The Penguin is a new series with only five episodes, but it has already made a big impact on the world of The Batman. This show takes a close look at the crime families in Gotham City, giving viewers a detailed look at how they operate.
Although Batman, played by Robert Pattinson in this universe, does not appear in the series, there are still many connections to the movie that first introduced Colin Farrell’s character, Oswald Cobblepot, also known as the Penguin.
The Penguin focuses on the life of its main character, Oswald, and shows his motivations and challenges. It also reveals how the attack by the Riddler, played by Paul Dano, affected the city and its people. The series gives viewers a better understanding of Arkham Asylum in this version of Gotham. The Penguin expands the universe of The Batman and shows how rich and complex it is.
One of the most interesting aspects of the show is how it ties itself to the film without forcing in familiar characters where they do not fit. This allows the story to flow naturally and gives new characters a chance to shine. However, one surprising cameo that fans did not expect was the appearance of Mackenzie Bock, played by Con O’Neill, in Episode 5, titled “Homecoming.”
The Role of Police Chief Mackenzie Bock
In Gotham’s criminal underworld, the Police Chief does not play a big role in stopping crime. This is not surprising, given the freedom that the Falcones enjoy in the city.
Despite the murders, drug deals, and other crimes happening around them, the Gotham City Police Department (GCPD) does very little to go after Oswald or Sofia Falcone, played by Cristin Milioti. The Police Chief does not seem to take action against them, which is a clear indication of the corruption within the police force.
However, when the Falcones experience a violent night that nearly wipes out their family, Police Chief Bock does show up at the crime scene. This violent incident occurs immediately after Sofia brutally attacks her family in Episode 4, titled “Cent’anni.”
This leaves Sofia as one of the few survivors, which raises suspicion about her role in the incident. Bock questions Sofia at the crime scene, trying to gather more information about what happened the night before. Although he never directly accuses her, his words imply that he is wary of her involvement.
Sofia is quick to shift the blame onto Jonny Viti, played by Michael Kelly, another survivor who is now missing. This tactic shows her desperate attempt to escape responsibility for her family’s downfall.
Bock does not immediately accept her explanations. Upset by his questions, Sofia reminds Bock that she knows about the bribes he accepted from her family. She boldly accuses him and his officers of planning to sell crime scene photos to the media.
Still from The Penguin (Credit: HBO)
Even though Sofia manages to avoid answering Bock’s questions, he does not seem convinced of her innocence as he leaves the scene. This raises questions about what actions he might take, especially if Sofia has the power to blackmail him.
Bock’s Importance in The Batman
Bock may not have been a main character in The Batman, but his role as Police Chief made him an important figure in the story. He symbolizes a larger section of the GCPD that does not trust Batman.
Bock believes that Batman’s presence is complicating his department’s efforts to maintain order. He often voices his dislike for Batman, making it clear that he does not support the vigilante’s methods.
In a memorable scene at police headquarters, Bock openly blames Batman for the death of the District Attorney. He even calls Batman a “scumbag.”
This moment is crucial because it highlights Bock’s strong opposition to Batman. The Dark Knight accuses Bock of corruption, much like Sofia does, which angers the Police Chief and leads to a heated exchange before Jim Gordon, played by Jeffrey Wright, intervenes.
Bock represents the many GCPD officers who oppose Batman. This conflict between Batman and the police is a common theme throughout the story. In this universe, Bock embodies the tension between the police force and the vigilante. He is always accusing Batman and standing in his way, making it more challenging for the hero to carry out his mission.
Bock’s character also creates a unique conflict for Jim Gordon. Unlike most stories where Gordon is the Police Commissioner and does not have to deal with a superior officer who is against Batman, The Batman introduces this challenge through Bock’s character. This adds a new layer of complexity to Gordon’s character and his relationship with Batman.
Bock’s Cameo in The Penguin
Including Bock in The Penguin was a smart decision for the show. His position as a powerful figure in the police department who has ties to the Falcones makes him a natural fit for the series. The Penguin focuses on Gotham’s underworld, which cannot function without the cooperation of the police.
The GCPD is known for its corruption, but the show often highlights a few heroic exceptions, like Jim Gordon. Bock stands in contrast to these heroes, clearly showing where his loyalties lie.
The series does a great job of showing this conflict from a different perspective, especially as it becomes clear that Bock is suspicious of Sofia, even as she tries to manipulate him. By incorporating Bock into The Penguin, the show opens up new possibilities for storytelling.
His character could provide insight into why he accepted the Falcones’ offers and what drove him to align himself with such a dangerous family. This deeper understanding would give viewers a more nuanced view of the criminal underworld in Gotham and add more layers of gray to the characters involved.
