Now that The Penguin has concluded, fans can look back on one of the show’s most captivating characters: Victor, played by Rhenzy Feliz. Throughout the series, Victor’s journey unfolded as a tale of ambition, loyalty, and survival in Gotham’s brutal landscape. With his complicated mentorship under Oswald Cobblepot and his own moral battles, Victor quickly became a fan favorite. Here’s how Rhenzy Feliz’s portrayal of Victor added layers of complexity to The Penguin and delivered a fresh perspective on Gotham’s criminal underworld.
Victor’s Journey from Outsider to Contender
Victor began the series as a relative outsider to Gotham’s crime scene, drawn to the allure of power and control that he saw in Oswald Cobblepot. His fascination with Cobblepot’s rise and his own desire to escape Gotham’s oppressive environment drove him to pursue a place in this dark world. Feliz’s performance captured this mix of awe and ambition, making Victor’s character arc one of the show’s most compelling.
“There’s an allure to the lifestyle that [Oswald] has, and being next to Oz, [Victor] feels a little bit bigger himself. He’s someone who’s drawn to the idea of having control in a world that’s always been against him.”
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Victor’s rise from an impressionable young man to a formidable figure in Gotham’s underworld was both thrilling and cautionary. By seeking power, he transformed from an outsider looking in to a major player who understood Gotham’s ruthless rules. This shift allowed fans to see Gotham’s dark appeal through fresh eyes, grounding the series in the real struggles of someone who wasn’t born into the criminal elite but fought his way there.
A Complex Mentorship with Oswald Cobblepot
One of the most interesting dynamics in The Penguin was the relationship between Victor and Oswald. This mentorship, marked by respect and subtle tension, evolved over the course of the series. Victor admired Oswald but never fully trusted him, recognizing that Gotham’s criminal world operates on alliances built on convenience rather than loyalty. Feliz’s nuanced portrayal showcased how Victor navigated this relationship, learning from Oswald while also protecting his own ambitions.
“Victor sees something aspirational in The Penguin, a figure who rose from nothing to something significant. But at the same time, he’s aware that this life is dangerous, and he’s learning how to navigate it by observing and mimicking Oz’s strengths.”
As the series progressed, Victor became a more self-assured and independent character, mirroring Oswald in ways that both honored and challenged his mentor. By the end, Victor’s character demonstrated that while he had learned from Oswald, he had also crafted his own approach to power, one rooted in resilience and caution. This evolution added depth to The Penguin, as Victor’s journey was less about imitation and more about finding his place within Gotham’s unforgiving hierarchy.
The Costs of Power and Victor’s Moral Dilemma
Victor’s character arc didn’t shy away from the moral cost of his choices. While his ambition propelled him forward, his awareness of Gotham’s dangers kept him constantly vigilant. Throughout the series, Victor was forced to balance his hunger for power with the sacrifices it required, making for a journey filled with tough choices and inner conflicts. Feliz expertly conveyed Victor’s internal struggle, bringing a grounded realism to his performance.
“Victor’s journey is one of learning and adapting. He’s an outsider in this world of crime, and while he’s drawn to its power, he’s also wary of the sacrifices that come with it. There’s a fine line between wanting power and staying safe, and Victor is constantly testing that balance.”
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Victor’s arc resonated with fans because it portrayed a character who wasn’t purely motivated by ambition but also by a cautious understanding of the dangers he faced. This layered portrayal made him relatable, as viewers watched him wrestle with the ethical implications of his actions and the cost of his alliances. By the end of the series, Victor’s journey served as both a rise and a cautionary tale, showcasing the high price of power in Gotham’s criminal underworld.
Not Victor Zsasz
Rhenzy Feliz’s portrayal of Victor in The Penguin was a powerful addition to the series, offering fans a nuanced look at ambition, loyalty, and the cost of survival in Gotham. Through Victor’s rise from an outsider to a key player, his complex relationship with Oswald, and his ongoing moral battles, Feliz brought an emotional depth to the show that enriched the series as a whole. As fans reflect on The Penguin, Victor’s journey stands out as one of its most memorable and impactful elements, illustrating that in Gotham, power is never simple and loyalty always comes with a price.
About The Penguin
Premiere Date: September 19 2024
Episodes: 8 episodes x 1 hour
Executive Producer / Showrunner: Lauren LeFranc
Directors: Craig Zobel (episodes 1-3)
Executive Producers: Matt Reeves, Dylan Clark, Colin Farrell, Lauren LeFranc, Craig Zobel, Bill Carraro, Daniel Pipski
Production: DC Studios, 6th & Idaho Productions, and Dylan Clark Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television
Network/Platform: Max
Cast: Colin Farrell, Cristin Milioti, Rhenzy Feliz, Michael Kelly, Shohreh Aghdashloo, Deirdre O’Connell, Clancy Brown, and Michael Zegen.
About:
Starring Colin Farrell as The Penguin, the eight-episode DC Studios drama series continues The Batman epic crime saga that filmmaker Matt Reeves began with Warner Bros. Pictures’ global blockbuster The Batman and centers on the character played by Farrell in the film.
What did you think of Victor’s evolution throughout The Penguin? How did his relationship with Oswald shape the series for you? Share your thoughts on social media!
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