Oswald Cobblepot (Gotham)/Synopsis

Cobblepot was formerly the personal assistant of nightclub owner and crime lord Fish Mooney before he betrayed her. He is barely known as the Penguin, a nickname he hates, until Fish describes him as a bird, specifically, a Penguin.

Cobblepot, tired of being a "lackey" for Fish, then eventually sells her out to two pedestrians for his will of freedom. Fish finds out and Carmine Falcone tasks Det. James "Jim" Gordon to dispose of the traitor to prove Jim is willing to play ball with the Mob. Jim tricks his partner, Harvey Bullock into thinking he has killed Cobblepot by dropping him into an ocean after pretending to shoot him. He, however survives and brutally murders a fisherman for his sandwich, marking the beginning of a murder and crime spree for Cobblepot.

Ambition of a Traitor
Later, he was in the countryside after walking for a while, and he attempts to hitch-hike his way back to Gotham City. He is picked up by two jocks in an SUV, and is grateful for their help. However, they make fun of him and ask him if anyone has ever told him that he walked like a penguin; infuriated, Cobblepot broke a beer bottle and stabbed the man in the passenger seat before taking over the SUV. Hiding the body in a garbage bag, Cobblepot drove to a small trailer park and rented a small trailer for $100. He attempts to call the surviving kid's mother to get $10,000 in exchange for his release, but she does not believe him, and he, in turn, confronts the hostage once she hangs up. Cobblepot later arrived back in Gotham via bus. While waiting at a street corner he was recognized by a thug, who sought to capture and take him to Fish Mooney. As the man dragged him through a tunnel, Cobblepot disabled and murdered him with a pocket knife, took his money and used it to buy himself a tuna sandwich. He later took a job at a restaurant where he met and befriended Sal Maroni. He later made a surprise visit to Jim.

Jim angrily confronted him on returning to Gotham and putting him, his fiance and Cobblepot at risk. But he reluctantly takes Cobblepot on as an informant when he tells Jim about an upcoming gang war involving Arkham Asylum, and gives him information that helps him thwart an assassination attempt on Mayor Aubrey James. Cobblepot hires a gang of thugs to rob the restaurant so he can save the restaurant's money and endear himself to Maroni. Sure enough, Maroni promotes him to restaurant manager after the original restaurant manager was killed during the robbery. Cobblepot later visits the thugs he hired and kills them with poisoned cannoli. After their deaths, Cobblepot left with the money.

Sal Maroni makes plans to rob a casino owned by Carmine "the Roman" Falcone. Falcone meets with the mob leaders on his side to detail about what to do with Maroni. Maroni later watches the news of the "Viper" drug where he thinks that they might be of good use. Cobblepot tells Sal Maroni that he knows the janitor there that might be of help to them. Maroni claims that "Penguin" is a good name for him. Cobblepot reveals his real name and how he used to work for Fish Mooney until Falcone's men tried to kill him. Sal Maroni then pins Cobblepot's head to the table. Maroni later sends his right-hand man to pick up Jim at the police station where Maroni wants to see him about Cobblepot. Jim Gordon is brought to Maroni at his restaurant where he wants to get confirmation about Cobblepot's story about Falcone to determine who is telling the truth. Maroni hears from Jim about his investigation on Thomas and Martha Wayne, and how he covered up Cobblepot's death to fool Falcone, Fish Mooney, and the Gotham City Police Department. Maroni sees that Cobblepot is right and spares his life while letting Jim go. Maroni states to Jim to keep their meeting private and that he might call on him again. After Jim leaves, Maroni plans to use Cobblepot in their fight against Falcone. Later that night, Cobblepot and Maroni await their men to come back from their heist at the casino. Upon the heist being complete, Maroni has Frankie drive off.

Saving Gordon
When he returns home, Cobblepot's mother continues to suspect he is involved with a woman. Denying this, Cobblepot does mention that he has made friends with Jim Gordon. He then takes a bath and converses with his mother while soaking in a clawfoot bathtub. Meanwhile, having been identified as the perpetrator in Cobblepot's murder, Jim is arrested and brought back to the Gotham City Police Department where he protests his innocence and Harvey Bullock is also apprehended when he comes to his defense. Suddenly, Cobblepot arrives, which shocks everyone.

Cobblepot leads Maroni's men to a warehouse owned by Falcone's underling Nikolai, killing him and his fellow operatives inside. Cobblepot then stabs Frankie Carbone with the help of two Maroni operatives which he brought them over to his side. Cobblepot then meets with Falcone, and a flashback reveals that Cobblepot offered to be Falcone's spy when he was caught informing on Mooney.

Cobblepot attempts to make amends with Fish by offering her a broach as a gift. She accepts the gift, but then stabs him in the arm with it to punish him for snitching on her, claiming that he "hasn't suffered enough." Cobblepot then kidnapped Timothy, the young man who replaced him as Fish's personal assistant. He pressured Timothy into spilling Fish's secrets, although Timothy had very little access to secret information. After finishing the interrogation, he ordered Timothy killed to preserve the peace between the mobs and then limped out of the room. Cobblepot later confronted Fish's spy Liza and threatened to tell Falcone that she was spying on him. He ultimately agreed not to, but left Liza with the knowledge that he knew her secret.

Cobblepot was later brought before Falcone, believing Maroni behind the attack on his money vault. Cobblepot states that Maroni did not commit the armory robbery, as there is a mole working for someone else, possibly for Fish. When he sees Liza enter the room, he immediately has his answer but remains silent as Falcone assigns him to find the mole. Oswald later tells his driver that he is not ready to rat out Liza yet, labeling her a "time bomb."

In his time in Maroni's ranks, he's given power enough to extort the fishermen on the mob boss's turf but is arrested by the GCPD after trying to squeeze more protection money out of them. He is eventually bailed out by Maroni, who makes it clear that he initiated the arrest himself to remind Oswald of his reach and teach him a lesson about hubris.

Attack on GCPD
While dinning at a restaurant with Maroni and several other gangsters, Falcone called him and ordered him to go see him. But before he could so, Jack Buchinsky caused an electric shock that forced Maroni and the other gangsters (including Oswald) to go to the GCPD for protection. The Electrocutioner then orchestrated another electric shock, this time much more powerful. Before Buchinsky could kill Maroni and his gangsters, Gordon stopped him and Aaron Danzig.

