In 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 current 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, focusing on the impact of family tragedy and trauma on Oz’s character development.
The episode opens with a young Oz attempting to connect with his mother through a movie night, only to be interrupted by his brothers, Benny and Jack. Their strained sibling relationship is palpable as the trio embarks on a day out in Gotham, where their mother works for local gangster Rex.
As the rain begins to fall, the children find themselves playing in the underground tunnels, but a game of flashlight tag takes a dark turn when Oz locks his brothers in a sewer, leading to their tragic drowning. This pivotal moment not only cements Oz’s isolation but also foreshadows the deep-seated guilt and emotional scars that will haunt him throughout his life.
In the present, 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 dangers of the criminal underworld, with Maroni asserting his dominance over Oz.
Meanwhile, Sofia’s visit to Francis reveals her intent to understand Oz’s troubled history, sparking a fierce exchange between the two women that emphasizes the personal vendettas at play. The episode captures the intertwining fates of these characters as they navigate betrayal, vengeance, and the consequences of their violent choices.
As the narrative unfolds, Oz’s cunning and strategic thinking come to the forefront. After Maroni’s brutal assault, Oz manages to outsmart him, leading to a violent showdown in the sewers where he ultimately kills Maroni, further establishing his ruthless reputation.
In a parallel storyline, Sofia’s visit to her cousin in a children’s home sheds light on her own tragic past and the consequences of her violent actions. Her emotional breakdown emphasizes her complexity as a character, 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 their inevitable confrontation. Following the explosive encounter set by Sofia, Oz survives by hiding in the same sewers that witnessed his brothers’ demise, symbolically linking his past traumas to the present 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 set for an epic showdown between Oz and Sofia, leaving viewers eagerly anticipating the series finale.
