The Penguin is a spin-off series set in the same continuity as Matt Reeves’ The Batman. Since its premiere, the series has garnered critical acclaim, primarily for its writing and the lead cast’s performances. Despite blowing away viewers right out of the gate, the quality has only improved with each passing installment of the eight-episode miniseries.
The show’s fourth episode is the prime example, with a powerful performance from Cristin Milioti, which anchors the episode. Regarding one parameter, the series blew past all expectations and created a new record that even Marvel fans will agree is hard to secure. Here is what fans are saying about The Penguin‘s incredible fourth episode.
The Penguin Episode 4 Sets Ratings Record Thanks to Cristin Milioti
The Penguin is loosely based on the DC Comics character of the same name, played by Colin Farrell. It explores his rise to becoming a criminal kingpin in the Gotham underworld. Although the titular character is the show’s primary focus, Cristin Milioti as Sofia Falcone has emerged as a scene-stealer in her own right.
The fourth episode shines the spotlight on Sofia, as it explores her backstory that informs her present circumstances, allowing Milioti to deliver a truly powerful performance. Thanks to Milioti’s performance, the episode secured one of the highest IMDB ratings for a DC Comics series, scoring an impeccable 9.5/10.
The episode’s IMDB rating beats the likes of most MCU shows, with even the season 2 finale of Loki paling in comparison. The latter was powered by Tom Hiddleston’s similarly brilliant performance and scored a 9.4/10. However, The Penguin episode 4 beat that record, proving the DC show’s dominance.
Moreover, the show’s ratings dominance did not stop there as it also managed to attract 1.7 million cross-platform viewers in the US, making the episode the highest-watched entry on the night of its premiere. Previously, episode 2 had attracted 1.6 million viewers on its premiere night, which was surpassed by the fourth episode, making The Penguin the most in-form series on air.
The Penguin Viewers React to Cristin Milioti’s Powerpack Performance in Episode 4
After the fourth episode was released and received a record-breaking rating on IMDB, fans of the series quickly took to social media and shared their reactions. Most of the fans could not help but simply take a bow to Milioti’s power-packed performance, which was nothing short of incredible.
Here is what viewers had to say about Milioti’s performance in The Penguin episode 4 on X.
Because it was really really good and it’s amazing to be seeing Milioti really elevate the character from her comics origins into greatest possible psychological complexity and interest! Adore her.
— Robert Piluso (@RobertPiluso) October 16, 2024
That episode felt like a mini movie it was cinematic
— ŚÎŁËÑĆÊ 🩸🩸 (@PerkyTen) October 16, 2024
Wild ending, I did not expect that. Can’t wait for the next episode.
— Thionne (@Thionne_WTZ) October 16, 2024
This is how you write a strong character. The writing of this Episode and the performance by Cristin Milioti is outstanding. Emmy just can’t ignore her performance.
— R Ranjan Yadav (@yadavrranjan777) October 16, 2024
Emmy award winning performance from Cristin
— Josh (@JoshAFC94) October 16, 2024
As the tweets suggest, fans were completely blown away by Milioti’s performance in the episode and considered it a key aspect behind the overwhelmingly positive reception of episode 4.
Furthermore, some viewers were already considering Milioti a strong contender for an Emmy award because of her nuanced and layered acting that explores Sofia’s complex past beautifully. Other viewers simply couldn’t get enough of Milioti’s Sofia and wondered where her unpredictability would take the show’s narrative.
The Penguin is streaming on Max.
