The second episode of HBO’s The Penguin offers a deeper look into Sofia Falcone’s character, portrayed by Cristin Milioti. This episode not only expands on her backstory but also introduces viewers to her therapist, Julian Rush, played by Theo Rossi.
Rush’s treatment methods raise eyebrows, as they appear to be inappropriate for a professional setting. While he may simply be an unethical psychiatrist, fans of the show have begun speculating that he could be linked to several other characters from the rich mythology of DC Comics’ Batman.
Julian Rush: Not the Scarecrow, but a Possible Villain
The episode kicks off with what seems to be a flashback to Sofia’s time in Arkham Asylum. Sofia is in Arkham because she is believed to be a serial killer known as “The Hangman.” As the scene unfolds, it transitions to a reenactment of her brother Alberto’s death, a moment Sofia did not actually witness.
However, the narrative reveals that she is experiencing a dream-like vision during a therapy session with Rush. He uses a moving red light in the room, seemingly designed to trigger a hallucination in Sofia.
This unsettling experience understandably frightens Sofia. As she struggles with her fears, Rush tries to assure her that she is safe. However, the way he holds her during this moment raises concerns about professional boundaries.
Both actors’ expressions suggest a complicated interplay, where the characters may derive some form of romantic or sexual pleasure from their interaction. As Rush instructs Sofia to focus on various items in his office, the camera notably lingers on the nameplate on his desk, intensifying the viewers’ curiosity about his true identity and motivations.
Fan Theories About Julian Rush
Following the episode’s airing, some fans quickly began speculating that Julian Rush could be a version of Jonathan Crane, better known as Scarecrow. In the comics, Crane is a supervillain who studies psychiatry and is sometimes depicted working at Arkham.
He uses fear as a weapon against his enemies, including Batman. When asked about the possibility of using Crane for the role of Rush, director Craig Zobel replied, “Possibly there were [discussions],” but the team ultimately decided against it. They wanted to avoid interfering with any future plans that executive producer Matt Reeves might have for Crane within his Batman saga.
Still from The Penguin (Credit: HBO)
Zobel mentioned, “To be able to make him a standalone character just for the story, that felt like the smartest thing to do, really.”
This statement indicates that while Rush may not be Crane, the showrunners still have room to introduce characters from the comics later on. In particular, two other figures from the Batman universe stand out as possibilities: Hugo Strange and Calendar Man.
The Possibility of Hugo Strange
Hugo Strange is another character frequently associated with psychiatry in the Batman comics. Created by Bill Finger and Bob Kane, Strange made his first appearance in Detective Comics #36 in 1940. He is one of Batman’s oldest foes.
Early versions of Strange portrayed him as a mad scientist and a criminal mastermind, common traits among early comic villains.
However, after DC’s post-Crisis on Infinite Earths reboot, a different version of Strange emerged. In this updated portrayal, he is a psychiatrist who uses his medical knowledge to manipulate Bruce Wayne psychologically, turning the city of Gotham against Batman.
Strange has appeared in live-action only in the Fox television series Gotham, which means he would be a fresh character for many viewers of The Penguin. His character has deep ties to Batman’s psyche, making him a perfect fit for a series focused on character development and psychological complexity.
Calendar Man: Another Strong Possibility
Another character who has a role similar to Rush’s is Calendar Man. Created by Bill Finger and Sheldon Moldoff, he first appeared in Detective Comics #259 in 1958. Calendar Man, whose real name is Julian Day, is a member of Batman’s rogues’ gallery.
As his name suggests, he often commits crimes on holidays and other significant dates. Though he is frequently presented as a joke villain, Day has shown himself to be a serious threat in darker storylines.
Notably, the miniseries Batman: The Long Halloween and its sequel, Batman: Dark Victory, have influenced Matt Reeves’ Batman saga, including The Penguin. Dark Victory introduces Sofia’s Hangman persona, which adds layers to her character.
In The Long Halloween, Batman and Police Commissioner Jim Gordon interrogate Calendar Man while he is in Arkham.
