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The Penguin episode 3 recap: Sofia is left alone again in “Bliss”

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As a seasoned observer of the chaotic world of Gotham, I must say, this episode was a rollercoaster ride filled with betrayals, alliances, and a dash of blackmail for good measure! Oz, our cunning and ambitious protagonist, is a character who knows how to play the game. He’s got the charm, the ruthlessness, and the ability to manipulate those around him – skills honed over years in the city’s underbelly.

Get ready to dive into a fresh installment of “The Penguin”, HBO’s highly-regarded Batman spinoff series that continues the storyline set by Matt Reeves’ “The Batman” (2022). Starring the Academy Award-nominated Colin Farrell as the lead character, this limited series delves into his criminal exploits and escapades within Gotham City’s underworld. Cristin Milioti co-stars as Sofia, a Falcone family member who was recently discharged from Arkham Asylum. So far, it appears that both Oz and Sofia are often misjudged and misunderstood, leading to a complex alliance that is far from ideal. However, they might find themselves depending on each other in the end.

In tonight’s third episode of “The Penguin,” titled “Bliss,” we delve into the key highlights. It’s a pivotal moment for the relationship between Oz and Sofia, while it also offers insights into Victor’s personal life, sadly revealing the loss of his home.

WARNING: Major spoilers for The Penguin episode 3 are below.

Initially, we explore Victor’s personal life, distinct from his professional ties with Oz. He has a girlfriend named Graciela and enjoys a content family life. It’s clear that Victor aspires for an improved lifestyle for his family, but his father appears satisfied where they are. On one particular evening, instead of joining them for dinner, Victor chooses to spend time with Graciela and their friends on a nearby rooftop. Graciela expresses her desire to depart from Gotham, though Victor isn’t entirely convinced about its flaws. In an unexpected turn of events, explosions erupt throughout the city, and one of the bridges collapses, causing floodwaters to inundate their neighborhood.

Victor’s big tragedy

Victor and Graciela observe with grief as the apartments get rapidly submerged under water, causing destruction to structures and claiming lives of the inhabitants. Tragically, Victor realizes that his loved ones have perished when he witnesses his own house being overtaken by the surging waters.

Later on, Victor reappears at Oz’s residence, seemingly trying to recover from the past ordeal. A conversation about the events that transpired between Victor and Oz is yet to be shown, but it’s implied they find out about each other later. Oz offers Victor a weekly salary of $1,000, which delights Victor. Sofia visits and Victor expresses unease around her, addressing her as “The Hangman” to Oz. Fortunately for Victor, Sofia wishes to go out with Oz, leaving him behind in the apartment.

In a surprising turn of events, Sofia reveals to Oz the illicit operation they had been involved with, and it becomes apparent that her role was more significant than Oz initially thought. As they venture into the drug lab, Oz expresses bewilderment upon finding mushrooms growing there, stating that similar fungi are easily accessible in their city of Gotham. However, Sofia explains the unique nature of these specific mushrooms – they house a special strain of drug that delivers an entirely distinct high. Intrigued, Oz labels it a party drug, but his responsibilities within this operation remain unclear. It turns out that Sofia intends for Oz to locate a distributor for their product.

When Oz and Sofia are away, Victor invites Graciela over, and she shares that she intends to move to California. Since both their families have passed on, Graciela expresses her desire for a fresh start in a better place. She asks Victor if he’d like to join her, but he hesitates due to Oz. Eventually, he reconsiders and tells Graciela that he will accompany her. They decide to reunite at Gotham Station the following day.

Bliss is a go

In Chinatown, Oz and Sofia encounter Link Tsai, who works for Feng Zhao, a possible distributor. They present their new product, “Bliss,” to him. After some discussion, they falsely claim that Johnny Viti is backing their venture. Link expresses doubt, stating that Zhao would only believe this if he heard it directly from Johnny himself. Meanwhile, Victor is in the car preparing to inform Oz that he’s planning to depart, while Oz reveals to Sofia a strategy for securing Johnny’s endorsement when they are alone.

As a fervent admirer, I find myself venturing out for a meal, and in the vicinity, there are two captivating ladies engaged in a heartfelt conversation. Their words seem to revolve around my dear friend Victor’s family, and instinctively, I find myself urging him to embrace his self-worth more fervently.

Tina ends up giving Oz her hotel room key, and Oz and Sofia use it to catch Johnny and Tina in bed together. Easy blackmail! All they need is for Johnny to make the phone call to Zhao. He eventually agrees, but he also tries to warn Sofia about Oz, mentioning his betrayal years ago. As we learn throughout the episode, Oz ratted Sofia out which is what got her sent to Arkham. Sofia knows about this already, but being reminded in this setting stings. Johnny also calls Oz “the Penguin” as he tries to belittle him, which triggers Oz. He attacks him in the bed and chokes him with his phone before telling him to make the call.

With Johnny’s apparent approval secured, Oz and Sofia feel confident enough to try out Bliss. They head to the club, where they start peddling the drug. Victor carries around a stash of it. As Sofia reflects on their past, she grows more wary of Oz and asserts her authority by reminding him that Zhao is there for her, not him.

At the club, Zhao arrives and informs Sofia and Oz that while the drug appears promising, it’s still too dangerous to rely on. He questions Sofia’s trustworthiness given her past, but she can win him over by highlighting the clubgoers who are all caught up in a blissful state, ignoring the ongoing violence and peril in Gotham. Familiar with the drug from her experiences at Arkham, she tells Zhao that whoever holds Bliss will dominate the city’s entire drug trade. She delegates Oz to handle the negotiations instead.

Victor’s decision

On the dance floor of the club, Victor becomes distressed by the high volume of music and heads towards the restroom. Oz notices Victor seems off, and upon discovering text messages from Graciela on Victor’s phone, deduces he intends to depart. Oz acknowledges that Victor may go, expressing displeasure that Victor feels confined. Consequently, Victor exits the club and takes Oz’s vehicle to the train station. He watches as Graciela waits in line for a bus, but lacks the resolve to join her. Instead, he remains in the car as the bus departs.

Oz finds Sofia outside and tells her that they closed the deal, but Sofia doesn’t seem happy, having had to relive bad memories of Arkham. Oz admits to betraying her years ago but maintains he’s not a rat, while Sofia says she’s not the Hangman. She asks him if it was worth it, and he says it was, though he’s sorry for what he did. He tells her that she meant something to him and she still does. Sofia is left feeling confused, telling Oz she doesn’t know how she can trust him moving forward. Oz tells her he’ll continue making it up to her and proving she can trust him, though what happens next proves he only thinks about himself.

A white minivan parks near Oz, Sofia, and Nadia Maroni. Nadia appears upset with Oz due to his actions against Sal. Just as things escalate, Victor happens upon the scene, noticing individuals brandishing firearms at Sofia and Oz. Recognizing the urgency, he rams one of the Maroni men’s vehicle, allowing Oz to jump in and speed off. Victor queries whether they should wait for Sofia, but Oz insists on departing without her. The episode concludes with them fleeing, with Oz feeling elated and appreciative of Victor’s actions. Meanwhile, it seems Victor is on the verge of tears.

Sofia is left behind

Victor is experiencing the harshness of the world directly, yet remains faithful to Oz. However, I have no doubt that he will be burdened with immense guilt over abandoning Sofia. As for Sofia, it’s hard to predict what her response might be.

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2024-10-07 05:28

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