The Penguin Episode 4 Review: Sofia Falcone's Rise to Power!

The Penguin Episode 4: A Masterclass in Storytelling, Acting, and Pure DC Brilliance!

The Penguin Episode 4: Sofia Falcone Takes Center Stage—and Steals the Show!

The Penguin isn't your typical superhero show. It keeps the momentum going and it doesn't slow down at all! That is very hard to do; especially after the mid-season drop off experienced by so many other TV shows. This amazing feat? The show cleverly shifts its focus in Episode 4, showcasing Sofia Falcone (Cristin Milioti), arguably one of the greatest new additions to Batman lore in recent history! Forget Oz Cobb (Colin Farrell) for now – though he is still part of that specific storyline; this episode truly showcases Cristin Milioti's phenomenal talent – this one’s going to be that perfect convincing point. Even experienced viewers already accustomed to superior DC content, and already quite invested within that overall storyline from before; will totally appreciate this masterclass.

It’s that kind of unexpected storyline twist: taking a surprising, highly creative shift away from that ever-important showdown from before between Oz and Nadia Maroni (Shohreh Aghdashloo), and stepping back into Sofia’s brutal past; it is nothing short of genius, especially considering this story arc explores events from 2012—before she is incarcerated within Arkham—that storyline creates that key build up to Carmine Falcone’s (Mark Strong) presence and brings another exciting plot twist. This results in 60 amazing minutes of some serious DC entertainment! Those moments are why you’re even going to want to watch it, even if those earlier storylines haven’t fully engaged.

Also Read: The Penguin HBO Max: Get Ready for a Darker Gotham

The Penguin’s Smart Twist: Letting Sofia Reclaim Her Narrative

Colin Farrell was awesome as Oz in The Batman, thus his own spin-off seemed logical, but The Penguin Episode 4 totally subverts expectations. It doesn’t let Oz dominate; despite everything having been carefully developed before—and despite how important those earlier episodes had made Oz into the overall storyline. That smart approach makes the show unique— putting Milioti's Sofia at the forefront, delivering immediate results in a remarkably brilliant fashion. Beginning from her being betrayed near The Apex Club, that intense story moves to 2012; it explores everything surrounding the very genesis of that family, its violent history; and further solidifies what already made The Penguin compelling over its last three hours. Even experienced viewers and new viewers alike can find enjoyment within these carefully arranged plot points!

It makes a clever move: reclaiming Sofia’s story after carefully developed hints; subtle plot points; gradually adding various crucial information points which creates that larger story; a far more developed, intense and artistic approach than a surprise reveal could’ve possibly provided. The overall effect? Unbelievably brilliant.

Also Read: The Penguin: A Closer Look at Gotham's Darkest Villain

Carmine Falcone: Mark Strong’s Unique Take on a Classic Villain

Colin Farrell as Oz Cobb in THe Penguin episode 4 Image

Carmine Falcone in The Penguin is totally unlike his counterpart in The Batman! He is seen here, only from his daughter’s perspective; showcasing those family relationships—and showing his surprisingly more human, fatherly side! That clever difference—created due to a recast (John Turturro replaced by Mark Strong because of scheduling issues)— is something even worth celebrating! It makes Mark Strong’s interpretation impressive and makes him totally distinct!

There's a great decision in avoiding a direct copycat performance, folks! It delivers that totally distinct portrayal making Strong’s Carmine an impressive villain even on his own, and his work is just superior.

Also Read: The Penguin: A Gritty Gotham Spin-off - What You Need To Know

Arkham Asylum: A Hellish Portrait of Gotham's Rot

Mark Strong as Carmine Falcone in The Penguin Image

People want Arkham spin-offs! There are huge assumptions of what it is! That place usually shows insane amounts of Batman’s roguish gallery, yet, that portrayal might need serious revisions. The Penguin’s portrayal focuses on brutal realism, emphasizing how Arkham is corrupted, a deeply troubling reflection of Gotham itself, a setting deeply impactful and which directly illustrates the horrors surrounding incarceration, showcasing just how horrible Arkham actually is. This sets up the main narrative.

That intense introduction creates this kind of setting only made possible through several key aspects surrounding its characters. We see Sofia's descent and subsequent resurrection–both experiences, totally compelling; showcasing her growth. This totally works thanks to brilliant newcomers—T Ryder Smith as Dr Ventris, and Syd Skidmore as Abby; showcasing some truly unforgettable moments!

Also Read: The Penguin Episode 3 Review: A Deeper Dive into Gotham's Underworld

Sofia Falcone vs. Bruce Wayne: A Mirror Reflection in Absence

Cristin Milioti's Sofia Falcone in Arkham Image

The themes of ambition and challenge established around Sofia from episode 1— those small scenes in which we explore Oz's indoctrination and his reliance upon the manipulation of others— create another element highlighting the power-hungry figures in Gotham who change its order— that element of subversive challenge to established power creates that contrast, making them far more powerful!

The absence of Batman is masterful; creating another point that only works because Batman’s absence is deliberate; creating that unique space necessary for telling Sofia’s story. The contrast, that deliberate parallelism; those shared similarities— and the key subtle distinctions surrounding that difference in behavior and their motivations creates a far greater storytelling impact, delivering moments that otherwise wouldn’t have been achieved.

Conclusion: Episode 4 - Unquestionably Superior Storytelling

Cristin Milioti as Sofia Falcone in The Penguin episode 4 Image

Episode 4 is everything done brilliantly! It features remarkable performances by both leading and minor actors involved— emphasizing those moments that could otherwise easily go unused and could make those relatively insignificant details surprisingly memorable! It is totally compelling, demonstrating clever creative storytelling. It explores various previously seeded elements; this is not just excellent television—it's easily one of the best DC episodes ever, and many who watch this episode have praised this specific event; emphasizing why this has truly created another must-see moment in TV show history and those incredible storytelling methods which need recognition.