Homeboys of Oz
Encyclopedia
The Homeboys are a gang of black
prisoners in Oz
involved in the prison drug trade. As 78% of Oz's prisoners are black (and most non-Muslim), their membership is larger than any other prison gang in Oz.
, the Homeboys are one of the most violent gangs in Oz. Many of the black inmates come from similar socio-economic backgrounds, violent criminal histories, and as victims of racial prejudice; they are thus often allied on the basis of a shared background and skin color. Although the group consists of several African-American inmates across all units and blocks of Oz, their leadership and main operations is shown throughout the series as being based in Emerald City.
The leadership and membership of the Homeboys fluctuates dramatically throughout the series, mostly due to intense internal conflict and numerous violent struggles for the drug trade with many groups in Oz. They are initially led by Jefferson Keane
, shortly followed by Paul Markstrom
, then led to the top of the drug-trade by Simon Adebisi
and then finally reorganized under Burr Redding
. Homeboy inmates and lieutenants Kenny Wangler
and Arnold "Poet" Jackson briefly lead the group but are revoked quickly as they are not as powerful or competent as the other leaders, instead fulfilling lieutenant roles. A constant influx of prisoners, as well as internal disputes and casualties keep the Homeboys membership fluctuating; Junior Pierce
, Johnny Post
, Supreme Allah
, Omar White
, Mondo Browne
, Leroy Tidd
, Supreme Allah
, Tug Daniels
, Malcolm Coyle
and Reggie Rawls
are some prominent dealers and soldiers of the gang.
Throughout the series, the Homeboys primarily feud with the Italian and later the Latino inmates (both of whom are constantly referred to with racial epithets by to as "guineas" and "spics," respectively) over the drug trade of Oz. Though on several occasions the three groups ally for a fair three-way split of the drug trade, the fluctuating leadership of the Homeboys causes the ties to be split and re-established several times. The Homeboys also constantly harass and fight several neutral and individual inmates of Oz such as Bob Rebadow
and Tobias Beecher
, and make significant enemies in Chris Keller
and Ryan O'Reily
, as well as drawing the ire of their Muslim
brothers. Despite the shared racial hatred towards each other, the Homeboys conflict with the Aryan Brotherhood
and their Biker allies mostly on an indirect basis or due to basic racial tensions, as the Aryan's stance on drugs makes them minimally involved in the power disputes of the drug-trade, the Homeboy's primary concern.
As Oz is also majority Black with the Homeboys constituting the largest gang, Warden Glynn on two occasions uses two African American
narcotics detectives to try to acclimate to the Homeboys as a means of stopping the drug trade. Throughout the series, the Homeboys work in the kitchen with the Italian and Irish inmates, constantly vying for control over the workplace. This changes in the final season when Redding moves them to work as telemarketers.
|Simon Adebisi
(Final Leader)
Black people
The term black people is used in systems of racial classification for humans of a dark skinned phenotype, relative to other racial groups.Different societies apply different criteria regarding who is classified as "black", and often social variables such as class, socio-economic status also plays a...
prisoners in Oz
Oz (TV series)
Oz is an American television drama series created by Tom Fontana, who also wrote or co-wrote all of the series' 56 episodes . It was the first one-hour dramatic television series to be produced by premium cable network HBO. Oz premiered on July 12, 1997 and ran for six seasons...
involved in the prison drug trade. As 78% of Oz's prisoners are black (and most non-Muslim), their membership is larger than any other prison gang in Oz.
Overview
The Homeboys of Oz are a large organized gang of black inmates brought together by the drug-trade. As many of them come from impoverished and violent inner-city neighborhoodsGhetto
A ghetto is a section of a city predominantly occupied by a group who live there, especially because of social, economic, or legal issues.The term was originally used in Venice to describe the area where Jews were compelled to live. The term now refers to an overcrowded urban area often associated...
, the Homeboys are one of the most violent gangs in Oz. Many of the black inmates come from similar socio-economic backgrounds, violent criminal histories, and as victims of racial prejudice; they are thus often allied on the basis of a shared background and skin color. Although the group consists of several African-American inmates across all units and blocks of Oz, their leadership and main operations is shown throughout the series as being based in Emerald City.
