After a long wait, The Penguin has finally arrived in the streaming world, delighting fans with its Sopranos-inspired approach to Gotham—a version of the city unlike anything we’ve seen before. Set immediately after the events of The Batman Part I, starring Robert Pattinson, the show dives into the life of Colin Farrell’s Oz Cobb, a character who made a memorable impact in the film. With Gotham's power grid in chaos, Oz embarks on his quest to become the crime boss he’s always dreamed of being. Motivated by a rags-to-riches ambition and the unwavering encouragement of his mother, Francis, Oz is now facing Sofia (Falcone) Gigante. At this point, he seems nearly unstoppable—almost like a cockroach that could survive a nuclear attack. 

The cat-and-mouse chase that has spanned the series so far finally reached its penultimate episode, with The Penguin Episode 7 airing this past Monday. We’ve been captivated by this nuanced crime saga, showcasing a live-action Gotham that feels entirely new. In this second-to-last episode of The Penguin’s first season, both Sofia and Oz prepare for war. Sofia has taken Francis hostage, and Oz must save her. But Salvatore is in the mix, too—and did he just die, even though it wasn’t Oz who killed him?

The Penguin Episode 7 Highlights

Did Oz Kill His Brothers?

One of the show’s most compelling aspects is its dedication to character depth, opting for a nuanced exploration rather than fast-paced storytelling. Episode 4 gave us a powerful introduction to Sofia, shedding light on her transformation into a ruthless leader. Now, in Episode 7, we revisit Oz’s childhood. Oz’s mother shows special attention to him due to his disabilities, though she loves all her sons. This uneven dynamic fuels resentment, as Oz is always seen as weaker and less capable. When his brothers enter a pit during a game—a place Oz cannot follow—he impulsively closes the pit’s door and leaves, resulting in his brothers drowning when the pit floods.

This shocking twist emerges just as we begin to sympathize with Oz, a reminder from creator Lauren LeFranc that he is still a dark character who has only worsened over time. The shift from young Oz to adult Oz, limping purposefully toward his next goal, underscores this haunting revelation.

A Mother Who’s Proud

Francis is a complex character, and her influence on Oz is profound. In one scene, Sofia confronts her, probing into Francis’s life story. We learn that Francis has endured trauma, yet she remains a resilient and caring mother, even taking her surviving son to a jazz club to mourn the loss of his brothers. This portrayal of Francis as a layered, influential figure is part of what sets The Penguin apart from other live-action Gotham adaptations.

Did Penguin Really Kill Salvatore?

It’s well known that Salvatore Maroni allied with Sofia to kill Penguin and reclaim Bliss. He helps her locate Oz, and she ultimately kidnaps Francis. However, Sofia and Salvatore don’t realize that Oz has a knack for turning luck in his favor. During a fight at Crown Point, Salvatore suffers a sudden cardiac arrest and dies. Though Oz avoids the immediate threat, he’s frustrated that Salvatore’s death wasn’t by his own hand. To assert his dominance, he shoots Salvatore’s lifeless body, takes his ring, and claims victory, highlighting Oz’s obsession with winning at any cost.

Sofia Gigante’s Realization

Sofia has been a fascinating study throughout the series. Though initially framed for crimes she didn’t commit, she has since embraced the ruthless persona of “the Hangman” and is prepared to kill anyone who obstructs her path to power. In Episode 7, Sofia’s visit to Gia brings her a moment of introspection. She realizes she’s echoing the words her father once used when he abandoned her to run Arkham Asylum. Now, she knows she must go beyond her father’s limits. To send a powerful message, she takes Francis to the jazz club where she once encouraged young Oz to make something of himself. She then plants a bomb in Penguin’s hub, obliterating his last Bliss stash and his crew. The ongoing feud between Penguin and Sofia only worsens Gotham’s already struggling communities.

The Penguin premiered on September 20, 2024, with one of its eight episodes. New episodes air every Monday on JioCinema in India, available in English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Bengali, and Marathi. Stay tuned to Mobile Masala for more updates on The Penguin and everything else from the world of streaming and films.

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