Step aside, Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson). You have gathered a team of the best superheroes, but you cannot compete with Agatha Harkness (Kathryn Hahn).
She is assembling a group of the world’s most dysfunctional witches. These witches have visions, run a unique store in Westview, and even work security at Hot Topic. And as Victoria Justice once said, they all sing!
This episode brings everything together as we meet more characters who will walk the wild and wicked Witches’ Road. They have a lot of promise.
Lilia (Patti LuPone) faces money problems, Jennifer (Sasheer Zamata) deals with legal troubles, and Alice (Ali Ahn) has issues with her mom. They are a mess, and I look forward to seeing how they become even messier.
Teen Convinces Agatha to Hit the Witches’ Road
Agatha wants to leave Westview quickly. She fears the Salem Seven might finish what Rio (Aubrey Plaza) started. She does not even untie Teen (Joe Locke), who has his mouth taped shut and hands bound. He is probably traumatized after watching Agatha and Rio fight while flirting.
However, Teen catches Agatha’s interest when he tells her he is a fan, especially of her Salem days. He asks her to take him on the Witches’ Road so he can gain power. He has studied magic but wants to do more.
Agatha insists that the Road is too dangerous for someone like him. Teen argues that it did not kill her when she walked it, and he notes that the Salem Seven seem frightening. Can Agatha really escape them without magic?
Agatha wants to know who this kid is, but his mouth disappears every time he tries to say his name. A strange symbol shows up over it. Agatha cannot hear him when he tries to share details about himself.
Even though Agatha does not know much about this random kid, she becomes interested in his pitch. She learns he is the one who freed her from the Scarlet Witch’s spell. After a quick stop to spit at Wanda’s old house, they go to Teen’s car.
Still from Agatha All Along (Credit: Disney+)
On the way to their first stop—while Teen ignores calls from his boyfriend and Agatha throws his things out the window—she teaches him about covens.
She says covens are the true form of sisterhood, formed by fate. The Covenstead Rule states that in every three-mile area, enough witches exist to create a coven. Teen finds this beautiful, but Agatha does not agree.
Who Is Lilia Calderu?
Their first stop is Lilia Calderu, a divination witch chased out of every village for predicting tragedies. She now makes a small living as a psychic.
Agatha pretends to be a Southern woman visiting with her son, casting Teen as her son. It is a strange choice, but she goes with it. Agatha asks Lilia where to find gold bars buried by her deceased husband.
Lilia plays along but then reads Agatha’s reputation accurately. She knows who Agatha is and does not want to join her coven, especially since Agatha can steal her power. Agatha pulls Lilia aside and tells her a secret: she can only steal power if someone blasts her with it.
If Lilia shows restraint, she can keep her power. Lilia remains uninterested and gives Agatha a list of names she can use to create her coven, but she insists Agatha leave her out of it.
The twist? Lilia’s name is on the list, and she keeps having visions. She also has an eviction notice on her door. Lilia is struggling, but Patti LuPone makes sure we enjoy her.
Who Is Jennifer Kale?
Next, they meet Jennifer Kale, a high priestess who specializes in potions and has been magically bound for a century. When Agatha bursts in, yelling about jade eggs, Jennifer knows Agatha is desperate from the look of her hands.
Agatha has lost the Darkhold, and Jennifer is not interested in Agatha’s Witches’ Road offer. She dismisses it as a “dusty, warty, snaggle-toothed community” and asks if Teen is another child sacrifice. This raises questions since Agatha just mentioned that babies are delicious.
Still from Agatha All Along (Credit: Disney+)
When Agatha’s attempts fail, Teen uses his charm. He tells Jennifer he is a fan of hers on Instagram and expresses sympathy for her legal troubles. Witches have a hard time in court.
Agatha seems impressed with Teen’s skill at manipulation, and after stealing a jade egg, they move on to their next target.
Who Is Alice Wu-Gulliver?
Alice Wu-Gulliver is a Blood Witch, meaning she is the child of a witch. Her mother is the famous goddess of rock, Lorna Wu, who wrote the most famous version of “The Ballad of the Witches’ Road.” Teen thinks this is incredible since his mom saw Lorna perform before she died.
