Ep 4. Be the Penny

After last week's dramatic turn of events, The Magicians is taking a unique approach with its latest episode, "Be the Penny," as it tells the story from the perspective of a penny.

Yes, you read that right.

In a nod to the time Penny spent inhabiting a coin after the events of the show's second season, "Be the Penny" features Arjun Gupta's character as he navigates through the events of the episode. Focusing on the theme of communication and connection, we see Penny attempt to alert his friends to the dangers facing them while in his current state, leading to some comical moments as he tries to make himself heard.

Meanwhile, the rest of the Brakebills crew is facing their own challenges, particularly with the fallout from last week's attempted heist. Alice (Olivia Taylor Dudley), who was revealed to be working against the group in order to restore her magic, is grappling with conflicting emotions and attempting to justify her actions to herself. Meanwhile, Eliot (Hale Appleman) and Margo (Summer Bishil) are still figuring out how to handle the responsibilities of their shared role as Fillory's rulers.

As always, the show's stunning visual effects and inventive storytelling are on full display here, with the choice to focus on Penny's point-of-view adding a unique layer to the proceedings. And though the episode's title may be a little cryptic, it becomes clear over the course of the episode that it holds a significant meaning for the events that unfold.

While it's unclear whether this format will continue throughout the season, "Be the Penny" is a standout episode that showcases The Magicians' willingness to take risks and push the boundaries of what a television show can be.