The Penguin Finale Review: An Unforgettable Conclusion
In truly great media, a story often surprises audiences by going in directions they didn’t expect or even realize they wanted, delivering something refreshingly unique. This is a difficult feat, especially in today’s landscape filled with predictable fan service. However, when an artist has a clear, well-rounded vision, they often succeed regardless of trends. “The Batman” is a prime example: Matt Reeves took a character who could have been reduced to fan service and created a world that felt both familiar and entirely new. “The Penguin” has benefited immensely from this approach. Borrowing the tone, characters, and aesthetic of The Batman as a foundation, the show has skillfully built on the movie without catering too much to hardcore fans. Now, as we reach The Penguin Finale, the series closes on a high note, paying homage to its origin without leaning too heavily on nostalgic elements.

The Penguin Finale
isn’t free from all elements of fan service; it does save a few nods to its core audience until the end. In the closing moments, a connection is established to The Batman Part II, effectively passing the torch for the next installment. Additionally, a message from Selina Kyle (Catwoman) to Sofia Falcone teases future developments, building anticipation for what’s next. While some might argue that these moments could have been omitted to keep the focus on The Penguin alone, they still successfully add depth to Reeves’ immersive DC universe, leaving fans eager to continue this crime saga.
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An interesting challenge in The Penguin Finale is how the series concludes with a focus on a villain protagonist. This has been a consistent theme throughout The Penguin series, which has successfully portrayed Oswald Cobblepot (Oz) as a complex character—sympathetic at times, but far from redeemable. The finale, titled “A Great or Little Thing,” does not deliver a happy ending. While Oz may feel that he has finally achieved victory, his success is ultimately empty. In his quest to dominate Gotham, Oz has lost himself entirely, transforming into a darker version of himself. This bleak conclusion resonates, as The Penguin Finale leaves viewers with a sense of discomfort, underscoring that Oz was never meant to be the hero of this tale.
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One issue with The Penguin Finale lies in its pacing, which at times detracts from the impact of its narrative. While the story logically follows the path laid out in previous episodes, it sometimes drags, causing viewers to wait for the more intense moments to arrive. The latter half of The Penguin series has occasionally struggled with this, and “A Great or Little Thing” is no exception. Although each scene feels meaningful and essential to the characters’ development, the flow is sometimes disjointed. The episode delivers several impactful moments that evoke strong emotions, yet these could have resonated more if the smaller scenes had been equally compelling.The final scenes in The Penguin Finale are some of the series’ most intense, especially those involving key characters. Vic’s last moments are particularly heartbreaking, as his fate is sealed by simply expressing his genuine affection for Oz. Vic was always too pure for this world, and his tragic end solidifies the realization that Oz’s actions can no longer be excused. Sofia’s storyline, too, concludes with her life spared but her fate left bleak as she returns to Arkham, a reminder of Oz’s destructive influence.

The ending reserved for Francis, however, is perhaps the most disturbing. Left in a vegetative state, she faces a future worse than death, unable to fully experience the Gotham that once belonged to her. Though she wasn’t a sympathetic character, her fate is a haunting reminder of the depths Oz has sunk to, effectively sealing his transformation into The Penguin. These final moments highlight the devastation Oz has brought to those around him, emphasizing his complete moral downfall.
Verdict
While The Penguin Finale may not provide a traditionally “satisfying” conclusion, it delivers an intense, unforgettable ending. The episode may have its flaws, but it drives home the message that Oswald Cobblepot is a monster—one who will undoubtedly face a force of good in future installments. As we bid farewell to The Penguin Finale, we’re left with a powerful, unsettling portrait of a man consumed by his dark ambition. This twisted saga, filled with intricate layers and psychological depth, has set the stage for what promises to be an epic continuation of Matt Reeves’ DC universe.