The Next Episode of The Penguin Might Introduce a Major Item

The Penguin is quickly approaching its end on HBO and the DC series only continues to raise the stakes each week. The episodes so far have found new ways of introducing audiences to the backstory of the classic Batman villain, and The Penguin’s seventh episode may do the same.

HBO’s The Batman spin-off sees Colin Farrell return to his role as Oswald Cobb, who was established as an associate of Gotham’s crime lord, Carmine Falcone, in Matt Reeves’ Batman movie. Now, in the aftermath of the Riddler’s attack and the death of Falcone, a power vacuum is in effect in Gotham, with the Falcone family, Maronis, and other crime gangs eager to rise to the top. Oz is also ready to take his chance to make his mark and build his criminal empire, which will establish him as the notorious villain he is known as in DC comics.

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The Penguin Episode 7 Title Teases A Major Item

Elements of the Penguin’s comic book character have been sprinkled throughout The Penguin’s six episodes so far. The Batman already introduced a version of the infamous Iceberg Lounge in the movie, renaming it as 42 Below. However, The Penguin has continued to find grounded ways of bringing the character’s comic book peculiarities to life. The series has established that Oz is afflicted with clubfoot, which explains his limp, and he’s usually depicted wearing a suit, like his character’s comic design. Episode 5 of The Penguin introduced Oz’s new base of operations, an abandoned underground railway system. This is seemingly a shout-out to the Penguin’s comic book origins, in which he usually established a lair underground and hidden from others.

In terms of other characteristics the show needs to tick off, the Penguin is yet to get a few items for his outfit, but a clue in the Episode 7 title of The Penguin hints one may be on the way. Episode 7 is titled “Top Hat”, which is an iconic accessory that the Penguin is known for having in DC comics.

Will Oz Get His Iconic Top Hat?

The Penguin has been quite deliberate with its episode titles to date, but they often have a double meaning or hint at something thematic in the episode. While Episode 7 could be an introduction to how and why Oz starts wearing a top hat, it’s more likely this is one of The Penguin’s metaphoric titles. As part of the tone and aesthetic established in Matt Reeves’ The Batman, The Penguin has been wary of dipping too far into unrealistic comic book territory, even renaming the character to Oz Cobb, rather than Oswald Cobblepot, as the creators deemed it seemed more grounded for the world they were operating in.

Abiding by that logic, Oz wearing a top hat out of choice may seem out of character in this world, but perhaps something in Episode 7 will force him to do so. Previews for The Penguin Episode 7 seem to indicate that Oz will be captured and tortured, with his mother and accomplice, Victor, potentially being used as leverage against him. Sofia is also seen in the preview turning to her associate and psychologist, Julian Rush, for help with her attempts to make Oz feel “real pain.”

The Penguin’s Episode 7 Title Might Be A Metaphor

Potentially, the top hat reference in the episode’s title is actually a metaphor for the type of torture or device that Sofia intends to use on Oz or his loved ones. Sofia herself was forced to endure years of electro-convulsive therapy at Arkham Asylum, and with Dr. Rush helping her, there’s no telling what kind of creative pain they will come up with to inflict on their enemies. Of course, The Penguin could introduce a grounded reason for Oz to wear a top hat as well, perhaps as a way to create a more imposing identity for himself, or maybe it would be a necessity to cover up a wound or scar.

What About The Penguin’s Umbrella?

Another essential item to the Penguin’s identity in the comics is his use of an umbrella. While Oz has been depicted holding an umbrella in The Batman universe before, it’s only been under normal circumstances and hasn’t become something integral to his character. In DC comics, the Penguin uses an umbrella as a weapon, sometimes outfitting it with artillery or explosives. While The Penguin may not lean too far into the comic-book nature of the character’s umbrella gun, it isn’t too much of a stretch to think that Oz could use an umbrella as a weapon at some point before the series is done.

As The Penguin approaches its end, it will likely reach a conclusion where Oz is established as the criminal kingpin he is best known as in Batman comics. Although the way the series gets him there will probably be unexpected.

The Penguin Episode 7 will be released on HBO on November 3.

Created by Lauren LeFranc and starring Colin Farrell, The Penguin builds on 2022’s The Batman. The Max series chronicles the eponymous villain’s attempt to reach Gotham’s criminal peak, rising through the underworld in the middle of a power struggle.

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