Getting rid of Fish
After the Electrocutioner problem was solved, The Penguin went to Falcone's place, where Carmine reveals that Fish "captured" Liza and in turn for her return to Falcone, Falcone must leave Gotham. Oswald changes the plan when he reveals that Liza is a mole, Falcone sends Victor Zsasz and some henchwomen to get rid of Fish's thugs, Falcone then captures Fish and Butch Gilzean.

Owning the Nightclub
Oswald then became a high-ranking member of Falcone's gang and changed the nightclub's name to Oswald'sand pink neon fish was replaced by a blue neon umbrella. Oswald however, was faced by Fish and Butch who escaped Falcone's torturer, Bob. Before they could do something ugly, Zsasz arrived and captured Butch but Fish escaped.

Helping Gordon
Oswald also helped Gordon when Gordon wanted Arnold Flass arrested for murder, he had Gabriel interrogate Derek Delaware for information. Gabe then gave the info to Gordon.

The Reveal
Fish revealed to Maroni that Oswald was a spy for Falcone, because of that Maroni had Oswald and him taken to a trip in a shack owned by Maroni in the woods. Oswald attempted to kill Maroni, only to find that the gun had no bullets. Oswald was nearly killed by Maroni when the latter ordered Duffy to destroy a car with Oswald in. Duffy was bribed to release Oswald.

Planning Maroni's assassination
After being freed from Maroni, The Penguin plotted the assassination of the Italian Crime Lord in a bar named Lidia's. Oswald then convinced Lidia to hand over the bar to him while she still tending to the bar. Oswald hired the hired killer Connor to kill Maroni, he had Butch hide some guns at the bar, after Butch was brainwashed by Zsasz.

Sparking the War
When Maroni, his hitman Tommy Bones and some other gangsters were eating at Lidia's, Connor arrived and attempted to shoot Maroni, but found out that his gun had no bullets. Maroni's men then killed Connor. Oswald revealed that it was intentional as he wanted Maroni and Falcone to kill each other so he could take over. It worked, a bloody war began.

Taking Over
Cobblepot then attempted to murder Falcone at the hospital, but Falcone was saved by Gordon, who in turn saved both Cobblepot and Falcone's lives by killing Maroni's hit men. Gordon, Bullock, Falcone, Gilzean and Oswald then went to an old warehouse owned by Carmine, Falcone claimed that everyone who knew about the warehouse were dead. He was wrong, Fish knew about it and she was surely alive. She had arrived in Gotham just as the war reached its ending point. Fish overwhelmed them and tied them. She then called Maroni to make a deal. After Maroni offended Fish, she shot Maroni in the forehead, killing him instantly. A shootout ensued and Fish eventually won. The Penguin was however freed by Butch during the skirmish. When Fish was talking to the captives, Oswald arrived with a war machine gun and massacred all of Fish's thugs, finishing the last thug with a pistol. Penguin eventually found Fish in the rooftop, and fought her. While they were fighting, Gilzean shot both in the legs, The Penguin then knocked Butch out and punched Fish, eventually pushing her in the sea, killing his nemesis once and for all. He then shouted "I'm the king of Gotham!"

The King of Gotham
Cobblepot has now embraced his role as the king of Gotham and with the help of Butch Gilzean and Victor Zsasz, his influence has grown. After being fired by Commissioner Loeb, Jim Gordon meets with Oswald, believing that he owes him a favor for saving his life in the hospital. However, Cobblepot replies that his life was only in danger because Jim arrested him previously. However, as he thinks of Jim as a friend he is willing to trade a favor for a favor. He offers to resolve the matter with Loeb if Jim visits a client who owes him money but is not willing to pay. When Jim returns with the money (having shot the client as Cobblepot expected), Cobblepot fulfills his part of the deal. At night, Cobblepot and Zsasz visit Commissioner Loeb at his house after killing his bodyguard. Cobblepot then forces Loeb to reinstate Gordon. To prevent Loeb from making problems in the future, they also force him to resign as Commissioner. After Jerome and the Maniax attack the GCPD, the policemen start to hunt down Jerome. As they have no clue where to find him, Bullock tells Gordon that at some point they have to visit Penguin. Gordon replies that Cobblepot has no motive for breaking out the Maniax or shooting up the precinct but Harvey says that Cobblepot might have information. Gordon says that he will consider it should all else fail.

After the murder of Cicero and Jerome's escape, Gordon tells Harvey that he was right about Cobblepot's knowledge and that they will see him first thing in the morning.

When Bullock meet him, he is watching footage of Jerome's actions. He and Harvey shortly chat about Penguin's rise to power before Bullock threatens to beat him senseless. He warns him to stay away from Gordon. When he leaves, Harvey tells him that he can call himself however he likes, because for Bullock he will always stay the one who held Fish Mooney's umbrella. He also tells him that he owes him for Fish before leaving. After Bullock is gone, Penguin rages and throws his wine glass to the wall.

Meeting Theo Galavan
During a meeting with his council, Cobblepot reveals that he is disappointed with his men because they think that they can make him believe that none of them has any idea who is behind the Arkham breakout. One of the councilors then reveals that they thought that Cobblepot was behind it. Cobblepot then answers that he had no reason to. He then tells his men that he will have no more chaos in the streets because of all the chaos Jerome created. He tells that whenever they plan to blackmail, kill or harm anyone they have to tell him first. After dismissing his council he is visited by Tabitha Galavan, who tells him that her brother wants to meet with him.

When he meets with Theo, Penguin inquires about his head, telling Theo that he is lucky to have gotten out of the hospital alive before asking if it really was luck that saved Theo. Theo acknowledges Penguin's sharp mind before he introduces him to Barbara, revealing himself as the mastermind behind the Arkham Breakout. Tabitha then provokes Penguin by telling him that he is the King of Garbage rather than the King of Gotham. Penguin angrily replies that only a year ago he held Fish Mooney's umbrella and that she is now dead by his hand along with Maroni with Falcone hiding. He tells Tabitha that every one of them underestimated him and threatens her not to make the same mistake.

