The Penguin Premiere Contains A Secret Message From The Riddler

As a longtime resident of Gotham City, I’ve seen my fair share of chaos and villainy. But even for someone like me who’s been around the block a few times, the intricate web spun by The Riddler in the new series, “The Penguin,” left me scratching my head in amazement.

In the absence of Bruce Wayne, the impact of the conclusion of “Batman” remains evident throughout Gotham. True to form, the enigmatic villain known as the Riddler has subtly planted an Easter egg within public view. The miniseries, titled “The Penguin,” unfolds a week after Matt Reeves’ film and follows OZ Cobb (portrayed by Colin Farrell) as he navigates treacherous paths through Gotham’s criminal underworld, following the demise of Carmine Falcone. Although “The Penguin” is primarily focused on Cobb’s story, The Riddler has left his distinctive signature on the series.

Warning! Spoilers Ahead for The Penguin Episode 1!

In the initial episode, while Oz and his fresh partner Victor (Rhenzy Feliz) are traveling on a subway heading towards Oz’s mom, Frances (Deirdre O’Connell), a teenager gives Cobb a handbill labeled “Gotham’s True Face.” This flyer has a QR code. Curious viewers who choose to scan the QR code will be directed to rataalada.com. For fans of Batman, this site might seem familiar since it was also utilized as part of viral marketing for Reeves’ film. In The Batman, this same website was employed by The Riddler to interact with his followers, organizing their assault on Mayor-elect Bella Reál (Jayme Lawson).

The website has been altered for The Penguin, and shows a messaging chain from some of The Riddler’s followers following his incarceration at Arkham Asylum. The chain reads:

“Cl0ckbreak3r: What’s been put in motion can’t be stopped.
xxREIGNITINxx: Arkham’s releasing patients and Blackgate is a mess… no one’s really a prisoner in there. Not even our old pal Sal Maroni.
HOLDTHELINE81: People say they want the truth but they shield their eyes when we shine the light.
LET’S ENSURE THEY REMAIN UNMISTAKABLY AWARE OF THE CORRUPTION, THE VIOLENCE, AND THE POWER STRUGGLE INVOLVING FALCONE… (or)
HOLDTHELINE81: We start in the streets. Tonight at 9pm. Meet at the metro outside Crown Point.
Cl0ckbreak3r: Done and done. The revolution is just getting started.

In addition to the conversation history, the site also features a connection to an article from the Gotham Gazette concerning Alberto Falcone, who is not only the eldest son of Carmine but has recently taken over as head of the Falcone crime family – all this before he crossed paths with Oz.

The Riddler Could Get His Own Spin-Off Series

The Penguin Premiere Contains A Secret Message From The Riddler

Initially, “The Penguin” was among three anticipated spin-offs from “Batman.” Yet, its companions, “Arkham Asylum” and “GCPD,” were terminated. Many believed that “The Penguin” would be the sole spin-off of “Batman” following these cancellations. However, director Matt Reeves hinted at plans to create separate shows featuring other villains in the Batman universe.

In the second year of crime-fighting for Batman in Reeves’ universe, his collection of enemies is still growing. Reeves plans to create HBO spin-off shows to delve into the backstories and rise to power of Batman’s main adversaries. Although Reeves hasn’t mentioned any other villains, there’s a possibility that Paul Dano’s Riddler could have his own series in the future. The director stated:

You’re encountering Oz before he becomes a major player, and Selina prior to her transformation into Catwoman. You’re getting a glimpse of these characters as they evolve. The prospect of delving into the psychological journeys that shape them is something I find incredibly intriguing about HBO’s approach.

New episodes of
The Penguin
will be released weekly on HBO and Max.

2024-09-22 18:35

The Riddler Could Get His Own Spin-Off Series

Read More