The Penguin Sets Up The Batman – Part II’s Story as a Political Thriller
The recent finale of The Penguin brought an end to Oz Cobb and Sofia Gigante’s conflict, but Oz took significant losses, including the loss of his Bliss business and the death of Victor Aguilar. These sacrifices have transformed Oz into an even more ruthless criminal, making him less likely to form personal relationships and more inclined to double-cross those around him.
The series has set up a potential political thriller storyline for The Batman – Part II, with the increasing likelihood of the Court of Owls being revealed as the main villains. The show may explore the idea that the Court has influenced Gotham’s history since its beginning, with both Batman and the Penguin potentially discovering the truth.
The Penguin introduced an original character, Victor Aguilar, as a kind-hearted teenager who felt lost in Gotham’s crime-ridden streets. While not a traditional sidekick, Victor became Oz’s right-hand man, proving that similar dynamics could work between Batman and Robin.
With this in mind, it’s possible that The Batman – Part II could introduce a Robin character. This would not only serve as a way to create a new dynamic but also allow for a different approach to the mentor-protegé relationship between Batman and Robin. While Oz’s actions have been extreme, Batman could protect Robin and ensure a healthier balance in his life.
Robin’s character could be the perfect catalyst to show Oz why his decision to kill Victor was misguided. The irony of Robin landing the final blow to the Penguin’s criminal operations and Oz realizing the value of having Victor by his side would add a layer of depth to the story.
Unlike previous versions of Batman, Oz’s disregard for Victor’s training has resulted in his loyalty being lost. This could be contrasted with Batman’s approach, where he ensures his sidekick is physically and psychologically prepared, and he fulfills their every need. If Oz meets Robin in the future, he could realize the potential Victor never got to fulfill.
While The Penguin drew inspiration from Robin’s comic book history, specifically Jason Todd’s, The Batman – Part II could introduce a different version of the character. Potential options include Tim Drake, Stephanie Brown, or Carrie Kelley, who could offer a fresh take on the iconic role.
