In the gripping finale of The Penguin, Oz Cobb solidifies his status as the “f**king king.” However, this ascent to power comes at a significant emotional cost, particularly following a gut-wrenching scene that unequivocally delineates his identity as a villain. This moment serves as a stark reminder of Oz’s dark nature, igniting a wave of sentiment among viewers.
The best television of 2024 has boldly ventured into deeply emotional narratives, with shows like Baby Reindeer—especially Episode 4, which explores Donny’s traumatic fallout— and the heart-wrenching X-Men ’97, depicting the Genosha massacre, where Rogue mournfully cradles Gambit’s lifeless body, whispering “I can’t feel you.” Similarly, every harrowing moment in Masters of the Air adds to the emotional heft of the season.
Initially, The Penguin may not have appeared to offer such emotional resonance. The origin story of a Gotham gangster transforming into a famed adversary of Batman seems ripe for chaos and treachery, yet few anticipated it would delve so profoundly into emotional territory.
Contrary to expectations, the series is laden with grim yet poignant moments. From Oz’s twisted Oedipal devotion to his mother leading to her tragic demise, to the heartbreaking tale of Sofia Fal—now known as Gigante—and most notably, the tragic journey of Victor Aguilar, Oz’s ally turned victim.
Victor’s Demise: A Heartbreaking Twist in The Penguin
Victor entered Oz’s world with little to his name—a man isolated from friends, family, and purpose. In a morally ambiguous way, Oz provided him with a sense of belonging and significance, whether fulfilling the role of bagman in a narcotics-laden club or entrusted with caring for Oz’s mother. Victor gradually found his voice, embracing life rather than hiding in the shadows.
The season’s climax reinforces their interdependence: as Oz confesses, they are all that remains for one another. However, this bond ultimately precipitates Victor’s downfall. Despite the foreshadowing many expected—whether through betrayal or revenge—few anticipated the brutal reality of Oz’s cold-blooded murder of Victor.
As viewers tuned into the final episode, the tension regarding Victor’s fate was palpable. While speculation led many, including myself, to believe he would not survive, no one foresaw the emotional devastation of Oz taking his life with a bare-handed act of betrayal.
This moment is visceral. Victor expresses his familial bond with Oz as he realizes the enormity of the betrayal closing in around him. “F**k,”he gasps, grappling with the reality of his impending doom as Oz feigns affection, only to pull him into a violent embrace that seals Victor’s fate.
Oz’s struggle reveals a deeper truth: family ties could be a vulnerability he cannot afford as he seeks to ascend as Gotham’s kingpin. With chilling resolve, he strangles Victor—who pleads for mercy at the riverbank—while their shared history echoes in agonizing silence.
As Victor’s lifeless body crumples, Oz callously robs him, discarding his identity—a poignant metaphor for his transformation into a callous figure devoid of empathy. Victor, who desired to belong, now faces the grim reality of being just one of Gotham’s countless unidentified casualties.
While I wasn’t necessarily fond of Oz prior to this heartbreaking scene, his actions throughout the series had offered a sense of twisted catharsis. He shifted the blame for a Maroni associate’s demise onto Sofia’s conniving aide, showcased brutality merely to make a point, and banished Sofia yet again to Arkham with malicious intent.
Victor’s unexpected death is jarring—it exposes an uncomfortable truth. Oz is, unequivocally, a monster, rooted in the insecurities many relate to: a struggle for significance, a sense of place, and an unyielding desire for power.
Victor’s presence brought a flicker of humanity to Oz’s character, no matter how warped. Ultimately, however, it becomes painfully clear that, for Oz, this journey culminates in utter desolation.
For more insights, check out our coverage of what to expect in The Batman 2, the origins of the Penguin’s title, and the anticipated conditions for a potential second season of The Penguin.
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