The Penguin Episode 8 Review

If you want to quickly evaluate The Penguin's last episode, know that it is the epitome of what makes a TV show great. Not just comic book TV, not just DC TV... From the outside, it could seem impossible since it's so good. Additionally, this series previously featured an episode that I declared to be the greatest DC episode ever. Even while The Penguin has been a great show, it has also been challenging and provocative at times. That sentiment has significantly increased since episode 8.

The finale, which takes place right after the epic cliffhanger ending of The Penguin episode 7, in which Gotham is once again in ruins and Oz's empire collapses around him, brings Sofia and Cobb's struggle to a head. In summary, Oz was captured by Sofia's men, and a terrifying confrontation between the Penguin and his mother was scheduled because of his siblings' deaths. From there, it's all about how we go from Oz at his lowest point to his being able to compete with Batman in the next Batman Part II—a journey that has already shocked us several times this season.

The finale, which was directed by Jennifer Getzinger (who has an impressive resume), promised to wrap up the tales of all the main characters and return control of Oz to Matt Reeves. Let's just say it was a success. An imposing, powerful, startling, and thought-provoking triumph that, in fact, succeeds to return attention to Batman's tale.

We Need To Talk About That One Scene

The last moment with Oz and Rhenzy Feliz's Vic is undoubtedly one of the most emotionally impactful things I've ever seen on live-action TV, though I won't give away any specifics here. Because of the outstanding performances and the direction the plot takes, it's the kind of scene that makes the audience gasp.

After the seven previous episodes brought them together, their relationship was also masterfully constructed throughout the show. Vic, who had been cultivated as Oz's underboss and a proxy for Gotham's populace, has always been essential to Oz's realization of his ultimate goal and the source of his power. Additionally, there are subtly expressed moments of genuine affection between Vic and his boss throughout the conclusion, which adds to the story's remarkable development.

Oz is Reclaimed and Reframed for the Future by The Penguin

Since Oz was, let's face it, a bit too likeable, the Penguin wanted to reclaim him. No matter what he did, you find yourself cheering for Colin Farrell because of his darkly endearing performance, which I might add was intentional. We had to care about his success, therefore that much was expertly orchestrated throughout the performance.

However, the one sequence in the end that will actually be discussed for a very long time flips everything. I nearly have to stand and cheer because it's such a successful resurrection of the notion that Oz is vile. I've already seen this episode twice, and I promise you that the second time you see the tricks that made you feel good about things, it becomes even more impactful. Here, the storytelling artistry is truly at the highest level.

How The Penguin Sidestepped a Serious MCU Problem

Due to a genetic constraint, the MCU's Disney+ series had to both build upon and be entertaining without affecting the mainline films. Because of this, you get whole bottle series that have no bearing on whether or not those characters are portrayed in a film. Crucially, it also explains why, narratively speaking, so many of them begin and conclude in the same place. In a sense, they are burdened by wonderful expectation.

Given that it serves as a backstory for the Batman films, The Penguin might have been in the same boat. Even without these eight fantastic episodes, Oz's takeover of Gotham would still make sense due to the final shot, which we already knew from the conclusion of The Batman. That's just plain, sensible self-preservation on the part of Matt Reeves' crew to ensure that those who missed the original series aren't left behind when the sequel is released.

However, The Penguin is still a must-see because, in addition to its excellent quality, the story's return to Oz's power play is flawlessly told, leaving no impression that the conclusion, which effectively follows on from The Batman, has let you down. The Penguin simply feels more substantial overall, but I can't say the same about any MCU shows, even if I enjoyed them.

Some of The Penguin's Best Individual Performances Are in the Finale

Once again, Colin Farrell is imposing, especially when he's under extreme emotional strain. It is captivating to watch him throughout the interrogation moment that truly elevates the program to its pinnacle. It's incredible that he can maintain such subtlety with that much artificial makeup. He then repeats it during Oz's most frantic moment, and what makes it so outstanding is not only the outcome of his actions but also the ruthless way the camera portrays what it demands of him.

Mark it off your bingo card: Cristin Milioti is fantastic once more. She excels at using viscerally impactful information in the same questioning sequence. Milioti's laser-guided assault on Oz's most significant connection is a case study in retaliation, but too many of Batman's enemies are categorized by their mental instability. The emotional fissures that show up are equally significant, and Sofia is frequently at her best in Milioti's moments of shattered humanity. She is someone I want more of.

Deidre O'Connell, on the other hand, plays both sides of Francis Cobb, losing to her illness and being both calculated and cruel (for good reason, of course), as she always does in The Penguin. One of the most cramped, tight moments I've seen in a long time is concluded by O'Connell's performance, which includes Sofia's interrogation and Julian Rush's flashback device.

The Penguin's underdog, Rhenzy Feliz, is another whose performance has never been afforded the luxury of grandeur. Victor, a street child archetype with depth, is more understated but no less masterfully constructed. His setup with Oz is so strong that I fear it will go unnoticed. The episode's conclusion just wouldn't land the way it does without his efforts. I'm very sure the other three will receive the Emmy nomination, but it would be a sad omission if he didn't.

Concluding Remarks on the Penguin's Finale

This show has been a revelation that probably shouldn't have come as a surprise, but comic book projects have gaslighted too many people, and it's just great to have such a colossal talent (along with each individual writer and director) making this quality of entertainment. Matt Reeves can be very happy that Lauren LeFranc expanded the Batman universe even before he did. To be honest, I'm simply glad it's over. Long live the Penguin! The Penguin is dead.