The latest episode of HBO’s crime drama “The Penguin” explored the complex relationship between a young man drawn into Gotham City’s criminal world and his mentor. The show focuses on Victor, who lost his parents in flooding caused by a terrorist attack on Gotham. Left alone, Victor found guidance from infamous gangster Oswald “Oz” Cobblepot, played by Colin Farrell.
Oz took Victor under his wing, offering the promise of money, power, and a sense of purpose. But actor Rhenzy Feliz, who plays Victor, said the relationship is complicated. “Victor looks up to Oz in a way, but he’s also figuring out what it means to truly be part of this criminal life,” Feliz told entertainment website TheWrap. The episode tests Victor’s loyalty as his girlfriend encourages him to leave Gotham on a bus.
It also introduces a new drug called Bliss that Oz plans to distribute with reluctant partner Sofia Falcone, played by Cristin Milioti. Bliss was portrayed on screen using a mix of rock candy, Pop Rocks, and other candies for effect. Director Craig Zobel aimed to show the human impact of Victor’s panic attack triggered by flashing lights in a nightclub, citing his goal to avoid implying Victor was actually taking drugs.
A climactic scene sees Victor violently intervene to save Oz from threats, seemingly confirming his decision to fully commit to this dangerous criminal world. But Feliz notes Victor’s uncertain expression, wondering if he “made the right decision.” The episode spotlights Oz’s rare moment of vulnerability in a scene with Sofia, a surprise given Farrell’s heavy prosthetics as Cobblepot.
As the show continues to explore Gotham’s complex underworld power struggles and moral dilemmas, Victor’s journey remains a compelling view into the allure and risks of a life in crime.
