As a fan with over two decades of comic book lore under my belt, I must say that “The Penguin” has been hitting all the right notes for me this season. The latest episode, “Cent’anni,” was particularly gripping as it delved into the backstory of Sofia Falcone, brilliantly portrayed by Cristin Milioti.
Warning: If you haven’t seen the most recent episode of The Penguin titled “Cent’anni,” there are spoilers ahead. Proceed with caution!
Following three episodes filled with tension that highlighted Sofia Falcone’s challenges as a freed woman, The Penguin offered viewers a glimpse into the numerous hardships Cristin Milioti’s character was previously managing even before being falsely imprisoned for a decade. As the DC crime drama expanded its cast, Mark Strong stepped into the role of Carmine Falcone (with his major transgression unveiled), but it was the surprising appearance of Batman villain Magpie, momentarily played by Marié Botha, that truly left viewers in awe.
Let’s examine the events that transpired within Arkham Asylum, which were marked by bloodstains during “Cent’anni.” Later on, we’ll delve into the reasons provided by showrunner Lauren LeFranc for why Magpie was specifically written out of Matt Reeves’ The Batman: Part II and other future Batman projects.
How The Penguin Introduced And Executed Magpie
Sofia Falcone initially didn’t appear excessively villainous, especially when Colin Farrell’s character, Oz, was just her deceitful chauffeur. However, things took a drastic turn for her after she crossed her powerful father by being involved in the alleged suicide (actually murder) of her mother. Consequently, Sofia endured a decade of life far from normal or humane due to being framed as the Hangman killer and incarcerated in Arkham Asylum.
Following her distressing entrance, Sofia was confined to a dull cell. Not long after, she was summoned by the resident next to her who, with surprising accuracy, introduced herself by revealing her true name, her predicament within Arkham, and even hinting at her comic-book fixations.
Let me clarify: I go by Magpie, not Margaret. My stepmother often called me Margaret despite my request for her to stop, and she didn’t heed my wishes. . . . It seems like your trial will attract a horde of photographers. In contrast, my trial went relatively unnoticed. I can only imagine how thrilling it must be to be famous! Oh, I would love to experience that joy too!
In a few brief appearances, Marié Botha delivered an outstanding performance as Magpie, and while the complex relationship between Sofia and Theo Rossi’s character, Dr. Julian Rush, might border on psychosexual, Magpie was essentially Sofia’s only friend within Arkham. This could be one reason why Sofia reacted so fiercely when Magpie proposed that she confess “the truth” to Dr. Ventress, suggesting that Sofia had been untruthful about her innocence up until then.
Without a doubt, I hadn’t expected a spinoff centered around Magpie’s senseless ramblings at deafening volumes, but I was still taken aback when Sofia brutally killed her cellmate by violently slamming her head against a cafeteria table. This event certainly added an intimidating air to Milioti’s character in the initial episodes, despite her being visibly shaken at the time.
Showrunner Lauren LeFranc Explains Why Sofia Shockingly Killed Magpie
During a conversation between Sean O’Connell of TopMob and Lauren LeFranc, they discussed the pivotal events in Episode 4. Sean inquired about the showrunner’s reasoning behind Sofia’s decision to kill Magpie at that specific point. Here’s how she began her well-reasoned explanation:
To be clear, Sofia wasn’t compelled to act as she did; instead, she made the decision on her own accord. Her demeanor in the Mess Hall suggests that she was deeply distraught. A glimmer of hope remained for her until Alberto informed her that there was no chance of escape from Arkham. Throughout this ordeal, Sofia has felt manipulated, as if her innocence is being questioned and she’s being punished unjustly by her own family. She harbors suspicions that Dr. Ventress serves her father, making her situation even more unbearable.
It’s hard to fathom the predicament Sofia finds herself in, as every possible way out for help has been destroyed by her father’s actions, leaving her no choice but to bear the brunt of crimes she had no involvement in. Moreover, these events led her to a point where she felt compelled to take a life, which could well justify a stay at Arkham Asylum.
LeFranc went on, explaining that even a hint of doubt sent Sofia, who was already tense, beyond her limit.
In that instant, a torrent of devastation, fury, and rage that had been simmering deep within her erupted. When she suspects Magpie was spying on her from the adjacent cell, disclosing her actions, thoughts, or feelings to Dr. Ventress, the idea of yet another person manipulating her, committing such a heinous act – whether it’s real or not – shatters something within her at that moment.
A reliable method to ensure someone speaks truthfully is to create a situation where they cannot lie or deceive, though it’s important to note that this approach isn’t exactly ethical. Nevertheless, the goal of Arkham Asylum is always advancement. (Or perhaps not.)
I can’t help but admire how Lauren LeFranc skillfully unveiled the underlying irony that permeated Sofia’s actions and their subsequent events. To quote her, “It was fascinating to observe the ironic twists in Sofia’s journey.
Interestingly, while she was asserting her innocence to Dr. Ventress and Dr. Rush, she unexpectedly murdered Magpie. This act, which seemed to contradict her claims of innocence, might have been one reason she endured Arkham for the following decade. Her ability to exert such violence in such a harsh setting demonstrated resilience, possibly leading to her survival. That momentous act significantly altered her character.
To demonstrate her unwavering commitment to her claim of innocence, Sofia took action, and this transformation affected her in various ways. Although life within the Asylum didn’t miraculously transform into a utopia for her, her tough decision sent a message to fellow inmates, and accepting that aspect of herself was essential for her endurance and eventual hope in managing the family business upon release.
As we eagerly anticipate next week’s episode to further highlight Cristin Milioti’s exceptional portrayal of Sofia Falcone, let’s take a moment to appreciate Rhenzy Feliz’s performance as Victor. By the way, our condolences for Marga…or should I say, Magpie. HBO airs The Penguin, and it can also be streamed with a Max subscription.
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2024-10-14 05:37