Theo then intervenes and tells Penguin that while his sister is blunt, she is also honest. He then shows Penguin his plans for the city, giant futuristic skyscrapers. When Penguin states that thousands of homes have to be destroyed to allow the building of the skyscrapers to which Tabitha replies: "Yeah, so?", which deeply annoys Penguin. Theo tells Penguin that as the city's hero he can not destroy so many homes but remarks that Penguin has the flair for such a task. He then calls Penguin his "destroyer". Penguin then denies Galavan's offer, calling himself a "builder" rather than a destroyer and remarks that Galavan would need the support of hundreds of city officials. Theo then reveals that as mayor he would have the power to do so, stating that he will be candidate soon by "popular demand". As some of the other candidates have a chance to defeat him, he has Tabitha give Penguin a list of people he needs to see dead as well as a failed attempt on Theo. When Penguin tells him to search the phone book under " A" for "Assassin" and prepares to leave, Tabitha turns on the TV. To his horror, Penguin sees that Galavan has kidnapped his mother.

With no choice left, Penguin takes the envelope with the targets. After setting up a failed attempt for Theo, he then visits Janice Caulfield and murders her, despite her pleads for mercy. However, the assistant of Caulfield witnesses the murder and is able to give a description to Gordon, who recognizes the Penguin.

While waiting for Zsasz in the car outside the house of Hobbs, the next target, Butch asks Penguin why they are doing that. Penguin reveals to him that they have his mother. Butch is shocked and tells Penguin that they have to find her. Penguin appreciates it but tells him that if Galavan would find out that they are looking for her, he would kill her. Butch then pats Penguin on the back, telling him not to worry and that he will find Penguins mother.

After Zasz failed to kill Hobbs, Gordon confronts Penguin. Penguin tells Gordon to walk away. Gordon tells him that the GCPD has a new captain who will not deal with Cobblepot. Oswald is not impressed, stating that Gordon came alone because he would not want his new captain to find out about the deals he made with Penguin in the past, including gunning down Ogden Barker and running Loeb out of town. Gordon says that he will face whatever is coming to him, to which Penguin replies that he will too.

The next day, Nathaniel Barnes gives Gordon's task force the order to take down the Penguin.

Searching for Galavan's weakness
After Penguin killed Janice Caulfield and failed to kill Hobbs, he returns to Galavan and asks for his mother's release, stating that he would still do Galavan's bidding. Theo denies and tells him to leave. Penguin is now determined to take down Galavan and get revenge on him. Butch advises him to kidnap Tabitha and trade her for Cobblepots mother but Penguin doubts that Theo loves Tabitha as much as Penguin loves his mother. Theo later sends Tabitha to Cobblepot to give him a list of multiple buildings owned by Wayne Enterprises which Theo wants burned down. Theo also wants Cobblepot to steal an old knife out of a safe in one of the building. He arranges for Cobblepot to receive Bunderslaws eye which is needed to open the safe. Penguin is able to get the knife and burn down the buildings. However, as he plans to find out what drives Theo in order to destroy him Penguin meets Edwige, an old associate of Butch to find out the history of the knife. Edwige tells him that the knife is the Wayne Family Crest which was used 200 years ago by an ancestor of Bruce Wayne to cut of the hand of Caleb Dumas after the latter was accused of raping Celestine Wayne. The angered Waynes forced Dumas and his entire family into exile where the Dumas changed their name to Galavan. Penguin learns that Theo is a descendant of the Dumas and wants revenge on the Waynes. Penguin is glad because this means Theo is driven by emotion and thereby vulnerable. He then plans for Butch to seemingly change sides, claiming that Cobblepot is too mad to serve, and get into Galavan's business, but in reality plans for Butch to search for Oswald's mother. To not give Theo the opportunity to doubt Butch's story, Penguin cuts off one of his hands.

A secret traitor
Theo at first believes Butch's story and gives him a place at the Galavans, but Theo eventually finds out he's still working for Cobblepot when he finds him still searching for his mother, Butch explains he literally has to serve him since he's brainwashed so Theo sends Tabitha to come "fix" him. Butch comes to Penguin claiming that he knows where his mother is, so Penguin goes along with Butch and two other henchmen. Penguin arrives and finds his mother locked up like Butch said, but both Tabitha and Theo are waiting for him. Penguin orders Butch to shoot both Galavans in the head, but Butch instead shoots two of Penguin's henchmen, revealing that Tabitha was able to "Un-Brainwash" him. Penguin begs for the Galavans to spare his mother agreeing to do anything they want, Tabitha unlocks the cage and Penguin and his mother happily embrace, only for this to end with Tabitha stabbing her in the back, killing her. Theo orders Butch to care of Penguin, but Penguin wants Theo to do it himself calling him a coward. Theo obliges and points the gun to Penguin's head and asks if he has any final words before dying which he answers " I'm going to kill you" taking the knife from his mother's back and slashes Theo's throat and jumps through a window to avoid capture.

Revenge
With his mother dead, Penguin decides to go after Theo Galavan. Penguin sends in his men to go after Galavan when he's announced mayor and dresses his men up in outfits and hairstyles similar to his to cause confusion and has them cause a shootout forcing Theo outside, with the real Penguin waiting for him. Before Galavan can get inside the getaway car Penguin shoots the driver and is at a standoff with Jim for the current mayor. Penguin tells Jim what Galavan had done to his mother, but tells him he knows, much to Galavan's surprise. Bullock joins Jim and holds Penguin at gunpoint, but before they could react, Tabitha shoots Penguin in the shoulder while on a rooftop, Fortunately for him, Penguin survives and manages to drive the getaway car to safety. Galavan scolds Jim for not stopping Penguin, one of the monsters in Gotham, but Jim replies to the current mayor that he does plan on stopping the monsters of Gotham, starting with him, now aware of his true colors. Although Penguin is able to get away he is still suffering from Tabitha's bullet. Penguin goes far from Gotham into the woods and finds refuge in a trailer. Penguin, who is delirious searches for food and snatches Edward Nygma's sandwich. Nygma eventually tracks down Penguin's trailer and when he approaches it Penguin flings the door open causing Nygma to fall to the ground. Nygma soon recognizes Penguin and he asks for help before collapsing.

