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:
