Netflix’s The Perfect Couple is one of the most popular shows of the season. This series follows the messy and rich Winbury family. It is based on a novel by Elin Hilderbrand and has many strong points.
The show has an interesting mystery and well-developed characters. In its six-episode season, The Perfect Couple offers many memorable scenes that show the tone of the series and the relationships between its characters. Among all these scenes, one scene stands out.
In Episode 4, called “Someone Could Get Hurt,” Billy Howle’s Benji Winbury and Jack Reynor’s Thomas Winbury have a fight.
This happens because Thomas wants to eat the wedding cake that Benji and Amelia (Eve Hewson) had for their wedding, even though Benji does not want him to.
This scene is funny and enjoyable to watch, but its timing and importance become clear as the mystery unfolds. This moment captures the whole essence of the Netflix mystery series. It also shows why The Perfect Couple has become very popular, with over 3 billion minutes watched.
The Perfect Couple gives many hints that lead to the final reveal that Dakota Fanning’s Abby Winbury is the murderer of Meghann Fahy’s Merritt Monaco.
Merritt is Amelia’s best friend and maid of honor. Upon rewatching, these hints show how showrunner Jenna Lamia and director Susanne Bier have made a tightly woven mystery that allows the audience to join the detectives Chief Dan Carter (Michael Beach) and Detective Nikki Henry (Donna Lynne Champlin) in solving the case.
The wedding cake scene includes Benji and Thomas, as well as Thomas’s pregnant wife Abby. It shows Benji and Thomas fighting over Thomas and Abby trying to eat the wedding cake, even though the wedding was called off. This upsets Benji.
After the wedding cancellation, Benji is emotionally vulnerable and does not go along with Thomas and Abby’s game. He pushes Thomas’s face into the cake. The situation escalates into a struggle between the two brothers, and Abby steps in to stop the fight, even telling Thomas that he started it.
Still from the show (Netflix)
This scene is very important for many reasons. Its timing and the character dynamics it reveals are key. Most importantly, Abby’s role in this scene becomes even more significant once we learn about her connection to Merritt’s murder.
Throughout the season, Thomas shows himself to be the family troublemaker who enjoys stirring up issues with his relatives.
Earlier, he reveals Tag’s (Liev Schreiber) affair with his brother Will’s (Sam Nivola) French tutor during dinner, knowing it will hurt Tag’s relationship with Will. He also has an affair with Isabelle Adjani’s Isabel Nallet, a family friend.
At first glance, it seems that Thomas only wants to satisfy his and his pregnant wife’s hunger. However, knowing how cruelly the Winbury family treats each other, we can see that Thomas and Abby’s actions might be meant to annoy Benji. The Winbury family appears to be united but secretly they act with hostility toward one another.
As seen throughout the season, each character pursues their own interests. The family seems unbalanced by Merritt’s death on Benji’s wedding day and does not support him emotionally, revealing their flaws.
The scene between Benji and Thomas is also important because it is one of the few times Benji stands up to his family.
Benji seems to live a distant life, which is shown by his choice to marry Amelia, who comes from a different social class. Marrying someone from another class is rare in such families, which explains why they do not take the wedding cancellation as seriously as they should.
Abby’s presence in the scene makes Thomas’s actions look suspicious, as we learn later that he usually acts on Abby’s wishes.
In the Season 1 finale, it is revealed that Thomas tried to kill Merritt after Abby told him to do it. When he did not succeed, Abby decided to do it herself.
In the cake scene, Abby can be seen encouraging Thomas and playing along with the situation, pushing the argument further.
Although she starts the chaos and enjoys the fight, Abby also plays the savior role. She calls out Thomas even though she is just as guilty in the whole situation.
As we discover later, Abby had a good reason to be happy about the otherwise sad occasion because she saved herself from financial ruin by killing Merritt
If Tag’s child had been born through Merritt, Abby would have had to wait 18 more years to get the Winbury trust fund money and the apartment she wanted.
Knowing Abby’s role in Merritt’s murder shows that she knows when to stay in the background and when to act. Earlier in the season, she even tells Amelia to keep to the sidelines in the Winbury family. This is a strategy she often uses.
Still from the show (Netflix)
Abby usually prefers Thomas to do her dirty work while she stays out of sight. It seems that Abby understands how important it is to remain unnoticed by Greer (Nicole Kidman), who would quickly remove Abby if she ever posed a threat to the family.
