Warning! Spoilers for The Penguin episode 3 aheadAgainst all odds, The Penguin episode 4 sees Oz Cobb betraying Cristin Milioti’s DC villain Sofia Falcone, whose fate is left ambiguous. Following Carmine Falcone’s death in The Batman‘s third act, Sofia Falcone seemed to have a clear path towards becoming Gotham City’s top criminal. However, Oz Cobb’s murder of Sofia’s brother shook up Gotham City’s criminal hierarchy, and Oz didn’t account for Sofia’s release from Arkham. As a result, Oz found himself forced to work alongside Sofia in order to protect both himself and the possibility of taking over the Falcones and the Maronis’ operations.
In The Penguin episode 3, “Bliss”, Oz helps Sofia Falcone blackmail Jonny Viti in order to keep Sofia on top of the Falcone family’s operations, and the two set their differences aside. Apparently, Oz played a key role in the aftermath of Sofia Falcone’s “Hangman” killing spree, as he provided the information that sent her to Arkham in exchange for power. This reveal shows Oz and Sofia under a different light, and the Falcones’ lack of interest in Sofia’s wellbeing is unveiled. However, Oz doesn’t care too much about Sofia either, as he betrays her right after reconciling.
What Happens To Sofia Falcone At The End Of The Penguin Episode 3?
Oz Cobb Leaves Sofia Falcone To Die When The Maronis Arrive To Kill Them
Outside the Iceberg Lounge, Oz Cobb and Sofia Falcone address their complicated past and present their side of the story. Sofia confronts Oz about his role in having her sent to Arkham, while Oz admits his blame but reveals that he doesn’t regret the fruits of his actions. Oz seems to be very sincere with Sofia, and Sofia seems to budge when she sees Oz tear up. However, everything changes when Nadia Maroni arrives. Once Victor Aguilar arrives to save them, Oz immediately hops into his car and orders Victor to leave without Sofia. Then, a few gunshots can be heard.
Sofia Falcone’s fate isn’t revealed explicitly in The Penguin episode 3’s ending. The gunshots seem to be coming from a single weapon, which suggests that Nadia Maroni or one of her goons are shooting Sofia as Victor and Oz drive away. Although Sofia isn’t in full control of the Falcone family at the moment, killing her could be a big step forward for the Maronis, who need a big blow to the Falcones in order to take the lead in the drug business and aren’t too keen about Oz and Sofia’s influence on both families’ decisions.
Don’t Worry, There’s More of Sofia Coming
Sofia Falcone Is Still Essential For The Penguin’s Upcoming Episodes
While it’s possible that Nadia and her henchmen killed Sofia Falcone off-screen at the end of The Penguin episode 3, Sofia’s death is unlikely. After all, trailers for The Penguin include footage of Sofia that hasn’t appeared in the show yet. The teaser for The Penguin episode 4 attached at the end of episode 3 features a brief glimpse at the moment Sofia and Oz are being threatened by Nadia Maroni’s men while Victor Aguilar is heading to help them. Sofia’s expression suggests Oz will reveal something about their complicated past that will make her feel betrayed even after he flees without her.
The Penguin
episodes 4-8 will likely show how Sofia only became a hardened criminal after being sent to Arkham for crimes she didn’t really commit
Regardless of Sofia’s fate after The Penguin episode 3, the teaser for the series’ upcoming episodes reveals that Sofia’s past will be explored in depth soon. The teaser suggests that Sofia’s infamous “Hangman” crimes weren’t entirely her fault, as Carmine Falcone is seemingly shown manipulating her and Oz is shown desperately trying to keep her from getting captured. The Penguin episodes 4-8 will likely show how Sofia only became a hardened criminal after being sent to Arkham for crimes she didn’t really commit, giving credence to her words to Oz right before Nadia arrived.
How The Penguin Cliffhanger Sets Up The Rest Of The Show
Sofia May Not Be As Evil As Everybody Thinks, But She May Be Justified In Her Actions
Killing Sofia Falcone could bring the Maronis more trouble than it’s worth. Oz has already manipulated both families just to save himself after killing Alberto Falcone out of spite. If Nadia kills Sofia similarly to how Oz killed Alberto — in an alley outside the Iceberg Lounge on top of it — the Falcones could start a full-blown gang war that would risk the whole business and decimate Gotham’s criminal underworld. Nadia is wise enough to realize this. Still, the chaotic circumstances surrounding Nadia’s arrival mean that no one involved is thinking with a cool head, and the consequences could be disastrous.
The Penguin‘s flashbacks to Sofia’s backstory suggests she will be vindicated, if not in the eyes of Gotham, then at least in the eyes of the audience, as her family may have fabricated her Hangman persona to use Sofia as a scapegoat. However, Oz’s second betrayal now justifies Sofia’s ruthlessness. Oz has just proved that he can’t be trusted, and Sofia no longer has anyone she can reliably work with. Hence, the only way Sofia can survive and gain control might be to double down on her Hangman infamy and rebuild her family’s empire with whoever survives her imminent rampage.