Following the silent massacre of nearly the entire Falcone family, Sofia begins to direct all her energy to Oz’s destruction. At the same time, Oz turns his focus to strike at the Maroni family while the iron is hot. Subsequently, their individual power struggles forces each of them to consider what they truly cherish and could potentially lose.
Gotham seems to thrive on dysfunctional families. Whether blood related or otherwise, each family unit seems incapable of keeping themselves together. Although audiences have enough backstory to understand why Sofia betrays her family, ultimately, her actions are an unforgivable mark against her overall character. Even the act of sparing her niece is an act of cruelty in an of itself, murdering her parents and condemning her to the same corrupt orphanages that birthed monsters like “The Riddler.” Concurrently, part of Sofia’s psychology seems to desire an exorcism to purge herself of the Falcone family. This includes using Viti to get her father’s money and officially embracing her mother’s maiden namesake of “Gigante.” Chief among these decisions, is also the choice to team up with Maroni.
In many ways, Oz views Vic’s last minute save and future prospects as a victory. Vic, in particular, goes all-in on Oz and discovers a tentative kinship with the gangster. While Oz gallantly assembles his band of Falcone family bottom feeders to make a move on Maroni, he quietly accepts that the Bliss Mushrooms are all he has. Frankly, the shroom plan was Oswald’s only consolation in killing Alberto in the first place and the last card he can use to grasp at power. So, in a cool shootout sequence, Oz and the gang nab Maroni’s son and barter his life in exchange for the drugs. Of course, Mrs. Maroni caves for the second time out of desperation and falls into Penguin’s sadistic game of “Carrot and Stick.” Yet, as always, Oswald overplays his hand and simultaneously attempts to assassinate Salvatore in jail in a coordinated strike. In spite of getting to indulge his darkness scheme yet, poor execution gives Sal the means to escape Blackgate and leaves ninety-percent of his stash up in flames with the rest of his kingpin dreams.
Conversely, as a survivalist, Oz understands that without the drug, everyone he loves is in danger. Or rather, the lies he’s told will come home to roost and he will lose his family. Specifically, the promises Oswald makes to Eve and his mother. As I said in previous articles, Eve is a manifestation of his stability and safety. As long as he remains in control, she can freely operate without worry. Similarly, his mother eagerly awaits the day that her son will rise from the ashes and delivers her the life she deserves. With the latest developments, Oz fails both women and returns to his original plan to flee. In choosing to flee, Oz loses their faith and they reject him in turn. The primary ideal that his idol, Rex Calabrese, imparts on him, is the acknowledgement of those under his wing. Without it, Oswald will truly have nothing left. Namely, Francis Cobb sees Oz’s failure as a full circle return to her shameful upbringing in Crowne Point. Which is far worse considering how little time she seemingly has left of her failing mental state. As the last living male in his family, Oz perceives her rejection as a devastating reminder of his inability to keep his family safe.
Johnny Viti actor Michael Kelly gets the opportunity to deliver a desperate performance as Sofia’s last living family member. In this episode, we learn how he lured his sister into Falcone’s arms and essentially turned a blind eye to his flesh and blood for power. Likewise, his sister’ and Sofia’s mother’s honor sits at the core of Sofia’s driving psychology. Dually, Kelly illustrates his survival trait of flexible loyalty to his family. This characteristic allows Viti to work with his homicidal brother-in-law or his sadistic niece. He persists to serve, despite having affair with their wives or being tortured with pneumonia and always carves out a place. Unfortunately, Sofia provides no such comforts for his usual schemes, and cuts her last true blood relative out of her life. In the next half of the series, one can assume what’s left of the families and friends left on the board will be tested, and there may be no pure souls left to hurt.
HBO THE PENGUIN airs every Sunday on HBO/MAX. Images and video from YouTube.