Chris Connor reviews the fifth episode of The Penguin…
The Penguin reached its midpoint with one of its strongest episodes to date as we dived into Sofia Falcone’s backstory and the trauma that has plagued her since her incarceration in Arkham. The show’s fifth episode ‘Homecomings’ shifts focus back to Oz and Vic as Oz continues to look for a way to come out on top in the gang war. The conflict in this episode is less about between the families than within the families in the aftermath of Sofia’s actions at the end of the last episode.
Sofia now looks to asset her authority at the summit of the Falcone family in another stellar performance from Cristin Milioti. The evolution of Sofia’s character from when we first encountered her to this point has been stellar to witness and show’s what Milioti brings to the series. Clancy Brown’s Salvatore Maroni is given his most prominent role to date as he confronts Oz about events.
Seeing the likes of Colin Farrell and Clancy Brown square off remains a thrill and the whole cast of the show has helped elevate it in ways few superhero series have in recent times. Speaking of cast we get a link to The Batman here with Chief Mackenzie Bock (Con O’Neill) making an appearance investigating Sofia’s actions. While the series has been self contained to a point this is a welcome join between the show and its parent film.
The show by this point has shaken off comparisons to the likes of The Sopranos and is now very much its own beast, unpredictable, thrilling and darkly funny. There are hints of the real world as there were with The Batman from a TikTok mention to a couple of needle drops from The Police and The Cure, akin to the use of Nirvana’s Something In The Way in the film.
‘Homecomings’ doubles down on the brilliant work of the previous episode as The Penguin continues to step up, delivering a delicious cocktail that goes down oh so well. The performances, direction and writing continue to be impressive and it moves in constantly unexpected directions without ever feeling like it will go off the rails. With three episodes remaining there is plenty to be resolved but it is surely heading for a thrilling conclusion.
Chris Connor
Originally published October 21, 2024. Updated October 22, 2024.
