The Penguin Episode 3 Review

Review 41 — The Penguin Episode 3, Dir. Craig Zobel

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Damn, this show just keeps getting better! Just when you think they might slow down and spend too much time on a character's backstory, they surprise you—not only making it engaging but portraying it so well. Let's dive into the details.

Victor's backstory, heart-breaking. Seeing how the Riddler’s attack affected Gotham’s poorer areas just makes him an even bigger jerk, an outright villain. The interactions with his family felt so raw and deep, really showing where his motivations arise from and what he's striving for. Though he might not admit it, deep down, he craves revenge and power, way more than his father ever did. It all makes perfect sense.

Then, there's Sofia and Oz teaming up, and they make such a great duo. I’m worried it's going to fall apart soon. Something big is brewing, and it's going to drive them crazy. Also, Sofia smiling when Oz points out how much she enjoys control and power, that was absolutely adorable. It felt like a small moment of connection. She still treats him like a henchman, her property, and Oz clearly doesn’t like that, but he’s willing to put up with it to get what he wants. Even in the scene where he tells Sofia he doesn’t regret ratting her out and gets emotional telling about his life, it felt so genuine. Sofia looks confused, and I don’t blame her. Oz could be trying to connect with her or simply playing her, but I hope it's the former because this duo is killing it.

Victor wanting to leave Gotham, and then the verbal clash between Victor and Oz, so gripping. Oz is trying to show him from the harsh realities of the world, while Victor just wants to live without fear. It’s clear Oz doesn’t want Victor to go through what he did, and I think he genuinely cares for him. Victor sees that, but there's still a sense of fear and uncertainty about his future, which makes sense. He probably just needs some time to see the world for what it really is.

And then, things got spicy. The Maroni's have Oz and Sofia cornered, and Sofia has no idea that Oz is playing both sides. Victor heads to the station to leave but changes his mind, coming back just in time to save them. Like an absolute beast, he rescues them, but then Oz tells him to leave Sofia behind.

The episode ends, and I’m like, damn!

Things are about to explode. Sofia’s definitely pissed, and I think Oz is relieved that Victor stayed.

The show keeps getting better and I can't wait for the next episode!!!

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