Teaming up with Edward Nygma
Edward brings Penguin to his home and nurses him back to health. When Penguin wakes up, he at first thinks that Nygma wants to kill him, but Edward assures that he has no ill will towards him. He tells Penguin that he has recently started murdering people, three in total. He asks Penguin, whom he sees as one of the best killers in town to guide the him on his noble path. However Penguin does not plan to stay because he sees his empire in ruins. While walking towards the door, Penguin faints.

When Penguin wakes up again, he sees that Edward has kidnapped a man. Nygma tells him that this man, named Mr. Leonard, worked for Theo Galavan before the latter was sent to prison. He tells Penguin that he kidnapped him as a gift for Penguin, as a kind of revenge. However, Penguin tells Nygma that he's "done" and will leave Gotham after a nap. After Penguin has gone to bed, Edward addresses Leonard, telling him that he really expected Penguin to like him. He then drags the tied up Leonard out of the room while humming.

Later, when Penguin awakens once again Nygma plays the piano and sings a song which he thinks has meaning for Penguin as he was humming it under his sheets. Penguin admits that his mother sang this song for him when he was small. Nygma then shows him the glasses of Kristen Kringle and says that these are the only things he has left of her. Penguin once again plans to leave but is stopped by Nygma who coldly tells him that his mother died because of his weakness because he did not realize his weakness was her. Penguin grabs a knife and puts it at Nygma's throat, tearfully exclaiming that his mother was a saint and everything he had. Nygma replies that a man who has nothing to lose can not be betrayed and will answer to no one but himself. He says that this man, a free man, is whom he sees before him. Penguin then sobbingly hands him the knife.

Later, while having dinner, Penguin asks Edward where he kept the lackey of Galavan he kidnapped. Edward smiles and pulls Leonard out of the cupboard.

Still at Nygma's apartment, Penguin's body guard Gabe arrives and tells him that Galavan has been let go after being prosecuted for holding former mayor Aubrey James prisoner, greatly enraging him. Gabe's men have Intel that Gordon is about to be killed by Galavan's henchmen. Thankfully for Jim, Gabe and Penguin manage to save Jim and shoots Galavan's henchmen. Penguin approaches his former friend and demands to know where the man who killed his mother is, but because he is still weak from Galavan almost beating him to death, he can't answer angering Penguin more.

Fight against Theo Galavan
Penguin brings Gordon back to Edward's apartment. When he awakens, Oswald tells him that he is now a fugitive as it is believed Gordon killed the two cops. Penguin makes a truce with him as they share a common goal in defeating Theo and bringing him to justice once and for all.As Penguin, Gordon and Penguin's men get prepared and loaded at Edward's apartment to take down Theo and the Order of St. Dumas, Gordon's girlfriend Leslie arrives and begs Gordon to leave Gotham with her and reveals she is pregnant. Although Gordon plans to leave, Alfred Pennyworth, Harvey Bullock and Lucius Fox arrive to reveal to Gordon that Bruce Wayne has been kidnapped by Galavan. Gordon decides to stay behind and they all decide to team up with Penguin to help him out. With Selina Kyle joining them they head to Theo's penthouse. They manage to stop the murder of Bruce Wayne, and when Captain Barnes arrives to arrest Theo and Gordon, Penguin knocks him out and begs Gordon to let him kill Theo, pointing out that even if Theo stands trial he will walk away once again as he will have most of the courts in his pocket. Penguin and Gordon then take Theo to the docks, where Penguin beats a handcuffed Theo multiple times with a bat to avenge his mother. A broken and beaten Theo begs Gordon to kill him, which Gordon does carry out. As Gordon walks away, a pleased Penguin takes his umbrella and lodges it down the dead Theo's throat.

Pursued by Victor Fries
The murder of Theo caused the entire G.C.P.D. to go after Penguin. He and his gang arrived at a slaughterhouse, which Penguin thought would be perfect as a fortress for the "King of Gotham". However one of his underlings points out that they wouldn't need a fortress if he didn't kill Theo, but Penguin argued that Theo's power died with him and that the cops would remember they now work for him. Pulling a gun, the woman argued that he wasn't the King of Gotham, and the only good he does is getting people killed and that she won't let him take the rest down with them.During the standoff, there is a knock at the door, which is later frozen and blown off and Victor Fries walks in. Penguin actors Fries if he is looking for a job, however Fries replies that he is doing one. He begins freezing Penguin's gang. Selina runs into Penguin and the pair of them smash through a window and escape outside, however she runs off and leaves him behind. However as he is being chased down by Fries, Selina pulls up in a car (with one of Penguin's almost frozen men inside) and he jumps in. Fries fires his freeze gun at the car, but Penguin, Selina and his mook manage to get away.

Penguin contacts Gordon and Bullock to come and meet him and requests for Gordon's assistance. However Gordon tells him that he is unable to call off the police as Captain Barnes has sent the entire police department after him. Penguin demands to know if it was Barnes who sent the "freak" (Victor Fries) after him, and Gordon asks him who was coming after him. Penguin says he will tell Gordon as long as he agrees they are in it together, but Gordon, having been done giving him "favors" arrests him and says he will be going away for a long time, much to Penguin's dismay. However this was just a ruse, and Gordon and Bullock take him outside the city, with Gordon telling Penguin this is his last chance and not to return to Gotham. The two drive off leaving Penguin behind, who makes his way back to the city.

Empire in Ruins
After the murder of Galavan many of Penguin's forces have left him and Butch Gilzean is now the new King of Gotham, leaving Penguin on the streets. The charges against Jim Gordon as a fugitive has been dropped, when he reveals about how Galavan was going to sacrifice Bruce Wayne, but lies about his involvement in his murder saying that Penguin took off and probably killed him. Captain Barnes eventually arrests Penguin and puts him in interrogation. Barnes who is skeptical about Gordon's testimony asks Penguin about his involvement in whether he helped Penguin, but Penguin denies Gordon was part of it. While in a holding cell, Edward talks to Oswald and asks if there was anything he could do to help. Oswald replies that he was beyond help, but asks Nygma as a friend to take care of his mother's gravestone and to visit occasionally with lilies. After claiming to be insane, Penguin is sent to Arkham Asylum. When entering the lunch hall he has food thrown at his face, which angers him and he tells the inmates that he is the King of Gotham. However this statement only causes the crazies in the facility to erupt into laughter and chaos, with all of them proclaiming themselves as the "King of Gotham" and cause disruption in the lunch room.

