclaim myself the undisputed ruler of Gotham City. However, my triumph is swiftly overshadowed – a shadow cast by none other than the infamous Bat-Signal, illuminating the night sky over Gotham. Without a doubt, this ominous beacon heralds the arrival of one very particular vigilante, the Dark Knight himself.

This prepares the ground for Matt Reeves’s “The Batman: Part II,” scheduled for release in 2026, which will delve deeper into Gotham’s spiraling disorder.

Although specifics are scarce at the moment, it’s known that the scripts for the upcoming season of “The Penguin” have been penned down. It’s likely that showrunner Lauren LeFranc collaborated extensively with Matt Reeves in preparing the groundwork for the next episode.

Until then!

2024-11-11 12:34

The Penguin ending explained: Why does Oz kill Vic?

How does The Penguin set up The Batman: Part II?

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