5 Reasons Episode 4 of The Penguin Attains Perfection
The fourth episode of HBO's hit series The Penguin, titled "Cent'Anni," has been widely regarded as a standout moment in the series. This episode not only delves deep into the backstory of one of the best DC characters in recent years, Sofia Falcone, but also showcases Cristin Milioti's fantastic acting, a compelling timeline, and it sets the stage for an exciting future. Here's why this episode stands out as one of the best chapters of a modern series.
The Penguin (2024) | HBO, Warner Bros., and DC
A Deep Dive into Sofia Falcone
Sofia Falcone, portrayed by Milioti, is a character that has captivated audiences since her introduction. Unlike many of the popular, mainstream characters in the DC universe, Sofia is a new iiteration of a morally gray character, making her a complex and intriguing figure, to say the least. Episode four takes a deep dive into her past, revealing the harrowing experiences she endured at Arkham Asylum and the betrayal by her own family that led to her tragic confinement. This backstory adds various must-watch layers to her character, making her motivations and actions more understandable and relatable. However, we’ve been rooting for her from the beginning, so it didn’t take much convincing.
Cristin Milioti's Stellar Performance
After witnessing several episodes of Milioti's portrayal of Sofia Falcone, it’s no surprise that she’s gaining universal praise. Though, her performance in episode four is particularly noteworthy, as she seamlessly transitions between Sofia's naive younger self and her tortured, hardened adult persona forged by Arkham. Milioti's ability to convey the emotional depth and complexity of Sofia's character is a testament to her expertise as an actor — with her impeccable performance becoming one of the strongest television/streaming additions we’ve seen in quite some time.
The Penguin (2024) | HBO, Warner Bros., and DC
A Compelling Timeline
"Cent'Anni" does an excellent job of weaving together past and present timelines, creating an engaging narrative that keeps viewers tense from start to finish. As stated earlier, the episode explores Sofia's time in Arkham Asylum and her subsequent release, providing context for her current actions and motivations — all while bridging the events of the previous episode with a present-day pivot that changes everything. This carefully developed non-linear storytelling adds depth to the series and elevates the overall narrative with ease.
Enhanced Relationship Context
The episode also adds important context to Sofia's relationships with her family members and Penguin himself. By exploring her past interactions with her father and brother, the audience gains a better understanding of the dynamics within the Falcone crime family that shaped the series’ introduction and now second half. This added relationship context enriches the story and makes the characters more intricate and human — or conversely, more dangerous than we might have initially perceived.
The Penguin (2024) | HBO, Warner Bros., and DC
Setting Up Future Storylines
"Cent'Anni" sets the stage for future storylines, particularly those involving the now-iconic Sofia Falcone. The episode ends on a satisfying, game-changer of a cliffhanger, leaving viewers eager to see what happens next for not only the character but the gritty Gotham crime saga as a whole. And at this point, Sofia's transformation from a victim to a powerful figure in Gotham's criminal underworld promises exciting developments in the series' future.
With that being said, it’s probably about time you check out The Penguin in real-time on HBO or streaming exclusively on Max.
