Colin Farrell and Sofia Falcone Shine in Tense Penguin Episode 2 Review

The second episode of The Penguin, titled Inside Man, premiered on HBO and Max on September 29, 2024. This episode centers on Oswald Cobblepot as he tries to ensure that the Falcones don’t discover that he is the mole working for Maroni. Additionally, viewers see Sofia Falcone grappling with her brother’s death while becoming increasingly skeptical of her own family’s motives.

The Penguin episode 2 proved to be another thrilling installment for the series, arguably surpassing the debut episode. This hour of nail-biting suspense and excitement is heightened by Colin Farrell‘s outstanding performance, which pairs well with Cristin Milioti‘s captivating portrayal.

While the acting is certainly a highlight in The Penguin episode 2, the standout moment comes from the funeral set piece that captures much of the episode’s intensity.

The Penguin episode 2 features a brilliant funeral sequence

In the latter half of episode 2, The Penguin showcases its exceptional quality. The tension mounts during Alberto Falcone‘s funeral, where everything that could go wrong for Oswald does. With his cover in jeopardy and the Maroni family closing in, this episode distinguishes itself from the premiere through its suspenseful storytelling.

The plot is engaging, keeping fans on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating how Oswald will navigate the adversities. Here, the direction by Craig Zobel and the writing of Erika L. Johnson meet their highest potential.

This scenario not only develops Colin Farrell‘s portrayal of the DC villain but also reveals his cunning intelligence, showcasing Oswald’s willingness to escape precarious situations.

Colin Farrell and Cristin Milioti excel in The Penguin episode 2

Colin Farrell’s performance is particularly noteworthy in this episode. He delivers a masterclass, making it easy to forget the actor and only see the character. Behind the makeup, Farrell seamlessly embodies Oswald’s desperation in challenging circumstances.

This week, Cristin Milioti also showcases her impressive range. Following her strong debut in episode 1, she elevates her performance in episode 2. While maintaining the “ticking time bomb”intensity of Sofia Falcone, she begins to reveal cracks in her character. From her maniacal eating at her brother’s funeral to her sudden shifts into a menacing demeanor, Milioti impressively displays her versatility.

In this installment, Sofia’s character development continues as she seeks to assert her independence from the Falcone legacy, adding excitement about her future actions.

However, a minor drawback this week is that Rhenzy Feliz‘s character, Victor Aguilar, feels underutilized. Although he has a standout moment at the end, his overall presence is limited in this episode.

High production value enhances The Penguin

One critique from last week highlighted that the production quality occasionally felt inferior compared to The Batman, but The Penguin elevates the visuals this week. Every aspect, from cinematography to set design, contributes to a vibrant and alive portrayal of Gotham.

Final thoughts

The Penguin delivers another captivating episode filled with tension and excitement. This hour of television keeps viewers glued to their screens as Colin Farrell’s DC villain entangles himself in thrilling antics during a funeral, while Cristin Milioti’s Sofia Falcone experiences a psychological unraveling that bodes ill for those who cross her.

Overall, this episode expertly sets the stage for what’s next, and fans won’t want to miss the upcoming developments. You can catch the second episode of this DC Studios series streaming on Max and HBO right now.

Source