Gotham (TV Series)

Rise of the Villains: Strike Force (2015)

Robin Lord Taylor: Oswald Cobblepot, Penguin

Quotes 

• [Oswald Cobblepot meets Theo Galavan] 

  Theo Galavan : Mr. Cobblepot. Finally we meet.

  Oswald Cobblepot : Call me Penguin.

  Theo Galavan : I thought I heard you hated that name.

  Oswald Cobblepot : It grew on me.

  Theo Galavan : Penguin, it is.

• [Oswald Cobblepot and Theo Galavan discuss the future of Gotham] 

  Theo Galavan : Here's the rub: in order to rebuild, I first need to destroy, but I can't do that. I mean, watch the news, I'm a hero. But you have a certain flare for such a task. You, Penguin... you will be my destroyer.

  Oswald Cobblepot : [Penguin chuckles]  Truly, I'm flattered. Thank you so much for thinking of me, but... my dear sir, you have me all wrong. I have no flair for destruction. I'm a builder, a problem solver. Besides, such a huge project would need the support of hundred of city officials.

  Theo Galavan : Yes, only the highest authority could see it through correctly. Say, a Mayor with a landslide mandate.

  Oswald Cobblepot : But you're not a candidate.

  Theo Galavan : Or I will be. By popular demand. Alas, some of my fellow candidates actually stand a chance at winning. So they'll have to go.

  Oswald Cobblepot : [Penguin scoffs]  Go?

  Theo Galavan : And I'm gonna need you to take a crack at me also. And miss, of course. Don't want anyone to think... I had anything to do with my fellow candidates' demise.

  Oswald Cobblepot : That's smart thinking. However, will all due respect, Mr. Galavan, I'm not your man. You need an assassin. This is Gotham, you can find them in the phone book. Under 'A'.

• [Oswald Cobblepot and Theo Galavan discuss the past of Gotham] 

  Tabitha Galavan : You're not 'The King of Gotham'. You're 'The King of Garbage'.

  Oswald Cobblepot : A year ago, I held Fish Mooney's umbrella. Now she's dead by my hand. Along with Maroni. Falcone is in hiding, and all of their businesses are mine. They all underestimated me. I suggest you not make the same mistake.

  Theo Galavan : My sister is too blunt. But she is honest. The foundations of this great city were laid 200 years ago, by some very dedicated people. Now it's an old crumbling pigsty, fill of with human waste. It's time to move into the future. A clearner, brighter... future.

• [first lines] 

  Oswald Cobblepot : [Oswald Cobblepot fires a shotgun into the air over a dinner table of criminal guests]  Gentleman! Ladies! Others! Let us discuss the future with a little civility, shall we? So... not one of you knows who orchestrated and/or executed the Arkham breakout. I find that hard to believe. I mean, the cops' only lead is an old blind man, for God's sakes. A blind man! Then who here is to be trusted. Because someone knows.

  Gang Leader : Uh... we thought it was you.

  Oswald Cobblepot : Why would I do that? We never had it better. I gave you all of the freedom in the world and business boomed. For all of us. A new generation. Then that ginger maniac had to spoil everything. Even now he's dead, public is still terrified, business is in the can and what do we do? Fighting among ourselves. Is this how any of us want to live? Squabbling, brawling, running, hiding? This city belongs to us now. But kids, that brings responsibilities. We need to restore confidence in our brand, if you will. We need discipline and unity, yes? There will be no more chaos. No more gang wars. No more blood in the streets, scaring decent folk. From now on, if you want to kill someone, blackmail, steal, or kidnap anyone, I need to hear about it first. Understand?

• [last lines] 

  [Penguin stares into the fireplace wondering where Theo Galavan is keeping his kidnapped mother] 

  Oswald Cobblepot : Did you find her?

  [Butch taps Penguin on the shoulder, when Penguin yells and screams at the fire, throwing his drink into the fire]