I think it's interesting that we're getting to see two similar villains in different stages of a similar path.
We didn't get to see what caused the Penguin to be a psychopath. We see him when he's already at the start of his road to evil, beating the crap out of the guy in the alley, already a part of the Gotham crime scene. We get a line here and there to give us some idea, like his mom talking about 'the bullies', but nothing concrete. I really like what they are doing with him and his relationship with Gordon - I think he really does see him as a friend.
On the flip side, we get to see the Riddler as a 'regular' guy, a productive member of society. And yet, his quirky weirdness sets him as an outsider, and we are seeing various people treat him with less than dignity and respect. As a criminal, it's not like there's a lot to separate Penguin and Riddler, but the show is separating them by showing us their similar path at two different points. I think it's a smart move.
I mention that because I think the evidence room chick isn't supposed to be anybody in particular (Kris Kringle - heheheheh) but rather another example of someone, like Bullock, who calls out Nygma's weirdness and pushes him further outside.
