HBO’s The Penguin has been a wild ride, exploring the gritty underbelly of Gotham’s criminal underworld through the lens of Oswald “Oz” Cobblepot, aka the Penguin. In its penultimate episode, the series takes a sharp turn, shifting the focus from Oz’s rise to power to a chilling exploration of his deeply troubled past and the complex dynamics between the women in his life.
The Penguin (Episode 7)
“Top Hat” opens with a series of flashbacks that shed light on Oz’s childhood in the 1980s. We see a young Oz consumed by jealousy and resentment towards his siblings. In a disturbing turn of events, he orchestrates their deaths during a game of hide-and-seek, locking them in a sewer to drown. While these scenes provide a glimpse into the origins of Oz’s cruelty, they also raise questions about the show’s overall thematic direction.
Is the intent to portray Oz as a product of his environment or simply a psychopath in the making? The flashbacks, while disturbing, feel somewhat disconnected from the main narrative, leaving viewers to ponder their significance.
One of the most compelling aspects of The Penguin has been Cristin Milioti’s portrayal of Sofia Falcone. In episode 7, Sofia’s ruthlessness reaches new heights as she kidnaps Oz’s mother, Frances, in a bid to seize control of the Bliss operation. This plotline, however, tiptoes dangerously close to the infamous “Women in Refrigerators” trope, a term coined by Gail Simone to describe the tendency of superhero stories to use the death or harm of female characters as a plot device to motivate male heroes.
Thankfully, The Penguin avoids falling into this trap completely. While Frances is put in harm’s way, the episode ultimately focuses on the complex power dynamics between Sofia and Frances, two women who have been manipulated and underestimated by the men in their lives.
The confrontation between Sofia and Frances is one of the highlights of the episode. Deirdre O’Connell delivers a powerhouse performance as Frances, a woman who refuses to be a victim. The scene crackles with tension as these two formidable women face off, each refusing to back down.
Sofia’s journey in this episode is particularly intriguing. She grapples with the legacy of her father, Carmine Falcone, and the realization that she is becoming the very thing she despises. Her visit to her niece, Gia, serves as a stark reminder of the path she’s on and the potential consequences of her actions.
While The Penguin boasts a talented cast, some actors have been given limited screen time. Theo Rossi, who plays the enigmatic Dr. Julian Rush, remains a largely unexplored character. With only one episode left, it seems unlikely that the show will fully utilize Rossi’s talents or delve deeper into Rush’s motivations.
Similarly, Clancy Brown’s portrayal of Salvatore Maroni has been relegated to the sidelines for much of the series. While his brutal showdown with Oz in this episode is a welcome sight, it ultimately serves as a reminder of the show’s missed opportunities to explore Maroni’s character more fully.
The Penguin episode 7 is a mixed bag. While it delivers some powerful performances and explores intriguing themes, it also suffers from pacing issues and underutilized characters. The flashbacks to Oz’s childhood, while disturbing, feel somewhat disjointed from the main narrative.
Despite its flaws, The Penguin remains a compelling watch, thanks in large part to Cristin Milioti’s captivating performance as Sofia Falcone. The final episode promises a showdown between Sofia and Oz, and it remains to be seen who will emerge victorious in this battle for control of Gotham’s underworld.
