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.
Ah, it feels good to be home. By home, I mean Westview, New Jersey. It has been three long years since our last visit, and the same amount of time since Agatha Harkness (played by Kathryn Hahn) remembered who she is.
To refresh your memory, WandaVision showed us how Wanda Maximoff (played by Elizabeth Olsen) put a spell on the town, trapping its residents in a sitcom.
Everyone was trapped except for Agatha Harkness. Agatha, who is secretly 350 years old, pretended to be a citizen of Westview under Wanda’s spell. She wanted to learn what Wanda was doing and how.
After revealing her true identity through a catchy song, she tried to take Wanda’s powers but lost. Wanda trapped Agatha in the role of Agnes, the nosy neighbor.
Agatha Is Trapped in a Detective Show in ‘Agatha All Along’ Episode 1
Agatha All Along Episode 1 begins three years later, with Agatha still physically stuck as the sitcom version of Agnes. Mentally, however, she stars in her own show. This time, it is not a comedy but a serious detective series called Agnes of Westview.
The opening credits humorously state that it is “based on the Danish series Wandavisdysen.” This is fitting because, during WandaVision, Agatha tried to figure out who Wanda was. In this first episode, she slowly starts to understand who she truly is. Creator Jac Schaeffer enjoys irony and parody.
The episode plays with many detective genre tropes. While it may not feel as clever and polished as the sitcom parodies of WandaVision, it is still a lot of fun to watch Hahn act as a tough, no-nonsense detective. In the first scene, she hums a familiar tune, “The Ballad of the Witches’ Road,” while heading to a crime scene.
The victim turns out to be a murdered woman, who we will later learn is Wanda Maximoff — sort of. Like many things in Agatha’s life, this is an illusion. The Scarlet Witch is likely still where Multiverse of Madness left her, buried under Mount Wundagore.
This adds to the long list of things Agatha does not know right now. The crime scene is in the woods, the same place where she killed her entire coven.
This setting presents different challenges that Agatha faces at various points in her life. Her time as Detective Agnes is filled with obstacles. We learn that she recently returned from being suspended for punching a suspect, making it clear we are dealing with a typical tough detective.
Still from Agatha All Along (Credit: Disney+)
The cracks in the Agnes facade start to show quickly. Agatha experiences strange moments of recognition and confusion when she sees certain things. For example, the victim’s blackened fingers resemble what happens after using the Darkhold, and a locket she finds has a mother, maiden, and crone image with a lock of brown hair inside.
“Who are you?” Agatha asks the body. “What happened to you?” She asks herself these questions as much as she asks the dead woman. Hahn is an excellent comedic actor, and these subtle moments of vulnerability are equally impressive. In a twisted way, you cannot help but feel sorry for this scheming character and want her to regain her powers.
The citizens of Westview we met in WandaVision return, but they have different roles in Agatha’s story. Herb/John (played by David Payton) is now Agatha’s partner, while Phil/Harold (played by David Lengel) is the police chief.
He is still married to Dottie/Sarah (played by Emma Caulfield Ford), who is now the librarian. Norm/Abilash (played by Asif Ali) works in a pawn shop. Agatha’s investigation leads her to interact with them, slowly uncovering her own history while pretending to solve the murder.
For instance, she finds a library checkout card at the crime scene that leads her to fire-damaged stacks. “Every last copy” of the book she seeks (which has the acronym DARKHOLD) has been destroyed.
The dirt under the victim’s nails is only found in Eastern Europe. And does that flannel shirt she wears look suspiciously like a famous ‘50s dress?
Who Breaks Agatha Out of Her Spell in ‘Agatha All Along’ Episode 1?
In addition to the familiar Westview citizens, we meet two new characters: Rio Vidal (played by Aubrey Plaza) and Teen (played by Joe Locke). Rio enters Agatha’s life pretending to be a federal agent, someone Agatha instantly dislikes but cannot remember why.
Rio plays along with the detective show clichés. She brings pizza to Agatha’s house and lets her talk about a car accident in Eastview that might connect to the murder.
Right before Rio arrives, the show introduces Nicholas Scratch — kind of. In the comics, Nicholas Scratch is Agatha’s son, and it seems the MCU may keep this idea. Agatha briefly looks into a child’s room with a teddy bear and a plaque with a name. There is much to consider here.
However, the focus shifts to a mysterious goth teenager who tries to escape Agatha’s house. Not wanting him to get away, Agatha chases him down. She catches him after Mrs. Hart/Sharon Davis (played by Debra Jo Rupp) hits him with her car.
The teen is very sarcastic in the interrogation room, and Agatha is very aggressive, even after Rio warns her to calm down. Teen claims he broke into her house looking for a road, which Agatha does not understand. He starts chanting in another language, which confuses her further. Instead, she shows him gruesome pictures from the crime scene, demanding to know where he was during the murder.
Still from Agatha All Along (Credit: Disney+)
But it turns out there are no gory pictures at all. Instead, Agatha shows him images of flowers. The one-way mirror she keeps looking through to see Rio? It is just a painting. Frustrated, Agatha locks Teen in a holding cell and heads to the morgue for answers.
She finally gets some when she sees the name W. Maximoff on the library checkout card dated October 13th. Rio appears and informs her that Wanda is gone, along with the Darkhold. “There are two Jane Does in this case,” she says. “You know her name, so what’s yours?”
An A. Harkness appears next to Wanda’s name, and Agatha feels intense emotions, clawing out of her spell. She rips off all the different outfits we saw her wear in WandaVision in an impressive scene.
What Is Agatha and Rio’s Relationship in ‘Agatha All Along’ Episode 1?
Eventually, Agatha wakes up as her true self in her house, completely naked and — as she quickly realizes — completely powerless. This leads to a funny conversation with Herb/John, who covers his eyes while explaining what she has been doing for three years.
For one, she has not been as aware as she seems now — and she has been less aggressive. Agatha is very angry, calling Westview a “cesspool… where hope goes to die.” She storms to her basement, discovering that Wanda has left her with only household items and Señor Scratchy.
She hears a noise in her closet and finds the goth teenager from the night before. Oops, that arrest was more like kidnapping. Agatha realizes that if Teen was not just a figment of her imagination, then neither was Rio. Just then, Rio bursts in, accidentally destroying part of Agatha’s house.
She is furious and tries to stab Agatha, but Agatha fights back even without her powers. We learn many interesting things during this very entertaining fight: Agatha has hidden behind dark magic for many years, Rio cannot kill her for some unknown reason, and Rio has a black heart that beats for Agatha.
These two are going to be fun to watch together. Agatha convinces Rio to let her regain her powers before trying to kill her.
Still from Agatha All Along (Credit: Disney+)
After all, it would be undignified to murder her in this state, and she wants Agatha to be powerful. While this may be true, Rio reminds Agatha that she is not the only one who wants her dead, and she is sending the Salem Seven after her come sundown.
‘Agatha All Along’ Episode 1 Is Fun but Unnecessary
This pilot episode is entertaining. Watching Hahn perform will always be enjoyable, and the writing is clever with many Easter eggs. It will likely be even more fun to watch after the entire show airs, as it seems there are hints in every frame we have not yet noticed.
However, as enjoyable as it is, the episode feels a bit unnecessary right now. The sitcom humor worked well in WandaVision because it had a natural flow, but Agatha All Along may not achieve the same payoff with the detective theme.
Spending ten minutes as a callback might have made sense, but dedicating much of the pilot to this fictional world seems like a pacing misstep. It is like a story that ends with, “And then it was all a dream.”
It may work better for those who are less familiar with Agatha’s character and the events of WandaVision, as there will be a level of mystery that fans may not experience.
Still from Agatha All Along (Credit: Disney+)
As it stands, Episode 1 feels more like a prologue than a pilot. No matter how much fun it is, one cannot help but want the real story to begin.
The story picks up when Agatha discovers who she is in the morgue. While the buildup to this moment has value, we could have arrived there a little sooner without losing anything. However, Agatha was trapped in Westview for 36 months, so 26 minutes does not seem too long in comparison.
New episodes of Agatha All Along release every Wednesday at 9 PM ET on Disney+.