The leadership and membership of the Homeboys fluctuates dramatically throughout the series, mostly due to intense internal conflict and numerous violent struggles for the drug trade with many groups in Oz. They are initially led by Jefferson Keane
Jefferson Keane
Jefferson Keane aka Tizi Ozuo is a fictional character in the HBO prison drama Oz played by American actor Leon Robinson.-Character overview:...
, shortly followed by Paul Markstrom
Paul Markstrom
Paul Markstrom, played by O.L. Duke, is a fictional character on the HBO series Oz.-Character overview:Paul Markstrom is an undercover police detective sent to Oz in order to investigate the drug trade within its walls. He is introduced as Warden Leo Glynn's cousin as his cover. He joins the...
, then led to the top of the drug-trade by Simon Adebisi
Simon Adebisi
Simon Adebisi is a fictional character played by Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje on the HBO dramatic series Oz, set in an experimental prison unit.-Character overview:Prisoner #93A234. Convicted May 2, 1993 - Murder in the first degree...
and then finally reorganized under Burr Redding
Burr Redding
Burr Redding is one of Oz's oldest inmates.-Character overview:Prisoner #01R289. Convicted January 11, 2001 - Murder in the first degree, seven counts of attempted murder...
. Homeboy inmates and lieutenants Kenny Wangler
Kenny Wangler
Kenny "Bricks" Wangler is a fictional character in the HBO drama Oz, played by actor J.D. Williams.-Character overview:Prisoner #97W566. Convicted July 6, 1997 - murder in the first degree . Sentence: 20 years, eligible for parole in six.He was sent to prison for murdering a student he was...
and Arnold "Poet" Jackson briefly lead the group but are revoked quickly as they are not as powerful or competent as the other leaders, instead fulfilling lieutenant roles. A constant influx of prisoners, as well as internal disputes and casualties keep the Homeboys membership fluctuating; Junior Pierce
Junior Pierce
Junior Pierce, played by Malé B. Alexander is a fictional character on the American HBO drama Oz.-Character overview:Pierce is an enforcer of the Homeboys, Oz's main African-American prison gang...
, Johnny Post
Johnny Post
Johnny Post is a fictional character on the HBO drama Oz.-Character overview:Johnny Post is a member of the Homeboys, Oz's African American drug dealers. He despises the Italians, an attitude he displays up until he is murdered by them.-Season 1:Post is Jefferson Keane's right hand man in the...
, Supreme Allah
Supreme Allah
Supreme Allah is a fictional character of the HBO drama Oz. He is portrayed by Lord Jamar of hip hop group Brand Nubian.-Character overview:Prisoner #00K251. Convicted March 22, 2000 - Second degree murder...
, Omar White
Omar White
Omar White is a fictional character on the HBO drama Oz played by Michael Wright.-Character overview:Prisoner 01W711. Convicted January 4, 2001 - Murder in the first degree...
, Mondo Browne
Mondo Browne
Raymond "Mondo" Browne, played by Gano Grills, is a fictional character on the HBO TV series Oz.-Character overview:Prisoner #00B563. Convicted April 10, 2000 - First degree murder...
, Leroy Tidd
Leroy Tidd
Leroy Tidd is a fictional character on the series Oz, an African American inmate played by Jacques Smith.-Character overview:Prisoner #00T255. Convicted May 10, 2000 - Armed robbery, reckless endangerment. Sentence: 20 years, eligible for parole in 12.Imprisoned for armed robbery and running over a...
, Supreme Allah
Supreme Allah
Supreme Allah is a fictional character of the HBO drama Oz. He is portrayed by Lord Jamar of hip hop group Brand Nubian.-Character overview:Prisoner #00K251. Convicted March 22, 2000 - Second degree murder...
, Tug Daniels
Tug Daniels
Carlton "Tug" Daniels, played by Method Man of the Wu-Tang Clan, is a character in the HBO prison drama Oz.-Character overview:Prisoner #01D251. Convicted February 20, 2001 - Attempted first degree murder. Sentence: 28 years, eligible for parole in 14....
