The Penguin Series Review : Breaking Down Episode 1

" After Hours " 

In The Penguin (2024), the first episode sets the stage one week after the assassination of Carmine Falcone and the destruction of Gotham City's seawall. Oswald "Oz" Cobblepot, now recovering some of Falcone's hidden valuables from the Iceberg Lounge, faces confrontation with Carmine's son, Alberto Falcone. The two clash when Oz is ridiculed for his ambitions, leading him to impulsively shoot and kill Alberto. 

After disposing of the body and dealing with juvenile delinquents, Oz spares a boy named Victor "Vic" Aguilar after hearing him stutter, leading to the boy’s recruitment. Meanwhile, Sofia Falcone, Alberto's sister, is released from Arkham Asylum and suspects Oz of being involved in her brother's disappearance. The Falcones are planning to take over Oz's drug operations, but Oz considers fleeing town, though his mother, Francis, discourages him.

Oz then visits Salvatore Maroni in Blackgate Prison, offering to return control of the drug ring to him in exchange for support. After some reluctance, Maroni agrees, and Oz secures Maroni’s trust by returning a ring that Carmine had taken from him. Sofia captures and tortures Oz, but her plans are interrupted when Vic stages the recovery of Alberto's body, framing Maroni's crew. After being released, Oz begins plotting with Vic to seize control of the Falcone family crime empire. 

This sets up a tense power struggle as Oz aims to consolidate power and eliminate his rivals.