The Penguin episode 2 recap: Oz makes some risky moves in “Inside Man”

As a seasoned crime drama enthusiast with a knack for deciphering intricate plots and character dynamics, I find myself deeply engrossed in this riveting narrative unfolding at the Falcone house. The cunning manipulations of Oz, the audacious Sofia, and the formidable Maronis are nothing short of captivating.

This week, HBO’s “The Penguin” airs episode 2, as Oz takes risks to scheme against the Falcone clan. The initial episode garnered praise from both critics and viewers, and with more episodes under my belt, I believe this show will be one of the top picks for the year. Created by Lauren LeFranc, the series attracted 5.3 million U.S. viewers in its debut, making it Max’s biggest globally launched series since “The Last of Us”. Trust me; it’s worth watching!

Colin Farrell and Cristin Milioti once again deliver captivating performances as Oz and Sofia in this week’s episode. This installment marks the beginning of their collaboration, titled “Inside Man.” Here are some key highlights from the show:

WARNING: Major spoilers for The Penguin are ahead.

In the aftermath of her brother’s passing, Sofia experiences vivid illusions that transport her back to Arkham while in her therapist’s office. Her therapist, Dr. Julian Rush (Theo Rossi), offers comfort and they seem to share a strong bond. Eager to aid her, he attempts to help but she abruptly ends their session before he can continue.

Oz works with the Maronis to take down the Falcones

In the role of an ardent viewer, I find myself revisiting the confines of prison where Sal now resides, a place he wasn’t exactly yearning to be. The reason for my return, you ask? It was none other than Oz who paid a visit, the one who, as it turns out, framed me. One might anticipate an outburst of fury, but his demeanor seemed relatively calm. In fact, he asserted that by involving me in this predicament, he’s rekindling my relevance – a statement that somehow managed to sway him.

In the initial phase of our scheme, Sal’s team is supposed to fire at the vehicle carrying Oz’s plant and grab the drugs. But when Johnny Viti (Michael Kelly), one of Falcone’s associates, spots Oz, he insists that Oz joins the truck instead. This unexpected twist complicates our plan as Oz keeps watch for the shooters during transportation. Consequently, a gunfight breaks out leading to a collision. In the chaos, Oz successfully flees and feigns ignorance when interrogated by the Falcone family. He claims it wasn’t his fault because he was merely following the designated route.

Sofia is disheartened as her family seems preoccupied only with the financial loss from the stolen drugs and finds herself feeling embarrassed. She yearns for justice, yet her family fails to acknowledge her concerns seriously. Her uncle Luca Falcone (Scott Cohen), now leading the mob, assures her of enhanced security measures. During their private conversation, Luca informs Sofia that if there’s a traitor within the family, they will be found, and she should let go of managing the family affairs. This advice only adds to her frustration.

In a bid to reconcile with Sofia, Oz expresses his support and proposes investigating the potential traitor together. However, Sofia appears skeptical about his sincerity. With her relatives disapproving of her involvement, she finds herself with few other options.

At Oz’s residence, Oz voices his concerns about the current state of affairs to Victor, revealing later that Sofia is seeking an insider and he intends to serve in that capacity for her. In the vehicle, Sofia listens to news reports discussing her release from Arkham Asylum, with commentators hinting at a notorious serial killer who claimed the lives of seven women.

Sofia takes matters into her own hands

In a local pub, Sofia walks up to a private investigator and requests his assistance in uncovering the traitor within her household. She explains that this individual used to be employed by her father and was trustworthy – until he developed a drug habit. As evidence of their past connection, she offers him some liquor and engages him for this task.

Graciela messages Victor, anxious about his whereabouts. On the other hand, Oz extends party invitations to friends, among them Eve. When Oz retreats to his room, Eve enters and requests a conversation. She’s aware that Oz is responsible for Alberto’s death and warns him of the potential consequences. Oz tries to allay her fears, stating that when he reveals damaging photos of Johnny, he will take the blame for everything. He urges her to trust him, promising that with increased wealth, he’ll establish a new nightclub. Eve seems skeptical but somewhat reassured, and they exchange a kiss.

In a rather bizarre turn of events, I stumbled upon myself sprawled on my wardrobe floor, gasping for breath, my throat constricted as if a vice had been tightened around it. Peering into the mirror of the bathroom, I noticed blood beneath my fingernails and faint marks etched into my neck – signs that left me puzzled about what transpired. For now, the answers remain elusive.

