Warning: This review contains spoilers for The Penguin episode 5, “Homecoming.”
Forget the subtle maneuvering and backroom deals. In its fifth episode, The Penguin finally embraces its destiny as a full-blown superhero show, delivering a thrilling escalation of stakes and a chilling transformation for its titular character.
The Penguin (Episode 5)
While the series initially focused on the power struggle between Oz Cobblepot (Colin Farrell) and Sofia Falcone (Cristin Milioti), “Homecoming” shifts gears, showcasing Oz’s descent into outright villainy. This transformation is as captivating as it is disturbing, thanks in no small part to Farrell’s masterful performance. He sheds the boisterous, almost comedic persona he carried over from The Batman and embraces a chilling ruthlessness that solidifies his place as a true supervillain.
“Homecoming” picks up where episodes 3 and 4 left off, with Oz’s manipulative plans exposed and Sofia decimating the Falcone family. Freed from the pretense of playing nice, Oz unleashes his darker impulses. He kidnaps Salvatore Maroni’s son, Taj, using him as leverage to reclaim the stolen Bliss shipment. In a scene that showcases the episode’s unflinching brutality, Oz orchestrates Sal’s murder and then burns both father and son alive. Director Helen Shaver doesn’t shy away from the horrific nature of these acts, forcing viewers to confront the chilling consequences of Oz’s ambition.
This episode marks a turning point for The Penguin, proving that Oz can carry the narrative weight of the series. He’s no longer just a comic relief figure or a scheming underboss. He’s a force to be reckoned with, a villain capable of orchestrating shocking acts of violence to achieve his goals.
The heightened stakes also breathe new life into the supporting storylines. The subplot involving Vic (Rhenzy Feliz) caring for Oz’s dementia-stricken mother takes on a poignant dimension. Their bond offers a glimpse of humanity in the midst of the show’s escalating darkness, suggesting that even hardened criminals are capable of genuine connection.
However, the character of Eve Karlo (Carmen Ejogo) remains a puzzling element. Despite Ejogo’s talent, Eve’s purpose in the narrative remains unclear. Hopefully, future episodes will provide more depth and purpose to her involvement in Oz’s world.
While Oz embraces his villainous persona, Sofia Falcone is also making power moves. She adopts the name Sofia Gigante and establishes herself as the head of a new crime family. Milioti’s portrayal of Sofia is both commanding and nuanced, capturing her ambition and vulnerability. Her transformation into a formidable crime boss, complete with a classic fur coat and black dress ensemble reminiscent of the comics, adds another layer of intrigue to the series.
The clash between Oz and Sofia is electrifying, raising the question of why the series took so long to reach this level of intensity. The early episodes, while necessary for establishing the characters and their motivations, felt somewhat slow-paced compared to the explosive events of “Homecoming.”
With its heightened stakes, brutal violence, and complex characters, The Penguin has finally become the superhero show it was always meant to be. The lines have been drawn, and the battle for Gotham’s soul is about to begin.
