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Note: This story contains spoilers from “The Penguin” Episode 4.
The narrative surrounding Sofia’s fate in “The Penguin” has officially unfolded, revealing the circumstances that led her to Arkham Asylum.
Episode 4 charted a course back in time, shifting focus from Oz’s (Colin Farrell) scheming to explore Sofia’s (Cristin Milioti) journey to Arkham and how her experiences there profoundly impacted her character.
In an interview with TheWrap, Milioti discussed the importance of her collaboration with director Helen Shaver in authentically portraying Sofia’s traumatic experiences in the asylum. She emphasized the critical balance between portraying raw intensity and nuanced delicacy in the performance.
“It was incredibly engaging,” she expressed. “The material was quite dark, but donning the Arkham uniform allowed me to delve into her psyche and illustrate the transformation she undergoes. We had in-depth discussions on how to modulate her emotional states, showcasing the various stages of her struggles and the moment she finally loses her grip.”
A standout moment for Milioti was her character’s grim entrance into the asylum, particularly a scene capturing her intense scrubdown during intake. She noted that this moment was reflective of the physically and emotionally demanding shooting schedule for the episode.
“Those filming days felt intensely immersive,” she reflected. “Since the episode traverses different time periods, our days were packed. We had limited time in Arkham, so the pace and energy mirrored the scene’s urgency. Our crew was exceptional, and by the fourth episode, we had developed a strong rapport which allowed us to fully engage with the material. While the days were relentless, there was a chaotic fun in that madness.”
The pivotal moment for Sofia’s descent into madness occurs when she learns her six-month commitment to Arkham is being prolonged, instigated by her family’s intervention, particularly her father’s. In a shocking display of violence, she brutally assaults another inmate, fueling the narrative around her mental state and instability.
When reflecting on whether this rage was innate or a product of her environment, Milioti noted her uncertainty. “I have my own interpretations,” she said. “I believe it’s a combination of both elements. Even Sofia herself might not have definitive answers. It’s layered.”
The episode then transitioned back to the present, showcasing a transformed Sofia, now self-assured and poised to assert control over her father’s criminal organization. She attended a pivotal family dinner with key members of the Falcone enterprise, where she delivered a powerful address signaling her intention to chart her own course. However, by morning, she had executed a brutal assault, eliminating most of her family members. Milioti interpreted this violent turn as a culmination of Sofia’s evolution.
“That’s my interpretation,” she affirmed. “She finally experiences freedom and transforms into the very figure everyone anticipated she would become. Despite the brutal nature of her actions, her madness feels justified in the context of her journey.”
“The Penguin” airs Sundays at 9 p.m. ET/PT and streams on Max.
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www.thewrap.com