There are characters in HBO’s popular series The Penguin that are clearly bad people, like Oz Cobb (Colin Farrell). There are also those who find themselves in villainous roles, such as Sofia Falcone (Cristin Milioti). However, Victor Aguilar (Rhenzy Feliz) stands out as the one character who truly has a good heart and genuinely cares about others.
He does not engage in relationships based on transactions. This makes what occurs in Episode 6, titled “Gold Summit,” even more painful to witness. Vic already faces significant challenges.
He has a speech impediment and has lost his entire family due to the flooding of Gotham caused by The Riddler (Paul Dano) in The Batman. Despite his good nature and difficult past, he finds himself in a dark situation that he cannot escape.
What Happens to Victor in ‘The Penguin’ Episode 6?
Throughout the first season, a small-time Crown Point thug named Squid (Jared Abrahamson) has caused problems for Vic. The two grew up in the same tough neighborhood, and Vic has worked hard to stay away from Squid’s petty group of criminals.
However, things take a turn when Squid learns that Vic is working for Oz. Now, Squid wants in on the action. Vic knows he must protect Squid from being killed by Oz, as he realizes that his boss will likely eliminate any potential threat, especially someone trying to get into the Bliss business.
However, Squid is not the type to let Vic, the meek kid with a stutter, intimidate him anymore. When Vic tries to give Squid a few hundred dollars to stay out of trouble and let him handle things, Squid angrily throws the money back at him. He demands to be taken to Oz.
At this moment, Vic understands he must make a life-or-death decision that will change his life forever. He knows he cannot risk his growing partnership with Oz. Instead of taking Squid to Oz, Victor makes a shocking choice: he turns and shoots Squid in the throat, watching in horror as Squid dies a painful and bloody death.
This Murder Will Haunt Victor Forever in ‘The Penguin’
For hardened criminals like Oz or driven women like Sofia, murder may not bother them, but the impact on a young man like Vic can be disastrous. It is clear that he immediately regrets shooting Squid. He reaches for Squid and continues to apologize, even after he has pulled the trigger.
This traumatic experience can be devastating for someone like Vic, who never wanted to be a criminal. Not only does killing a man in cold blood take him to a dark place in his mind, but it is a crime from which he cannot recover.
Until this point in The Penguin, Vic has managed to avoid actions that would lead to irreversible consequences. He has committed serious crimes, including theft and possession with the intent to distribute. He even committed a spontaneous hit-and-run that saved Oz and Sofia from Nadia Maroni (Shohreh Aghdashloo) and her gang of thugs.
However, there is a reason that murder stands as the most severe crime one person can commit against another. Vic is not the kind of person who can separate himself from such an act without it affecting his identity. By killing Squid, Vic transitions from being a petty criminal to a murderer. He has crossed a line, and now he has to live with the consequences. It will be fascinating to see how he deals with his new trauma as the season continues.
As the season unfolds, viewers will likely witness Victor grappling with guilt, shame, and regret. These feelings will shape his decisions and interactions with other characters, especially Oz and Sofia. Vic’s path has taken a dark turn, and he must confront the reality of his actions.
This transformation not only impacts his relationship with others but also his self-identity. He may struggle to reconcile the kind-hearted person he once was with the violent act he has committed.
Moreover, the fallout from this act of violence could create tension within the crime family he has joined. Oz, who is used to dealing with violence and betrayal, may not react favorably to Vic’s emotional state. He could see Vic’s guilt as a weakness, making him question Vic’s loyalty and reliability as a partner in crime. This change in dynamic could lead to further complications for Vic as he faces his new reality.
Victor’s journey from a hopeful individual with a good heart to someone who has committed murder raises important questions about morality and choices in a corrupt world. In a place like Gotham, where crime thrives, the line between right and wrong becomes blurred.
Vic, who once avoided joining a life of crime, is now forced to confront the darker aspects of his environment. His decision to kill Squid may be seen as a necessary act of survival in the harsh world he inhabits. Still, it poses a moral dilemma that he must face.
In addition to the internal conflict Victor experiences, viewers might also see external repercussions. The crime world in The Penguin is unforgiving. Word of Squid’s death could spread quickly, leading to retaliation or further violence. Vic’s choice might not only endanger his own life but also the lives of those he cares about. As he grapples with the consequences of his actions, the stakes are raised for him and everyone around him.