Abby wants to be part of the Winbury family because of their influence and wealth, which she admits several times.
While the cake scene seems like fun banter between brothers that goes wrong, it highlights the family dynamics involved. The jokes in the scene hint at the larger mystery surrounding Merritt’s death.
Dakota Fanning’s cunning presence in the scene enhances what appears to be a random moment in the story, especially given its absurd nature.
The five-tier wedding cake that Thomas carries seems too heavy for someone to hold casually, even considering Reynor’s impressive physique.
In the grand picture of The Perfect Couple, the cake scene in Episode 4 is a carefully crafted part of the puzzle. It shows how the Netflix series balances comedy and mystery, which explains its massive success since its release.
The Perfect Couple cleverly intertwines humor and mystery, creating a unique viewing experience that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats.
Each character’s journey contributes to the larger narrative, demonstrating how personal interests and family dynamics can lead to unexpected consequences.
The wedding cake scene stands out not only for its comedic value but also for its deeper implications regarding character motivations and relationships.
It emphasizes the show’s ability to blend light-hearted moments with serious undertones, showcasing the complexity of the Winbury family and their tangled relationships.
Moreover, the series highlights how humor can serve as a coping mechanism in the face of dark circumstances. Characters like Benji and Thomas often engage in playful banter that masks their emotional struggles and family tensions.
This layering of comedy over drama invites viewers to relate to the characters on a more personal level, making their journeys feel authentic and engaging.
The show skillfully moves themes of loyalty, betrayal, and ambition, all while maintaining an entertaining pace that encourages viewers to keep guessing until the very end.
As the story unfolds, the tension builds, leading to significant revelations that change the dynamics among the characters.
Viewers are drawn in, trying to piece together the clues alongside the on-screen detectives, which enhances their engagement with the story.
This interactive element makes The Perfect Couple not just a passive viewing experience but an active puzzle for the audience to solve.
The Perfect Couple succeeds as a mystery that effectively uses humor and family drama to find the darker sides of human relationships.
The series encourages viewers to reflect on the complex motivations behind each character’s actions, making it a thoughtful yet entertaining addition to Netflix’s lineup.
HBO’s The Penguin is the latest chapter in the Batman saga that started in 2022 with Matt Reeves’ fresh version of the Caped Crusader. This series continues to show a very realistic version of the character.
The Penguin builds on this realism, focusing on Oz Cobb, played by Colin Farrell, who is a criminal that fits into the real world. It feels more like shows such as The Sopranos and Better Call Saul rather than a typical superhero story.
Many great Batman adaptations take inspiration from one important comic book story by Jeph Loeb, and The Penguin follows this trend.
Both Reeves’ The Batman and Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight borrow elements from Loeb’s comic titled The Long Halloween.
This comic tells the story of a serial killer who wants to destroy the Falcone crime family, creating chaos throughout Gotham.
While both movies take parts from this story, The Penguin focuses specifically on the Falcone family and sticks closely to Loeb’s inspiration for the characters, which comes from the Corleones in The Godfather.
The similarities between the Corleones and the Falcones are evident from the beginning of The Penguin. Loeb has always been clear about how much he admires The Godfather.
He mentioned, “Everyone knows my love with The Godfather; you do finally get to find out what happened to the Corleone family and why it doesn’t exist today.” He used a similar idea in The Long Halloween, showing the fall of the Falcones.
Several characters in the limited series’ first episode remind viewers of characters from Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather trilogy.
Carmine Falcone, played by John Turturro, resembles Vito Corleone, portrayed by Marlon Brando. Both are heads of powerful crime families, and their deaths lead to a fight for power among their families.
Turturro’s performance in The Batman captures this essence well, showcasing a quiet nature and a deep voice similar to Brando.
Turturro couldn’t return for The Penguin due to scheduling issues, so Mark Strong has taken over the role. It will be interesting to see if Strong channels similar inspiration in his portrayal.
Still from the show (HBO)
The family dynamics continue with Carmine’s eldest son, Alberto, played by Michael Zegen, who appears in the opening scene.
Alberto is similar to Fredo Corleone, who is ambitious but insecure. Alberto struggles to live in his father’s shadow. Fredo’s insecurity leads him to act foolishly and scheme against his family, resulting in his downfall.
