Harley Quinn's Dark Side: How The Penguin Sets the Stage for a Deeper Story

The Penguin Flips the Harley Quinn Script: A Dark Story DC Needs to See!

Why Harley Quinn’s Story Needs More Darkness (and The Penguin Shows Us How)

Harley Quinn is a hugely popular character. Margot Robbie's portrayal in the DCEU was a favorite for many people. I sure loved her! I have high hopes for her return to the DCU—especially after other DCEU actors have already returned and this looks highly possible. But there is an important element missing – the really dark stuff.

There’s so much untapped potential in that incredible character, who is deeply complex and very, very intense. We’ve seen hints–that tortured past, the messed-up relationship with the Joker (the movie even hints at this and in brief flashbacks, with Jared Leto's portrayal as the Joker), but the trauma is just never explored fully enough! There's potential to delve deep into Harley's history and use those things which already exist to craft a truly stunning, character-driven story that is well-understood, yet emotionally challenging for many people. I have some serious thoughts regarding those specific story arcs related to Harley Quinn’s abuse, in various depictions.

I'd love to see Robbie's Harley develop that amazing relationship with Poison Ivy (like in the comics and that awesome animated series). Maybe joining the Gotham City Sirens? I was totally hoping for that!

Also Read: Harley Quinn receives her own comic book Batmobile in "Poison Ivy."

The Penguin's Sofia Falcone: A Masterclass in Storytelling

Robert Pattinson's Batman in the middle and Barry Keoghan & Joaquin Phoenix's versions of the Joker on each side Image

I love Colin Farrell's Penguin in The Penguin! But another character became unexpectedly far more compelling: Cristin Milioti's Sofia Falcone. She’s incredibly intriguing, with tons of untapped potential; her mysterious time at Arkham State Hospital—something deeply explored in “Cent’Anni”—shows exactly why! This story showcases exactly why focusing on those troubled histories, the intensely tragic past moments, produces really good storytelling and should not be omitted to show those complexities. Her story arc could become a perfect example of storytelling that might not work in every possible context but totally does here!

Sofia’s journey shows corruption; her own father sets her up. Trapped in Arkham for ten years. And suffering intense torture! This echoes Harley Quinn's experiences with the Joker, emphasizing this very powerful narrative parallel, making it extremely powerful in this way and easily recognizable. This specific choice is critically important to build the intended drama, without requiring any additional exposition.

Also Read: Harley Quinn & Poison Ivy Become Glinda & Elphaba: Wicked Fanart

Sofia’s Revenge: A Justified Act of Empowerment

Sofia's eventual vengeance after all that she experienced—that's not merely something enjoyable but necessary! And its impact is hugely successful. This doesn't show only a justified reaction, yet a brilliant narrative choice to use these complex emotions and situations effectively: After decades of mistreatment and torture, those choices made in this instance were critically justified. The entire audience empathizes and connects with her after that revelation of the immense pain Sofia has endured throughout this timeline and after she rises to assert dominance and finally take control of her life once more, against those individuals involved in hurting her. Her eventual actions only emphasize the narrative significance behind that previous torture that greatly affects how viewers sympathize with Sofia’s ultimate decision.

Also Read: Harley Quinn: DC Universe's Antiheroine - From Villain to Hero

The Penguin’s Twist: A Flipped Perspective on Abuse

That relationship between Sofia and Dr. Julian Rush (Theo Rossi), this mirrors Harley Quinn's with the Joker—but switched! Sofia’s the criminal! And the doctor falls for her. Later, Rush helps free Sofia and becomes deeply involved in her revenge plan; This changes things incredibly, using this kind of mirror structure and similar tropes but with altered power dynamics to enhance the overall importance of the story arc.

Also Read: Batman '89: Catwoman's Surprising Influence on Harley Quinn's Origin

Conclusion: Harley Quinn Deserves This Kind of Deep Exploration

Supergirl Woman of Tomorrow Poster Image

The Penguin's Sofia Falcone story should be the blueprint for how to do this for Harley Quinn. It isn't the only possible choice, but its success makes the specific methods it utilizes worth remembering and learning from, emphasizing its creativity and overall use of various narrative techniques. That darkness; the exploration of intense abuse and eventual empowerment really resonated. The DCU needs to learn from that greatness– focusing on what the writers in The Penguin were able to do, and how it really worked well without requiring many changes. If done well, they'd generate a more nuanced, even more popular and ultimately unforgettable story of Harley Quinn. A well-needed and highly deserved change. And that emotional weight, showing those profound impacts of those specific plot moments really sets Sofia's story apart and serves as inspiration that any similar story could also become.