The fifth episode of The Penguin hints at the rise of Oz Cobb’s criminal empire, and as anticipation builds for The Batman 2, fans are beginning to shape their expectations for the sequel.
The latest installment of The Penguin certainly delivered shocks. Upon uncovering the shocking truths about Sofia Falcone and her supposed crimes as the Hangman, she exacted her revenge on her family by eliminating them all—save for Johnny Viti, who doesn’t survive for long.
Oz’s betrayal looms large again, leading to a destined confrontation. Sofia must forge her own familial ties and ally with the Maronis. In this episode, viewers also see Oz portrayed not as a sympathetic anti-hero, but rather a charming yet wicked villain, revealing his dark and ruthless nature.
In the final moments of the episode, Oz and Victor discover a new headquarters. In conjunction with an unexpected cameo, there are indications that The Batman 2 may draw from a particular storyline within the DC universe.
The Penguin Episode 5 Hints at No Man’s Land
There are two major clues relating to No Man’s Land in The Penguin’s fifth episode: the arrival of Mackenzie Bock and the decision by Oz and Victor to utilize the subway tunnels.
In The Batman, Bock (played by Con O’Neill) serves as Gotham’s police chief. While he doesn’t appear corrupt, his disdain for the caped crusader is evident as he disparages him as a “scumbag” and criticizes Jim Gordon (Jeffrey Wright) for his defense of Batman.
In Episode 5, Bock makes a brief appearance right after the Falcones’ demise, as he interrogates Sofia about the killings and Johnny’s location. This moment not only recalls his role in the film but also hints at his significant involvement in the No Man’s Land comics, linking him further to the Penguin.
As Episode 5 concludes, while his mother sleeps in a Crown Point apartment, Oz introduces Victor to a concealed subway tunnel, reminiscing: “Me and my brothers used to mess around down here; these tunnels go everywhere—they give us access to the whole city.”
Once they turn on the lights, Oz realizes the tunnels would serve as an ideal hub for their new ‘Bliss’ operation since the environmental conditions will be optimal for the mushrooms’ growth.
During the No Man’s Land arc, Bock departs from the GCPD to provide aid in his neighborhood, even agreeing to collaborate with the Penguin to secure medicines for the harmed and weakened survivors. When the situation escalates in Gotham, he orchestrates the evacuation of citizens through the Penguin’s underground pathways.
Understanding the No Man’s Land Storyline
No Man’s Land is a Batman comic arc released in 1999, set in the aftermath of a devastating earthquake that ravages Gotham. The U.S. government effectively evacuates the city’s inhabitants, demolishes bridges, and establishes a military blockade, officially designating the area as a “no man’s land.”
Simultaneously, the Penguin capitalizes on this unrest, running a covert trading network for criminals within the subterranean tunnels.
While details about The Batman 2 remain scarce, aside from it taking place in a winter setting, Episode 2 of The Penguin has offered more clues regarding No Man’s Land. In a scene, Victor mentions being from Crown Point, which prompts one of Eve’s workers to refer to it as a “no man’s land” in the wake of a flooding incident.
In an interview with CinemaBlend, director Craig Zobel refrained from confirming whether this was a broader hint about the franchise, but he acknowledged: “No, that was… I mean, [showrunner Lauren LeFranc] is very knowledgeable, and I believe she intentionally includes those references.”
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