Episode 4 of "The Penguin" commences in a grimy alleyway, where Oz and Sofia are abruptly ambushed by Nadia, her vengeful presence casting a chilling shadow over them. Determined to hold Oz accountable for his treachery, Nadia plots to seize control of the lab, dredging up the past when he brazenly struck a deal at the prison gates. She unleashes a bombshell, revealing that the Penguin was the one who claimed Alberto's life, a revelation that shatters Sofia's heart into pieces.
As Oz frantically attempts to wriggle out of the accusation, Sofia's gaze pierces him like daggers, her trust in him shattered. Just when the tension threatens to boil over, Victor's arrival adds a new dimension to the already volatile situation.
Gripped by despair and anger, Sofia reaches out to Dr. Julian Rush, her voice laced with betrayal as she lays the blame squarely on Oz's shoulders. The depths of her betrayal run deep, illuminated by flashbacks that weave a tapestry of Oz and Sofia's once-strong bond. Their witty repartee, forged during his days as her driver, contrasts starkly with the present turmoil, where Sofia struggles to come to terms with her mother's tragic death.
At a charity function, the unfeeling words of reporter Summer Gleeson cut like a knife, reminding Sofia that she's merely one among many women whose lives have ended in the grim spectacle of suicide by hanging. The memory of finding her mother's lifeless body hangs heavy, making the cruel observation all the more excruciating.
This harrowing experience has forged Sofia's character, cementing her unwavering devotion to her family. As the years pass, Carmine, in a rare moment of vulnerability, confides in Sofia, breaking with tradition and declaring his wish for her to succeed him as the head of the family. This prospect fills Sofia with a longing she's long harbored, especially after the Penguin's sneering remark about her gender disqualifying her from advancement.
Yet, a persistent itch remains unscratched, stemming from Carmine's shadowy past and the specter of young women whose lives have been cut short. Sofia's quest for answers and justice will drive her forward, amid a web of deceit and danger that threatens to consume her world.
Sofia confronts Gleeson with steely determination, hellbent on unraveling the truth behind the enigmatic death. The official narrative of suicide by hanging stands, yet the intricate marks etched around the neck, as Sofia scrutinizes the crime scene photographs with meticulous care, whisper of strangulation. The police, it seems, overlooked this crucial detail, along with signs of a fierce struggle. Summer, fueled by a protective instinct for the women, seeks access to the club's records, believing they hold the key to safety. Ironically, Sofia is jolted by a chilling revelation: her own mother bore similar marks beneath her nails, igniting a spark of fear within her.
In a fit of panic, Sofia threatens Summer and lashes out at Oz, who sternly warns her to steer clear of this treacherous path. With heavy heart, she retreats to the solitude of her home, only to face a swift reprimand from Carmine soon after. Penguin's lips loosen, spilling the beans about her encounter with Summer Gleeson, casting a shadow over Carmine's already tenuous position as the prime suspect. That fateful night, Sofia finds herself arrested for murder, branded with the ominous moniker of 'Hangman,' and cruelly abandoned by those who should have stood by her side.
Confined within the walls of Arkham for a grueling six months before her trial, Sofia's mental state teeters on the brink. Her case becomes the buzz of the hospital, as she grapples with her new identity as the Hangman. Amidst this turmoil, an unlikely bond forms with Magpie, her cellmate, offering a glimmer of humanity amidst the darkness. However, the tranquility is shattered when Bliss, the drug meant to keep inmates submissive, fails to tame one particular inmate, who is seemingly set free to target Sofia, leaving her battered and bruised.
Dr. Julian Rush enters the fray the following day, his questions probing Sofia's claims of innocence and framing. He professes his intention to aid her, yet his sincerity remains shrouded in doubt. Together with Dr. Ventris, the officer in charge, they attempt to manipulate Sofia into committing violence against a fellow prisoner, a ploy that falls flat. In desperation, they resort to electro-shock therapy, subjecting her to a brutal form of interrogation that tests the limits of her endurance.
Sofia valiantly strives to maintain her composure, her fragile facade barely hanging on, until Alberto's arrival shatters it all, declaring the trial a non-starter. Ventris and Rush's verdict rings loud and clear: she's mentally unfit to face the court's judgment. As the days stretch into months, Sofia's reality dawns on her with chilling clarity—a lifetime imprisoned in Arkham looms ahead. In a fit of rage, unleashed in the chaotic mess hall, she savagely beats Magpie, another inmate, into oblivion.
Flash forward to the present moment, where Julian stands before Sofia, an unexpected beacon of hope. Yet, the memory of his betrayal lingers, the abandonment to Dr. Ventris' twisted games fresh in her mind. Yet, he extends a hand for a fresh start, and after mending her battered spirit, she grudgingly accepts. Emerging in a vibrant dress, Sofia interrupts Luca's solemn family gathering, dedicated to Alberto's memory, exposing their duplicity and betrayal. With steely resolve, she renounces her ties to the family, declaring a personal rebirth on her own terms.
That very evening, Sofia seeks solace in the greenhouse, sharing a slice of cake with Gia—the only soul who offered her a glimmer of kindness amidst the darkness. Their bond deepens as they share the same shelter under the stars, the mystery of their overnight stay unraveling the next morning.
It transpires that Sofia, in a calculated act of revenge, had gassed the entire household, sealing the fate of every soul within. Her seemingly innocuous habit of keeping her window ajar takes on a sinister meaning, now revealed as a calculated move. In the wake of devastation, Johnny stands as the sole survivor, and Sofia confronts him, their conversation heavy with unspoken truths and urgent need for dialogue.
