Warning: This article contains spoilers for The Penguin Episode 1
The Dolly Parton song played at the end of The penguyn Episode 1 perfectly captures where Oz Cobb’s path is leading him in his DC solo series. HBO’s The penguin Introduces the most complex version of ​​the villain that has been on the screen so far, with a short temper and a twisted mind, but also with empathy for the people with whom he feels identified and an awareness of terrorists like the Riddler . Oz Cobb is an inherent part of Gotham’s criminal underworld The Batman Universe, however The penguin Reveals that he is far from being the most powerful gangster in Gotham.
Expanding Matt Reeves The Batman franchise, The penguin Adopts a similarly grounded tone and realistic stakes. Gone are the top hat and the monocle of the comic books, as well as the inhumanly long nose and the black blood of Tim Burton’s. Batman Returns. Colin Farrell’s Oz Cobb is simply a notorious criminal with ties to the Falcone family and the “fall” Business. And how The penguyn The soundtrack of episode 1 suggests that Oz sees himself as the hero of his own story.
The Penguin Episode 1 ends with Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5”
Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5” appears twice in The Penguin Episode 1
Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5”, released in 1980 alongside the eponymous comedy film starring Parton, first appeared in The penguin Episode 1 When Oz Cobb and his sidekick Victor Aguilar enter Oz’s second car. Oz is quick to turn off the radio, but the song reappears not long after, during The penguin Animated credits from episode 1. Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5” scores The penguin The credits of episode 1 shortly after Oz and Cobb deliver Alberto Falcone’s corpse to Sofia Falcone – a seemingly strange song choice to accompany such a twist plan. The chorus of Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5” includes the lyrics:
Working 9-5, what a way to make a living
Barely getting through, it’s all taking and no giving
They just use your opinion and you never get the credit
It’s enough to drive you crazy if you let it
No to five, yes, they have you where they want you
There is a better life and you think about it do not
It’s a rich man’s game no matter what they call it
And you spend your life with money in his wallet
The penguins animated credits are followed by traditional credits scored by The penguins main theme. after that, The penguin Episode 1 includes a teaser trailer for the next upcoming episodes. This teaser features Oz Cobb saying “I’m just a poor kid, born of nothing. Just got something to prove.” The penguin changes Oz Cobb’s comic book backstory and adapts him to the gritty, realistic torn down Gotham that Matt Reeves’ The Batman introduced, which adds a bit more context to The penguins use of Dolly Parton’s working-class themed “9 to 5” song.
Why “9 to 5” is the perfect song for Colin Farrell’s Oz
The end credits of The Penguin Episode 1 poke fun at Oz Cobb’s strange psyche
Unlike his comic book counterpart, Colin Farrell’s Oz Cobb comes from a working-class family. Oz’s mother owns an old house in the suburbs and Oz seems to have amassed his wealth through hard post-criminal work while working for the Falcone family. It was “Working 9-5…barely getting by, it’s all take and no give“. Although he was a diligent ally to the Falcone family, he clearly had no particular affection for them, and the feeling was mutual. In Oz’s mind, the Falcons “Just use (his) mind and (he) never get(s) the credit”.
Departing from Dolly Parton’s sensible critique of oppressive systems, Oz only wants to replace “The Boss” And run the show yourself
Oz finally leaves his place in the Falcone hierarchy “drive (him crazy)“ To the point that Alberto laughing at him made him snap. The Falcons think “They got (him) where they want (him)”As Oz spent “His life put money in (their) wallet”, But he accepts it now “It’s a Better Life” Waiting for him. Oz tells Victor that they must take what they believe is rightfully theirs by overthrowing the Falcons. However, Oz misunderstands the “9 to 5” struggle. Departing from Dolly Parton’s sensible critique of oppressive systems, Oz only wants to replace “The Boss” And run the show yourself.
Dolly Parton has another message in the Penguin
The Penguin features some strong but flawed female characters
Dolly Parton wrote “9 to 5” as the main theme of the 1980 comedy of the same name, which follows three women (played by Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin) as they overthrow their big boss. Directed by Colin Higgins, 9 to 5 was a very successful film that spawned a television show and a Broadway musical. therefore, The edition of Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5” in The penguin Episode 1’s ending and animated credits are a nod too The penguins female characters, all of whom have a certain degree of influence on Oz Cobb.
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Oz’s mother Frances is directly affected by the system that Dolly Parton criticizes in “9 to 5”, because she cannot climb the non-existent ladder of the economic system exclusively through hard work. On the other side of the spectrum, Sofia Falcone is powerful and influential enough to rule Gotham. However, the seemingly innocent Francis motivates Oz to defeat the Falcons no matter what it takes, and the supposedly untouchable Sophia is easily tricked by Oz and his novice accomplice. While The penguin Has a heavy focus on strong male characters, female characters also play a key role.
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