Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
The series (hopefully season) finale ofThe Penguinis a monumental achievement in comic book entertainment adaptations. This episode slaps on so many levels that I call it a propelling episode for the DC and HBO/Max series over the finish line as an instant classic! We learn much about Oz, his mother, and what happened post after his brothers died.
The Penguinfinale begins with not necessarily flashbacks but Sofia’s physician/lover using red light therapy to extract memories from Francis’s brain. It’s a breaking of Franny’s psychosis, not dementia, that caused her condition. Years ago, Francis tried to get Max to kill Oz, but she could not go through with it.
Meanwhile, Franny breaks a bottle and approaches Oz, but more on that in a bit. After a bomb goes off in Gotham’s poorest neighborhood, Victor arrives looking for his boss. He demands that the remaining crime bosses help search for him, but they refuse. The Triad underboss, Link Tsai (Robert Lee Leng), punches one of them in the stomach to avoid being shot in the head.
The Penguin Episode 4 Recap and Spoiler Review — What is Sofia’s Fresh Start?
Max’sThe PenguinSeason 1 Episode 8: Why Does Francis Stab Oz?
Francis (Deirdre O’Connell) stabs Oz, determined to finish what she started. Years ago, she tried to have Max kill her son for murdering his siblings. Meanwhile, Sofia and Dr. Rush (Theo Rossi) restrain the so-called “good” mother’s hand, threatening to cut off her pinky unless Oz tells Franny the truth.
Oz sticks to his story in an almost darkly humorous twist, refusing to admit anything and attributing his mother’s scattered thoughts to dementia (Cristin Milioti). Sophia orders her team to stop. Oz’s mother then stands up, proclaiming that she should have killed him years ago. She breaks a bottle and stabs him in the abdomen.
Despite being strapped to a chair, Oz manages to escape. He shoots and kills two Gigante family goons and escapes with Dr. Rush. Oz picks up his mother, who stumbles, allowing him to escape and ultimately kill Detective Wise. He then takes Francis to the hospital, where Victor awaits him.
What is the Bounty Sofia Puts on Oz’s Head?
After Oz escapes, Sofia offers a bounty to the other organized crime families they can’t refuse — bring Oz (Colin Farell) to her, and she will hand over her criminal empire to them. Link Tsai calls Sofia out, saying she would never relinquish that much money and power. However, Sofia responds that she would. When Link asks why, Gigante replies, “Because I can.”
Vincent meets Oz at the hospital, where he has taken his mother, who is now in a coma. Cobb gathers medical supplies and tends to the gash left by Franny after she tries to gut Oz like a pig. Cobb and Vincent exchange positive words as Vincent describes defending “The Penguin” against other rival underbosses.
Later, Cobb visits Mayor Haddy. Link calls Victor, who is waiting in the car, and tells him they need to make a move — there’s a bounty on Oz’s head. Meanwhile, Cobb outlines a plan for Haddy to arrange a media campaign, framing Sofia as the mastermind behind the citywide bombing. In return, Haddy will lead a crackdown on “anti-corruption.”
The Penguin Episode 1 Recap and Spoiler Review — How Does Victor Save Oz?
Why Does Oz Not Kill Sofia?
We are still determining precisely why Oz spared Sofia. However, it appears to be a power play within Gotham’s local politics. Mayor Hady (Entourage’sRhys Coiro) gets his arrest, and Oz can now operate freely. Before this, though, one of the best scenes in the series unfolds. Victor and Link arrange for Oz to be picked up outside the Mayor’s office, pretending to deliver Cobb to Sofia.
However, instead of handing over Sofia’s driver, Link shoots his boss, the head of the Triads. Sofia’s armed guards are killed, and Victor pulls a gun on Sofia just as she is about to draw her weapon. Oz then drives Sofia one last time to the riverfront, keeping a gun trained on her. Meanwhile, we see all the underbosses killing their respective crime family heads as the working class seizes control.
Gigante tells Oz that Francis has always seen him as a monster. Oz replies, “You’re going to hell,” Gigante responds, “I’ll save you a seat.” As Sofia waits for Oz to reunite her with her mother, father, and brother, police vehicles and helicopters suddenly surround her. The “Hangman Killer” campaign, arranged by Cobb and Hady, is now in full swing.
