Mikes Film Talk

Episode three of The Penguin is pretty intense. He may well be on the way up. “We’re in it now,” He tells Vic. What “it” is still has to be determined. They could be up to their necks in sh*t.

Or, on their way to the top.

The difference lies with Sofia now.

The story so far

Oz has finally convinced Sophia, his old boss, to back his play. She reveals the new drug of Gotham; Bliss. This mushroom leakage looks to be the new molly. The trial run of the drug is beyond successful.

Oz and his new partner put Viti in the corner and force him to get them a meeting with Feng Zhao, the Triad leader of Gotham. Viti himself is lucky Oz didn’t kill him while forcing Sophia’s bitter enemy to aid their cause.

Backstory

This episode is all about backstory. We learn more about Vic. His family, his previous status as “the guy who gets things.” A young man who makes dreams, albeit small ones, come true. Vic’s family: mum, dad and sister are his world.

The riddler takes his family away and sets him on the path to Oz.

We also find out just a bit more about Sofia. Her family, especially Carmine, do her dirty. Oz helps orchestrate her fall from grace. The Penguin is nothing if not self serving. He uses and discards those who can help him to the top of Gotham’s garbage heap. This habit does not bode well for Vic.

In episode two, Oz sets Sophia up again. He manages to gain her reluctant trust. This now seems to be a move she will regret.

Episode Three Main Cast

Anire Kim Amoda is Garciela.

Cristin Milioti is Sofia Falcone.

Colin Farrell is Oz Cobb.

Rhenzy Feliz is Victor Aguilar.

Mark Strong is Carmine Falcone

Shohreh Aghdashloo is Nadia Maroni.

Michael Kelly is Johnny Vitti.

Robert Lee Leng is Link Tsai.

The Penguin

Each episode of this show peels another layer away from its characters. Just as we learn more about Oz, each main player airs out a bit more of their own personal backstory.

The creators of The Penguin are making these Gotham denizens feel a bit more real in each segment of this series. We are starting to care about them all. From the mother/revenge obsessed Oz, the quite mad Sophia and sort of nice guy Vic. . (Never mind that Oz and Carmine set the young female Falcone up and set off this mental aberration.)

Sophia

This young woman knows revenge as well as Oz. If she survives the encounter with Mrs. Maroni the Penguin will need to watch his back. As will Vic. This Gotham orphan on his way up may never reach the top if Sophia gets hold of him.

She is left in the hands of Mrs Maroni and a couple of henchmen. She is on her knees with guns still, presumably, pointed at her head. “The Hangman” may well be after Oz and Vic next.

The Wrap up

Oz tells Vic, “We’re in it now.” And they are. In up to their necks with this scheme of the Penguin. Although he may have to compete with Sophia in taking trophies. His revenge list is as long as hers. Vic is probably going to regret leaving Garciela to leave Gotham on her own.

The young Penguin driver has taken a stand now, however, and he is with his boss fully.

For better or worse.

However the next episode plays out, The Penguin is still compulsive viewing. It airs on Max with new episodes each Sunday.

The Trailer