In the latest episode of The Penguin, titled “Bliss,” viewers are treated to an intriguing development in the Gotham underworld. We follow Oz (Colin Farrell) as he learns about a new drug called Bliss, which is being promoted by Alberto (Michael Zegen) and Sofia (Cristin Milioti).
They believe Bliss will be the key to their rise within the Falcone crime family and their ambitions to seize control of Gotham’s entire criminal empire. The drug, known as Bliss, offers users an escape from the harsh realities of life in Gotham.
What is Bliss?
At first glance, Bliss is a drug derived from basidiospores, a component found in mushrooms. The drug is transformed into a striking red crystal that users consume to achieve a euphoric state. However, this high comes with a notable side effect: a red stain left on the user’s tongue.
In a recent test run conducted by Oz alongside Eve (Carmen Ejogo) and Vic (Rhenzy Feliz) at a local club, it appears Bliss is set to become a popular choice among the residents of Gotham.
Many individuals are looking for ways to escape the grim circumstances surrounding them, especially after the devastation caused by recent events in the city.
While Bliss has its origins in DC Comics, the true nature and potential side effects of the drug in The Penguin remain largely unexplored. As the story unfolds, it is evident that the drug could have far darker implications than initially perceived.
The creators of The Penguin have cleverly adapted the drug’s background, grounding it in more realistic and relatable methods of creation, which could lead to more severe consequences.
Bliss Originates from DC Comics
The history of Bliss dates back to 2010 when it was first introduced in Titans #26. In the comics, the drug is crafted by Elijah, a minor drug lord and villain in the Teen Titans universe.
Unlike the more sophisticated method presented in the show, Elijah’s drug is produced through a much more sinister and abusive practice: he extracts hormones from kidnapped pre-adolescent children. This darker origin contrasts sharply with the approach seen in The Penguin, where Bliss’s creation is depicted as more grounded and plausible.
In the show, although certain mushrooms can have psychoactive properties, the specific mushrooms associated with Bliss, known as Bleeding Tooth Fungi, do not offer such recreational benefits.
This blend of science fiction and realism helps create a narrative that feels believable, allowing audiences to connect with the characters and the situation more deeply. The adaptation of Bliss into a more grounded context enhances its potential impact on the story.
Sofia’s Personal Connection to Bliss
As the episode progresses, Sofia reveals her deeper involvement in the operation surrounding Bliss. When she first introduces Oz to the drug’s production, he notices trucks arriving with bags labeled “Arkham Hospital.” These bags are likely transporting either the mushrooms themselves or the soil used to cultivate them.
Initially, Oz believes that Alberto is the mastermind behind the operation. However, Sofia subtly indicates that she has a far more significant role in the plan than she initially suggested. This revelation raises questions about her true motives and what else she might be concealing from Oz.
Sofia’s connection to Bliss becomes even more personal when she discloses to Feng Zhao (François Chau), the head of the Triad gangs, that she was given the drug while at Arkham. This statement adds a troubling dimension to her character.
By using Bliss, Sofia might be inflicting upon others the same psychological torture she experienced, stripping them of their willpower and rendering them “submissive,” as she describes. This dark turn of events highlights her character’s complexity and suggests that her motivations may not be purely driven by a desire for power.
It remains uncertain whether Sofia actually uses the drug herself. Although she appears not to, it would be fascinating to see how Bliss might influence her character and actions, particularly when considering the nightmares she has experienced.
The ominous red lights and unsettling visions during her therapy sessions could suggest that she was under the influence of Bliss, possibly administered by Dr. Julian Rush (Theo Rossi). As the series progresses, viewers will likely learn more about Sofia’s past and the effects Bliss has had on her life.
The Potential Power of Bliss
Oz’s comments about Bliss being just another “party drug” reveal his underestimation of its potential impact on Gotham. Sofia hints that he may not be grasping the full scope of what Bliss represents when she remarks, “You could call it that.”
The scene culminates with Sofia telling Oz that they will “paint the town red” with Bliss, indicating that this operation aims for far more than just financial gain. Instead, it seeks to control the psychological needs of the citizens of Gotham, which is a significant point raised by Sofia.
Given the chaos that has engulfed Gotham, particularly after The Riddler (Paul Dano) flooded the streets and caused widespread devastation, the demand for an escape has never been more critical.
People are looking for a way out of their grim realities, and whoever controls Bliss may hold the key to immense power and influence. The struggle for control over this new drug could lead to heightened tension among characters, as they vie for supremacy in the broken city.
Bliss presents itself as the “new high” that Alberto promised, potentially transforming the drug trade in Gotham. As Oz discusses with Johnny Viti (Michael Kelly) and Luca Falcone (Scott Cohen), Bliss might truly “revolutionize” the way drugs are distributed and consumed in the city.
However, the extent to which Bliss can control the people of Gotham and who will ultimately command its distribution is still a mystery. Sofia’s involvement adds a layer of vindictiveness to the power struggle, hinting that she may see this as payback for her traumatic experiences in Arkham.
While the origins of Bliss are rooted in the comics, the show adapts its concept to create a more realistic narrative. The impending deal with the Triad for distribution hints that it won’t be long before Bliss evolves into the true currency of power in Gotham.
The Penguin is currently available to stream on Max in the U.S. and continues to show the darker underbelly of Gotham through its complex characters and gripping storylines.
Viewers are left to ponder the implications of Bliss and how it will shape the future of Gotham’s criminal world. As the story unfolds, the potential consequences of this new drug are bound to create more intrigue and tension in the episodes to come.
