Chris Connor reviews the sixth episode of The Penguin…
After a couple of episodes that flipped the show on its head, The Penguin’s sixth episode ‘Gold Summit’ feels like the calm before the storm with pieces moving into place for an explosive couple of final episodes. Oz and Vic are looking to accelerate their operation and continue to expand their side of Gotham’s underworld, while Sal Marone and Sofia Falcone look to get retribution on Oz following his double betrayal.
While perhaps not as flashy as the couple of episodes that preceded it, this captures all that has made The Penguin a standout show to date, finding a way to balance its dark tone with a deftness of touch and finding room for humour amongst the chaos. The performances keep it compelling. Clancy Brown continues to be a welcome addition as Sal, given an expanded role as the series has gone on. His uneasy alliance with Sofia, the latest in a series of complex dynamics throughout the season. The oddball relationship between the pair, fun to watch unfold.
Vic continues to be a standout and his past and work for Oz meet in a collision course here with Vic caught in the crossfire. It adds a layer of tension and Rhenzy Feliz is given some of his best work to date. The characterisation of Oz here is terrific with Colin Farrell as always leaving a mark, he goes from caring for his ailing mother one moment to plotting a gang war the next without breaking a sweat. The side we of him with his family does soften him.
‘Gold Summit’ allows the show to catch its breath after a couple of pulsating episodes. There is still plenty of movement as Oz and Vic look to move their product and keep one step ahead of their opposition. Meanwhile, Sal and Sofia are desperate for revenge. It is setting up a truly exciting final two episodes and it will be intriguing to see how the show wraps up some of its loose ends while laying the groundwork for The Batman Part II, can we expect more crossover with the main film? The show once again proves why it is building such a stellar reputation with strong performances and a gripping central storyline that continues to build.
Chris Connor