, Malcolm Coyle
Malcolm Coyle
Malcolm "Snake" Coyle is a prisoner on the television show Oz played by Treach of the rap group Naughty By Nature.-Character overview:Prisoner #99C122. Convicted January 17, 1999 - Grand larceny, armed robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, assault of a police officer...
and Reggie Rawls
Reggie Rawls
Reggie Rawls is a fictional character in the HBO series Oz, played by Mtume Gant.-Character overview:Prisoner 01R934. Convicted January 10, 2001 - Aggreviated assault. Sentence: 12 years, up for parole in four....
are some prominent dealers and soldiers of the gang.
Throughout the series, the Homeboys primarily feud with the Italian and later the Latino inmates (both of whom are constantly referred to with racial epithets by to as "guineas" and "spics," respectively) over the drug trade of Oz. Though on several occasions the three groups ally for a fair three-way split of the drug trade, the fluctuating leadership of the Homeboys causes the ties to be split and re-established several times. The Homeboys also constantly harass and fight several neutral and individual inmates of Oz such as Bob Rebadow
Bob Rebadow
Robert 'Bob' Rebadow is a fictional character from the television series Oz, a drama series on HBO that portrays a maximum security prison and follows the lives of the inmates in the prison. He is portrayed by George Morfogen.-Character overview:...
and Tobias Beecher
Tobias Beecher
Tobias Beecher is a main character on the television show Oz, played by Lee Tergesen. He is one of only eight regular characters to survive the entire run of the show...
, and make significant enemies in Chris Keller
Chris Keller
Chris Keller is a fictional character on the HBO series Oz, portrayed by Christopher Meloni from 1998 to 2003.-Character overview:Prisoner ID 98K514. Convicted June 16, 1998 - felony murder, two counts of attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, robbery, driving under the influence and...
and Ryan O'Reily
Ryan O'Reily
Ryan O'Reily is a main character in the television series Oz. He was portrayed by Dean Winters from 1997 to 2003.-Character overview:Prisoner #97P904. Convicted July 12, 1997 - Two counts of vehicular manslaughter, five counts of reckless endangerment, possession of a controlled substance,...
, as well as drawing the ire of their Muslim
Muslims of Oz
The Muslims are a black militant group on the television series Oz.-Overview:The Muslims are a group of prisoners who actively work to salvage the African-American prisoners within Oz and rise up against the racial injustices of the criminal justice system...
brothers. Despite the shared racial hatred towards each other, the Homeboys conflict with the Aryan Brotherhood
The Aryan Brotherhood in Oz
The Aryan Brotherhood in the TV series Oz is a gang of white supremacist inmates led by Vernon Schillinger.-Overview:The Aryans of Oz are a loosely organized gang of white supremacist inmates. As a minority, the Caucasian-American prisoners of the gang mostly come from criminal backgrounds already...
and their Biker allies mostly on an indirect basis or due to basic racial tensions, as the Aryan's stance on drugs makes them minimally involved in the power disputes of the drug-trade, the Homeboy's primary concern.
As Oz is also majority Black with the Homeboys constituting the largest gang, Warden Glynn on two occasions uses two African American
African American
African Americans are citizens or residents of the United States who have at least partial ancestry from any of the native populations of Sub-Saharan Africa and are the direct descendants of enslaved Africans within the boundaries of the present United States...
narcotics detectives to try to acclimate to the Homeboys as a means of stopping the drug trade. Throughout the series, the Homeboys work in the kitchen with the Italian and Irish inmates, constantly vying for control over the workplace. This changes in the final season when Redding moves them to work as telemarketers.
Season 1
- Episode 1.1 "The Routine" - Italian inmate Dino OrtolaniDino OrtolaniDino Ortolani, played by Jon Seda, is a fictional character who appeared in three episodes of the HBO series Oz. Although he dies in the first episode of the series, which is more or less centered on his character, his death has a strong impact on the rest of season 1.-Character overview:Prisoner...