Why Does Oz Kill Victor?
In one of the most shocking deaths in streaming television history, Oz kills Victor because “family makes you weak.” After the plan is enacted, Oz tries to celebrate with Francis, who is unresponsive. A nurse informs him that Mrs. Cobb has suffered a stroke, leaving her incapacitated.
Victor and his boss go to the park, where Oz drinks liquor straight from the bottle, without a paper bag. “The Penguin” is understandably upset, especially given his attachment disorder. Victor begins to comfort him, expressing gratitude for Oz’s belief in him and for showing him the way. He tells Oz that he’s “like family to me.” Big mistake.
Oz puts an arm around Victor’s shoulder, then around his neck, telling him he can’t bring him along. He begins to choke him. Under bated breath, Victor pleads, “Please, please.” But Oz doesn’t stop, choking the young man who saved him on more than one occasion until he dies. Cobb leaves Victor on the cold, unforgiving Gotham ground, taking the money from his wallet and license.
The Penguin Episode 2 Recap and Spoiler Review — Why Does Sofia Boldy Trust Oz with a Partnership?
The Penguin’sSeason 1 Episode 8 Ending Explained: How Does The Penguin Season Finale End?
The Penguinends with Sofia back at Arkham State Hospital, under Dr. Rush’s care. He comes in and tells her she has the usual “fan mail,” but one is different. She has a letter from Seline Kyle. Of course, we know she is aDC Comicssupervillain and anti-hero, Catwoman, played byZoë Kravitz.
Finally, we see Oz with his mother at Lackburonne Tower. He has purchased the penthouse so his mother can look over the city. He is dressed in a tuxedo, about to rub shoulders at a significant political event. Oz tells Francis it’s “everything you wanted while in her hospital bed.”
Oz then walks away downstairs, where Eve (True Detective’sCarmen Ejogo) is waiting for him, presumably because he is back on top. He tells her, “Tell me you love me.” Eve responds, “I love you, Oswald.” We last see the “Penguin” dancing with his love through the tower window and “The Batman” signal in the winter night sky.
The Penguin Episode 3 Recap and Spoiler Review — Why Does Victor Choose Oz Over Gracelia?
You can stream the new limited series The Penguin on HBO and Max, with new episodes dropping weekly.
The Penguin Episode 8 Recap and Spoiler Review Ending Explained (In Detail)
M.N. Miller
Film & Television Critic
Articles Published :336
M.N. Miller is a film and television critic and a proud member of the Las Vegas Film Critic Society, Critics Choice Association, and a 🍅 Rotten Tomatoes/Tomato meter approved. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Mansfield University and a Master’s from Chamberlain University. However, he still puts on his pants one leg at a time, and that’s when he usually stumbles over. When not writing about film or television, he patiently waits for the next Pearl Jam album and chooses to pass the time by scratching his wife’s back on Sunday afternoons while she watches endless reruns of California Dreams. M.N. Miller was proclaimed the smartest reviewer alive by actor Jason Isaacs but chose to ignore his obvious sarcasm. you’re able to also find his work on Hidden Remote, InSession Film, Ready Steady Cut, Geek Vibes Nation, and Nerd Alert.
More from M.N. Miller
What We Hide Review — Mckenna Grace Anchors a Haunting and Profound Tale of Survival
Witchboard Review — Over-the-Top, Campy, Scary Goodness For Fans of the Genre
Nobody 2 Review — Odenkirk Packs Some Wicked Punches and Savage Laughs
Recommended
Why Is Sharon Stone Dissing Basic Instinct Reboot Despite Years of Clout? Details Inside
Anya Taylor-Joy and Meryl Streep Circling Same Role In Cameron Crowe’s Next Big Bet: Reports
What Did Justin Baldoni Say to Isabela Ferrer? Alarming Revelation in Blake Lively’s Lawsuit
‘Gintama’ Creator Admits New Movie Is “A tool for dirty adults to make a quick buck”
Nice’s Return Just Gave ‘To Be Hero X’ Its Highest-Rated Episode of the Season
Sakamoto Days Part 2 Episode 8: Release Date, Spoilers and What to Expect
Colin FarellCristin MiliotiDCDC & MarvelJames GunnThe BatmanThe PenguinThe Penguin in Batman