However, Alice does not share Teen’s excitement. She does not believe the Witches’ Road is real. But she is out of options.
After Agatha tricks Teen into shoplifting, Alice tackles him and loses her mall security job. There is a spark of curiosity when Agatha promises to help her find out what happened to her mother. Alice has the least background so far, but her ties to the Road make her story intriguing.
The Salem Seven Are After Agatha
All the witches gather at Agatha’s house for a sad party. Teen made a sign, and they have stale granola bars. However, they are missing one thing: their Green Witch. Agatha tries to brush it off, but the other witches insist that earth magic is crucial for the Road.
Lilia reveals that the last name on her list was not a name but a black heart. Agatha tries to disguise this by inviting Mrs. Hart (Debra Jo Rupp) to the party while she works in her garden. Mrs. Hart, not realizing the situation, agrees to attend. I worry for her safety.
The coven goes to Agatha’s basement to try to summon the Road by holding hands and singing the ballad.
The scene is funny, with Mrs. Hart skipping around while the others get emotional. However, it does not work as expected. The feeling of sisterhood disappears as they start blaming each other.
Agatha is the harshest, calling Lilia a coward, Jennifer a fraud, and Alice a disappointment. Lilia realizes that Agatha is using their anger to try and make them blast her with magic, which she can then steal.
During their fight, two things happen: the door to the Witches’ Road finally opens, and Teen almost gets killed by the Salem Seven while trying to protect Señor Scratchy. Agatha has noticed signs of the Salem Seven throughout the day—crows, a mouse, and a wolf.
Teen rushes down to warn the coven, giving them a choice: face the Salem Seven or enter the Witches’ Road. They choose the latter, escaping down the staircase. Agatha closes the door behind her, making it disappear. This moment is both exciting and chilling, signaling that there is no going back.
Still from Agatha All Along (Credit: Disney+)
The Witches’ Road is stunning. The cast has praised the beautiful sets and effects, and it shows on screen. The glowing trees and vast woods are magical. Agatha and Teen share a genuine smile.
There is something mysterious and real about their connection that will be tested. For now, they have accomplished what they set out to do. “I never doubted us for a second,” Agatha says, and I believe this is just the start of an exciting journey.
Summary Of The Episode
In this episode of Agatha All Along, Agatha Harkness is on a mission to gather a coven of quirky and dysfunctional witches. She first meets Teen, a fan who convinces her to take him on the Witches’ Road. Despite Agatha’s doubts about his safety, Teen’s enthusiasm and knowledge of magic intrigue her.
Still from Agatha All Along (Credit: Disney+)
Their journey takes them to Lilia Calderu, a divination witch reluctant to join Agatha due to her infamous reputation. Lilia gives Agatha a list of witches to recruit but insists on being left alone.
Next, they encounter Jennifer Kale, a high priestess with legal troubles, who is also dismissive of Agatha’s offer. Teen charms Jennifer, showcasing his manipulation skills to sway her.
Lastly, they find Alice Wu-Gulliver, a Blood Witch with a complicated past tied to the Witches’ Road. As the witches gather for a party, tensions rise when they realize they are missing their Green Witch. In a humorous yet tense moment, they attempt to summon the Witches’ Road, but chaos ensues.
As they confront their inner struggles, the door to the Witches’ Road finally opens, marking the beginning of an exciting and dangerous adventure.
New episodes of Agatha All Along air every Wednesday at 9 PM ET on Disney+.
HBO’s The Penguin focuses on Colin Farrell’s character, Oswald “Oz” Cobblepot. Oz rises to power in the Gotham City underworld.
The series will showcase his journey and struggles as he seeks to establish himself as a significant player. However, he faces strong competition from the Falcone crime family. This family is deeply rooted in Gotham’s criminal activities and has a long, complicated history.
Currently, Oz works for the Falcone family, as shown in the 2022 film The Batman. Despite his position, he does not receive much respect from the higher-ups in the organization. He is not considered a true member of the Falcone family.
He lacks any biological or marital connection to the main branch of the Falcone lineage. This status leaves him vulnerable to the ambitions of other family members who want to take control.