Victor’s situation reflects a broader theme present in many crime dramas: the consequences of one’s choices. In The Penguin, the characters are often faced with difficult decisions that reveal their true nature. Vic’s struggle highlights the impact of violence on individuals and communities.
It serves as a reminder that even in a world filled with criminals, there can be individuals who strive for goodness, only to be drawn into a cycle of violence.
As the story progresses, it will be interesting to see how Vic’s character develops. Will he succumb to the darkness, or will he find a way to reclaim his humanity? The choices he makes in the wake of Squid’s death will shape his future and ultimately determine the kind of person he becomes.
His journey is one of redemption, but it is also a cautionary tale about the cost of violence and the importance of staying true to oneself, even in the face of adversity.
Still from The Penguin (Credit: HBO)
Victor Aguilar’s heartbreaking transformation in The Penguin serves as a pivotal moment in the series. Episode 6, “Gold Summit,” reveals the consequences of a single choice that changes Victor’s life forever.
As he faces the trauma and guilt that come with committing murder, viewers will witness the struggle between his good heart and the harsh realities of the world he inhabits. Victor’s journey is a powerful scheme of morality, identity, and the complex nature of human choices in a world filled with crime and corruption.
The Penguin is available to stream on Max in the U.S. As the series unfolds, audiences will follow Victor’s journey and the difficult choices he faces. His character’s evolution highlights that, even in the darkest of circumstances, the struggle for redemption and the preservation of one’s humanity remains deeply compelling themes.
Clint Eastwood is a well-respected name in cinema, recognized for his talents both in front of and behind the camera. His career spans decades and includes numerous iconic films that have shaped modern American cinema.
With 40 films as a director, he has created time-honored classics such as The Outlaw Josey Wales, The Bridges of Madison County, Mystic River, Unforgiven, and Million Dollar Baby, both of which won the Academy Award for Best Picture and Best Director. Eastwood’s latest endeavor, Juror #2, appears to be a significant addition to his filmography, potentially marking his final film project.
The film continues Eastwood’s longstanding scheme of justice, this time through the lens of a jury. As the story unfolds, it focuses on the jurors and their deliberations. A critical moment occurs when a juror (the second one) realizes he has a connection to the murder victim.
This revelation creates a situation that threatens not only the trial but also his own life. The film raises the question: at what cost does justice come? While the performances and cinematography are strong, the film struggles with some narrative choices that undermine its potential.
What Is Juror #2 About?
Juror #2 centers around Justin Kemp, played by Nicholas Hoult, an ordinary family man who serves on a jury for a high-profile murder trial. The case initially appears to be straightforward. A woman’s body is discovered brutally smashed on the rocks of a riverbed.
Witnesses point to her boyfriend, who is drunk and aggressive, as the prime suspect in her murder. As the trial begins, Kemp’s personal life adds tension to the courtroom drama. His wife, Ally, portrayed by Zoey Deutch, is about to give birth to their first child after experiencing a previous loss, making this pregnancy a source of high emotion and pressure for him.
As the trial progresses, Kemp is confronted with a terrible realization. He recognizes a past mistake that connects him to the victim in ways he cannot ignore.
This realization complicates the case and threatens the outcome for both the trial and the accused man. Kemp grapples with his guilt, which propels the jury deliberations into uncharted territory. He wants to see justice served, but he also feels the weight of his own past mistakes pressing down on him.
A Film with Strong Performances Undone by Inadequate Details
Juror #2 is primarily a legal thriller, but it also serves as a character study. The film centers on Kemp’s emotional struggles as he begins to believe he may be partially responsible for the young woman’s tragic death.
Much of the narrative revolves around Hoult’s character, who delivers an exceptional performance filled with emotional depth. He faces the tightrope between doing what is right and protecting his family, which creates a gripping internal conflict.
Alongside Hoult, Toni Collette shines as Faith Killebrew, an ambitious prosecutor. Killebrew is determined to seek justice, and her drive adds tension to the courtroom proceedings.