Penguin went to see chief psychiatrist Professor Hugo Strange for a session. After finishing Penguin returned to his cell, but on the way there noticed a patient whom he saw leaving Strange's office before hand, but this time with his eyes gouged out, due to advice that Strange told him - "See no evil, do no evil". Before Penguin can react he's forced by the guards into a room. Hugo Strange's assistant, Ms Peabody tells him that they are going to use a neural headset using the fear formula Gerald Crane made to rehabilitate him, hoping that if they can cure a patient like Penguin, they can cure anyone.

When Jim arrives at Arkham to prepare for Mr. Freeze's rampage, Penguin sees him. Penguin calls to Jim for help, warning him that Strange is using a form of mental torture on him, but Jim doesn't believe him, saying that it's a part of his therapy, not knowing that Strange is doing awful things to inmates. As the "treatment" continues, Oswald is getting more and more docile. Hugo plans to initiate the "ice cream experiment" where he is the only one with ice cream on his food tray. Impulsive inmate Aaron Helzinger sits in front of Oswald and sees that he has cake. Oswald is willing to give Aaron some, but he violently grabs Oswald and beats him, but still remains docile. Hugo decides to put Oswald to one final test to prove he's cure or if he'll return to his murderous ways. Strange arranges for Oswald to be put back in the treatment room, but he sees he's not the only one there. Oswald finds Aaron strapped to the treatment chair, blindfolded and a table with a knife and water. Oswald picks up the knife first with Hugo and Ms. Peabody watching, but let him proceed. Oswald removes the blindfold from Aaron and instead of killing him for revenge, he uses the knife to cut his straps, passing Hugo's test.

Rehabilitated
Oswald is now declared as legally sane. Oswald is overjoyed that he now no longer has to take the mind treatment and is released into Gotham as a free man.

Having been released, Penguin at first walks right into the place of Butch Gilzean, who has taken over Cobblepot's role as King of Gotham. Butch and his new partner, Tabitha Galavan, are astonished when they see their visitor. Oswald is immediately taken by Butch's men and Tabitha jumps up to kill him but Butch stops her. Penguin claims that Arkham changed him and that he thought it would be impolite to be in the area and not pass by to say hello to an old friend. Tabitha and Butch are awed, considering that Penguin brainwashed Butch, cut off his hand and murdered Theo. However, they find out that Penguin genuinely means it and is not even provoked after Tabitha insults his mother. Butch then orders his men to release Penguin, claiming that they were even because they all lost something important to them. Tabitha claims that she won't allow Penguin to leave without some punishment so Butch allows her to tar and feather him. Penguin sees this as a joke and leaves Butch's place in high spirits.

In his feathered state, Penguin visits his old friend Nygma. Although Nygma is at first overjoyed to see his friend released, he is soon spooked by Oswald's new condition. He uses the first opportunity to send Oswald away, not after thanking him for all the information Oswald gave him on Jim Gordon.

A new Family
While at the cemetery to visit his mothers' grave, Oswald is approached by a stranger. After a brief conversation about Gertrude, whom the stranger seemed to know well, the man asks for Oswald's age. When Oswald tells him, the man realizes that he is Oswald's father Elijah Van Dahl. In his youth, the Van Dahl had an affair with Gertrude, who was a cook at the Van Dahl mansion. As his parents didn't want their son and heir to marry a simple cook, they send Gertrude away who never revealed to Van Dahl that she was pregnant. Overjoyed to meet his son, Van Dahl invites Oswald to his mansion where he introduces him to the rest of his family. Although they smile and embrace Cobblepot, they do not seem too happy to meet another family member who could be a possible competitor for the vast Van Dahl fortune. Oswald and his family are having a pleasant dinner together. Elijah tells Oswald about how he and his wife, Grave met each-other and let her and her children, Sasha and Charles be a part of his family, but Elijah points out that Oswald is his only true blood relative, visibly displeasing Grace, Sasha and Charles, but they all still make a toast to family. Elijah discusses how every van Dahl son became an apprentice as well as himself, but says it wasn't meant because after his father fell sick, his mother home-schooled him from then on as to keep him from temptations of the city. Elijah asks Oswald how his and Gertrude's life was, apologizing for not being there in both of there lives because of his cowardice. Oswald answers that while, Gertrude didn't have a happy life, it was still a good one, even when Oswald wasn't always a "good son" Gertrude never said a word of reproach.

While he is asleep, Oswald dreams of all the terrible things he's done to those around him and wakes up in terror, he gets up from bed to find Elijah sleep walking. Oswald brings his Father back to bed. Elijah tells his son about how he has a hole in his heart that keeps getting bigger and that his demons are feeding from it, Oswald confesses about his life as a criminal and how he's killed people before, but Elijah says that their lives together started when they met in the cemetery and forgives him of his sins from the past. Grace and her children, who are trying to kill Elijah to get his fortune try to persuade him to cut Oswald out of the will by trying to use his infamous history as "The Penguin" against him, but because Oswald already confessed to his past and is convinced that Oswald is no longer that man anymore and actually praised in how successful he was. Grace comes up with a new plan to manipulate Oswald by using Sasha to seduce him. When Sasha tries to seduce Oswald, he does not give in to temptation since he was practically her brother.

Elijah is tailoring a new suit for Oswald, but suddenly Elijah has a heart attack, but Oswald and his step family call an ambulance. The doctor says that Elijah's condition has gotten worse and the hole is now bigger leading to an infection. The doctors tells the family, Elijah may not have enough time left and that they should think of getting affairs in order. Elijah asks Grace to bring his lawyer so they can discuss some new changes in his will so Oswald will inherit his father's fortune. Not wanting to lose their meal ticket, Grace decides to poison Oswald as one final plan.

