Homecoming

The tiktok brained people calling this episode slow need to get their head purged and enjoy the masterpiece this show is. This episode alone could have been split into 3 episodes if they really wanted to push it, its non-stop developments one after the other. Man the actors are killing their roles so far. Yes, the writers decide to speed things up by skipping some scenes between some character meetings but people complain its too slow if they do include stuff like that. The overall premise of the show, character performances, story, all make it super easy to ignore the minor plot holes in writing. Solid episode yet again, have high hopes for the next 3!

This week we say goodbye to flashbacks and look to the future of Gotham.

Oz is dealing with the shake up of getting caught out by Sofia and losing any form of "relationship" with the Moronies. He tasks Vic with protecting his mother while there is heat on the street due to his antics this week. He understands he has no allies now and wants to push pressure on the Moroni family so decides to take a bargaining chip to get his mushrooms back. Sofia is pushing for head of the family and needs Vidi to help her set up plans. She also looks to rebrand the family.

A very strong episode that could be argued to be a set up episode for the last 3 yet has so much happening simultaneously. How Oz can think under the pressure is wow, but the more the show goes on he really reveals how much of a snake he is that is only out for himself no matter what he tells people.

I worry for Vic, right now he's in the thick of it, although he seems to want it, Oz has him convinced he is his guy, and he may be, but I think that means more to us and Vic than it does to Oz.

Sofia has a great story also at the moment, my only prediction is that she will be killed by the end of the show or Salvitore will be and that will be Oz's claim to Kingpin against 1 other family in the Batman part 2 because I doubt there can only be one powerhouse in the drugs game. Very good, 8.5/10.

This show just keeps on topping itself. It's unbelievably well written, well shot and overall an absolute blast to watch. This episode, however, just raised the ante. I audibly gasped and cheered at many scenes in this one. You know that weird feeling when you're so excited for what happens on screen that you almost feel butterflies in your stomach? It doesn't happen often for me. Maybe once every 2 years if I had to keep a tally. So this is a special one.

The setup for the next episode is so perfect also!! It's just a shame that we have to wait a whole week for the next one! It's such a binge-worthy show, give us what we want HBO!!!

Anyways, if you aren't watching it yet, get on it. Right now. And if you are... It's amazing, right?!?!?

The Penguin is a dark and gripping journey through Gotham's crime world, with Colin Farrell giving an outstanding performance as the infamous villain. But honestly, as great as Farrell is, Cristin Milioti completely steals the show - and my heart - as Sofia Falcone. I can't help but gush about her. She's my ultimate celebrity crush, and every moment she's on screen is pure magic. Milioti brings a mix of strength, vulnerability, and a touch of mystery to Sofia that has me absolutely captivated. It's not just her talent, but everything about her - her presence, her sharp delivery, and that effortless charm. She's simply splendid in every way, and I find myself rooting for her character even when I shouldn't. Truly a performance, and a person I can't get enough of!

In The Penguin, the villains are treated as protagonists, causing a cognitive dissonance between our own beliefs and theirs. This can be an enticing prospect when done well, but it can also lead to bad storytelling pitfalls when it fails or fails to communicate effectively. Oz, in The Penguin, has shown that he is brutal, conniving, and lovable, attracting the audience towards his side. However, he has pushed himself and the people around him to the brink, revealing the potential of a villain who might only be stopped by something greater than humanity. "Homecoming" shows how far Oz is willing to go in an episode that finally kicks off the shackles of setup and backstory to drive the plot forward and the point home. Episode 5 is the biggest relief, as it focuses solely on the current-day, allowing the show to start shmoovin. Oz and Sofia are in their worst form, gearing up and trimming the fat for their final confrontation. The show is in its best form, and we can wait impatiently for them to clash like action figures and see who comes out intact. The promise of the premiere is being fulfilled now that we don't have to make room for flashbacks. However, we still don't know exactly how Oz lost his two brothers, and it's brought up again at the Crown Point apartment that reminds Oz and his mother of their old home. While it would be interesting to know the exact details, more backstory in the back half of the series may not be beneficial. The Penguin's "Homecoming" episode has been criticized for its poor writing and character development, particularly the character of Francis Cobb. Despite being one of the smartest-written characters on the show, Francis's behavior towards Oz is deemed as a Sopranos thing. The episode's conversation with Oz is characterized by evil behavior, which is a testament to the benefit of long-form television. The cliffhanger endings in each episode of The Penguin have been a recurring issue, as they keep audiences engaged and draw them into the next episode. However, it is difficult to keep up with these endings, as they have been successful so far. "Homecoming" finally moves away from the past and focuses on Oz's plans for a city-wide takeover. Despite the struggle to keep the series moving, it feels like The Penguin is getting to the action. The promise of the premiere is finally coming into view, and with just three episodes remaining, it is hoping that the show can successfully land its landing.