The ‘Penguin’ Finale Deep Dive With Lauren LeFranc
House of R
Deep Dive
Why did the showrunner, Lauren LeFranc, title the finale episode 'A Great or Little Thing'?
The title comes from Oscar Wilde's 'The Ballad of Reading Jail,' a poem sent to Lauren by Colin Farrell, who plays Oz. The poem is about a man who kills the thing he loves, which is applicable to the episode's themes of love and death, particularly the comatose status of Francis and the death of Victor.
Why did the finale feel inevitable despite containing shocking moments?
The finale felt inevitable because every key moment was foreshadowed throughout the season. The show provided enough clues about who Oz was and his potential actions, making the finale's events feel like a natural progression rather than a surprise.
How does the finale episode enhance the understanding of Oz's character?
The finale deepens the understanding of Oz by revealing the depth of his delusion and the transactional nature of his relationships. It shows how he becomes a more unapologetic and full version of himself, making his actions more harrowing to confront.
What is the significance of the void inside characters like Oz, Sophia, and Batman in the context of Gotham?
The void inside characters like Oz, Sophia, and Batman represents the fractured family and lost children of Gotham. This void is a key element in Batman storytelling, highlighting the city's failure to nurture and protect its inhabitants, leading to the need for vigilante justice.
How does the show depict the transactional nature of love through Oz's actions?
The show depicts the transactional nature of love through Oz's inability to accept genuine affection without a quid pro quo. He views love as something he must earn or buy, exemplified by his relationships with his mother, Victor, and others, where he expects something in return for his 'love'.
Why does Oz decide to kill Victor, and how does this decision reflect his character?
Oz decides to kill Victor because he views genuine affection and loyalty as weaknesses that could jeopardize his power. This decision reflects his distorted view of humanity and power, where he cannot allow himself to be vulnerable or dependent on anyone.
How does the finale episode balance grounded storytelling with the larger-than-life elements of a comic book story?
The finale balances grounded storytelling with comic book elements by maintaining a darkly humorous and unpredictable tone while keeping the characters' actions and emotions rooted in reality. This is achieved through careful direction, acting, and costume design that infuse color and life into the grounded narrative.
- Oz Cobb's character is deeply explored through his relationships with Victor, Sophia, and Francis.
- The finale provides a satisfying emotional payoff while setting up future installments in the Batman universe.
- The show successfully balances character depth with the demands of a shared IP universe.
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