In a different wording: Oz and Victor go see Oz’s mother, but she’s acting oddly. It appears that someone discovered her wandering aimlessly outside, looking lost. Her dementia is progressing, causing Oz great annoyance. He settles the rent with the landlord and asks him to look after his mom instead. To lift her spirits, he puts on a record and they dance together.

Alberto’s funeral

At Alberto’s funeral, Oz encounters demonstrators outside, criticizing the family for their criminal activities. He attempts to hand a folder containing Johnny photos to Luca, but Luca brushes him off. Finding Sofia standing alone, Oz reminisces about Alberto and shares his feelings with her. Reflecting on losing his brothers, he recalls growing closer to his mother afterward. However, their heartfelt conversation is cut short as Sofia receives a call from her security guard, urging her to return home. Subsequently, Oz receives a mysterious text inviting him for a meeting.

At the Falcone residence, a detective hired by Sofia arrives with one of Sal’s associates involved in the hijacking confined in her vehicle. This individual was abducted from the hospital while still wearing his hospital gown and hooked up to morphine, rendering him unconscious. Sofia appears displeased upon seeing him, but the detective insists this person could provide crucial information. The guard under Sofia’s employment then escorts him to their basement.

In a confrontation with the Maronis, which includes the couple Oz had previously encountered with Sal at the prison – the woman, Nadia Maroni (Shohreh Aghdashloo), and her partner – they express their displeasure over recent events. Oz points fingers at Sofia, but Nadia remains indifferent, believing he broke his promise. The Maronis become menacing until Oz produces a file containing compromising material. At last, we grasp the significance of these images: they depict Johnny engaging in an affair with Luca’s wife, an extramarital relationship that has persisted for years. Nadia demands the return of their captive – currently detained in the Falcone basement – and Oz consents. However, she cautions him that this man may betray him, so he should act swiftly.

Not all according to plan

As a devoted fan, I’d rephrase it like this: At the Falcone mansion, Oz and I (Victor) arrive with a proposed scheme, yet I harbor doubts about its execution. Oz shares with Johnny and Milos (James Madio) the actions of Sofia that have come to light. Simultaneously, Sofia reunites with her cousin Carla after some time apart, but their conversation takes an unsettling turn as Sofia inadvertently frightens Carla and her child.

In a turn of events, Vic illegally enters Luca’s vehicle to stash gems, but gets spotted and is compelled to flee. On the other hand, Oz manages to locate Maroni’s associate hidden in the basement and offers to extract him, provided he reveals Johnny Viti’s identity to Sofia. Upon hearing about Vic’s predicament, Oz alters his strategy. He decides to assassinate the individual instead, initiating an alternate plan.

Sofia and Luca head down to the cellar for a chat, only to discover the man there was already deceased. Shaking his head, Luca declares no one can exit the event prematurely. Sofia then shares her concern about a possible intruder, hinting at a rat in the service area.

In a room filled with men undergoing searches following an incident, Oz finds himself. The weapon used to stab Maroni’s man was their target, and unbeknownst to them, it was in Oz’s possession. To dispose of it, he instigates a quarrel with Johnny, accusing him of being a traitor. As the commotion ensues, he slips the knife into the pocket of Sofia’s guard. Upon entering the room, Luca and Sofia discover the weapon, leading to the bodyguard’s fatal shooting by Luca. Enraged and distraught, Sofia is advised by Luca to take a trip away from this situation.

Oz comes out on top again

In a different phrasing: It falls to Oz to clean up the aftermath, and Victor assists in burying the Maroni’s associate together with Sofia’s bodyguard. Oz commands Vic to join them below ground and scolds him for coming close to spoiling everything, implying this is the consequence of making mistakes. Despite his harsh words, he appears remorseful before helping him back up. Later on, Sofia phones Oz, but we can’t make out what they discuss.

In the closing moments of this episode, I find myself at the Falcone family mausoleum, face-to-face with Sofia. She expresses her determination not to be sidelined by her family’s men and requests my assistance. “Let’s dance,” I reply, knowing it’s a smart move to have Sofia in my corner. But the question remains, can I keep deceiving her for long? Given her intelligence, I can’t help but wonder how long this charade will last.

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2024-09-30 05:28