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Notice! This post contains SPOILERS for episode 8 of The Penguin
The penguin episode 8 is the finale of the new DC series, featuring several Easter eggs and references to the original comics, previous episodes, Batmanand possible connections with Batman – Part II. By the end of this grand finale, Oz Cobb (Colin Farrell) has finally risen to the top as the new kingpin of Gotham’s criminal underworld. Likewise, there are many connections and references to be found, including ones that are very symbolic of Oz’s rise in power, which serves as a mirror of the original Penguin seen on the page.
In The penguin episode 8, Oz Cobb’s rivalry with Sofia Falcone/Gigante (Cristin Milioti) comes to an epic end, which leaves former Crime Family leader Falcone back in Arkham while Oz himself claims Gotham for himself. Additionally, this major conflict featured its fair share of nods to the DC series that came to an end while setting up the events of Matt Reeves’ next film. Batman – Part II. To that end, here are 10 the biggest Easter eggs and references in The penguin episode 8, the epic finale of the new DC show.
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Gotham Renewal Banner
And more Gotham graffiti
Having rallied Gotham’s other gangs to help Oz after Salvatore Maroni and Sofia Gigante made their move against the Penguin, the explosion at Crown Point seen in The penguin episode 7 motivates the gangs to go back and abandon Victor Aguilar (Rhenzy Feliz), Oz’s right-hand man. To this end, several posters and graffiti can be seen on the sides of the street as Victor tries to convince the gangs to help.
This notably includes a banner for the Gotham Renewal Corporation, Gotham’s main trust that was used by Carmine Falcone and corrupt city officials before The Riddler exposed the truth as seen in 2022. Batman. To that end, Riddler’s question marks can also be seen on the walls amid old campaign posters for Don Mitchell Jr. Protest posters against the GCPD are also featured.
9
Bella Real nameplate
Mayor-Elect of Gotham City
After escaping from Sofia and her men at Monroe’s house and taking his mother to the hospital, Oz Cobb visits Gotham City Hall in The penguin episode 8. Meeting with Councilman Hady to discuss his plan to blame all recent criminal violence on Sofia, Oz briefly glances at the nameplate belonging to none other than Mayor-elect Bella Reál (Jayme Lawson). With Hady confirming that Reà l intends to advance an anti-corruption campaign, it makes sense that Penguin would be interested in appearing as clean as possible (using Sofia as the perfect scapegoat for his recent crimes).
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Penguin forging connections with Gotham’s elite
Just like in the comics
Having previously been presented in The penguinIt’s important to note that Councilman Hady is a character from the original DC Comics who was once the corrupt mayor of Gotham. As such, it doesn’t bode well for Gotham that he and Oz have become allies, although it serves as a cool connection to the comics. After all, the Penguin from the comics has great influence and connections with Gotham’s elite, so it’s very exciting to see Oz doing the same on screen.
7
Bella Reál in a sling
Still recovering from 2022 Batman
As Penguin leaves City Hall, Oz sees Mayor-elect Bella Reál talking to several aides and officials on a balcony above. She also appears wearing a sling, still recovering from her recent gunshot wound. This makes sense, since the events of The penguin will occur almost immediately after Batman which ended with Riddler’s followers shooting Reál while she was on stage at Gotham Square Gardens (as saved by the intervention of Robert Pattinson’s Batman).
6
Goodwin International Airport
Named after Archie Goodwin
Intent on leaving Gotham for good after killing Oz, Sofia heads to Goodwin International Airport at the end of The penguin episode 8. Goodwin International Airport is the same main Gotham airport in the comics, having been named after Archie Goodwin, who was a writer and editor of comics for DC and Marvel Comics. Goodwin notably served as editor on iconic Batman titles like The Long Halloween.
5
Sofia Burning Carmine Watch
Falcone’s birthday gift
Before arriving at the airport, Sofia finds the watch that she was going to give her father on the night of her birthday, the same night that he arrested her and ended up admitted to the Arkahm State Hospital, as seen in The penguin episode 4. Having already destroyed her father’s legacy and intending to donate his empire to whatever gang could give him Oz, Sofia burning the clock along with the painting and the Falcone family mansion was her definitive closure. If Oz hadn’t gained the upper hand, Sofia would have left Gotham and never looked back as she started a whole new life.
4
Selina Kyle’s Catwoman Sends a Letter
Selina is Sofia’s half-sister
After Oz arranges for Sofia to be arrested and placed back in Arkham, it is revealed that her doctor, Julian Rush, apparently got his job back to remain close to her. To do this, he is shown handing her a letter in a black envelope and tells Sofia that she will want to read it. It has been confirmed that the letter itself came from Selina Kyle, aka Catwoman, who debuted in Batman (played by Zoë Kravitz). Presumably, Selina heard about what happened to Sofia and what she did to Carmine’s empire, and wanted to get in touch with her half-sister.
3
Catwoman themed pieces
Will Sofia meet Catwoman in the future?
As Sofia opens and begins to read Selina’s letter, Michael Giacchino’s “Catwoman” theme from Batman plays in the background. Although the contents of the letter were not revealed, it stands to reason that Selina and Sofa would have a lot in common, considering their shared hatred for Carmine and the fact that he murdered both of their mothers. While Batmanone confirmed that Selina intended to leave Gotham and start a new life in the nearby city of Blüdhaven, it’s quite possible that the two half-sisters could one day meet in the future.
2
Penguin new clothes
Umbrella, tuxedo and top hat
Seen living in a penthouse suite, Oz is shown at the end of The penguin episode 8 wearing a tuxedo, complete with a top hat which he places on an umbrella upon entering. Not only does this connect with your childhood dreams and your favorite movie (confirmed in The penguin episode 7 will be from 1935 top hat), but it also connects to the Penguin’s iconic appearance in the original comics. It’s a simple but incredibly effective way to show that Oz Cobb has truly risen to the top, having finally become Gotham’s new kingpin like he always wanted (though it certainly wasn’t without cost).
1
The bat signal lights up at the end of the penguin
Where has Batman been?
The final shot of The penguin Episode 8 shows the Penguin dancing with Eva (who is dressed and acts like Oz’s mother). Ironically, the Bat-Signal is shown lighting up in Gotham’s night sky shortly after Eve tells Oz that there is nothing else in its path. As such, it’s more than likely a direct tease for the upcoming events that will be depicted in Matt Reeves’ film. Batman – Part II.
That said, it’s still unknown where Robert Pattinson’s Batman was during the events of The penguin itself. Considering all the damage and violence that has occurred in Gotham thanks to Oz’s ambition and rivalries with the Maronis and Falcones/Gigantes, one would think that the Dark Knight would have intervened long before things got as bad as they did at the end of The Penguin end. That said, there are several theories and clues that Batman may have disappeared after the events of 2022. Batmanand that his whereabouts will eventually be revealed in the next sequel.
All episodes of The penguin they are now streaming on Max.
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