She is portrayed as a bulldog of sorts, fiercely committed to her case, which leads to complications for Kemp as he tries to reconcile his past with his current obligations. J.K. Simmons also brings depth to his role as a former detective turned juror, who begins to question the process and goes rogue during the trial. His character adds an additional layer of complexity to the narrative.
While the performances in Juror #2 are commendable, the film suffers from moments that stretch the limits of believability. One major plot point hinges on the improbable coincidence that a juror happens to be in the right place at the right time to connect with Kemp’s backstory. This kind of plot contrivance, which seems designed to drive the narrative forward, feels forced and takes away from the film’s full impact.
Another instance occurs when a particularly rigid juror confronts Kemp, suggesting he has noticed something off about him. The evidence presented is a weak combination of so-called facts that fail to cohere.
Additionally, when Kemp reaches a pivotal decision regarding his stance on the case, the other jurors quickly fall in line with his choice. This convenience is frustrating, as it undermines the complexities of the jury’s deliberations, reducing them to mere plot devices rather than realistic interactions.
Plot Contrivances and Inconsistent Details
The film is filled with small details that do not quite hold up under scrutiny. For instance, throughout Juror #2, viewers hear a range of accents among the characters, but Collette’s Georgia accent stands out as nearly the only one. This inconsistency might seem minor, but it adds to a sense of dissonance within the film.
Moreover, when a juror expresses doubt about the official autopsy report based on certain injuries, the details surrounding how the death occurred do not align with those injuries.
This kind of inconsistency detracts from the film’s credibility. Although Juror #2 features strong performances at its core, the supporting characters sometimes come off as caricatures. This makes it difficult for the audience to connect with them, which diminishes the emotional weight of the story.
Despite the film’s flaws, the central performances upgrade it. The actors’ talents shine through, and Eastwood’s direction brings a level of sophistication to the storytelling.
However, the script suffers from various issues, including underdeveloped details, convenient plot devices, and unlikely revelations. These aspects diminish the narrative’s full strength and could have benefitted from additional refinement.
Juror #2 Is Frustratingly Close to Working
One of the most frustrating aspects of Juror #2 is how close it comes to being a successful film. Nicholas Hoult’s performance is remarkable, and both Zoey Deutch and Toni Collette hold their own, delivering strong portrayals that enhance the emotional stakes. J.K. Simmons is also effective, bringing his character to life with authenticity. The caliber of performances is impressive, and Eastwood’s direction is intelligent, with smart cinematography that heightens the film’s dramatic moments.
Yet, small details continue to reduce the film’s believability. Inconsistencies create gaps in the narrative, dulling the impact of a movie that could have been significantly more powerful. The film’s scheme of truth and justice ultimately stumbles due to these flaws, preventing it from resonating as deeply as it might have with a more cohesive script.
Thematic Elements: Justice and Guilt
Juror #2 touches on several significant themes, including the nature of justice and the personal struggles individuals face when their past decisions come back to haunt them.
As Kemp grapples with his guilt, he embodies the idea that justice is not always black and white. The film poses difficult questions about morality, responsibility, and the price one must pay for the choices they make.
The juror’s journey reflects the struggles of many people in real life, as they face complex moral shows. Kemp’s desire for justice is complicated by his guilt, leading him to question his own integrity.
This internal conflict is relatable and serves as a compelling narrative device that keeps the audience engaged. However, the film sometimes misses opportunities to show these themes more deeply, opting instead for convenient plot devices that simplify the characters’ struggles.
Conclusion: A Missed Opportunity
In the end, Juror #2 is a film that contains the potential for greatness but falls short due to a variety of issues. The performances are strong, the direction is skillful, and the thematic elements are rich, yet the narrative’s flaws ultimately hold it back.
With a more cohesive script and careful attention to detail, the film could have offered a more profound scheme of justice and guilt.
Still from Juror #2 (Credit: Warner Bros)
While Clint Eastwood has created many masterpieces over his long career, Juror #2 may not reach the same heights as some of his earlier works. Nevertheless, it remains a compelling watch for those interested in the complexities of the justice system and the personal dilemmas faced by individuals caught in its web.
The film serves as a reminder that, while justice is a noble pursuit, it is often fraught with challenges and moral ambiguities that can leave even the best intentions in question.