In contrast, Alberto shows his insecurities by being arrogant and aggressive. He also has problems with addiction, mirroring Fredo’s weakness for women, highlighting their impulsive nature.
In The Long Halloween, it is revealed that Alberto is the infamous serial killer, but The Penguin surprises viewers by removing him from the story early on.
Another important character is Sofia Falcone, played by Cristin Milioti. She resembles Sonny Corleone, portrayed by James Caan, who is Vito’s eldest son.
Sonny is known for his fiery temper and often uses violence to resolve issues. In The Penguin, Sofia has just been released from Arkham Asylum, and her unstable mental state makes her unpredictable and dangerous.
She shares a thirst for violence similar to her predecessor, and like Sonny, her loyalty to her family is strong. In the comics, Sofia eventually becomes the matriarch of the Falcones in the sequel Dark Victory, leaving viewers curious if the show will follow a similar storyline.
The first episode of The Penguin received praise from viewers and critics alike. It successfully blends comic book characters into a gritty crime drama.
The series will also include flashback scenes that may draw inspiration from Vito Corleone’s backstory in The Godfather: Part II. However, whether the Falcones will meet a similar fate as the Corleones remains uncertain.
The Penguin moves forward as a significant addition to the Batman series. It dives into the characters’ complex motivations and relationships while presenting a rich and compelling narrative.
Viewers will find themselves caught in the thrilling journey of the Winbury family as they face their dark past and the criminal underworld of Gotham.
As the story progresses, we see how the relationships between the characters affect their choices. The show highlights the themes of loyalty and betrayal, showing how the Falcones, like the Corleones, struggle for power and survival. The characters’ motivations often lead to unexpected outcomes, making the narrative engaging and thought-provoking.
The grounded nature of The Penguin sets it apart from other superhero shows. It focuses on the harsh realities of crime and the consequences that come with it.
By eliminating the more outlandish elements often seen in superhero adaptations, the series paints a raw and unfiltered picture of Gotham’s underbelly.
Still from the show (HBO)
The character of Oz Cobb is central to this narrative. He is not just a villain; he is a complex figure with his own struggles and desires.
Colin Farrell’s portrayal adds depth to the character, allowing viewers to connect with him on a human level. The audience witnesses Oz’s journey through the challenges he faces in the crime world, giving him a more relatable quality.
Additionally, the series does not shy away from showing the darker sides of its characters. Each member of the Falcone family has their flaws and motivations, which are gradually revealed throughout the episodes.
This search of character development makes the story more compelling and keeps viewers invested in their journeys.
As we follow the Falcones, we also see the impact of their actions on those around them. The show emphasizes how the choices made by each character can have far-reaching consequences. This theme resonates throughout the series, reminding us of the interconnectedness of their lives.
In terms of visual storytelling, The Penguin uses its cinematography to create an atmosphere that enhances the narrative. The lighting, colors, and camera work contribute to the mood, drawing viewers into the filed of Gotham. This attention to detail enriches the viewing experience, making it immersive and engaging.
The writing in The Penguin is also commendable. It balances humor with serious themes, allowing for moments of levity amid the darker storylines. This blend creates a well-rounded narrative that feels authentic and relatable, further engaging the audience.
The show’s pacing is well-structured, allowing each episode to build tension and suspense. As the plot unfolds, viewers are left with cliffhangers that compel them to keep watching. This aspect of storytelling adds to the excitement and intrigue of the series.
As the season progresses, fans can expect more twists and turns that challenge their understanding of the characters and the storyline. The surprises keep coming, ensuring that the audience remains engaged throughout the series.
In addition to its character-driven narrative, The Penguin also finds broader themes such as power, ambition, and family loyalty.
These themes resonate deeply, making the story relatable to a wider audience. The struggles faced by the Falcones are not only about crime but also about the lengths one will go to protect their family.
The impact of The Penguin on the Batman franchise is significant. It expands the universe created by Matt Reeves, adding new layers to the storytelling.
The series has the potential to become a cornerstone of the Batman narrative, attracting both old fans and new viewers alike.
As the first season unfolds, audiences will have the chance to witness the evolution of the characters and their relationships. The story promises to reveal the complexities of the Falcones’ world while keeping viewers entertained with its thrilling plot.
The Penguin offers a unique take on Gotham’s crime saga, combining elements of drama, humor, and character development. The series is set to leave a lasting impression on viewers and solidify its place within the Batman legacy.
