The Penguin HBO Show Podcast: Episodes 1-4

On this episode of the Torg Stories Podcast, Anne and I are looking back to The Batman movie and discussing the first four episodes of HBO’s The Penguin series.

Some discussion questions:

(1) let’s touch on the main plot points and characters of each of the four episodes

(2) let’s try and say what we saw in The Batman that we’re seeing here

(3) Strengths of the show?

(4) weaknesses?

(5) Blame pie: Sofia goes to Arkham Mental Hospital. What people are to fault for this and how much?

(6) Is there anyone to root for or like in this show? Do we watch this hoping for anything / someone?

(7) How does episode 4 end? What are the possibilities for what might happen next?

The Major Plot Points of the Four Episodes

Episode 1: After Hours

• Click here for Screen Rant summary.
• Penguin goes to rummage in Falcone’s house. Runs into the son Alberto. Penguin shoots him.
• Penguin gets called to Falcone’s house. They are going to move the drops operation. Sofia wants to know if Penguin has seen her brother.
• Penguin catches Vic trying to steal rims or car.
• Does the Penguin seem to have a heart? Or, a soft spot for this kid?
• Penguin enjoys a sunrise.
• Penguin goes to see his mother.
• TV show mom is watching is about putting the blame on someone. Penguin decides to try this.
• Sofia: I’m not safe. I’m home.
• Penguin is going to give the drops shipment to the rival gang The Maronis.

Episode 2: Inside Man

• Click here for Screen Rant summary.
• Sofia and The Penguin plan to work together to overthrow the family and distribute the new Bliss drug.

Episode 3: Bliss

• Vic is thinking of leaving with a girl. She’s going to California Anne!
• Flashback to sea wall explosions that confuse me first time.
• Penguin starts paying Vic 1k a week.
• Arrange for the drug trial party with the Asian gang. Triad.
• Trial goes great but the Maroni’s are waiting for The Penguin. Vic arrives, saves the Penguin, and they ditch Sofia at the end.

Episode 4: Cent’anni (Italian meaning may you live a 1000 years)

• We revisit the end of the previous episode. There were some things said behind the Bliss drug trail that we weren’t privy too. Maronis tell Sofia that Penguin killed her brother.
• Sofia calls one of her doctor’s from Arkham. He takes care of her.
• We flashback to how Sofia ended up in Arkham and her torture there.
• Sofia kills someone in the hospital, right?
• Sofia is there for 10 years. Why do you think she is out?
• Back to present: Sofia goes to the family dinner and lies and tells them she is going to Italy.
• She saves the little girl and kills everyone but Johnny Vitti.

Other big picture discussion questions:

• Start with the most important characters. Who is who to whom? Are they changing? What are they working on?
• Do we need anyone to root for? Didn’t people like Tony Soprano?
• Why doesn’t Sofia want to go to Italy?

The Penguin:

• What does he want?
• Does he have a heart for the kid? Also, cigar to the kid before he shoots him.
• Wants to watch the sunrise.
• Can be sweet, thoughtful, funny: suicide slushies. Good chemistry with Sofia. Lights cig for her. Wants stuff for her.
• Says Vic has nurse like qualities.
• You do something stupid, I’ll sense it.
• If the Penguin was who he pretended to be, he would be great with Sofia. Would there be a show?
• The world is broken. There is no right side and wrong side.

Sofia:

• Blame pie. Who is responsible? 70% father, 12% Penguin, 15% family who writes letters, 3% Sofia for bringing it up to her father
• Excellent speech to the Asian gang about psychological need.
• Another good speech to the family.
• They think I’m broken. They sick I’m sick. (Penguin says the same thing)

Thanks for checking out this episode!