The Penguin episode 4 ending explained: The truth behind The Hangman is revealed and Sofia gets her revenge

As a writer who has spent countless hours immersed in the intricate tapestry of storytelling, I must confess, my heart swells with admiration for the creators of “The Penguin.” This series, in its latest episode titled “Cent’Anni,” has left me utterly spellbound. The narrative weaves a tale as captivating as it is poignant, and it’s a testament to the power of storytelling that it manages to resonate so deeply with viewers like myself.

Major spoilers ahead for The Penguin episode 4

Let’s applaud for “The Penguin” episode 4, titled “Cent’Anni,” as it was a flawless hour centered around Sofia Falcone! Cristin Milioti’s acting was Emmy-worthy, and we witnessed the loyal daughter of Carmine Falcone lose her standing and end up in Arkham Asylum after discovering the true nature of the man she called father.

Reflecting on the previous episode, when Oz expressed remorse for betraying her to Carmine, but couldn’t regret his rise in power or its positive impact on his life – that moment made it clear just how profound his deception was. It also leaves me wondering about the extent of his knowledge, given he’s as elusive as an eel!

As I stood there, I watched in horror as Victor approached Nadia Maroni, pleading his case with such fervor that spittle flew from his mouth like a desperate man trying to save his own skin. In the split second of “Cent’Anni,” I witnessed Victor crash Oz’s car into Nadia’s vehicle, sending her flying forward and causing her to hit her head hard enough for blood to gush out. That’s how Oz left her – bleeding and disoriented. A chilling moment I will never forget.

She stumbled to her feet and was able to call Julian Rush before she blacked out and we were dropped into the story of how The Hangman came to be.

The Penguin episode 4 ending explained: The truth behind The Hangman is revealed and Sofia gets her revenge

Who is the real Hangman on The Penguin?

10 years ago, Sofia was engaged in philanthropic efforts, a tribute to her mother who had tragically taken her own life. This work aimed to support women and girls similar to Isabella Falcone, offering aid for depression and preventing such tragedies. Additionally, it benefited Carmine’s business as the women involved were influential, their husbands being well-positioned in power circles.

Meanwhile, during a particular occasion, Sofia encountered Summer Gleeson, a persistent journalist investigating the elevated suicide rate at 44 Below, an exclusive club run by Carmine. Tragically, seven women had chosen to end their lives using the same method – hanging. Summer suggested that Isabella was one of them. This suggestion took root in Sofia’s mind, growing into a revelation she couldn’t easily dismiss.

When Sofia was nine years old, it was she who discovered her mother suspended from the ceiling. Carmine was the one who hastily entered and carried her away, urging her not to gaze upon the scene. She had been led to believe the narrative given to her, that her mother suffered from depression and grappled with mental health issues. However, Summer’s words made Sofia doubt this account, despite her father declaring that he was naming her his successor against tradition.

She sat down with Summer, who presented her with photos and case files for six women: Taylor Montgomery, Yolanda Jones, Nancy Hoffman, Susan Weekly, Devry Blake, and Trisha Becker. These women’s deaths were declared suicides by hanging, but they all had defensive wounds and the marks on their necks suggested they were made by a hand rather than a rope. If you’ve watched Batman, then you might have an idea of where this is heading.

Sofia remembered that her mother had the same kind of wounds on her fingers and that her dad had scratches on his hand. Shocked and uncomfortable as the horror of it all began to sink in, she belittled Summer’s efforts though it was clear the journalist saw that the penny had dropped for Sofia. She was so upset that when she got in the car, she did something out of character. Sofia made Oz feel small and like he was only her driver when he tried to give her advice which she hadn’t done before this moment. This likely played a part in the decision he made to give her up to Carmine.

During her father’s birthday celebration, Sofia was summoned to his office. The news was conveyed by Oz, who was dressed more stylishly than usual. Sofia complimented him, unaware that he had betrayed her. Carmine realized she had talked to Summer and during their conversation about it, he gauged the extent of Sofia’s knowledge about his past criminal activities. Trying to reassure him, she insisted she didn’t think the murder accusations were true, but she couldn’t help revealing that she recalled the detail about the scratches on his hand the day her mother passed away.

