Naomi Review: Homecoming (Season 1 Episode 6)

Naomi Season 1 Episode 6, “Homecoming,” is its best episode yet, propelling the narrative forward with well-executed fight scenes, interesting character development, and the introduction of S.T.A.R. Labs. 

The first five episodes crawled along, but that’s not to say they didn’t have their merits. Naomi suffers from freshman growing pains and inconsistent pacing. However, “Homecoming” feels like a move in the right direction. We get a better picture of this story’s scope and trajectory. 

DEE: It is easy for powers to become a crutch. I’ve seen it happen before.

The show still has that pristine CW glossiness, where everything looks perfect, and not a single hair on the actors’ heads is out of place. But “Homecoming” raises the stakes and ushers in a new tone for Naomi. Whether the series maintains this newfound momentum is another story. 

The dialogue takes on a new sheen while slowly removing its foot from the “cheesiness” gas pedal. Much like that pristine glossiness, the residual corniness remains. It’s not necessarily a bad thing. However, that’s what we expect from a show on this network. 

ANNABELLE: Please tell me this is not another creepy mill thing.

As usual, Cranston Johnson steers the acting ship, taking fantastical dialogue and out-of-this-world scenarios and delivering them with groundedness. Johnson endears us to Zumbado, proving he’s not the insidious villain we initially thought. His natural presence makes it all believable, and he injects Zumbado with enough mystery to keep us in his thrall. 

Kaci Walfall’s charm also brightens Naomi, and the writers ensure we care about her. It’s typically the supporting characters stealing the lead’s thunder, so it’s unusual to watch a series wherein the main character takes center stage in people’s hearts. 

Naomi is surprisingly light on the action for being a superhero show, but “Homecoming” kicks it up a notch with a few propulsive scenes. The fight sequence featuring Dee in the bar is the show’s best thus far. We might see more of that as we dig deeper into the mystery surrounding Naomi McDuffie. 

DR. BELL: All of us are energy — human, alien. We’re all pieces of the same puzzle.

“Homecoming” opens a new and exciting door for Naomi, deepening the well of intrigue regarding Naomi’s origins and posing thought-provoking questions while delivering much-needed action. Only time will tell if this is a welcome tipping point. In addition, “Homecoming” brilliantly explores cohesive themes like “belonging” and what “home” means to people. The title boasts a double meaning.

The dynamics between Naomi and Zumbado shift in a fascinating direction, and, as long as the show continues to push boundaries and experiment with all its character dynamics, we’ll be in for a heart-pounding, edge-of-your-seat superhero ride. 

Stray Observations: 

• We could’ve done without the laser focus on the Nathan/Anthony drama, even though it contributes to this episode’s themes.
• Naomi bringing S.T.A.R. Labs into the fold is a brilliant move, as it’s a DC staple. Here’s hoping the series continues to lean on comic lore and mythology for its storytelling. 
• Again, no Stephanie March this week. We’re going through Akira withdrawals!
• Naomi’s parents being “in the know” regarding her powers and extraterrestrial status is such a breath of fresh air. She doesn’t need to conceal her identity from them. 
• Do you think we’ll see Hawkman at some point, especially since Dee is also Thanagarian? Or is this wishful thinking? 

What did you think of this episode of Naomi? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Naomi airs Tuesdays at 9/8c on The CW.

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