They seek his insight into a serial killer known as Holiday. Day, who dislikes other criminals gaining more notoriety than himself, provides useful information, echoing famous dialogues between Clarice Starling and Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of the Lambs.
Still from The Penguin (Credit: HBO)
At the beginning of Dark Victory, Alberto Falcone is under house arrest at the Falcone estate, supervised by his brother Mario. During this time, he begins to hear a voice urging him to kill again.
Initially believing the voice to be the ghost of his father, Carmine, Alberto eventually discovers that it is actually Calendar Man. Day had escaped Arkham and was hiding in the walls of the estate, impersonating Carmine to manipulate Alberto into committing murder.
Given their shared connections to the Falcone family and their similar first names, Calendar Man stands out as a likely candidate if Rush is revealed to be based on a comic book character. However, it remains possible that Rush could also be an original character, as he has been presented thus far.
The Themes of Trauma and Manipulation
This episode not only introduces new characters but also goes into significant themes of trauma and manipulation.
Sofia’s time in Arkham Asylum highlights the impact of mental health struggles and the ethical dilemmas faced by those in the psychiatric profession. The relationship between Sofia and Rush reflects the fine line between healing and harm in therapeutic settings.
Sofia’s journey is marked by her traumatic experiences, including the belief that she is a serial killer. The flashbacks and dream-like visions serve as a narrative device that reveals her inner turmoil. The use of light and sound in Rush’s therapy sessions adds a psychological layer to the storytelling, emphasizing the confusion and fear Sofia feels.
The Significance of Therapy in The Penguin
The series places a strong emphasis on the role of therapy in understanding characters’ motivations. It invites viewers to question the effectiveness and ethicality of various treatment methods.
The interactions between Rush and Sofia raise important questions about trust, power dynamics, and the potential for exploitation within therapeutic relationships.
As Rush guides Sofia through her hallucinations, the audience is reminded of the complex relationship between patients and therapists.
The portrayal of therapy as a tool for both healing and manipulation invites critical reflection on the power dynamics at play. This theme is particularly relevant in today’s discussions about mental health, making it an important aspect of the series.
Streaming Availability and Episode Release Schedule
The Penguin is available to stream on Max, and new episodes premiere every Sunday at 9 p.m. ET. The show has quickly garnered attention for its complex characters and intricate storytelling.
As viewers goes deeper into Sofia Falcone’s story, they can expect to see how her relationships with other characters, including Rush, evolve.
As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see whether Julian Rush is revealed to be a well-known villain from the Batman comics or if he remains an original character. The possibilities for character development are vast, and the audience’s engagement with these stories continues to grow.
Conclusion: The Ongoing Appeal of Batman’s Villains
The Batman universe is rich with characters that are not only villains but also deeply complex individuals shaped by their experiences and choices.
Still from The Penguin (Credit: HBO)
Characters like Scarecrow, Hugo Strange, and Calendar Man highlight the psychological struggles that often accompany villainy. As The Penguin continues to show these themes, it deepens the audience’s understanding of the characters and their motivations.
The second episode of The Penguin not only deepens Sofia Falcone’s character but also raises intriguing questions about the nature of therapy and manipulation. As viewers continue to speculate about Julian Rush’s true identity, the show remains a attractive scheme of Gotham’s dark underbelly.
Kindred Spirits is a documentary reality show about ghosts. It started in 2016 on Destination America and TLC.
Since then, the show has had seven successful seasons featuring ghost hunters Amy Bruni and Adam Berry. Both Bruni and Berry are known for being on Syfy’s Ghost Hunters, so they are not new to paranormal investigation.
In 2019, the show moved to the Travel Channel. This change helped the show get more viewers because the Travel Channel already had many successful paranormal programs, including Ghost Adventures.
However, Kindred Spirits is not a typical jump-scare ghost show. In a usual episode, Bruni and Berry visit a family that has experienced strange events. The ghost hunters start their investigation by focusing on helping the family and the spirits they find.
The show is not about forcing these spirits to leave; instead, it is about understanding what keeps them from moving on. Unlike other shows that try to prove that ghosts exist, Kindred Spirits is perfect for viewers who are genuinely interested in ghost encounters.
