The latest episode of HBO's dark hit series, The Penguin, wracked the shock meter up to eleven when it revealed the twisted backstory of Sofia Falcone, played by Cristin Milioti. The fourth installment, titled "Cent’Anni," stirs the pot with multiple revelations about Sofia’s past, critically shaping her character as she emerges as one of Gotham's most formidable foes.
This episode, which aired on October 13, unveils the murky familial ties of Sofia Falcone, the daughter of notorious crime boss Carmine Falcone, portrayed by Mark Strong. The show takes viewers through flashbacks to her time at Arkham State Hospital—a grim place where her mental state spirals due to events orchestrated by her very own family. The story begins chaos as Sofia grapples with the horrifying truth about her father: he's the serial killer known as the Hangman, responsible for the deaths of multiple women, including Sofia's mother.
The episode doesn’t just skim the surface. It dives deep, detailing the emotional turmoil as Sofia begins piecing together the puzzle of her mother’s tragic death. When Gotham's relentless reporter, Summer Gleeson, confronts her about her father's potential crimes, the resulting stress unleashes buried memories of the night her mother died—even reminding viewers of the scratches discovered on Carmine’s face, evident when he discovered her hanging. Rather than step forward with the truth, Carmine retaliates by silencing Gleeson, framing Sofia for the murder.
One of the gripping themes of this installment is the friction within the Falcone family itself. Feeling cornered and betrayed, Sofia is faced with choices no one should have to make, leading her uncle Luca and underboss Johnny Viti to confront her, demanding she leave Gotham. But Sofia, refusing to submit to her family's constraints, attends what appears to be a supportive family dinner, disguised with cold intentions.
Contrary to wishes for family unity, viewers soon witness revolutionary actions from Sofia. Following her poignant speech about abandonment by her family, she toasts to her newfound freedom—though the meaning is far more sinister than it appears. That fateful night, under the guise of kindness, she lures her young niece, Gia, for what is ostensibly a sleepover but transforms tragically—from warm chocolate cake to frigid betrayal.
What’s alarming is her chillingly calculated act of aggression against her family. While the sleeping Falcone family rests, Sofia exploits their vulnerability by rerouting the natural gas lines of their mansion, poisoning the air. The massacre results not only in her uncle's demise but also wipes out the majority of the Falcone clan, saving only Johnny Viti, who awakens to find himself imprisoned with Sofia, now the self-proclaimed Queenpin of Gotham.
The storytelling turns darker with every scene, showcasing the psychological terror Sofia endures throughout her life. This is particularly potent during her time at Arkham, where torturous treatments push her closer to the edge. An exploration of her mental breakdown leads to moments of sheer horror, making the actions of staff seem grotesquely barbaric. The relentless treatment serves to illuminate the consequences of her familial loyalties weighed down by secrets and betrayal.
According to the show’s creator Lauren LeFranc, the episode took bold risks to present Sofia’s transformation not merely as evil but as the consequence of her experiences. She stated, "I really like storytelling where you pause on the plot and let the audience engage deeply with the characters." The creators intended to paint Sofia as someone whose undefined struggles evolve and shape her—allowing the audience to witness how trauma can pave the way to vengeance.
Directing duties for this pivotal episode fell to Helen Shaver, who drew on her extensive background to capture the unsettling essence of Sofia’s descent. Shaver shares the sentiment of the showrunners, emphasizing the depth of Sofia's transformation and the significance it holds not just for her, but for Oz Cobblepot, portrayed by Colin Farrell, who is beginning to realize he has much to fear. Shaver’s approach to the material emphasizes the lasting impact of trauma on individuals and the narratives surrounding them.
The episode’s dark nuances do not smother the hopeful kernel; they serve to peel back the layers of Sofia’s soul, tangling her morality and aspirations, making her actions relatable even when they disturb. Milioti’s performance shines, capturing the essence of betrayal, vengeance, and strength. Viewers can't help but fret over her future—whether she will become Gotham's angel of mercy or its avenging demon.
Nevertheless, the episode’s exploration doesn’t stall with Sofia's storyline. It also introduces another compelling character, Magpie, who makes her first appearance, hinting at future conflicts. Played by Marié Botha, Magpie weaves herself deeply within Arkham's chaotic threads, offering insight to viewers unfamiliar with this lesser-known but riveting DC character. Audiences witness her obsession with shiny objects, alongside Sofia’s battle for survival, adding layers of intrigue to the show’s already rich narrative.
Magpie, also known as Margaret Pye, is here not just to play the villain but to clash against Sofia, solidifying her place within the series' vast Gotham City underworld. Her quest for shiny baubles mirrors Sofia's hunt for power and allegiance, where desperate measures can lead to fatal decisions—essentially entwining their fates along the way. Both characters seem poised for explosive confrontations, setting the stage for dramatic showdowns as more layers of Gotham's darkest narratives are peeled back.
Beyond the walls of Arkham, the consequences of Sofia’s ruthless decisions ripple through the city's crime families, building anticipation for how her new reign might affect the established order. Gotham, often painted as lawless and chaotic, now witnesses the birth of yet another player—one fueled by blood and betrayal, bound by family ties yet severed by gruesome actions.
With episode 4, The Penguin proves it has teeth—not only depicting characters entrenched with complexity but also illustrating how the interplay of trauma, revenge, and ambition can ignite flames of chaos. The darkness depicted isn’t merely grotesque entertainment—it serves as commentary on enduring pain and the paths chosen by those who bear its weight.
Overall, as Sofia Falcone rises from her ashes, transformed and indomitable, audiences can expect even more dynamic conflicts as she and Magpie navigate their respective goals. The show continues to broadcast the stark realities of Gotham Island, rousing excitement for what directions this spiraling tale may take next.
The Penguin airs new episodes every Sunday night on HBO, allowing viewers to immerse themselves deeply within the murky waters of Gotham’s treacherous underbelly.
