Review: The Penguin, Season 1, Episode 4, “Cent’anni”

This new episode gives audiences a closer look into Sofia’s past, similar to Vic in episode three. The story first picks up right as Vic picks Oz up, leaving Sofia behind. There, Sofia loses consciousness and reflects on her past.

It’s revealed that Sofia was a soft character, planning charity dinners and giving back to the community. Sofia explains that her mother struggled with mental health, so she hopes to help women with similar issues. Her kind demeanor wins over the audiences, though not the press. An undercover journalist reaches young Sofia and mentions how many women who come across her father commit suicide. This thought sends Sofia into a spiral, forcing her to remember the moment she found her mother lifeless.

This single moment with the journalist changes Sofia’s life more than she could’ve imagined. Sofia’s father, Carmine Falcone, accuses her of betraying him once he gets word that she encountered a journalist investigating him. From there, Carmine condemns her to Arkham to be mentally evaluated. Not only does she have to be locked away in a mental institution, Carmine frames her for the murder charges he was facing.

Sofia was locked away in Arkham for ten years because of her father, only having her brother visit her. After being tortured and pushed to her limit, she became the woman she is now.

After Sofia’s incident with Oz leaving her, her trust and patience for others had left her. She welcomes herself to her family’s gathering, having many react uncomfortably to her unpredictability. The same night Sofia vows to her family that she will be taking a vacation to Italy for a new, fresh start, they all pass from a gas leak in the house. All but Johnny Viti, who Sofia saves for a different agenda.

In this episode, audiences see Sofia’s character development, making her character more detailed and complex. It seems as though the show has hit a pivotal moment, seeing how Oz has already betrayed Sofia so early on. What was once thought to be a moment of partnership between the two characters quickly diminished due to Oz’s selfish nature. Being so early in the season, many fans wonder where this series will go, as it feels like it’s still trying to decide what it wants to be. Overall, this was possibly one of the best episodes so far; offering viewers action, drama, and thrills. This episode cliffhanger also leaves many anticipating what comes next in this unpredictable series.

Rating: 9/10

Kayla Burrows: Film and television have always been an acute interest of mine since adolescence. Ever since, I have participated in adjacent professions, such as theatre, copywriting, and media research. With over eight years of experience in writing and communication, I aim to leverage my expertise to contribute to innovative media projects, and give audiences trusted reviews.
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