The Falcones play significant roles in many famous comics, including Batman: The Long Halloween. They often resemble the Corleone family from The Godfather, exhibiting complex relationships and histories.
The series shows how these family dynamics affect Gotham’s crime scene. Here are some key family members who will appear in the upcoming miniseries.
Carmine Falcone Played by John Turturro and Mark Strong
Carmine is the head of the Falcone family and a major figure in Gotham’s crime scene. He often resembles Marlon Brando’s portrayal of Vito Corleone in The Godfather. John Turturro portrayed Carmine in The Batman, where he was depicted as the leader of Gotham’s criminal community.
Carmine’s influence over the city stems from his extensive drug-running operations. He took control of these operations from Salvatore Maroni, who will be played by Clancy Brown in The Penguin. Carmine’s success relied on the support of corrupt city officials and police officers.
Throughout The Batman, Carmine appears as an undisputed leader. However, he faces arrest at the hands of Bruce Wayne/Batman, played by Robert Pattinson, and Jim Gordon, portrayed by Jeffrey Wright. Shortly after his arrest, the Riddler, played by Paul Dano, assassinates him.
Still from The Penguin (Credit: HBO)
Despite his demise, the character remains significant to the story. Given the Falcones’ pivotal role in The Penguin, there is a decent chance Carmine could reappear in the series.
This might occur through flashbacks, dream sequences, or other narrative techniques. Additionally, Mark Strong plays a younger version of the character on the small screen, adding depth to Carmine’s backstory.
Sofia Falcone Played by Cristin Milioti
Cristin Milioti portrays Sofia Falcone, Carmine’s daughter. Sofia is a fierce competitor who aims to take over her father’s empire. She will serve as Oz’s primary antagonist throughout the series. Her character appears in both The Long Halloween and its sequel, Batman: Dark Victory. These comics seem particularly influential on the storyline of The Penguin.
In Dark Victory, Sofia takes on the role of the main antagonist. She is revealed to be the Hangman, a serial killer who targets members of the Gotham City Police Department. A recent trailer for The Penguin suggests that her identity as the Hangman becomes known early in the series.
This revelation adds an intriguing layer to her character. The trailer also indicates that Sofia has spent time in Arkham Asylum, likely due to her crimes as the Hangman.
Sofia’s complex relationship with her father adds depth to her character. She aims to prove herself in a male-dominated environment.
Her desire to take over the family business brings tension to the narrative, especially as Oz seeks to establish himself as a powerful figure in Gotham’s underworld. Milioti’s performance promises to capture Sofia’s fierce ambition and determination.
Selina Kyle/Catwoman Played by Zoë Kravitz
Another character of great significance is Selina Kyle, also known as Catwoman. Zoë Kravitz reprises her role as this iconic anti-heroine.
Selina is well-known as Bruce Wayne’s love interest, adding a romantic tension to the narrative. The film reveals that Carmine is Selina’s biological father, a connection that appears in various comic adaptations, including The Long Halloween and Dark Victory.
Still from The Penguin (Credit: HBO)
Throughout her life, Selina experiences a complicated relationship with Carmine. Although he pretends to be ignorant of their connection, he tries to maintain a friendly relationship with her. Selina works at Oz’s nightclub, a popular spot for members of Carmine’s organization. This setting creates an interesting dynamic between the characters.
As the story unfolds, Selina learns that Carmine murdered her girlfriend, who had discovered crucial information about his grip on Gotham. This revelation leads Selina to seek revenge.
During a confrontation, Carmine admits to killing Selina’s mother, deepening her anger and desire for retribution. Bruce, in his Batman persona, intervenes, stopping Selina from killing Carmine. He then apprehends Carmine himself, highlighting the conflict between family loyalty and justice.
At the film’s conclusion, Selina decides to leave Gotham. There has been no official confirmation regarding Kravitz’s return in The Penguin. However, given how integral the Falcone family is to the series, it would make sense for Selina to appear, whether in a cameo or a larger role. Her relationship with both Oz and Carmine would add complexity to the plot, and fans eagerly await any news about her involvement.
