The Shards' homecoming two-parter struggles to justify its length

The latest two-part episode of The Shards centers on the homecoming queen contest, with Debbie facing disappointment while Bret continues his investigation into Robert. The show's strengths emerge when focusing on Bret's perspective, but the overall pacing feels uneven. Igby Rigney's performance as Bret is a highlight.

The two-part "Homecoming" episode follows Bret's investigation into Robert Mallory, including visits to Matt's father, Principal Croft, and local police, though his concerns are repeatedly dismissed. A missing psychological evaluation from Robert's file becomes a key thread, and Robert's taunting reference to The Shining suggests he can manipulate Bret's perceptions. The episode's strongest moment arrives in the final confrontation between the two characters, which the review notes is also its most homoerotic.

The homecoming queen subplot centers on Debbie's desire for validation and Susan's continued dominance, though the review finds these motivations repetitive. The ballot-counting scene strains credibility, with Bret trusted to read votes despite his close ties to candidates. Reviewer Ben Rosenstock grades the episode C+, praising Igby Rigney's performance as the show's most reliable element while criticizing the pacing and underdeveloped supporting characters.