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Warning: Full spoilers ahead for The Penguin, including details from the final episode.
After an exhilarating eight weeks filled with outstanding performances and a gripping narrative, The Penguin has concluded on Max/HBO (US), Sky/Now TV (UK), and Binge (Australia). The finale was nothing short of explosive, fitting for a limited series I previously described as an “epic Batman spin-off that rightfully belongs in the same conversation as The Sopranos within HBO’s crime drama legacy.”
With the dust settling from Oz Cobb and Sofia Falcone’s fierce battle for dominance, it’s time to analyze what transpired. Who emerges as Gotham City’s new crime overlord? Were there any casualties in the climactic episode? And did we get a surprise appearance from the Caped Crusader? I’ll address these questions and more below. If you haven’t watched episode 8, titled ‘Great or Little Thing’, please do so first as major spoilers follow.
The Conclusion of The Penguin: Who Prevails, Oz Cobb or Sofia Falcone?
(Image credit: Macall Polay/HBO)
No surprises here—Oz emerged victorious over Sofia in their struggle for control of Gotham’s criminal landscape. Given that this series is titled after him, it would have been quite unexpected if he had lost to his rival.
Initially appearing to be at her mercy—captured and taken to Gotham City Airport for a final meeting with Sofia—Oz cleverly orchestrates this scenario. In reality, aside from Yakuza leader Feng Zhao’s men who are holding him captive, they are actually working under Oz’s command.
Just before he is handed over to her forces, Link—the son of Feng Zhao—betrays his father by shooting him dead. Following this shocking turn of events, Oz’s crew swiftly eliminates Sofia’s henchmen and takes her captive instead. Meanwhile across various locations in Gotham City, other criminal factions also eliminate their leaders; both Oz and Victor assure them they will inherit control if they pledge loyalty to him as the new kingpin.
A notable aspect of this finale is that Oz spares Sofia’s life—a rarity given his character traits throughout the series. In a scene reminiscent of his earlier role driving her around town when she was still powerful within her family business, he transports her to an undisclosed location outside Gotham where tension mounts between them during what seems like their last confrontation.
As she braces herself for death with eyes closed tight while he aims at her with intent to kill; suddenly bright lights flood the area—a police helicopter hovers above them illuminating everything below! As she opens her eyes slowly realizing what’s happening around her; she turns just in time to see multiple police cars approaching followed by Chief Mackenzie Bock leading officers readying themselves for action against organized crime!
The Penguin Ending Explained: So Wait…Sofia Survives?
Nope! Instead she’s sent back into Arkham Asylum once more!
This twist echoes back through earlier episodes where we learned about how Carmine Falcone—the former crime lord & also father—had placed Sophia into high-security confinement due largely because knowledge gained regarding heinous acts committed against women—including those closest—to protect himself ultimately led towards blaming it all onto poor Sophia herself despite constant protests claiming innocence which resulted ultimately leading towards ten years spent behind bars inside Arkham asylum itself!
Sofia managed escape thanks partly due assistance provided by brother Alberto along therapist Doctor Julian Rush prior events unfolding throughout show but alas fate had different plans awaiting our heroine yet again…
The Conclusion Of The Series Revealed – Who Met Their End?
Image Credit : Macall Polay / HBO
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Apart from Feng Zhao alongside several subordinates belonging directly under command , perhaps most heartbreaking loss witnessed occurs when beloved character known simply as Victor Aguilar meets tragic end .
Fans grew increasingly concerned early on regarding safety surrounding such lovable persona introduced since very first episode aired ; many viewers expressed worries two episodes deep into entire run ! However confidence began building up gradually especially considering close bond formed between both characters throughout entire journey together until devastating conclusion arrived unexpectedly leaving audiences reeling emotionally afterwards …
As celebrations commence following successful takeover achieved via efforts made collectively amongst allies present ; somber tone shifts dramatically once realization dawns upon protagonist stating loose ends cannot remain unresolved stemming directly out past actions taken place previously resulting ultimately leading towards suffocation death inflicted upon loyal companion whom audiences cherished deeply …
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Oz departs from the scene, leaving Victor’s lifeless body on the ground. In a bid to obscure any trace of his identity, he discards Victor’s I.D. card into the murky waters of Gotham’s river.
(Image credit: Macall Polay/HBO)
Meanwhile, Francis does not join Victor among the deceased; however, her condition is dire enough that it might as well be considered so. Following a severe stroke during ‘Great or Little Thing’, she finds herself in a persistent vegetative state.
Determined to prevent his mother’s death, Oz breaks a promise made to Francis earlier in episode 5—where he vowed to assist her in ending her life should her Lewy Body Dementia significantly impair her quality of living. After discharging her from the hospital, Oz brings his immobile mother back to his newly acquired penthouse suite at La Couronne hotel—a building that has seen better days. He places Francis by a window with views of Gotham City’s skyline, fulfilling at least one commitment: ensuring she is cared for and experiences beauty around her.
The Penguin Finale Explained: Is There a Batman Cameo?
(Image credit: Warner Bros.)
Nope! Robert Pattinson’s portrayal of Bruce Wayne and his alter ego do not make an appearance during The Penguin’s conclusion.
This outcome was anticipated since showrunner Lauren LeFranc and executive producer Matt Reeves—who oversees ‘The Batman Epic Crime Saga’, which includes The Penguin—have consistently stated that Batman would not feature in this series. They were truthful about their intentions without attempting any misdirection.
