The Penguin Theory nails the perfect setup for two of Batman’s greatest villains

Warning: This article contains spoilers for The Penguin episode 3, “Bliss.”

One theory about Gotham City’s new drug, Bliss, in The penguin could provide the perfect setup needed to introduce two iconic DC Universe villains into the series. Spinning off from Matt Reeves The Batmanwhich saw Robert Pattinson don the cape and head as the Dark Knight, The penguin Delivers an insightful investigation of Gotham’s criminal underworld. This was evident throughout, however The penguin Episode 3, “Bliss,” takes it to the next level, as Colin Farrell’s Oswald “Oz” Cobb now goes into the drug business.

Oz Cobb has so far spent the majority of The penguin Trying to avoid being killed by Cristian Milioti’s Sofia Falcone, and has kept the fact that he is her brother’s killer well hidden. keep his friends close and his enemies closer, The penguin Episode 3 saw Oz partnered with Sophia as the pair went into business with the Triads in an effort to spread their new drug, Bliss. While Oz is playing a dangerous game, the introduction of Bliss in The penguin Could open the door for even more threatening villains to show their faces.

The penguin’s new drug explained – what is bliss?

Happiness is the new drug in The Penguin by Sofia Falcone & Oz Cobb

The idea of ​​bliss was first mentioned in The penguin’s Premiere episode of Alberto Falcone, with the drug said to be his and Sofia’s ticket to the top of the hierarchy of the Falcone family, and therefore Gotham’s entire criminal underworld. After Alberto’s death, Sofia takes over the operation, and brings Oz into the fold The penguin Episode 3, aptly titled “Bliss.” Bliss was revealed to be a drug made from the basidiospores of bleeding tooth fungi. This blood-like substance hardens into a crystal that can be ingested, and creates a euphoric state in its user.

There is a drug named Bliss in DC Comics, first seen in 2010s Titan’s (Volume 2) #26But there is little connection between this version of the designer hallucinogen and the drug seen in The penguin. In the comics, Bliss was designed by Teen Titans villain Elijah, created from the reprocessed hormone secretions of kidnapped pre-adults. The penguin’s Bliss stems from mushrooms, and is a powerful euphoric stimulant. However, Sophia also reveals that Bliss is given to inmates at Arkham Asylum to keep them “contented and submissive,” suggesting there may be a darker purpose to Bliss’ creation.

The Penguin could put Poison Ivy as the drug mastermind of the series

Poison Ivy would be a fantastic addition to the Penguin

The idea of ​​a new substance is derived from mushrooms in The penguin has led to some speculation that one iconic DC Comics botanist-turned-ecoterrorist could make an appearance in the series. While Sofia Falcone is seemingly leading the drug operation in The penguin, It’s possible that someone even more powerful could be masterminding the scheme, and that could be Gotham City’s Pamela Isley, aka Poison Ivy. Introduced to DC Comics in 1966s Batman #181Poison Ivy is a very powerful villain who has the ability to control plant life, and favors nature over humanity.

While this darker and grittier franchise, currently comprises The Batman And The penguinHaving already introduced villains such as The Riddler, The Penguin and The Joker, it would be great to see more of Batman’s rogues gallery brought into live-action. Poison Ivy is a brilliant candidate who fits perfectly into the Bliss storyline of The penguin. She is one of Batman’s most enduring and powerful enemies, and Her hatred of humanity would certainly lead her to an attempt to subjugate the citizens of Gotham with a new addictive drug..

The Bliss of the Penguin can offer a new answer to Joker’s iconic laugh

Bliss’ Penguin debut opens the door for the Joker’s return

While Barry Keoghan debuts as “Unseen Arkham Prisoner” in The BatmanA deleted scene from the 2022 movie confirmed that he is this universe’s version of The Joker. Imprisoned in Arkham Asylum, it is very possible that Keoghan’s Joker has interacted with Sofia Falcone, as she stays in Arkham Asylum. Since she suggests that Arkham inmates were given Bliss to keep them submissive, it stands to reason that the Joker would also have received doses of the drug. This could provide much-sought-after answers about the Joker’s personality and characterization.

As seen in The penguin Episode 3, Bliss can be used to ignite pure euphoria in its user. This is demonstrated during Oz and Sophia’s test run at the nightclub, with many scrambling to use Bliss as escapism from the recent catastrophic events in Gotham, including the Riddler’s attacks and the city being flooded in The Batman. The fact that Bliss creates this euphoria may explain the Joker’s iconic and recognizable laugh.Especially if he was subject to more bliss than other Arkham Asylum inmates to keep him cool.

Barry Keoghan’s Joker deserves development now more than ever

Barry Keoghan’s Joker could be the new audience favorite if handled right

After the release of Joker: Folie à DeuxStarring Joaquin Phoenix as Arthur Fleck, a version of the Joker, the movie has received criticism for not delivering a comic-accurate iteration of the Joker. This is, in fact, the point of the movie – for Fleck to dismiss Joker. even so, Many wanted to see some of the Joker’s violent and brutal actions in live-action again, and there is still demand for that.So the opportunity could be there for Barry Keoghan’s Joker to get a lot more development, and perhaps become the new favorite interpretation of the iconic DC villain.

Barry Keoghan’s Joker would, no doubt, be a darker, rawer and more threatening version of the villain. As seen in DC’s recent live-action projects. Arthur Fleck didn’t hurt anyone Joker: Folie à DeuxAlthough killing six people in 2019s JokerWhile Jared Leto’s Joker never captured the imagination of the audiences. The Bliss storyline opens the door for The penguin To shed more light on Keoghan’s Joker within the walls of Arkham Asylum ahead of Matt Reeves’ upcoming The Batman – Part II See that he presents himself with a real danger.

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