Given that she was aware of the truth, Carmine made her depart from his presence, compelling her to leave the gathering with Oz to chauffeur her home. Subsequently, Sofia and Oz engaged in a dispute regarding the events, yet they didn’t travel far before law enforcement officers intercepted them. Kenzie, who was known to be affiliated with the Falcones, apprehended her instantly for the murder of the seven women at that very moment. It appeared as if Oz wasn’t privy to what transpired, although he might have been involved, it’s always uncertain with him. She sought his assistance, but he was unable to provide any.

What Sofia didn’t realize was that her predicament was about to take a drastic turn for the worse. Not only did Carmine falsely accuse her of his murders, he also managed to have her admitted to Arkham Asylum by convincing the family to vouch for his claims that she had suffered a mental breakdown following her mother’s death, had a history of mental health issues, and displayed violent outbursts. None of these allegations were true, but she was still forced to remain in the asylum for six months before she could even have a trial. Even after those six months had passed, Carmine kept her there due to the report from the asylum doctor stating that she wasn’t fit to stand trial.

In Arkham, I spent a decade, knowing deep within me that I was innocent, that my father was the one who took my mother’s life, and countless others. My only ally through it all was my brother Alberto. The torment I endured—electroshock “therapy”, being pushed to become violent which led to witnessing a woman take her own life, committing my first murder, and surviving the constant abuse—explains why I unleash destruction on most of my family in “Cent’Anni”.

The Penguin episode 4 ending explained: The truth behind The Hangman is revealed and Sofia gets her revenge

Sofia decides to start over with the Falcone family

1 day before Sofia was supposed to fly to Sicily for fear of being murdered by Johnny Viti, she arrived fashionably late and radiant in a sunshine-yellow dress at a family gathering. The way the “The Yellow Wallpaper” motif was seamlessly carried forward throughout the Arkham scenes was simply perfect.

In this episode, I could go on and on discussing the reference to Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s short story, “The Yellow Wallpaper,” which explores how a woman’s mental instability was triggered by her husband’s enforced solitude, under the guidance of a doctor. Similarly, Sofia serves as an ominous warning, much like a canary in a coal mine, and I must avoid straying from the topic. However, let me express that I am deeply captivated by the writing and visual decisions made in this episode.

At the dinner, Sofia displayed an assertive, strong-willed, and blunt demeanor. She interrupted her uncle mid-speech and silenced Viti with a mere glance whenever he tried to engage her in conversation. During her turn to speak, Sofia openly criticized everyone for their actions towards her, expressing both her love for them and the betrayal she felt due to their involvement in taking away ten years of her life by carrying out her father’s orders. In a defiant move, Sofia raised a toast, signaling her intention to begin anew.

Later on, Sofia escorted her young niece (Carla’s daughter) out of the house after dinner. The girl was excused before Sofia had a heated argument with her family, so she wasn’t aware of the commotion. Sofia then brought the child to the greenhouse, offered her the cake she missed at dinner, and persuaded her to sleep there for the night. Sofia confessed to her niece that Carla was correct, she had made mistakes, but she did so because Carmine imprisoned her with monstrous beings, and she needed to combat them. She vowed to her cousin that she would ensure she wouldn’t have to endure the same hardships.

The next morning, we understood Sofia’s intentions. She woke up but asked her to continue sleeping, then retrieved the backpack she’d brought into the greenhouse and returned to the mansion. Inside the bag was a gas mask, revealing that Sofia had filled the house with gas overnight, sparing only Johnny Viti who survived due to an open window in his room.

In a surprising turn of events depicted in “Cent’Anni,” Sofia rouses him and points a firearm at him, expressing the necessity for conversation. And with that, the story concludes! The Penguin continues to impress, improving with each installment. It appears that Sofia has had enough of being controlled by men who repeatedly deceive, disregard, manipulate, and rob her. It’s high time a queen emerges.

The Penguin airs Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and Max.

2024-10-14 05:01