It’s not often you see a show get such a massive boost mid-season, but The Penguin isn’t just any show. Moreover, episode 4 of The Penguin — which hit 1.7 million views, providing a 21% boost from the show’s first episode — wasn’t a normal episode of television, having received a 9.5 rating on IMBd.
(Warning: Spoilers for The Penguin episode 4 ahead.)
Titled “Cent’Anni” — which is an Italian phrase the Sofia Falcone uttered in the episode — episode 4 of The Penguin turns the focus away from the show’s title character. While Oz Cobb is featured throughout, this was all about Sofia.
The Hangman…?
It was all a lie.
But, as far as we know, there are only a select few who know Sofia was not the one to carry out “The Hangman murders.” Unfortunately for her, public opinion and her father’s influence have painted her into a corner. One that she’s tried to slowly work her way out of until Penguin repeated history.
Although now, she seems to have settled into that corner and made it her own.
Betrayal so nice, he did it twice!
The Penguin episode 4 addresses some questions that emerged from the third episode’s cliff-hanger. The biggest question being: What was said when the Maronis attacked Penguin and Sofia before Victor showed up?
Simply put, Sofia learned of Penguin’s latest betrayal.
Viewers knew Oz was playing her, but this development still hit hard for two reasons. It was yet another element of his larger plan that shifted in a way he didn’t plan for. We also know that Penguin has betrayed Sofia before, but episode 4 provides more insight into the details.
While Carmine Falcone was the one who put his daughter in Arkham because of her learnings, Penguin was the one who set everything in motion. Oz didn’t know what the outcome could be – because he didn’t know the entirety of the situation’s details — but it was still a significant breach of trust. The outcome only further amplified that.
Cent’Anni
On top of being the episode’s title, this was the final thing Sofia said to close out her toast at the Falcone family dinner. Cent’Anni is an italian phrase that directly translates to “a hundred years,” but it’s also used as a well-wish along the lines of “to your health.”
Shortly after, Sofia carried out the murder of everyone at the table through use of an air toxin in the house while they all slept. (Presumably, the toxin was her new drug Bliss.)
She has become the monster they all accused her of being. Only, they didn’t realize just how monstrous she could be.
All-Time Great?
Absolutely. But this whole show has the makings of an all-time great.
Every moment matters. Both Colin Farrell and Cristin Milioti have been remarkably compelling. A hard formula to replicate, but it sure works when those elements come together.
What episode 4 of The Penguin did that was so remarkable, beyond telling an interesting story so well, was flip the entire show on its head. Penguin was never a great guy, but he was something of a lovable loser. Now, he’s a weasel who betrayed an innocent woman twice.
And now, that woman is on the warpath.
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