Within the penultimate episode of The Penguin, titled “Top Hat,” viewers are drawn deeper into the tumultuous lives of Oz Cobb and Sofia Gigante, especially as they approach their climactic confrontation for control of Gotham.
This episode intricately weaves flashbacks of Oz’s troubled childhood with the present escalating tension between him and Sofia, revealing painful truths about his past and the harrowing events that shaped him. While Sofia’s previous episode evoked strong emotions, “Top Hat” intensifies this exploration, specializing in the impact of family tragedy and trauma on Oz’s character development.
The episode opens with a young Oz attempting to attach along with his mother through a movie night, only to be interrupted by his brothers, Benny and Jack. Their strained sibling relationship is palpable because the trio embarks on a time out in Gotham, where their mother works for local gangster Rex.
Because the rain begins to fall, the kids find themselves playing within the underground tunnels, but a game of flashlight tag takes a dark turn when Oz locks his brothers in a sewer, resulting in their tragic drowning. This pivotal moment not only cements Oz’s isolation but additionally foreshadows the deep-seated guilt and emotional scars that may haunt him throughout his life.
In the current, the stakes are raised as Sofia kidnaps Oz’s mother, Francis, prompting a violent confrontation with Sal Maroni, who attacks Oz at his home. Their brutal encounter showcases the risks of the criminal underworld, with Maroni asserting his dominance over Oz.
Meanwhile, Sofia’s visit to Francis reveals her intent to know Oz’s troubled history, sparking a fierce exchange between the 2 women that emphasizes the non-public vendettas at play. The episode captures the intertwining fates of those characters as they navigate betrayal, vengeance, and the implications of their violent decisions.
Because the narrative unfolds, Oz’s cunning and strategic considering come to the forefront. After Maroni’s brutal assault, Oz manages to outsmart him, resulting in a violent showdown within the sewers where he ultimately kills Maroni, further establishing his ruthless fame.
In a parallel storyline, Sofia’s visit to her cousin in a children’s home sheds light on her own tragic past and the implications of her violent actions. Her emotional breakdown emphasizes her complexity as a personality, revealing a softer side amidst her quest for power and revenge against Oz.
The episode culminates in a tense climax as Oz and Sofia prepare for his or her inevitable confrontation. Following the explosive encounter set by Sofia, Oz survives by hiding in the identical sewers that witnessed his brothers’ demise, symbolically linking his past traumas to the current conflict.
The narrative is enriched with Easter eggs from the Batman universe, including the introduction of Rex Calabrese and the nod to the film Top Hat, which adds layers to the story. As Gotham descends into chaos, the stage is ready for an epic showdown between Oz and Sofia, leaving viewers eagerly anticipating the series finale.