As you watch the show, you appreciate how it focuses on emotional resolution rather than sensationalism. This new approach to ghost hunting is why Kindred Spirits deserves more seasons.
The Ghost Hunters on the Show Truly Care About These Spirits
Throughout the seven seasons, the Kindred Spirits team has dealt with various haunting cases in some of America’s most haunted homes and historical sites.
But in each episode, Bruni and Berry are not just gathering evidence. They are discovering the stories of the kindred spirits they encounter. This adds an emotional layer to the show and gives viewers a reason to care beyond the initial shock or horror.
In an interview with 1428 Elm, Bruni said she and Berry believe that ghosts stay in the human world for specific reasons. For example, in season 2, the ghost hunters find a spirit who is stuck because someone misspelled their name on their headstone.
Bruni and Berry understand that even small details like these can prevent some spirits from finding peace. Each episode revolves around discovering who these spirits are, why they are there, and how the team can help them. This way, the solution is not just for the living clients but also a way for the team to assist these lingering ghosts in moving on to the next realm.
The Show Taps Into the Past Lives of These Spirits
One emotional moment in the show was during the Season 4 premiere when the team investigated an abandoned schoolhouse in Iowa.
Still from Kindred Spirits (Credit: Discovery+)
People believed the place was haunted by a young girl who would stand in a window and wave to passersby. Instead of just sending her away, the team looked deeply into why her spirit stayed tied to the school for so long.
The introduction of psychic medium Chip Coffey in Season 4 added another level of emotional depth to the show. Coffey is known for his work on shows like Paranormal State and Psychic Kids. He talks directly with spirits and provides the ghost hunters with the answers they seek.
His involvement ensures that the families receive the closure they need to move on. In many episodes, Coffey helps people connect with their deceased loved ones to assist them in finding peace. His caring approach complements Bruni and Berry’s methods and makes the show unique in the paranormal genre.
Amy Bruni and Adam Berry Are The Perfect Hosts
Bruni and Berry are experienced ghost hunters with more than a decade of experience from Ghost Hunters, one of the most well-known paranormal investigation shows.
They have worked and shown haunted locations together, creating a strong chemistry that makes Kindred Spirits work. This connection is crucial when dealing with haunted sites, where trust and teamwork are vital.
Together, Coffey, Bruni, and Berry have faced some of the most challenging hauntings, including the famous Conjuring House. In Season 4, Episode 2 of Kindred Spirits, Bruni and Berry reunited with the Perron family. This family was haunted by aggressive spirits in the 1970s, which inspired the movie The Conjuring (2013). The film became one of the most successful horror movies ever.
During their investigation, the team brought the latest equipment to capture evidence that the house was still haunted. Bruni and Berry’s compassionate approach to the investigation helps viewers understand that these spirits have their own stories.
Their work at the Conjuring House shows their credibility as paranormal experts. This is one of the biggest reasons why Kindred Spirits deserves to be renewed for Season 8.
What ‘Kindred Spirits’ Season 8 Can Be About and Why It Deserves a Comeback
The show’s genuine and emotional ghost-hunting has earned Kindred Spirits a solid fan base among paranormal enthusiasts. This is why the show needs to come back for another season, even though the Travel Channel has not announced it yet.
Still from Kindred Spirits (Credit: Discovery+)
Following their success at the Conjuring House, Season 8 can take the ghost hunters to other places known for their paranormal activity. For example, they could investigate the Stanley Hotel in Colorado or the Cecil Hotel in Los Angeles.
These locations could lead to some of the show’s most chilling episodes. Given the dark history of these places, the team could use their unique approach to uncover the stories behind some of America’s scariest hauntings. This would not only entertain paranormal fans but also continue the show’s mission of helping spirits find peace.
While many paranormal reality shows exist, Kindred Spirits stands out for its authenticity. By incorporating true crime elements and historical tragedies, the show can upgrade the traditional ghost-hunting format.
