The seventh episode of The Penguin is a treasure trove of Easter eggs and DC references, unveiling intricate details about Oz Cobb’s childhood. Below, we delve into 13 notable Easter eggs and references from this pivotal installment.
1. Exploring the Dolly Parton Connection
The episode opens with the iconic duet “Islands in the Stream”by Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers playing on Oz’s mother’s record player.
This nostalgic musical choice resonates with the series premiere, where Parton’s hit “9 to 5″played on Oz’s car radio, highlighting the significant influence his mother had on his musical preferences.
2. The Origin of Oz’s Leg Issue
Flashbacks reveal young Oz wearing a leg brace, indicating that his enduring “bum leg”dates back to his formative years.
This enduring condition and his limp likely contributed to his “Penguin”moniker, setting him apart from his brothers, Jack and Benny.
3. Unveiling Rex Calabrese
The episode introduces the elusive DC character Rex Calabrese, known as “The Lion,” who previously served as Oz’s mentor in the criminal world.
Rex not only employed Oz as a driver but also integrated him into Gotham’s intricate world of crime, revealing the complex dynamics of their relationship.
4. The Trolley Coin Mystery
A thrilling flashback captures young Oz discovering a trolley coin hidden deep in Gotham’s abandoned tunnels.
This coin resurfaces in episode 5 as an adult Oz finds it among his mother’s belongings, foreshadowing the tunnels’ pivotal role in his burgeoning criminal empire.
5. Symbolism of the Overflow Tunnel Door
One of the episode’s most harrowing moments occurs when Oz locks his brothers in an overflow tunnel during a storm, sealing their fate.
This same portal, seen earlier in the series, subsequently becomes critical for Oz’s escape when Sofia attempts to destroy his drug operation.
6. The Beetlejuice Connection
In a nostalgic moment, Oz tells his mother that his brothers went to see the film Beetlejuice, a Tim Burton classic featuring Michael Keaton.
Given Keaton’s portrayal of Batman in the late ’80s, this reference cleverly intertwines with Gotham’s dark narrative, linking with Burton’s Batman Returns that featured Danny DeVito as the Penguin.
7. Insights from Oz’s Favorite Film
A touching scene shows young Oz and his mother watching the classic musical Top Hat (1935), featuring Fred Astaire.
Oz’s admiration for Astaire’s elegant style offers clues about the Penguin’s iconic look, as noted by the episode title, “Top Hat.”
8. The Ginger Rogers Reference
During her captivity, Oz’s mother quips about dancing on Sofia’s grave “like Ginger Rogers.”
This mention not only connects back to Top Hat but also underscores Oz’s emotional bond with his mother and the traditions she passed down to him.
9. The Significance of “I Got You”
In a tense interaction, Oz’s proclamation “I got you” to Salvatore Maroni (Clancy Brown) comes just as Maroni suffers a fatal heart attack.
This moment echoes an earlier scene in The Batman, where Oz’s premature declaration of victory is met with a fierce challenge from Batman.
10. The Significance of Maroni’s Ring
Oz’s acquisition of Salvatore Maroni’s ring symbolizes a crucial victory as it represents one of Gotham’s most coveted mobster artifacts.
This storied ring, once owned by both Carmine Falcone and his son Alberto, now in Oz’s possession signals a remarkable shift in power dynamics.
11. Sofia’s Parental Echo
During a confrontation, Sofia’s retort, “Is that what you think?” reveals the influence of her father’s intimidating demeanor.
This psychological twist further aligns Sofia with her father’s ruthless reputation as she navigates her complex motivations in the storyline.
12. The Importance of Monroe’s Jazz Club
A flashback scene portrays Oz’s mother relishing a delightful dance at Monroe’s Jazz Club—her favorite spot.
However, when Sofia chooses this venue as her location for holding Oz’s mother captive, it transforms a cherished memory into a striking display of power and menace.
13. The Role of Detective Marcus Wise
The episode features the notorious corrupt detective Marcus Wise, who once again plays a pivotal role by bringing Oz to Sofia after a life-threatening car bombing.
Wise’s reappearance, laden with a questionable reputation in the DC universe, strongly hints that the series finale will culminate in a spectacular confrontation.
Final Thoughts
The seventh episode not only sets the stage for an electrifying finale but also layers the narrative with rich backstories and intricate character development.
With its finely crafted storytelling, this penultimate chapter enriches the saga before Oz’s climactic showdown with Gigante. Here’s to another thrilling episode awaiting us on HBO Max!
About The Penguin
The Penguin is an American television miniseries crafted by Lauren LeFranc for HBO. This show, based on the beloved DC Comics character, serves as a spinoff from the 2022 film The Batman, exploring the ascent of the Penguin within Gotham City’s criminal hierarchy. LeFranc operates as the series showrunner, with production support from DC Studios in partnership with Warner Bros. Television.
Colin Farrell reprises his role as the Penguin, alongside a talented cast that includes Cristin Milioti, Rhenzy Feliz, Clancy Brown, Carmen Ejogo, and more. Development began in September 2021, culminating in HBO Max’s order in March 2022 after the film’s release. Matt Reeves, the director of The Batman, oversaw the writing process and cast selection. Filming commenced in March 2023 in New York, was paused due to the Hollywood labor disputes in June, and eventually wrapped up in February 2024. The series transitioned from HBO Max to HBO in July 2024. The first three episodes were directed by Craig Zobel.
The Penguin debuted in the United States on HBO on September 19, 2024, and will run for a total of eight episodes until November 10.
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