Penguin's Fourth Episode Stuns with Game-altering Development
Pulling off the Unforgettable:
Ever found yourself engrossed in a TV series, half-way through an episode, knowing it's special? It's going to become a modern classic? That's exactly what happened with The Last of Us. With shows like Battlestar Galactica and Lost, and now The Penguin has done it too. The show's fourth episode, "Cent'anni," is a jaw-dropping, heart-wrenching piece of television that centers around Sofia Falcone (Cristin Milioti), and let me tell you, it's a game-changer.
Before this episode, we weren't entirely sure about Sofia. We knew she'd been accused of killing several women, earning her the nickname "The Hangman." We thought Oz (Colin Farrell) was afraid of her for a variety of reasons, but mostly because she's the head of the family he's trying to take over. And, we thought, Oz had successfully convinced her he didn't kill her brother, even though he did. Well, in the first brilliant move of episode four, we learn that Sofia has finally been told the truth: it was Oz who killed her brother. His abandoning her becomes a whole other issue now.
But that was just the opening act. The story then takes us back to Sofia's past, where we meet a younger, happier Sofia along with her father, crime boss Carmine Falcone (Mark Strong), and her brother, Alberto (Michael Zegen). Everything seems peaceful, but that doesn't last long. Sofia discovers that someone-later revealed to be her father-has been killing women and covering it up as suicide, dating back to her and Alberto's mother. Oz informs Carmine about Sofia's findings, leading to a betrayal that sets in motion a series of events for Sofia.
To put it mildly, her father's betrayal is brutal. But when we learn that Sofia's entire family-except for her brother-lied about her mental condition to keep her imprisoned, you truly feel sorry for her. As the episode progresses, it veers into Requiem for a Dream territory with the doctors and inmates of Arkham seemingly in on the plan to make the level-headed, smart Sofia into the violent, crazy murderer her father claims she is.
The violence and betrayal seem endless, and we soon learn it's been going on for 10 years. As we watch the innocent Sofia endure both mental and physical torment-all of which started with Oz-our perspective starts to change. Is Oz the main character of this story because he's a famous Batman villain? He's just a grasping power-hungry former driver. Or is the main character the rightful heir to the throne, betrayed by almost everyone she loved, who fights her way out of hell to come back? That's the more interesting story. And once The Penguin returns from the flashback, it's a different show.
Now we're on Sofia's side. We want to see her get revenge. We're enraged that Oz killed Alberto, the one family member who believed in and fought for Sofia. We're desperate for her to get revenge on her aunts and uncles, and boy does she, with a fantastic final scene where she murders almost everyone in the house without lifting a finger. Chef's kiss.
Written by John McCutcheon and directed by Helen Shave, "Cent'anni" isn't just the best episode yet of The Penguin, it's one of the best episodes of TV this year. Milioti's performance is absolutely award-worthy. In fact, the episode was so good, I'm now firmly Team Sofia. They should rename the show "Falcone."
The Penguin is now streaming on Max. Want more io9 news? Check out the latest updates on Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek. Find out what's next for the DC Universe on film and TV. And, of course, everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
- The fourth episode of 'The Penguin', titled "Cent'anni", is a standout piece of television, centering around Sofia Falcone, played by Cristin Milioti, and it is a game-changer.
- Before the revelation in episode four, viewers were unsure about Sofia, knowing she had a past involving the killing of several women, earning her the nickname "The Hangman."
- io9 recommends streaming 'The Penguin' on Max, praising John McCutcheon and Helen Shave's work on the episode "Cent'anni", stating it is one of the best episodes of TV this year, with Milioti's performance being award-worthy.
- With a compelling storyline and Milioti's captivating performance, 'The Penguin' has successfully transformed the audience's perspective, making viewers root for Sofia, leading some to advocate for the show's title to be renamed "Falcone."
