The Penguin Episode 3 Ending Explained: Will Victor Leave Oswald? Key Details Uncovered

The third episode of The Penguin, titled “Bliss,”premiered on HBO Max on October 6, 2024, shedding light on the character of Victor Aguilar. The episode opened with a flashback to the catastrophic events from The Batman, where The Riddler orchestrated a flood in Gotham by demolishing the sea walls, resulting in the tragic deaths of Victor’s parents. It then transitioned to the present day, where Victor grapples with PTSD stemming from his past.

This episode allowed Victor to take center stage, significantly focusing on his desire to break free from Oswald Cobblepot. He contemplated moving to California with his girlfriend, Graciela. Although he nearly severed ties with Oswald, Victor ultimately returned, motivated to carve out his own identity in Gotham.

Meanwhile, the partnership between Oswald and Sofia faced challenges in this episode as they tried to introduce a new drug into Gotham’s streets. Their search for a distributor brought them to the Triads, but complications arose when the Maroni family discovered their collaboration.

Summary of Events in The Penguin Episode 3

Victor’s Origin Story

The episode opened with a flashback to the climax of The Batman, where Victor meets up with his girlfriend, Graciela. They planned to enjoy the election fireworks from a rooftop, but first, Victor needed to deliver car parts to his father.

This scene revealed Victor’s family dynamics and his aspirations for a better life, contrasting with his father’s worldview. Shortly after, Victor reunites with Graciela, but their moment is interrupted by The Riddler’s explosives, resulting in Gotham’s flooding and the tragic loss of Victor’s parents, leaving him orphaned.

Fast forward to the present, Victor finds himself in Oswald’s apartment as Sofia visits. While the duo is out on business, Victor invites Graciela over. Following an emotional exchange, Graciela expresses her plans to leave Gotham, encouraging Victor to accompany her. He commits to going, but insists on speaking with Oswald first.

The New Substance

Sofia and Oswald explore the new drug, which turns out to be a potent version of the medication used in Arkham. Although they aspire to lead the distribution, they face hurdles in securing a distributor. This quest leads them to the Triads, who doubt the duo’s capability to take over the Falcone drug empire.

Oswald then employs intimidation by suggesting they have Johnny Vitti’s backing, prompting the Triads to request Vitti’s call for confirmation of support. Armed with incriminating information about Vitti’s affair with Luca Falcone’s wife, Oswald and Sofia effectively blackmail him into reaching out to the Triads.

As The Penguin episode 3 concludes, Sofia and Oswald conduct a trial run for the drug, with Oswald assigning Victor the role of bagman, reflecting a newfound trust in him.

Victor’s Trauma

A still from The Penguin (Image via @TheBatman on X)

During the drug’s trial run, Victor experiences a triggering episode linked to his family’s demise, leading to overwhelming PTSD. At the same time, Oswald and Sofia strive to secure their deal with the Triad leader. Oswald finds Victor distressed in the bathroom and discovers a text from Graciela.

Upon learning of Victor’s intention to leave, Oswald confronts him but ultimately tells him to follow his heart. Victor drives Oswald’s car to the bus station to meet Graciela but hesitates, ultimately witnessing her departure for California from a distance.

Concurrently, Sofia confronts Oswald about his previous betrayals, causing tension between them. The situation intensifies when Nadia Maroni enters the scene, holding Oswald and Sofia at gunpoint, revealing her awareness of their actions. Just in time, Victor arrives and crashes into Maroni’s goons, allowing their escape while leaving Sofia behind.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Characters?

With Sofia now aware of Oswald’s dealings with the Maronis, she is poised for revenge, feeling betrayed not once, but twice. Their relationship is likely to deteriorate further.

The teaser for The Penguin episode 4 hints at an exploration of Sofia’s backstory, detailing her time in Arkham and the origins of her moniker, “Hangman.”

As for Oswald, viewers can anticipate significant consequences as the Maronis and Sofia confront him about his double betrayals, placing him in an increasingly precarious situation.

You can catch The Penguin episode 3, now available for streaming on Max.

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