’s hotheaded behavior makes him a target of the Homeboys and Irish inmates, ultimately resulting in his death caused by Johnny PostJohnny PostJohnny Post is a fictional character on the HBO drama Oz.-Character overview:Johnny Post is a member of the Homeboys, Oz's African American drug dealers. He despises the Italians, an attitude he displays up until he is murdered by them.-Season 1:Post is Jefferson Keane's right hand man in the...
. - Episode 1.2 "Visits, Conjugals and Otherwise" – Investigation by Staff Member Lenny BurranoLenny BurranoLenny Burrano is a fictional character on the HBO drama Oz, played by Skipp Sudduth.-Character overview:Burrano is an Italian-American lead investigator who previously served as a correctional officer.-Season 1:...
convinces Ryan O'ReilyRyan O'ReilyRyan O'Reily is a main character in the television series Oz. He was portrayed by Dean Winters from 1997 to 2003.-Character overview:Prisoner #97P904. Convicted July 12, 1997 - Two counts of vehicular manslaughter, five counts of reckless endangerment, possession of a controlled substance,...
to tell Nino SchibettaNino SchibettaAntonino "Nino" Schibetta, played by Tony Musante, is a fictional character in the HBO series Oz.-Character overview:Prisoner #95S604. Convicted December 12, 1995 - Two counts of conspiracy to commit murder...
that Johnny PostJohnny PostJohnny Post is a fictional character on the HBO drama Oz.-Character overview:Johnny Post is a member of the Homeboys, Oz's African American drug dealers. He despises the Italians, an attitude he displays up until he is murdered by them.-Season 1:Post is Jefferson Keane's right hand man in the...
murdered Ortolani. Post is killed, the war between the Homeboys and Italians then escalates. - Episode 1.3 "God's Chillin'" - Jefferson KeaneJefferson KeaneJefferson Keane aka Tizi Ozuo is a fictional character in the HBO prison drama Oz played by American actor Leon Robinson.-Character overview:...
undergoes a mental and emotional shift causing him to come to Kareem SaidKareem SaidKareem Saïd is a character played by British actor Eamonn Walker on the American television show Oz.-Character overview:Prisoner #97S444. Convicted June 6, 1997 - Arson in the second degree. Sentence: 18 years, eligible for parole in five...
and join the Muslims, new inmate 16-year-old Kenny WanglerKenny WanglerKenny "Bricks" Wangler is a fictional character in the HBO drama Oz, played by actor J.D. Williams.-Character overview:Prisoner #97W566. Convicted July 6, 1997 - murder in the first degree . Sentence: 20 years, eligible for parole in six.He was sent to prison for murdering a student he was...
arrives in Oz and is suggested into the Homeboys by Simon AdebisiSimon AdebisiSimon Adebisi is a fictional character played by Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje on the HBO dramatic series Oz, set in an experimental prison unit.-Character overview:Prisoner #93A234. Convicted May 2, 1993 - Murder in the first degree... - Episode 1.4 “Capital P” – Amidst the drug war, Irish inmate Ryan O'ReilyRyan O'ReilyRyan O'Reily is a main character in the television series Oz. He was portrayed by Dean Winters from 1997 to 2003.-Character overview:Prisoner #97P904. Convicted July 12, 1997 - Two counts of vehicular manslaughter, five counts of reckless endangerment, possession of a controlled substance,...
manages to play for both the Homeboys and Italians at the same time resulting in the death of Joey D'AngeloJoey D'Angelo-Character overview:He appears in Season 1 assisting Nino Schibetta in their many operations throughout Oz.-Season 1:The Italians run the kitchen and drug trade in Oz. D'Angelo is a soldier of the Italians taking orders mainly from Nino Schibetta. He overlooks the black inmates, the Homeboys led by...
at the hands of Simon AdebisiSimon AdebisiSimon Adebisi is a fictional character played by Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje on the HBO dramatic series Oz, set in an experimental prison unit.-Character overview:Prisoner #93A234. Convicted May 2, 1993 - Murder in the first degree...
and Kenny WanglerKenny WanglerKenny "Bricks" Wangler is a fictional character in the HBO drama Oz, played by actor J.D. Williams.-Character overview:Prisoner #97W566. Convicted July 6, 1997 - murder in the first degree . Sentence: 20 years, eligible for parole in six.He was sent to prison for murdering a student he was...
