The Penguin Episode 4 Unveils Major Changes in Sofia Falcone & Hangman Storyline

The fourth episode of The Penguin sheds light on how Sofia Falcone earned the notorious title of the Hangman, diverging significantly from her portrayal in the comics.

Sofia Falcone stands out as a formidable figure in The Penguin. Being the daughter of the infamous Carmine Falcone adds to her formidable nature, yet her time in Arkham Asylum for the alleged murder of seven women deepens her mystique.

In the previous episode, having reached her breaking point with her family’s disdain, she reluctantly aligned herself with Oz to promote their new narcotic, ‘Bliss’. Despite their partnership, friction remained, culminating in the revelation that Oz played a pivotal role in Sofia’s imprisonment, a fact he now feels remorseful about despite reaping the benefits of his betrayal.

Episode four does not hold back, unfolding Sofia’s harrowing and often cruel history alongside the true identity of the Hangman.

Sofia is Not the Hangman in The Penguin

The true Hangman is Carmine Falcone. Sofia had suspicions that her father was behind the murders of those women (and perhaps her mother), but when Carmine discovered she had spoken to a journalist, he framed her for the crimes and forced her out of the family.

Mark Strong as Carmine Falcone in The Penguin — HBO

Long before the events of The Penguin, Sofia held a respected position within the family. She was the chair of the Isabella Falcone Foundation, aiding her father in various responsibilities, and maintaining a close relationship with Oz, her chauffeur. At one point, she even defended him against her brother Alberto, who mockingly referred to Oz as the Penguin.

Things took a turn when Summer Gleason, a journalist probing the mystery of several women found dead at the Iceberg Lounge—who appeared to have been hanged—approached her. Initially, Sofia declined to speak to her, but later that evening, she agreed to meet.

The haunting images of the corpses’ hands—bloodied from desperate struggles—echoed the tragic memories of her mother’s death, leading Sofia to firmly believe her father was complicit in all the murders, including that of Isabella.

Despite her discoveries, Sofia chose not to further assist Summer. After a heated exchange with Oz, during which he cautioned her to stay safe, she returned home. Oz informed Carmine of their nighttime conversation, resulting in her swift arrest for the murders and subsequent confinement in Arkham, where her father spread disinformation about her mental health history.

While Carmine enjoyed his freedom, Sofia endured the daily horrors of Arkham, subjected to humiliation, poor nutrition, violent inmates, and harsh treatments from Dr. Julian Rush. Although she was supposed to stand trial after six months, the institution’s head declared her unfit, extending her imprisonment to ten long years.

Sofia’s Quest for Vengeance

Sofia Falcone in Episode 3 of The Penguin — HBO

“For ten years, I was locked away in Arkham, wrongfully accused of seven murders… I had ample time to reflect, and I must express my surprise at how many of you penned letters to the judge, claiming I was mentally ill like my mother,” she states.

“I trusted you, I loved you, yet not a single one of you came to my aid—except for my brother, the very man you all gathered to mourn. The real issue for me is I was innocent, unlike everyone here.”

Sofia declares her disconnection from the family and her intent to forge a new path, although her journey will not lead to Italy.

After the guests retire for the night, she wakes Gia and takes her outside to sleep in the greenhouse. By morning, when she returns indoors, a grim scene unfolds: every guest lies dead. Sofia had gassed the premises, eliminating them while they slept.

She spares one survivor: Johnny Viti, leaving his fate uncertain.

Sofia Falcone’s Narrative in the Comics

Sofia Falcone first appeared in the 1996 comic series Batman: The Long Halloween. Similar to her portrayal in The Penguin, she is depicted as Carmine Falcone’s daughter involved in the mob’s activities.

Sofia Falcone in the Batman: Dark Victory comics — DC

In the comics, she aids her father in the pursuit of the Holiday Killer, a serial murderer targeting members of the Falcone family, who turns out to be her brother Alberto, destined for Arkham. Meanwhile, a tragic twist sees Harvey Dent (who transforms into Two-Face after being disfigured) kill Carmine, and Sofia is subsequently attacked by Catwoman, causing her to fall from a window.

Her story continues in Dark Victory, a series from 1999-2000 that follows the events of The Long Halloween. With Carmine deceased and Alberto incarcerated, she seizes control of the family amidst the emergence of a new killer in Gotham, one who targets police officers in a similar fashion.

Ultimately, it comes to light that Sofia is indeed the Hangman. In her quest for vengeance for her father’s murder, she attempts to kill Two-Face but meets a tragic end when he shoots her in the head.

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