Sofia Falcone (played by Cristin Milioti) has become the star of The Penguin, taking attention away from Oswald (played by Colin Farrell). She is now everyone’s favorite serial killer. We first meet Sofia in Episode 1 after she gets out of Arkham Asylum.
Episode 2 shows us her time in Arkham, where she faced abuse and was a test subject for Bliss. Now, she suffers from PTSD because of her experience in prison.
Her new EMDR therapy has not helped her deal with this trauma. It is hard to feel sorry for Sofia since she is the infamous serial killer known as the Hangman. But is she really the Hangman like everyone is saying? Episode 3 suggests otherwise.
Who Is the Hangman in DC Comics?
The Hangman made his first appearance in The Long Halloween, one of the most famous Batman comic stories. It was written by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale. The comic inspired Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight and Matt Reeves’ The Batman.
The Long Halloween follows the downfall of the Falcone crime family as a new serial killer called “Holiday” kills major players in Gotham’s underworld. The story shows the ongoing war between the Falcones and the Maronis, introducing important characters who play a big role in The Penguin, like Sofia and Alberto Falcone (played by Michael Zegen).
In the sequel comic, Dark Victory, Sofia causes chaos in Gotham after her father’s death. After Batman thinks he has caught Holiday, he is surprised when the killings keep happening. A new serial killer called the Hangman appears, who is later revealed to be Sofia Falcone.
Sofia’s victims are all connected to the Gotham City Police Department (GCPD) or the District Attorney’s office. They also include people who helped Harvey Dent become DA. However, The Penguin changes some details about the character since Two-Face has not yet appeared in Matt Reeves’ Batman story.
Is Sofia the Hangman in ‘The Penguin’?
In The Penguin Episode 1, we learn that Sofia has just been released from Arkham Asylum after spending ten years there. Society fears her because they believe she is a ruthless serial killer. However, Episode 3 hints that she might be innocent.
When Victor (played by Rhenzy Feliz) brings up Sofia’s murders, Oz tells him, “Don’t believe everything you read in the papers.” This statement raises questions about Sofia’s guilt.
Later in the episode, Sofia has a conversation with Oz that suggests she is not the Hangman. Oz admits he knew she was innocent and that he does not regret making her take the fall so he could rise in Falcone’s crime organization.
This adds a tragic layer to Sofia’s character. She is shunned by her family for crimes she did not commit. Instead of trying to prove her innocence, she accepts her false reputation and uses it to scare others.
If Sofia is not the Hangman, then who is the real killer?
The Real Killer Might Be Another Falcone
The real Hangman is likely not Sofia, but it may be another member of the Falcone family. In The Long Halloween, Alberto is the Holiday killer. He targets characters from The Penguin, like Johnny Viti (played by Michael Kelly) and Salvatore Maroni (played by Clancy Brown).
Episode 2 gives hints about Alberto’s past as Holiday during his wake. While Sofia watches old video clips, she sees one of Alberto wishing everyone a happy new year. This could refer to his actions in The Long Halloween, where he would kill his victims on specific holidays, which is why he is called Holiday.
However, the more likely suspect is his father, Carmine Falcone (played by John Turturro/Mark Strong). Carmine has a dark history of strangling women. In The Batman, he tries to strangle Selina Kyle (played by Zoë Kravitz) and succeeds with her girlfriend, Annika (played by Hana Hrzic), and her mother, Maria.
While the Hangman targeted law enforcement in the comics, a radio host in Episode 2 mentions that the Hangman killed at least seven women. This aligns more with Carmine’s pattern of violence.
Oz is shocked when Carmine admits Sofia to Arkham, as this seems too harsh even for him. But Carmine could have seen an opportunity for someone else to take the blame for his crimes and decided to make Sofia a scapegoat. Carmine does not hesitate to strangle Selina when he discovers she is his daughter. This fits with what we know about his character.
As the season progresses, we will learn more about the identity of the Hangman. For now, the truth remains hidden. After gaining Sofia’s trust, Oswald betrays her at the end of Episode 3, leaving her vulnerable to the Maronis, where she must defend herself. While Sofia may not be the Hangman, she is still very dangerous and is now an enemy of Oswald.