Alberto Falcone Played by Michael Zegen
Alberto Falcone, played by Michael Zegen, is Carmine’s son and Sofia’s brother. He plays a significant role in both The Long Halloween and Dark Victory. Although he receives an education at Oxford University, Alberto is eager to work within the family’s criminal empire. However, Carmine forbids him from doing so, hoping that Alberto can lead a more peaceful life away from crime.
Carmine’s decision echoes a similar situation faced by Vito Corleone in The Godfather, where he wished for his youngest son, Michael, to avoid the family business. Despite Carmine’s good intentions, Alberto perceives this exclusion as a slight. This tension sets the stage for Alberto’s transformation into a notorious figure within Gotham.
Alberto becomes one of two serial killers dubbed “Holiday” due to the timing of his murders. His victims include members of both the Falcone and Maroni crime families.
After Batman and Gordon arrest him, Alberto confesses to all the Holiday murders. When Carmine offers to use his influence to secure Alberto’s release, Alberto rebuffs him. He takes pride in his notoriety, feeling that he has achieved a level of fame that surpasses even his father’s.
Initially sentenced to death, Alberto later finds himself released into the custody of his brother Mario at the beginning of Dark Victory.
Still from The Penguin (Credit: HBO)
With Carmine dead and Sofia potentially known as the Hangman in The Penguin, Zegen’s version of Alberto will likely follow a different path. His character’s evolution offers a compelling story arc that shows themes of ambition, family loyalty, and revenge.
Johnny Viti Played by Michael Kelly
Johnny Viti, played by Michael Kelly, is Carmine’s nephew. The character was created by Frank Miller and David Mazzuchelli, first appearing in Batman: Year One.
Johnny comes to Gotham at the request of his mother, Carla Viti, who heads the largest crime family in Chicago. She sends Johnny to assist Carmine as Batman and Gordon begin their crime-fighting efforts, which threaten the Falcone organization.
Johnny leads a group of criminals who kidnap Gordon’s infant son in a bid to blackmail him. Their plan aims to prevent Gordon from testifying against corrupt Police Commissioner Gillian Loeb. However, Batman and Gordon thwart the plot. After Johnny is captured, Carmine tries unsuccessfully to have him killed. He hopes to keep Johnny from revealing information about the Falcone organization to the authorities.
This failed assassination leads to a brief gang war between Carmine’s faction and Carla’s family. Despite their conflicts, the two branches eventually reach an uneasy peace. Johnny’s story takes a dark turn during The Long Halloween, which begins on the night of his wedding. During this event, he becomes the first victim of the Holiday killers.
Michael Kelly’s portrayal of Johnny in The Penguin promises to bring a fresh perspective to the character. Typically depicted as a thuggish brute in the comics, the television adaptation is likely to showcase a more nuanced and complex version of Johnny.
Kelly has a strong acting background, having received praise for his roles in House of Cards and other notable productions. His performance could provide depth to Johnny’s character, showing his motivations and struggles within the criminal world.
Luca Falcone Played by Scott Cohen
Luca Falcone is the last confirmed member of the family to appear in The Penguin. He is a cousin of Carmine, played by Scott Cohen.
The television version may combine aspects of Luca and Lucia Viti, a niece of Carmine from the comics. Both characters are relatively obscure, with limited appearances in the source material. This obscurity opens the door for creative storytelling and character development.
Luca could potentially serve as a wildcard in the series, bringing unpredictability to the narrative. Given his lack of established storylines, the writers have the freedom to shape his character in new and exciting ways. However, it is also possible that Luca will play a minor role in the ful plot. Fans are eager to see how this character fits into the larger story of The Penguin.
Still from The Penguin (Credit: HBO)
The involvement of these family members in The Penguin sets the stage for a rich and intricate narrative. Each character brings unique motivations and backgrounds that contribute to the unfolding drama. The power struggles within the Falcone family add layers of complexity, especially as Oz seeks to assert himself in this dangerous world.
The Penguin premieres on HBO and Max on September 19. Viewers can anticipate a thrilling view of Gotham’s criminal underbelly, filled with tension, ambition, and the dark consequences of family loyalty.
The show promises to deliver an attractive narrative that examines the intricate dynamics of the Falcone family and their influence on Oz’s journey to power.
