The Penguin Episode 2: Exploring the Mystery of The Hangman and Julian Rush

The second episode of The Penguin has arrived, and it’s safe to say that this series continues to captivate its audience. As Ozwald Cobblepot (the Penguin) schemes his way through Gotham’s crime world, he’s playing a dangerous game of loyalty between Falcone and Maroni, two of Gotham’s most dangerous criminal organizations. Episode 2 keeps us on the edge of our seats as we encounter new twists, notably the mention of one of DC’s notorious serial killers: The Hangman.

But who exactly is The Hangman in The Penguin series and DC Comics lore? In this deep dive, we’ll unravel the identity of this fearsome character and explore the potential role Julian Rush, a mysterious new figure, might play in this dark and gritty universe.

The Hangman: Gotham’s Fearsome Serial Killer in DC Comics

In the world of DC Comics, The Hangman is no ordinary villain. Widely feared across Gotham, this serial killer is responsible for gruesome murders, targeting Gotham City Police Department officials by hanging them with a noose. But how did this terrifying figure come to be?

The Origins of The Hangman: Sofia Falcone’s Transformation

The Hangman’s origin story begins with Sofia Falcone, the daughter of Gotham’s infamous crime lord, Carmine Falcone. Her journey from crime heiress to ruthless serial killer is one of tragedy and vengeance. In the comics, Sofia initially finds herself embroiled in a battle against a killer known as the Holiday Killer, who was systematically targeting members of the Falcone crime family.

As the mystery of the Holiday Killer unfolds, it’s revealed that the murderer is none other than Alberto Falcone, Carmine’s son, who seeks to claim his father’s criminal empire for himself. Despite Sofia’s efforts to protect her father, Carmine is ultimately killed by Two-Face. Enraged and driven by a desire for revenge, Sofia attempts to kill Two-Face, only to be thwarted by Catwoman. During their fight, Sofia falls from a penthouse window, resulting in her paralysis.

However, the story doesn’t end there. Sofia’s fall and subsequent paralysis were all part of an elaborate ruse. She re-emerges as the serial killer known as The Hangman, seeking vengeance on those she believes wronged her and her family. Her modus operandi? Executing Gotham PD officials by hanging them with a noose.

As her killing spree continues, Sofia’s ultimate target is Two-Face, whom she blames for her father’s death. In a final showdown, Batman intervenes, and Two-Face manages to shoot Sofia, bringing an end to The Hangman’s reign of terror.

The Hangman’s Role in The Penguin Series

While The Penguin series draws heavily from its comic book source material, it takes liberties with the story, offering a fresh take on familiar characters. In the show, Sofia Falcone is once again a central figure, but her arc diverges significantly from the comics.

Sofia Falcone’s New Role in The Penguin

In the series, Sofia has been imprisoned in Arkham Asylum for rehabilitation. She’s haunted by the disappearance of her brother, Alberto, whom she suspects was killed by Oswald Cobblepot. However, without any concrete proof, Sofia finds herself caught in a web of suspicion and power struggles. Oswald, with the help of his new ally Victor, has successfully framed Maroni for Alberto’s murder, keeping Sofia in the dark.

As the season progresses, viewers will likely see Sofia wrestle with her desire for vengeance and her quest for answers about her brother’s fate. Will she transform into The Hangman in this adaptation? Time will tell, but the show’s darker, psychological elements certainly set the stage for such a twist.

Julian Rush: A Mysterious New Character with Villainous Potential

One of the most intriguing additions to The Penguin is Julian Rush, played by Theo Rossi. While he’s a new character to the series, his role has sparked plenty of fan speculation. Could he be connected to an existing Batman villain? Let’s explore the possibilities.

Julian Rush: Who Is He?

Julian Rush is introduced in Episode 2 of The Penguin as Sofia Falcone’s therapist at Arkham Asylum. During a particularly unsettling session, Sofia experiences terrifying hallucinations involving her brother’s death, leaving fans wondering if Julian is more than meets the eye.

Though Julian Rush doesn’t exist in the DC comics, his eerie demeanour and methods have led some to speculate that he could be a reimagined version of Jonathan Crane, better known as The Scarecrow. After all, The Scarecrow is a villain notorious for using fear to manipulate his victims, and Julian’s unconventional therapy session, which induces Sofia’s hallucinations, seems to echo Crane’s fear-inducing tactics.

A Potential Name Swap?

DC adaptations have been known to play with character names in the past, making subtle changes to fit the storyline. For instance, Edward Nygma became Edward Nashton, and Oswald Cobblepot was shortened to Ozwald Cobb. Could Julian Rush be the latest example of this trend, hiding his true identity as The Scarecrow?

Fans have latched onto this theory, noting that Julian’s actions in Episode 2 closely resemble those of The Scarecrow. From his use of red light during therapy sessions to the trance-like state he induces in Sofia, the parallels are hard to ignore. However, as of now, this remains pure speculation. Only time will tell if Julian Rush is indeed a reimagined version of Scarecrow or a new villain entirely.

Johnny Viti: Another Obstacle in Penguin’s Path

As Oswald navigates the treacherous waters of Gotham’s criminal underworld, he’s met with opposition from Johnny Viti, an underboss in Carmine Falcone’s empire and his nephew. Viti, much like other members of the Falcone family, seeks to maintain his hold on power and isn’t afraid to challenge Oswald’s rise.

Johnny Viti’s Comic Book Background

In the comics, Johnny Viti plays a small but significant role in Gotham’s criminal scene. First appearing in Batman #407, Viti was responsible for the abduction of Jim Gordon’s family, a move orchestrated by Carmine Falcone and Commissioner Loeb to exert control over Gotham’s police force.

Viti’s fate is eventually sealed when he becomes one of the many victims of the Holiday Killer. His death further deepens the mystery surrounding Alberto Falcone’s true identity and motives.

Johnny Viti in The Penguin

In the show, Johnny Viti presents a serious challenge to Oswald’s plans. In Episode 2, Oswald attempts to frame Viti for the murder of Alberto Falcone, but his plan fails. Despite this setback, Oswald manages to win over Sofia Falcone, who sees in him a potential ally to reclaim the power that is rightfully hers.

With Viti still in the picture, it remains to be seen how long he’ll last in Gotham’s cutthroat underworld. Will he fall victim to Penguin’s schemes, or will another player, like Sofia, take him down?

What’s Next for The Penguin Series?

With two episodes down, The Penguin is shaping up to be one of the most gripping series in recent memory. The dynamic between Oswald, Sofia, and the rest of Gotham’s criminal elite is riddled with tension, betrayal, and violence. As new characters like Julian Rush are introduced and familiar faces like Johnny Viti return, the stakes only grow higher.

For fans of Gotham’s dark and twisted world, the series offers a fresh perspective on characters we thought we knew. Will Sofia Falcone fully embrace her role as The Hangman? Is Julian Rush truly the Scarecrow in disguise? And how will Oswald’s plans to rise to the top of Gotham’s crime world play out?

One thing’s for sure: The Penguin is just getting started, and there’s no telling how deep the corruption and chaos will go. Stay tuned for more thrilling developments in this gritty, noir take on Gotham City’s seedy underbelly.