1 Subtle Detail That Deepens the Darkness of The Penguin’s Ending

Episode 8 of The Penguin reveals a chilling connection between Oz Cobb and Carmine Falcone, hinting at the continuation of DC’s notorious ‘Hangman’ legacy. It becomes evident that Sofia Falcone’s infamous reputation as the ‘Hangman’ was orchestrated by her father, Carmine Falcone, who callously murdered several women and shifted the blame onto his own daughter. Flashbacks from episode 4 illustrate how Sofia transformed into a merciless killer during her incarceration at Arkham, while The Batman demonstrates how Carmine evaded consequences for his heinous ‘Hangman’ crimes thanks to his death at the hands of the Riddler.

By the conclusion of The Penguin, Oz Cobb remains unable to escape his darker self. Despite his genuine affection for his mother, Francis, and his ally, Victor Aguilar, Oz ultimately resorts to violence. In a shocking twist, Oz kills Victor in the finale, preserving his mother’s deteriorating state as a grotesque trophy after she suffers a stroke. Furthermore, he begins to forge connections with Gotham’s politically inclined figures, paving the way for a more ruthless character in The Batman – Part II. It’s clear that Oz Cobb embodies the essence of a villain, as evidenced by his actions throughout the series.

Oz Cobb’s Transformation Into a New Hangman

Mirrored Methods: Oz Emulates Carmine Falcone in the Finale

Carmine Falcone hugging a young Sofia Falcone

Another scene from The Penguin episode 8

In the finale of The Penguin, Oz Cobb’s decision to murder Victor Aguilar starkly underscores his moral decline. He pretends to embrace Victor while silently plotting his death, ultimately choking him to death despite Victor’s desperate pleas. The act leaves scars on Oz’s hands reminiscent of the injuries Carmine Falcone inflicted on his victims, as strangulation was Carmine’s distinct modus operandi.

This act of betrayal signifies Oz’s acceptance of Carmine Falcone’s nefarious legacy. Unlike earlier in the series, where he maintained some empathy, Oz completely sheds his humanity when he kills Victor, a man who genuinely trusted him.

The Conclusion of The Penguin Reinforces Batman’s Principles

A Contrast With Batman’s Ethical Code

Throughout The Penguin, Oz Cobb presents a facade of benevolence, yet by the finale, he evolves into a far more ruthless figure than at the series’ outset. The tragic fates of Francis and Victor illustrate Oz’s moral decay, as he opts for the path that solely gratifies his desires. Although he refrains from killing Sofia Gigante, this decision stems from a calculated understanding that her imprisonment is an even crueler fate.

In stark contrast, Batman embodies a code of ethics that rejects violence and sacrifice for the sake of justice.

While Oz resorts to brutality and betrayal of those closest to him for personal gain, Batman commits himself to protecting Gotham City, even in the face of adversity. Despite his controversial tactics in The Batman, Batman intrinsically understands the value of true justice—he will not resort to killing nor allow innocent lives to be jeopardized for the capture of criminals. This unwavering moral compass is why the Riddler, Joker, and Penguin continue to pose threats in both The Penguin and The Batman – Part II.

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