When Oswald and Elijah are together Grace brings Oswald some wine with poison inside it to kill him, before he can drink it Elijah has a confession of his own to make. Elijah revealed that his father and many of his ancestors suffered from mental illnesses and that Elijah's father's illness pushed him to committing suicide and that his Mother told him not to speak of this to anyone. Elijah pleads with his son not to give in to the pain, telling him that he's loved and that the son will come up tomorrow. Despite his condition keeping him from drinking alcohol, he still pours himself a drink. Elijah tells Oswald that he would give the latter everything he had and asks him to keep it just the way it is, but Elijah eventually succumbs to the poison that was meant for Oswald. Oswald cradles his father as he dies in his arms, just like his Mother.

The Penguin Returns
After Elijah's funeral, Grace says that Oswald is no longer welcome in their household since Elijah is no longer with him. Oswald begs for the Van Dahls to let him stay promising to do anything. Grace allows Oswald to stay with them as their servant, acknowledging that if he gets a good lawyer, Oswald can rob her of everything, especially when he investigates about how Elijah died. With Oswald being the new servant, the Van Dahls pick on him, insulting the former in anyway they could think of. When Oswald is preparing Grace a drink, he spots the glass that Elijah drunk before he died. Oswald sniffs the remaining liquid in the glass and smells something atrocious. Oswald pours the remaining liquid in the dog's bowl to see that it wasn't Elijah's condition that caused his death, but the glass of poison his step family had poured. Feeling betrayed, Oswald again loses his sanity and plots revenge on his step-siblings and Mother for what they did to his Father. Oswald returns to his "Penguin" persona and serves Grace a roast for dinner. Grace quickly despises Penguin's meal, claiming it was overcooked. Penguin asks Grace to try the other joint saying it would be more tender, but Grace says it tasted the same. Grace wonders where Charles and Sasha were, telling Penguin to ring the bell, but Oswald doubts they would be able to hear it. Grace calls out to her children, but no answer. Grace asks Penguin where were they. Oswald answers back saying that he discovered that Grace was responsible for his Father's death and remarks how careless she was in throwing the evidence away. Grace tries to run away, but Penguin threatens her with a knife. Grace calls to her children once more, but Penguin says that they wouldn't be able to come to her rescue. Grace asks Penguin what he had done to them and reveals that not only did he kill them, but were the served meals he prepared for Grace. Penguin stabs Grace, avenging his Father's murder.

Although he has obtained his revenge on the Van Dahl family, Penguin's mental state has become even more deteriorated and keeps Grace's corpse as his company. Penguin turns on the TV with "Grace" and sees a vigilante going by the name of Azrael. Later that day Azrael's mask is torn off revealing that the masked vigilante is Theo who has risen from the grave. Penguin is surprised by this and laughs saying "Hello, old friend", implying that he will go after Theo again.

Penguin hears how Theo has stabbed Tabitha in the chest and is now unconscious in a hospital and decides to pay her a visit. Penguin finds Butch by her side grieving for her. Butch spots Penguin and despite them parting on good terms, Butch sees that his former master's intentions are far from good. Butch warns Penguin not to lay a hand on her, but Penguin admits that although Tabitha stabbed his Mother in the back, he doesn't have plans to kill her because he sees Theo as the real issue. Penguin convinces Butch to help him make Theo pay since they've all suffered because of him. Butch agrees, but makes Penguin promise to leave both him and Tabitha alone. Penguin and Butch find Theo at Wayne Manor where he's trying to achieve his original goal to kill Bruce Wayne. Gordon defends Bruce by shooting Galavan, but his armor is able to shield him from harm. Penguin approaches Jim and tells the latter that bullets won't be able to kill monsters such as Galavan and that for next time, bring the right "tools" for the job if he plans to deal with foes that come back. Butch pulls out an RPG Launcher over his shoulders and fires a rocket at Galavan, killing him instantly, ending him possibly for good. With his nemesis killed once again, Penguin and Butch depart into the night.

Revenge on Strange
Back at the mansion, Penguin befriends Barbara and they decide where to put Grace's decomposing head as a decoration. Penguin decides to seek revenge on Strange for torturing him back at Arkham Asylum and sends Barbara to the GCPD to find out where Strange is from Jim Gordon. After a brief talk, Barbara realizes that the man she's talking to wasn't Jim and slaps him, revealing that he was indeed an impostor. Barbara calls Penguin and tells him what he found out. Penguin thanks Barbara for her assistance and goes off on a manhunt for Strange with the help of Butch. Penguin and Butch see a bus leaving from Arkham Asylum and gun it down. Penguin calls out to Strange, wanting to settle the score between them, only to realize it was never Strange in the bus and sees Fish Mooney. Penguin is surprised and terrified that Fish was still alive, remarking it impossible, but Fish touches his cheek remarking that nothing is impossible, rendering him unconscious. Butch also catches a glimpse of Fish, but is also terrified and runs away. When Strange's experiments are released from the bus, Penguin is still unconscious but seemingly unscathed.

Hunt for Fish
"For months, I warned the police about the threats to our city, posed by Hugo Strange's freaks, by the murderer Fish Mooney, and how did they protect you? They said that Fish Mooney wasn't real, that these escapees were victims who need our help. Well, Fish Mooney was real, and once she was cornered by the GCPD, finally, they let her escape. And these "victims"-- well, I, for one, am not afraid to call them by their proper name: MONSTERS! Our city is invaded by monsters, attacking our brothers and sisters, and it is up to us! To you! To kill every monster you see! WHO IS WITH ME?!"

- Penguin encouraged Gotham citizens to hunt down Indian Hill escapees



Six months later, Fish is still at large and Oswald and Butch enter the GCPD where Mayor James and Commisioner Barnes are holding a press conference. Oswald gets the attention of the reporters when he calls James, who is claiming the situation is under control, a liar. He tells reporter Valerie Vale, that in the last six months, he more than once tried to warn the police about the person leading the escaped Indian Hill experiments - Fish Mooney - but that he was ignored. He urges the citizens of Gotham to hunt down Mooney, as no one is safe while she is free. While leaving the precinct, he also meets James Gordon who is now a bounty hunter hunting the experiments. Oswald stops to talk to Jim, revealing his surprise that Jim has not already tracked down Mooney. Gordon tells Oswald that he has not made it worth his while and leaves. Butch jokes about Gordon playing the hard man, but Oswald says that Jim had a point. Oswald and Butch then visit the night club of Tabitha Galavan and Barbara Gordon, where they are greeted by Barbara. Oswald attempts to convince Barbara to sell their nightclub to him but negotiations are stopped when Tabitha arrives and Butch, with whom Tabitha broke up, makes an utter fool of himself. Oswald sends Butch to the bar and silently tells Tabitha that he offered Butch to kill Tabitha in order to raise his spirits and that he still would gladly do so, given that Tabitha killed his mother. However, he does not as Butch is still hoping that the two would somehow get back together. Oswald then tells Barbara and Tabitha to raise word that Oswald offers one million dollars to whomever brings him Mooney, dead or alive.