The Complexity of Gotham’s Criminal Underworld
The Penguin paints a rich picture of Gotham’s criminal underbelly. It shows how crime families operate and interact with each other. Each episode builds on the last, revealing the various players in this dangerous game. Oswald Cobblepot is at the center of it all, trying to carve out his place in a city that is both unforgiving and chaotic.
Sofia Falcone is a central character in the series, representing the powerful Falcone family. Her character adds depth to the story, showing that she is more than just a villain. Sofia has her own motivations and reasons for her actions, which makes her a complex character. The show does not shy away from showing her relationship with her family and the weight of the legacy she carries.
Oswald’s journey is also compelling. He struggles to gain power and respect in a world that often dismisses him. The series shows his evolution from a low-level criminal to a key player in Gotham’s underworld.
The Penguin shows his desires, fears, and the lengths he will go to achieve his goals. It creates a story that is engaging and full of tension as Oswald faces the dangers around him.
The interactions between Oswald and Sofia are particularly interesting. Their relationship is fraught with tension as they both try to assert their dominance. The rivalry between them adds another layer of complexity to the show, keeping viewers invested in their stories. The power dynamics shift constantly, making it difficult to predict what will happen next.
Bock as a Symbol of Corruption
Bock’s character symbolizes the corruption that runs deep within Gotham’s police force. He is a reminder that not all officers are heroes and that many have their own agendas. His willingness to accept bribes and his connection to the Falcone family show the extent of the problem. This corruption impacts the entire city, creating a cycle of crime that is hard to break.
The show highlights how Bock’s actions affect not only the criminals he interacts with but also the citizens of Gotham. When the police are not working to uphold the law, it creates an environment where crime can flourish. The Penguin illustrates the struggles of those trying to show this dangerous world, including both criminals and law enforcement.
This theme of corruption is significant as it ties into the larger narrative of The Batman universe. It raises questions about morality and the choices people make when faced with difficult situations. The Penguin encourages viewers to think about the motivations behind the characters’ actions and the consequences that follow.
Future of Bock’s Character
As the universe of The Batman continues to expand, Bock’s character has the potential to grow even more. While The Penguin may not be the ideal place to show his backstory, the interconnectedness of these stories keeps viewers engaged. Bock’s appearance in The Penguin could become more significant as new developments unfold.
The upcoming film, The Batman Part II, could provide more opportunities for Bock’s character to shine. As the story progresses, there may be more chances to show his motivations and the choices that led him down his current path. With the rich world that Matt Reeves has created, Bock’s character could evolve in surprising ways.
The Penguin sets up a fascinating dynamic between Bock, Oswald, and Sofia. As their stories intertwine, viewers will likely see how their relationships develop and the impact they have on each other. This interconnectedness keeps the story fresh and engaging, ensuring that audiences remain invested in the characters and their journeys.
Conclusion
The Penguin has made a strong impact on the Batman universe in just five episodes. It has opened up the world of Gotham, allowing viewers to go into its criminal underbelly. With characters like Oswald Cobblepot and Sofia Falcone, the show shows the complexities of power and corruption in Gotham City.
Police Chief Bock’s character adds depth to the story, serving as a reminder of the challenges that come with facing a corrupt system. His appearance in The Penguin connects the series to The Batman, setting the stage for future developments. As the universe continues to expand, the potential for rich storytelling is limitless.
Still from The Penguin (Credit: HBO)
Fans of The Batman will appreciate how The Penguin builds on the existing narrative while introducing new characters and dynamics.
The series has the power to engage audiences, making them think about the motivations and consequences of each character’s actions. With its focus on the darker aspects of Gotham, The Penguin is a compelling addition to the franchise that leaves viewers wanting more.
The Penguin is available to stream on Max in the U.S. Viewers can catch up on the episodes and see how this series expands the world of The Batman, deepening their understanding of Gotham’s crime families and the challenges they face.
After solving the Dudenoff mystery in Episode 8, the three main characters of Only Murders in the Building were left confused. They had discovered that the mystery was not related to the murder of Sazz, who is played by Jane Lynch.
With only two episodes remaining in Season 4, the characters were under pressure to find answers quickly. Episode 9, titled “Escape From Planet Klongo,” does not waste time. It gets straight into the investigation and reveals some shocking truths.
This episode is packed with exciting flashbacks and features some big-name guest stars. It finally brings important answers to the mysteries that have puzzled viewers.
Glen Stubbins Is Not the Killer in Only Murders in the Building
The previous episode ended on a tense cliffhanger. It hinted that Glen Stubbins, played by Paul Rudd, might be the stunt actor who had problems with Sazz during the filming of Project Ronkonkoma. However, Glen is still recovering in the hospital after being shot at a photoshoot.
Mabel, portrayed by Selena Gomez, along with Charles (Steve Martin) and Oliver (Martin Short), arrives at the hospital. They bring a case of beer in hopes of waking Glen from his coma.
