Everyone Was Learning All Sorts of Things This Week
This week on the podcast, Brian and Darryl discuss Season 4 of Supes and Lolo Episodes 1-4, The Penguin Episode 5, and The 2024 Cincinnati Comic Expo.
Episode Index
Cincinnati Comic Expo: 3:37
The Penguin: 19:27
2024 Cincinnati Comic Expo
The Penguin (Max)
Out of 5 Whoa Whoa I’m on Fires
Darryl: 4.25/5
“Homecoming,” the narrative delves deeper into Oswald Cobb’s journey as he grapples with his growing criminal empire and the impact of his past. The episode balances between exploring Oz’s personal history and his present-day efforts to solidify his control over Gotham’s underworld. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the episode and its themes.
Opening Scene – A Return to the Past:
The episode opens with Oz visiting his childhood home, which has been left in ruins. The dilapidated state of the place mirrors his internal struggles, and the flashbacks to his early life provide more context on his difficult upbringing. The symbolism of “homecoming” is clear from the start: it’s not just a physical return to a place, but also an emotional return to the memories that shaped him.
Challenges to Oz’s Rule:
Back in the present, Oz’s power is being tested by rival gangs and old enemies who seek to undermine his growing influence. There’s a sense of fragility around his position, as his rivals start encroaching on his territory. Oz must figure out how to fend off these threats while staying ahead of his competitors. The tension here adds to the ongoing power struggle that has defined much of the series.
New Alliances and Betrayals:
One of the key developments in the episode is the formation of new alliances. Oz meets with a powerful crime boss, and they discuss a potential partnership that could solidify his control over Gotham’s criminal underworld. However, the deal is fraught with tension, as it becomes clear that trust is not easily earned. The episode carefully builds up this alliance, leaving viewers to question whether this partnership will last or lead to future betrayal.
Personal Sacrifice:
A subplot in the episode involves Oz dealing with a personal sacrifice. He is forced to make a difficult decision regarding someone close to him, and this moment highlights how much he has changed since the series began. The emotional weight of this decision hangs over the rest of the episode, and we see how Oz is increasingly willing to sacrifice his humanity for power.
Climactic Confrontation:
The episode reaches a boiling point when Oz is forced to confront one of his most dangerous rivals. There is a tense showdown, both physically and psychologically, that reveals just how far Oz is willing to go to protect his empire. The confrontation is violent and intense, showcasing the brutal world of Gotham and the harsh consequences of climbing to the top.
Ending – A Hollow Victory:
The episode ends with Oz achieving a significant victory, but it feels hollow. He returns to his childhood home once more, alone, reflecting on the cost of his ascent. The closing moments are poignant, showing that while Oz is gaining power, he is also losing parts of himself. The homecoming he envisioned doesn’t bring him peace, only a reminder of what he’s lost.
A major theme of “Homecoming” is the isolation that comes with power. As Oz rises in Gotham’s criminal hierarchy, he finds himself increasingly alone. The episode contrasts his present success with the loneliness he feels, symbolized by his return to his empty childhood home. This theme underscores how power often leads to isolation, and how the quest for control can leave individuals detached from their past and the people around them.
Nostalgia and Regret:
The episode’s title and Oz’s return to his childhood home bring up the theme of nostalgia. Oz’s homecoming is marked by a sense of regret as he reflects on what he’s sacrificed to get where he is. The flashbacks provide insight into his formative years, showing how his difficult childhood continues to haunt him. The theme of regret is further emphasized by the personal sacrifice he makes in the episode, forcing him to confront the emotional cost of his ambition.
The Price of Ambition:
“Homecoming” highlights the theme of ambition and the high price Oz must pay for it. Throughout the episode, he is forced to make increasingly difficult decisions, sacrificing personal relationships and his own moral compass to stay in control. The idea that ambition requires sacrifice is central to the episode, and we see how Oz’s relentless drive for power comes at a steep emotional and personal cost.
Trust and Betrayal:
Trust, or the lack thereof, is another key theme in this episode. The potential alliance Oz forms is built on shaky ground, and the episode explores how trust is a rare commodity in Gotham’s criminal underworld. The constant threat of betrayal looms over every interaction, and the episode plays with the idea that no one in this world can be fully trusted, not even close allies.
Home and Identity:
The theme of home is explored in a multifaceted way in “Homecoming.” Oz’s return to his childhood home is a metaphor for his struggle with identity. He is no longer the same person he was when he lived there, and his visit forces him to confront how much he’s changed. The home represents a place of safety and identity, but for Oz, it’s a reminder of the innocence he’s lost and the person he can never be again.
“Homecoming,” serves as a deeply personal exploration of Oswald Cobb’s character while maintaining the intense power struggles and high-stakes drama of Gotham’s criminal world. The themes of isolation, nostalgia, and the price of ambition are central to the episode, as Oz grapples with the sacrifices he’s made in his quest for power. The episode’s blend of personal reflection and violent confrontations makes it a pivotal chapter in The Penguin’s rise to power, highlighting the emotional and psychological toll his journey is taking on him.
Superman & Lois (The CW)
Out of 10 Superman’s Back and Back Agains
Darryl: 9/10
Episode 1: The End & The Beginning
Original air date: October 7, 2024
Directed by: Gregory Smith
Written by: Brent Fletcher & Todd Helbing
Episode 2: A World Without
Original air date: October 7, 2024
Directed by: Sudz Sutherland
Written by: Katie Aldrin & Kristi Korzec
Episode 3: Always My Hero
Original air date: October 14, 2024
Directed by: David Giuntoli
Written by: Brent Fletcher & Todd Helbing
Episode 4: A Perfectly Good Wedding
Original air date: October 21, 2024
Directed by: Gregory Smith
Written by: George Kitson & Max Kronick
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Our theme music is ‘Skate Beat’ provided by Michael Henry, with additional music provided by Michael Henry. Find more at MeetMichaelHenry.com.
The Infamous Podcast is hosted by Brian Tudor and Darryl Jasper, is recorded in Cincinnati, Ohio. The show is produced and edited by Brian Tudor.
