‘The Penguin’ – Bliss’ – Review
Things are starting to heat up in HBO’s The Penguin, as Oz Cobb enlists the help of an intriguing new partner that could take his fortunes in a new direction, and Episode Three of The Penguin, ‘Bliss’ makes for a savage watch.
Hoping to control the future of Gotham’s drug trade, Oz and Sofia must first address the skeletons in their closet. Victor is torn between his new life and what remains of his old one.
Things are starting to ramp up in speed with HBO’s The Penguin. This series so far has proven that it has the attitude and moxy of a pure crime classic. Now, as we move into Episode Three, ‘Bliss’, we see Oswald ‘Oz’ Cobb begin to make his move on Gotham City’s drug market… and he enlists the help of an intriguing and dangerous new partner, Sofia Falcone (Cristin Milioti). It’s a hell of a whack for audiences, and given their general mistrust of one another, it leads to all kinds of drama as Oz and Sofia happen upon a new substance that could change their fortunes and reshape the entire identity of the Gotham Crime underworld. And there’s plenty going on in this episode that will have audiences sitting up with attention.
In my mind, ‘Bliss’ is very much The Penguin’s Scarface-esquee episode, and I don’t just mean it because of Oz’s white suit! This is very much the ‘moving and shaking’ episode as Oz and Sofia cut deals and look for an innovative way to cut out the rest of the Falcone family while also playing off the Maroni’s at the same time. Colin Farrell has shown he has a talent for juggling when it comes to his portrayal of Oz, and he’s working overtime in this episode. And it shows. ‘Bliss’ gives a further insight into the interior character of Oz, and the broken, battered man that lives in his soul, and we see how his actions are a reaction to the rejection, fear and violence that he’s had to contend with his whole life. Total ambition is the only thing that drives Oz’s action, and in ‘Bliss’, we see him making his way forward, and he’ll suffer no one who gets in his way.
‘Bliss’ is also an important episode for the character development of Victor ‘Vic’ Aguilar (Rhenzy Feliz), as he has to come to a crossroads with his commitment to Oz, and a decision as to where he wants his life to go. Ever since falling under Oz’s spell, Vic has been an invaluable asset, and he’s taken to the mob life with skill, but in ‘Bliss’, he has to make a choice that will define his life forever. And it’s a hell of a choice. Rhenzy Feliz showcases an incredible level of sincerity amongst all the drama, and director Craig Zobel zooms in on the drama that surrounds him and the complicated feelings that compel his decision.
Episode Three of The Penguin makes for an audacious and intense watch, and there’s a boiling tension that follows all of our characters as Oz makes his move on the drug scene, thanks in key part to Sofia Falcone’s help. It’s a brooding watch, and we very much felt the Scarface vibes with this episode. But as with everything in OZ’s life, it quickly all goes to hell in the final moments, and with the shocking concussive force of a hand grenade, the episode ends on a hell of a cliffhanger, as Oz’s double-dealing smacks him across the face and the violence levels up.
The Penguin is moving forward at pace, and audiences get some very worthy television in Episode Three. Oz’s secret is out, the streets know about it, and he’s left in a very dangerous place. For audiences, that can only lead to plenty of excitement and tension as we move forward in this narrative.
The Penguin is now streaming on Neon and SKY TV.
Image: SKY TV