Investigating places like the Villisca Axe Murder House or the Lizzie Borden House can help the team address the paranormal and emotional aftermath of these dark events. Additionally, if Kindred Spirits returns for Season 8, it could revisit past investigations to check in on families and locations they have previously helped.
This follow-up could be an engaging way to see how their clients have been doing and whether the spirits are still present. It would also provide a fresh perspective for viewers who have followed the show since its beginning.
As Kindred Spirits premiered in 2016, ghost-hunting technology has advanced significantly. This allows Bruni, Berry, and Coffey to revisit earlier cases with new equipment like enhanced thermal cameras and better digital recorders. These improvements can provide clearer, more detailed evidence.
A Unique Approach to Ghost Hunting
Kindred Spirits takes a different approach to ghost hunting compared to other shows. While many paranormal shows focus on scares and shocking moments, this show emphasizes understanding and compassion. The hosts do not seek to prove ghosts exist for entertainment; they want to help the spirits and the families they visit.
For instance, when the team investigates a home, they first listen to the family’s experiences. They want to understand the disturbances the family faces.
Instead of rushing to capture evidence of ghosts, they take their time to gather information. This careful approach creates a more emotional connection between the viewers and the show. It shows that Bruni and Berry truly care about the people and spirits involved.
The emotional aspect of the show resonates with many viewers. It offers a deeper understanding of why spirits might linger. Some spirits might be tied to a location due to unfinished business or unresolved feelings. By focusing on these elements, Kindred Spirits helps viewers feel empathy for both the living and the dead.
The Role of the Audience
The audience plays an essential role in the success of Kindred Spirits. Fans feel connected to the stories and the characters. They often share their own experiences and feelings about ghosts and hauntings. This connection fosters a community of paranormal enthusiasts who support the show and its message.
Through social media, fans interact with the show, discussing episodes and sharing their thoughts. This engagement creates excitement for upcoming seasons and helps the producers understand what viewers want. The strong fan base can lead to a renewed interest in the show, making it more likely for the Travel Channel to bring it back for another season.
Season 7 Recap
Season 7 of Kindred Spirits concluded in 2023, wrapping up with emotional and compelling episodes. The season featured various haunting cases, each offering unique challenges for Bruni and Berry. They met families dealing with spirits and provided them with support and understanding.
One memorable episode involved a family experiencing disturbances linked to a historical event. Bruni and Berry uncovered the story behind the haunting and helped the family understand the spirit’s presence. This episode showcased how the show focuses on healing and emotional connections, which sets it apart from others.
With each season, the team grows closer to their audience, and viewers appreciate their dedication to the craft. The heartfelt investigations resonate with fans, encouraging them to seek out the truth behind the hauntings.
Why Fans Want More
Fans are eager for Season 8 of Kindred Spirits because they want to see more heartfelt stories. They appreciate the show’s emotional depth and the connections made between the living and the dead. Many viewers feel that the series has changed how paranormal investigations are viewed.
The show’s focus on compassion and understanding has created a strong emotional bond with its audience. Viewers want to see how Bruni, Berry, and Coffey continue their mission of helping spirits find peace. They want more stories that reflect the complexities of life and death and the emotions tied to them.
The Future of Kindred Spirits
As fans await news about a potential Season 8, they remain hopeful. They believe in the show’s message and its impact on the paranormal community. The combination of emotional storytelling, expert investigation, and compassionate understanding has created a unique niche in the genre.
Still from Kindred Spirits (Credit: Discovery+)
With advancements in technology and a wealth of haunting locations to show, the potential for future seasons is vast. Whether revisiting past cases or tackling new locations, Kindred Spirits can continue its mission of helping spirits find closure while entertaining its loyal fan base.
Kindred Spirits has become a beloved show for paranormal enthusiasts. Its focus on emotional connections, understanding, and compassion has set it apart from other ghost-hunting programs.
With strong hosts, a dedicated audience, and a wealth of stories to tell, the show deserves to continue. Fans look forward to what Season 8 may bring and hope to see more of Bruni, Berry, and Coffey’s heartfelt investigations into the world of the paranormal.