Upon reaching the hospital, they learn that the nurse will not allow them to see Glen because they are not family members. The nurse tells them she will call them when Glen wakes up. This news leaves the trio frustrated. They decide to wait in the waiting room and discuss their next steps.
While sitting in the waiting room, Oliver mentions the case of beer he brought. He reveals that it was given to him by Sazz the night she died. He states he will never drink it. Mabel suggests she could take it from him instead. This moment shows the bond between the characters and the weight of their loss.
Just as they prepare to leave, they encounter the bartender from Concussions, the bar where stunt performers hang out, which they visited earlier in the season. They ask him about Project Ronkonkoma. He tells them that Glen was not the original stuntman for the movie.
Glen was brought in to replace Sazz’s protégé, who messed up so badly that Sazz had to blacklist him from the industry. This revelation raises alarms for Mabel, Charles, and Oliver. It suggests that Glen may have had a motive to harm Sazz.
The bartender explains that only three people know what truly happened during the filming: Sazz, Glen, and the movie’s director. Since Glen is unconscious and Sazz is dead, the director is their only hope for answers.
Still from Only Murders in the Building (Credit: Hulu)
The problem is that the director is the famous Ron Howard. This discovery adds a new layer of excitement to the investigation and sets the stage for their next move.
Oliver’s a Bachelor No More in Season 4, Episode 9
To reach Ron Howard, Mabel seeks help from Bev Melon, played by Molly Shannon. Bev agrees to give Mabel Howard’s filming location on the condition that Mabel helps her with her movie’s script. This shows the character dynamics and how they must show their personal and professional relationships to achieve their goals.
With the address secured, Mabel, Charles, and Oliver head to the studio where Ron Howard is filming Escape From Planet Klongo. Now, they must figure out how to get into the studio. Oliver believes this will be easy because he claims to be good friends with Ron Howard.
He even refers to Howard as “Ron-Ron,” but Charles and Mabel are skeptical. They know Oliver has a habit of exaggerating.
When they try to use Oliver’s friendship story on the security guard at the studio, it does not work. The guard is not impressed and refuses them entry. Feeling defeated, they think about leaving when they hear a call for background actors from inside the building. Seizing this chance, they rush inside, hoping to blend in and get closer to Ron Howard.
While filling out forms for background work, Oliver casually mentions that he should change his emergency contact to Loretta (Meryl Streep) since they are getting married.
This comment visibly annoys Charles. He feels overshadowed and worries about being the awkward friend in their relationship. The tension between Oliver and Charles highlights their friendship and the struggles that come with change.
The situation escalates when Charles confronts Oliver. He calls him insufferable and declares he will not throw Oliver a bachelor party because he believes no one will attend. This argument leads to them being kicked off the set.
They retreat to the dressing room, where Charles reveals that he is actually Oliver’s emergency contact. He admits that he feels left out as Oliver prepares for his wedding. Despite his happiness for Oliver, Charles expresses feelings of insecurity.
Glen Stubbins Is Stubbed Out in Only Murders in the Building
While Oliver and Charles deal with their friendship issues on set, Mabel receives a call that Glen has woken up from his coma. Excited and hopeful, she rushes to the hospital to speak with him. However, her hopes are dashed when she arrives at Glen’s room, only to learn that someone else entered before her.
Glen initially thinks it is the nurse who has come to help him. However, as the person approaches, he realizes it is someone he recognizes, which confuses him. Suddenly, the visitor presses a pillow over Glen’s face, smothering him. Glen struggles to break free, but it is too late.
By the time Mabel arrives, she learns from the nurse that Glen has died. The suddenness of his death raises alarms for Mabel. She feels a sense of urgency and anger because she believes she could have stopped it.
Still from Only Murders in the Building (Credit: Hulu)
Mabel inquires about who else was called to alert them about Glen waking up. To her shock, she learns that Glen’s emergency contact was Sazz Pataki. This revelation sends chills down her spine.
Mabel realizes that Glen did not die from his injuries; he was murdered by the same person who killed Sazz. This connection adds a new twist to the mystery and intensifies the urgency for Mabel, Charles, and Oliver to find answers.
It’s Ron Howard to the Rescue in Season 4, Episode 9
After their emotional moment on set, Oliver and Charles decide to grab lunch at the restaurant where Charles first met Ron Howard. During lunch, Oliver admits that he did not have a bachelor party or a best man at his first wedding.
He tells Charles he doesn’t need a bachelor party for this wedding either, but he does ask Charles to be his best man. He also jokes that Charles can be the emergency contact on his life alert bracelet, just in case something happens.
Charles is pleased with this request and decides to throw Oliver a mini-bachelor party after all. Earlier, Oliver mentioned he wanted three things for his bachelor party: whiskey, A-list celebrities, and a naughty secret.