Oswald also visits his old friend Edward Nygma in prison. He gifts him with a puzzle box. While Oswald talks about how hard it is to open the box, Edward swiftly opens it. Edward however just wants to know, why Oswald is being so kind to him. Oswald tells him that he enjoyed talking to Edward in the past months. Oswald also tells Edward that he is wondering why Fish did not kill him in the night of her escape, as he was powerless. Edward tells him no to worry and reminds him that penguins eat fish. Later, Penguin is called back to the nightclub where Tabitha and Barbara were attacked by three gangsters. These gangsters had only held back because they though Penguin was protecting Tabitha and Barbara, as the deal did not come to pass they thought the protection was over. Penguin is shown the only surviving mobster. Penguin brokers a deal between the women and the mobster, as the club is indeed on his territory. It is revealed that Butch hired the mobster in the hopes that Tabitha would come back to him for protection. A deeply annoyed Penguin shoots the mobster with Butch's gun and tells the two women to keep their club. However, before leaving he makes it clear that Tabitha is only alive because of Butch and the moment Butch gives the word, Tabitha will be killed.

The next day, Penguin gives another speech to the press, where he also rallies a group of citizen against Fish and her monsters. He tells the people that it is the people's duty to kill every of Fish's monsters as the police has failed to do so. The masses applaud Penguin. When the media broadcasts that FIsh, who is attempting to kidnap Strange, has been cornered by the police at the location Strange is held, Penguin watches this broadcast and rejoices, as Fish is finally standing with her back to the wall. Butch asks him what he plans to do, as the GCPD will not storm the building because Fish has hostages. Oswald reminds him that the GCPD is not Gotham and that the city is standing behind him. Indeed, he rallies an angry mob of citizens and advances onto the mansion. There, GCPD commisioner Barnes angrily demands to know what Cobblepot thinks he is doing and Cobblepot clains that the police has proven that they are unable to deal fish Fish. Penguin once more rallies his supporters who try to force their way through the police blockade. Minutes later, Oswald is called by Gordon, who right now is inside the mansion. Gordon tells Oswald that Fish will be outside the back of the mansion soon and that Oswald can have her all for herself. However, Gordon needs a distraction and asks Oswald to rally his crowd. Indeed, Oswald sends the mob against the police. While the policemen fight Penguin's mob, Penguin heads to the back. There, he awaits Fish who tries to flee with Strange and her henchman Marv. Oswald allows Marv to leave, leaving only Fish and Strange. Fish asks whether this is the thanks for her sparing his life under the bridge, shooting her in the woods like an animal. Oswald admits that this is pretty much the case but also admits that the night Fish resurfaced left an impression on him. He asks Fish why she spared his life when she would've gotten the chance to kill him instead. Fish tells him that she spared him because he belongs to her. She also tells him that she was the one who made him, that Oswald started as her umbrella boy and made his way up to the top of Gotham. Fish reveals that she considers the finest thing she ever did turning Oswald Cobblepot into the Penguin, and that she could not destroy that. Penguin is visibly touched and, with tears in his eyes, lets Fish escape, telling her never to come back. Penguin then returns to his mob and is celebrated, as the mob managed to kill two of Fish's monsters.

Cobblepot's Candidacy
During a council meeting, Aubrey James tries to re-elect himself as mayor until new elections, but Oswald and his group of angry citizens come forward and call the preceding a sham. Cobblepot points out how during James' leadership, James allowed for there to be a corrupt system in Gotham and openly accuses James of having the nerve to appoint himself into office. Oswald announces for his candidacy for mayor and that there should be an election immediately, earning an outstanding ovation from the citizens. Back at the mansion, Butch tries to talk Oswald out of his campaign, but Oswald believes that Gotham citizens are with him as they're scared and angry and people like Aubrey James wouldn't suffice. Penguin is determined to make a legacy his father would be proud of. Oswald is called by James to meet at a restaurant. Oswald sees James as old news and sees himself as a man of action. James isn't threatened since he has the judges, the GCPD and legal experts behind him, but Penguin is satisfied with having himself. Aubrey surrounds Cobblepot with three gunmen as a threat, but the latter has every customer point their guns out at James, outnumbering him and his men. However, Cobblepot chooses not to kill Aubrey, claiming that it wouldn't be fun with only one candidate, but admits that he needs help as he is inexperienced. At Arkham Asylum, Cobblepot meets the current Warden who is forced to deal with the mess Strange caused. Cobblepot makes a deal for the Warden to get a higher position in exchange for releasing Nygma from the asylum. The warden is hesitant of releasing a convicted criminal, but Cobblepot threatens to keep the Warden at Arkham, demoted as a janitor. Nygma is released as promised with the Warden claiming all the murders were committed during his insanity. At first Edward is suspicious because he was released so easily, but when Cobblepot shows up in his car, he realizes what happened and happily greets his friend.

During a speech, Oswald talks about his mother, claiming that she always believed in him. He announces that they will make Gotham safe again, which is greeted by applause. Edward later tells Oswald that Penguin should and can become mayor without paying off city officials, leading to an argument between the two. Edward then heads to every city official bribed by Oswald and demands the money back, claiming that Oswald will run a clean election. When this is revealed, Butch grabs Nygma and throttles him, telling Oswald that Nygma just cost him the election. Oswald is disappointed in his friend but Nygma then points to the television, where it is revealed that Oswald won the election by a landslide.