The Complexity of Sofia’s Character
Sofia’s character is complex and intriguing. She represents the blurred lines between good and evil in Gotham. Many characters in Gotham have dark pasts, and Sofia is no exception. Her childhood and experiences in Arkham shape who she is today. Being released from Arkham does not mean she is free from her past.
As we learn more about her story, we see how her time in Arkham affected her. The abuse she suffered and the experiments done on her create a vulnerable character who still has a dark side. She has to face a world where everyone sees her as a monster, which complicates her relationships.
Sofia is a product of her environment. The criminal world she is a part of is ruthless, and she uses fear as a tool for survival. Instead of running from her past, she chooses to embrace it. This adds depth to her character and shows that even those labeled as villains can have their own struggles and motivations.
Sofia’s Relationship with Oswald
Sofia’s relationship with Oswald is another key aspect of The Penguin. They have a complicated dynamic. Oswald initially sees Sofia as a valuable ally. He recognizes her skills and reputation as a serial killer. However, as the series progresses, their relationship becomes strained. Oswald is a manipulative character who seeks to control those around him.
He uses Sofia’s fearsome reputation to his advantage. However, Sofia’s strength and resilience make her a challenging partner. She is not just a pawn in Oswald’s game. She has her own ambitions and goals, which sometimes clash with Oswald’s plans. Their relationship shows the power struggles within Gotham’s criminal world.
Oswald’s betrayal of Sofia at the end of Episode 3 marks a turning point in their dynamic. He uses her trust against her, leaving her in a vulnerable position. This betrayal will likely have consequences for both characters as the series continues. It highlights the theme of trust and betrayal that runs throughout The Penguin.
The Role of Trauma in Sofia’s Life
Sofia’s trauma plays a significant role in shaping her character. Her experiences in Arkham and the abuse she suffered create lasting scars. PTSD is a real issue for many individuals, and Sofia’s struggle to cope adds realism to her character.
The EMDR therapy she undergoes is intended to help her heal, but it has not been successful. This reflects the challenges many face in seeking help and recovering from traumatic experiences. Sofia’s mental health struggles make her a more relatable character. She embodies the idea that healing is not a straight path.
Despite her past, Sofia demonstrates resilience. She refuses to be defined solely by her trauma. Instead, she uses it to fuel her determination. Her character shows that even in the darkest situations, there can be a spark of strength and hope.
The Importance of Reputation in Gotham
Reputation plays a crucial role in The Penguin. In Gotham, a person’s reputation can make or break them. Sofia is aware of her reputation as the Hangman, and she uses it to her advantage. By embracing her fearsome image, she can manipulate those around her.
This theme of reputation is prevalent throughout the series. Characters must see their public images while dealing with their true selves. For Sofia, this duality creates tension in her relationships. She wants to be seen as powerful and feared, but she also longs for understanding and acceptance.
The way characters perceive Sofia impacts her actions. She grapples with the idea of being a monster versus being a victim. This internal conflict makes her a compelling character. It invites the audience to consider the complexities of identity and reputation in a city as chaotic as Gotham.
Future of Sofia in The Penguin
As The Penguin continues, Sofia’s story will likely evolve. Her relationship with Oswald has changed, and she will have to confront the consequences of his betrayal. She may seek revenge or try to regain control of her life.
The identity of the true Hangman remains a mystery, and Sofia’s journey may lead her to uncover the truth. Her quest for justice could lead to new alliances or conflicts with other characters. The series has set the stage for exciting developments in Sofia’s character arc.
Additionally, the scenes of her past and mental health will likely continue. The show has established a strong foundation for discussing trauma and healing. This theme can resonate with many viewers and add depth to Sofia’s character.
Conclusion
Sofia Falcone is a fascinating character in The Penguin. Her journey from a feared serial killer to a complex individual dealing with trauma attracts the audience. The scheme of her relationships, especially with Oswald, adds layers to her story.
The mystery surrounding the true Hangman keeps viewers engaged, and Sofia’s character serves as a lens through which we show themes of reputation, trauma, and survival in Gotham. As the series progresses, it will be interesting to see how Sofia faces her past and shapes her future in a city full of danger and deceit.