Charles orders them some Johnny Walker whiskey, and then walks over to the restaurant’s wall of celebrity photos. He picks up Oliver’s photo and places it next to Ron Howard’s picture. He tells Oliver that this will be their naughty secret.
For the A-list celebrity, Charles jokingly suggests he fits the bill himself, but Oliver is not impressed. Just then, Ron Howard walks into the restaurant, making Oliver’s wish come true. Howard greets Oliver with a friendly “Olly” and refers to himself as “Ron-Ron.” The three of them sit down for lunch together, and this moment creates a lighthearted atmosphere amid the serious investigation.
During their lunch, Charles and Oliver take the opportunity to ask Ron Howard about Project Ronkonkoma. They hope to get more details about the incident that led to Sazz’s death. Through their conversation with Howard, viewers learn the tragic events that unfolded during the filming of the movie.
Throughout the episode, viewers see flashbacks of Sazz working with her protégé. These scenes show how she found him by accident when he flipped into her backseat after she backed her car into him. Sazz took him under her wing and began teaching him the stunts he needed to know for his first big role. However, Howard reveals a dark truth behind the filming of the stunt.
The atmosphere on set was always tense before a big stunt, especially during fire scenes. However, that day had a surprisingly calm mood. The stuntman was well-prepared, but he made a grave mistake. He did not wait until he was fully extinguished before getting up and rushing toward Howard.
The flames reignited, causing chaos on set. This incident not only burned Howard’s eyebrows off but also created a major disaster that haunted everyone involved.
Oliver and Charles realize they need to find this stuntman to get more answers. Howard asks them to bring back his stolen shoes if they find him. He explains that the shoes have the same tread pattern found on the radiator in Dudenoff’s apartment.
This detail connects the dots for Charles and Oliver, who are eager to continue their investigation. Howard also provides them with the name of the stuntman: Rex Bailey.
The name does not sound familiar to Charles or Oliver until Howard shows them a picture of Rex. They are shocked to see that it is Marshall, the screenwriter for the Only Murders movie.
Mabel Is Alone With the Murderer in Only Murders in the Building
Meanwhile, Mabel returns home from the hospital after hearing about Glen’s death. When she arrives at her apartment, she finds Marshall sitting outside in the hallway.
Mabel had been willing to read over the script for the Only Murders movie. However, after another death, she feels the whole situation is pointless. She believes she could have stopped this tragedy if she had figured out the stuntman angle sooner.
Marshall listens to her frustration and takes her feelings as inspiration for his script. He begins asking Mabel for her opinion on some of the dialogue, and she helps him refine it.
In a moment of camaraderie, Mabel offers Marshall a beer, hoping it will help them as they work through the script together. As she opens the case of beer she took from Oliver, she discovers something unexpected inside.
Before Marshall can respond, Mabel receives a text from Charles. The text reveals that Marshall is indeed Sazz’s protégé, confirming Mabel’s suspicions.
The episode ends on a tense note as the credits roll. Mabel is left alone in her apartment with the murderer, and there seems to be no help in sight. This cliffhanger creates a sense of urgency and leaves viewers eager for the next episode.
Themes and Character Development in Episode 9
Episode 9 is filled with significant themes and character development. The theme of friendship is shown through Oliver, Charles, and Mabel as they show their relationships. The episode highlights the challenges they face as they deal with personal changes, like Oliver’s upcoming wedding and the loss of Sazz.
The investigation itself serves as a backdrop for showing deeper emotions and connections between the characters. Mabel’s anger and frustration over Glen’s death drive her actions. At the same time, Charles’s insecurities about his friendship with Oliver become more pronounced, revealing the complexity of their relationship.
The introduction of Ron Howard as a character adds an interesting dynamic to the episode. His presence as a famous director brings a sense of authenticity to the storyline and reinforces the idea that the characters are stepping into a world of real film-making, which heightens the stakes of their investigation.
Still from Only Murders in the Building (Credit: Hulu)
The episode also effectively uses flashbacks to enhance the narrative. The glimpses into Sazz’s past and her work with her protégé help viewers understand her character better. They also reveal the tragic circumstances surrounding her death, making the investigation more compelling.
Conclusion
Only Murders in the Building Season 4, Episode 9 delivers a mix of humor, mystery, and emotional depth. As the characters race against time to solve the mystery of Sazz’s murder and Glen’s sudden death, the stakes become higher. The episode expertly balances the main plot with character development, keeping viewers engaged and eager for more.
As the series approaches its season finale, the unanswered questions linger in the air. What will happen next? Will Mabel uncover the truth about Glen’s murder? And how will the dynamics between Oliver, Charles, and Mabel change as they face these challenges together?
With new episodes available for streaming on Hulu every Tuesday, fans will be on the edge of their seats, anticipating the twists and turns of this thrilling murder mystery series.
