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.