Red Hood Gang
As mayor, Oswald participates in numerous public events, with Butch and Nygma by his side. Afterwards, Penguin returns to his manor where he speaks to a statue of his mother, which he had built in her honor. Nygma walks in on Penguin talking to the statue and claims that his mother would have been proud of what Oswald had achieved.

The next day, Oswald is holding a speech on the steps before a building when the speech is interrupted. The Red Hood Gang turns up and, after forcing everyone to the ground, start disfiguring the statue of Oswald's mother, eventually smacking off her head with a sledgehammer. An outraged Oswald screams that they are going to pay for this. One of the gangsters sarcastically tells Oswald not to lose his head, then throws a smoke bomb in which the gang escapes.

Cobblepot later meets with his gang and starts talking about his mother, calling her a saint, and vowing revenge on the gang who defiled the statue. When one of the gangsters claims that they only need glue and a little paint to restore the statue, Penguin smashes his head into the stone head of his mother. Claiming that the Red Hoods have challenged his authority, he sends out the men to make an example out of them while he and Barbara Kean head to the Sirens to celebrate Oswald's election. Before that can happen, Nygma deduces the location of the gang's hideout. Penguin calls Butch, telling him where the warehouse is and that he and the gang are heading there now. Penguin is not aware that Butch has hired the Red Hood Gang in order to take them down and to be a hero in the eyes of Penguin. Before Penguin and the gang can arrive at the warehouse, Butch heads there and attempts to convince the gang to flee. When he hears Penguin and his gang approaching, Butch murders the entire Red Hood Gang instead, successfully reinstating him in the eyes of Cobblepot. In a press conference, Penguin reveals the destruction of the gang and gives all credit to Butch. Nygma, however, is not pleased.

At the victory party, Cobblepot meets with Bruce Wayne and Alfred Pennyworth and Bruce thanks him for saving his life from Galavan. However, Alfred sarcastically comments on Penguin's overly-dramatic use of a bazooka and claims that he has been picking pieces of Galavan from the grass for weeks afterwards.

Manipulated by Nygma, who holds Tabitha hostage, Butch is forced to "murder" Cobblepot. He dons a red hood and, while Penguin is holding his victory speech, shoots at him. However, the gun Nygma gave Butch is revealed to have been filled with blanks and an outraged Penguin calls for Butch's death. Penguin heads back to the stage, claiming that he is shocked and disturbed that he has been betrayed by one of his closest friends. His hate speech is interrupted when Tabitha storms the room, having escaped her captors. Without the leverage, Butch attacks Nygma and attempts to strangle him but is stopped by Oswald who hits him over the head with a bottle, knocking him unconscious. The injured Nygma is brought to Van dahl Mansion where it is revealed that Nygma told Penguin about his ruse with Butch. Nygma tells him that Penguin's shock to see Butch's betrayal had to be genuine and that now, Penguin once more is seen as a hero. Nygma also tells Penguin that Penguin can always rely on him.

Developing feelings for Nygma
Back at his manor, Penguin has developed feelings for Ed and decides to tell him so. He approaches Ed, who is managing his affairs, but gets cold feet and instead redirects their conversation to his schedule.

As mayor, Penguin visits a school where he is clearly annoyed as he does not particularly like children. However, he sees a lone boy who is sitting apart from the others and sympathizes with him. The boy tells him that he is new and that he is afraid that the other children may not like him. Penguin tells him that he will never find out if he does not try. He also tells him to push the children down the stairs should they indeed not like him. After the boy is gone, Penguin once more approaches Ed and invites him to dinner at the mansion, claiming that they have something important to discuss. However, Nygma reveals to Oswald that he had found a new girlfriend, Isabella. To seperate the two, Oswald visits Isabella's book store and starts a conversation. He reveals to her that Nygma was imprisoned at Arkham for murdering his former girlfriend, implying that he might kill her as well.

Oswald then attends the anual Founder's Dinner which, as the mayor, is hosted by him. There, he talks to Kathryn, who revealed she had come from one of Gotham's ancient families, just like him. Oswald is almost killed by Jervis Tetch when the latter storms the dinner but is saved by the GDPD who arrive in time. After the dinner, Oswald is annoyed when he sees that his plan to seperate Nygma and Isabella idn't work, as the couple (Nygma and Isabella) are still in love. Oswald to go home tired, however, in jealousy and lust, he thinks of another scheme.

Murdering Isabella
Nygma explains to Oswald how he has fear of killing Isabella the way he did Kringle. Oswald tells him to break up with Isabella to keep her safe, but Nygma asked him to do it for him. When Oswald visits Isabella in her house, he orders her to end her relationship with Nygma, saying that other than Isabella's obvious resemblance to Nygma's former lover and similar cryptic behavior they have nothing in common and wasn't deserving of Nygma's superior level, however she wouldn't give up on him that easily. Isabella continues to confess Nygma and her love, but can see that Oswald is in love with him as well. Instead of being jealous, Isabella points out that the only reason Nygma wants to break up with her is because he's afraid that he'll hurt her the way he hurt Kringle. Oswald walks closer to Isabella and threatens her to let Nygma go, Isabella refuses. An angered Oswald warns her that something far worse is coming her way and leaves. Oswald is told by Nygma that he and Isabella fell in love again as Isabella changed her clothes and dyed her hair to look exactly Kringle tp prove that Nygma's learned from his past mistake. Oswald hides his jealousy from Nygma only to say he's happy for his friend's relationship being reconciled and tells him to get some sleep as he wants to hear about everything tomorrow. Determined to make Nygma his, Oswald has his henchman, Gabe cutoff the brakes in Isabella's car so she would be killed, knowing Nygma would be heartbroken with her passing assures Gabe that now he has Oswald to be his shoulder to cry on.

He later lied to Nygma that Isabella will be calling him, just to get Nygma exposed to the GCPD. His men found Isabella's body, as Nygma watched the dead Isabella being sent to the grave. Edward cried on Oswald's shoulder, just as he expected. It was all a process of convincing Nygma that Butch is guilty, and Oswald was a witness to Edward's depression, thus he drew himself on a picture and Nygma on the side. He then showed Nygma the picture, and he heard from Nygma that Butch probably killed Isabella on the trainline. Oswald was happy, stating he will hunt Butch down with pleasure.