Warning: This article discusses critical plot details (including the ending) of Season 1’s finale of “The Penguin” (now available on Max), so proceed with caution if you haven’t watched it yet.

The concluding episode of HBO’s “The Penguin” delivers a powerful emotional twist but also a sense of optimism, as Colin Farrell’s flawed gangster evolves into the infamous supervillain of Gotham City, while the city’s protector makes a brief appearance. (Sort of.)

Lauren LeFranc, the creator of “The Batman” spin-off series, mentioned that she envisioned it as a “rise-to-power story” for the underestimated Oz Cobb, stating, “He couldn’t achieve that without facing immense personal losses. It had to come with a price—an emotional price—most of which he willingly chose to pay,” leading Oz to sacrifice “himself, those around him, and certain values to gain that level of power.”

By the episode’s conclusion, Oz “ultimately does lose his sense of humanity,” LeFranc adds. “He perceives that loss as a weakness, which contributes to his villainy. I believed this aspect was crucial.”

Let’s delve into the key events of the finale involving Oz and his associates:

Colin Farrell’s ‘The Penguin’ Makes a Critical Choice

The series centers on Oz’s ambition to dominate Gotham’s drug trade, igniting a revolt among overlooked young criminals who target their gang leaders. However, he’s confronted with various challenges: His mother, Francis (Deidre O’Connell), suffers a stroke following a clash with Oz’s foe, Sofia Falcone (Cristin Milioti). In a poignant moment, his young ally, Victor (Rhenzy Feliz), tries to comfort Oz, but the situation turns tragic when Oz brutally takes Victor’s life. “You’re a good man, Vic. You’ve got a good heart. It wasn’t for nothing,” Oz murmurs as Victor collapses.

LeFranc emphasizes, “I aimed to show that Oz makes this devastating decision on his own accord, with no justification. That element was incredibly significant.”

Farrell reflects, “Any remnants of decency within Oz vanish at that moment. It’s as if the final flicker of morality has been extinguished. He has become a truly dark and sinister individual.”

Cristin Milioti’s Sofia Falcone Faces a Mixed Fate

After setting off a car bomb to destroy Oz’s drug lab—resulting in extensive city damage—Sofia decides to leave the city and abandon her family’s criminal legacy. When given the chance to confront Oz one last time, she is betrayed, allowing Oz to seize his moment of vengeance. “You’re going to hell, sweetheart,” Oz says, pointing a gun at her as she defiantly responds, “I’ll save you a seat.” Just as things seem dire, the police arrive, arrest her, and return her to Arkham Asylum.

Milioti suggests that for Sofia, returning to Arkham is “a fate worse than death.” She adds, “He discovered the one thing that could possibly torment her the most.” However, there’s a hint of solace: Sofia receives a mysterious letter from her half-sister Selina Kyle (Catwoman, played by Zoë Kravitz in “The Batman”). Although the contents of the letter are not revealed, Sofia smiles as she reads it, signifying a flicker of hope.

“It feels like a moment of brightness,” Milioti comments. “And on a personal note, I would love to see them join forces and unleash chaos together, clearly becoming a force for trouble in style.”

The Penguin Finally Takes Charge, But Batman is Watching

In the final scenes of the episode, Oz, sporting his iconic top hat and tuxedo from the comics, returns to his penthouse to see his mother, who is now unresponsive. As a child, Oz promised her a “top-floor” view, but the sadness on her face suggests this was not the life she envisioned for him.

In a slightly unsettling yet affectionate moment, Oz’s girlfriend Eve expresses her pride in him. “Gotham belongs to you now, darling. There’s nothing in your way anymore,” she tells him.

Oz concurs, responding, “You’re absolutely right.” They then share a brief dance as the camera pulls back to reveal the Bat symbol glowing in the overcast sky of Gotham.

Although Robert Pattinson’s Batman from “The Batman” does not appear in “The Penguin,” the series serves as a link between director Matt Reeves’ initial film and the forthcoming “The Batman Part II,” scheduled for release on October 2, 2026. This concluding scene acts as a graceful transition to the next film, indicating that Batman still exists in Gotham,” LeFranc explains. “We haven’t seen him in a while, but he will definitely make an appearance in the sequel.”

“Oz has risen to a position of power that has brought him into the spotlight. In the first movie, Batman didn’t regard Oz as significant, but now he poses a real threat.”