However, while Batman himself doesn’t appear directly, there are nods towards him throughout the finale. As Oz and Eve enjoy their evening together at the penthouse party, viewers can spot the Bat-Signal illuminating Gotham’s skyline—a signal activated by an unidentified figure aiming to summon Batman’s attention. It seems likely that Commissioner Jim Gordon (played by Jeffrey Wright) is behind this iconic display given his history with it; after all, he has done so before! This raises questions about whether The Penguin sets up events leading intoThe Batman Part II, which is currently under development within ‘The Batman Epic Crime Saga’. More on this later!
The Penguin Finale Explained: Are Other Characters from the Bat-Family Present?
(Image credit : Macall Polay / HBO)
The answer is yes! Following Oz’s conversation with corrupt senator Sebastien inside courtrooms , our protagonist heads toward exit doors . On route , he encounters Bella Real—the newly appointed mayor of Gotham who had previously appeared briefly within ‘The Batman’—entering office alongside staff members including security personnel .
Mackenzie Bock also returns for another round , marking police chief ’s second cameo appearance following episode five titled ‘Homecoming’ . Lastly , although Zoë Kravitz ’s Selina Kyle does not physically appear here , she gets mentioned when Julian Rush delivers letter penned by Selina herself after Sofia gets re-incarcerated back into Arkham Asylum reminding both us (and Sofia) they share blood ties as half-sisters due Carmine Falcone being revealed as their father through previous film installments ! This revelation shouldn’t come across shocking considering prior context provided earlier on screen!
Does A Mid-Credits Or Post-Credits Scene Exist In This Series?
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< fig caption class=” inline – layout “ >< span class=” caption – text “>“What do you mean my show lacks end credits scenes?” Victor!”
( Image credit : Macall Polay / HBO )
No mid or post-credit scenes were included with my advanced press screener for episode eight unless something new was added upon public release version then nothing remains worth waiting around once final credits roll out !
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The Penguin Conclusion Explained: Is a Second Season on the Horizon?
(Image credit: HBO)
As of now, the prospects for a second season remain uncertain. Production on The Batman Part II is set to commence in early 2025, which will likely take precedence for director Matt Reeves and his team. Additionally, there are reports suggesting that other spin-offs from the Batman universe are also in the works (as noted by sources like The Direct and
The Wrap). One such project may feature Barry Keoghan as the Joker, according to industry insider Jeff Sneider (reported by
ScreenTime). This busy schedule could hinder any plans for another season of
The Penguin.
Colin Farrell’s perspective adds another layer to this uncertainty. The acclaimed actor, who plays Oz Cobb in both this series and its predecessor film, expressed his own doubts about whether a follow-up season would be approved during an interview with
GamesRadar. He mentioned needing time away from the character before considering reprising his role again. “Lauren asked if I would be open to it if she found a way that made sense,” he said. “I told her I absolutely would consider it—but right after filming, I felt like I’d never want to wear that suit or prosthetics again.”
Despite these uncertainties, it’s worth noting that the premiere episode of
The Penguin attracted over five million viewers across Max and HBO platforms alone. Given its critical acclaim and commercial success—alongside calls for nominations for both Farrell and Cristin Milioti (who portrays Sofia) ahead of next year’s awards—it’s hard to believe that executives at HBO and DC Studios aren’t already contemplating another chapter.
Understanding The Ending of The Penguin: How It Prepares Us For The Batman Part II?
Warner Bros.)
The short answer regarding how events from
The Penguin will influence
The Batman Part II? It’s still unclear; only Reeves along with co-writer Mattson Tomlin or producer Dylan Clark have insight into this narrative direction.
However, we can speculate based on developments seen in episode eight of
The Penguin. Oz may find himself mingling with Gotham’s elite social circles as he navigates political landscapes within the upcoming film. His primary request was contingent upon assisting Sebastien—a corrupt council member—in quelling gang violence plaguing Gotham’s streets while simultaneously cleaning up Crown Point by eliminating production lines for Bliss—the new drug Oz inadvertently helped proliferate.
< figcaption class = " inline - layout "> < span class = " caption - text "> Will Selina Kyle join forces with Bruce Wayne once more in < em > The Batman Part II? < / span >< span class = " credit "(Image credit: Jonathan Olley/WB)
Sebastien agrees but must ensure their collaboration remains hidden as Mayor Real prepares an anti-corruption task force; thus they need discretion moving forward.
If Oz begins associating with Gotham’s affluent citizens,
then it’s plausible he might encounter Bruce Wayne during events depicted in
< em >The Batman Part II.< / em > While Oz has met Batmans persona before,
he remains unaware that Wayne is behind the mask—this dynamic could lead to intriguing interactions where Wayne must conceal his true identity while engaging socially with Oz.
Additonally , it will be interesting if Sofia makes even a brief appearance within this sequel.
Pattinson’s portrayal has established connections between him and Zoë Kravitz’s Selina Kyle throughout their previous encounters.
Although they parted ways at their last meeting , there exists potential continuity should Kravitz return.
If so , then
<
em >The Batman Part II<
/em >
could explore unresolved threads surrounding Selina’s journey further.
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In an intriguing twist, the relationship between Selina and Sofia as half-sisters could introduce a captivating dynamic to the storyline. This connection might lead Sofia to leverage her bond with Selina in an attempt to confront Batman, seeking vengeance against Oz.
There has been extensive speculation surrounding The Batman Part II, particularly regarding the main antagonist that Reeves and Pattinson envision for the film. However, until production officially commences, it remains uncertain how The Penguin will shape its narrative and character lineup. We can anticipate more details once filming begins.
You may also find interesting
- A guide on how to watch The Batman films in chronological order
- Check out our assessment of the top Batman films and see if you agree with our rankings
- Dive deeper into the Dark Knight’s inaugural journey in James Gunn’s DC Universe through our DCU Chapter One overview
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