Chris Connor reviews the third episode of The Penguin…
The Penguin’s third episode broadens the shows scope, putting its links to The Batman into context and taking a considerably deeper dive into Vic’s background as wee find out a bit about Vic’s life before he came to Oz, showing his family and girlfriend. The opening sequence shows Vic going about his daily life before it is upended by the floods at the end of The Batman. This sequence, brief as it is, shows Vic’s roots and a look at the streets of Gotham, and the episode cleverly follows events often from Vic’s perspective, making him feel like an integral part of the show.
The main crux of the story now sees Oz and Sofia looking to consolidate their position, bringing in real world elements like the Triads which helps to make the show feel more grounded and rooted less in the mythology of the world of the comics. Thus far the show has found a sweet spot between a crime drama and a continuation of the world Matt Reeves launched in 2022. The subtle references to the events of the film and its aftermath have felt earned but never distracted from the main conflict in the show.
Rhenzy Feliz is given far more to do as Vic here slotting in well alongside Colin Farrell as Oz begins to put his trust in Vic showing the signs of a burgeoning working relationship. Vic is torn between leaving and finding a new life and the life he is trying to forge with Oz and the underworld. Farrell and Cristin Milioti continue to be a compelling duo with both not entirely trusting of the other and a sense of unease and awkwardness around working together.
Its pace may be slower but ‘Bliss’ earns its payoff helping us invest more in Vic’s arc and backstory and rooting for him showing there is more to the show than simply continuing Oz’s story. The central conflict and gang warfare make for intriguing viewing with all sides squabbling over Falcone’s legacy. The conclusion of the episode sets the show up for some interesting shifts in direction promising further conflicts.
Chris Connor