. Meanwhile Keane is the first prisoner in over 30 years to receive the death penalty after the COs set him up to kill two Latino inmates. - Episode 1.5 “Straight Life” – With a threat from Warden Glynn to stop dealing drugs, Nino SchibettaNino SchibettaAntonino "Nino" Schibetta, played by Tony Musante, is a fictional character in the HBO series Oz.-Character overview:Prisoner #95S604. Convicted December 12, 1995 - Two counts of conspiracy to commit murder...
arranges to find the “bug” in the drug operation within Oz discovering Paul MarkstromPaul MarkstromPaul Markstrom, played by O.L. Duke, is a fictional character on the HBO series Oz.-Character overview:Paul Markstrom is an undercover police detective sent to Oz in order to investigate the drug trade within its walls. He is introduced as Warden Leo Glynn's cousin as his cover. He joins the...
’s identity as a Narcotics Detective. With Markstrom and Keane gone in addition to the transfer of several Italian inmates out of Em City, Schibetta becomes more allied with Ryan O'ReilyRyan O'ReilyRyan O'Reily is a main character in the television series Oz. He was portrayed by Dean Winters from 1997 to 2003.-Character overview:Prisoner #97P904. Convicted July 12, 1997 - Two counts of vehicular manslaughter, five counts of reckless endangerment, possession of a controlled substance,...
and Simon AdebisiSimon AdebisiSimon Adebisi is a fictional character played by Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje on the HBO dramatic series Oz, set in an experimental prison unit.-Character overview:Prisoner #93A234. Convicted May 2, 1993 - Murder in the first degree...
whom he views as the best Black inmate to do drug business with. - Episode 1.7 "Plan B" – To get Schibetta out of the drug business, O’Reilly and Adebisi grind ground glass into his food over a period of months, resulting in his death in a very unnoticeable fashion.
- Episode 1.8 "A Game of Checkers" – During a riot that breaks loose in Emerald City, several of the Homeboys go into heroin withdrawal that becomes problematic at times both before and after the riot.
Season 2
- Episode 2.2 "Ancient Tribes" – Back in Emerald City, Nino SchibettaNino SchibettaAntonino "Nino" Schibetta, played by Tony Musante, is a fictional character in the HBO series Oz.-Character overview:Prisoner #95S604. Convicted December 12, 1995 - Two counts of conspiracy to commit murder...
's son Peter arrives in Oz and blackmails Warden Glynn for control of the kitchen. To stay in the Italians’ good graces, O’Reilly informs Schibetta that Adebisi killed Nino giving the Italians more reason to war with the Homeboys. - Episode 2.3 "Great Men" - Poet does well in the inmate GED program while it is determined that Wangler is functionally illiterate. While Unit Manager Tim McManusTim McManusTim McManus is a fictional character on HBO's prison drama Oz, played by Terry Kinney.-Character overview:McManus, the idealistic manager of Emerald City, is unlike the rest of the staff members at Oz as he has never been a CO, has a college education, and generally believes in the inmates as...
attempts to teach him to read, Adebisi in the following episodes maintains control of Wangler forcing him to stop going to class. - Episode 2.5 “Family Bizness" – Out of Schibetta’s debt, Glynn gives Adebisi control of the cafeteria again transferring all the Italians into the dress factory. Peter is also given rat poison by Adebisi and ends up in the hospital. Adebisi also begins exchanging love notes with a woman on death row Shirley BellingerShirley BellingerShirley Bellinger is a fictional character in the HBO series Oz played by Kathryn Erbe and also referenced in the related book OZ: Behind These Walls: The Journal of Augustus Hill.-Character overview:...
- Episode 2.6 “Strange Bedfellows” – To kill Adebisi, Pancamo and Schibetta then rent out the kitchen and make an attempt on his life. The attempt on Adebisi backfires though as Pancamo is beaten unconscious and Schibetta is brutally sodomized by Adebisi. Being the victim of rape, Peter is told by Burrano that someone else is coming into Oz to run the Italians' operations. Miguel AlvarezMiguel AlvarezMiguel Alvarez is a fictional character played by American actor Kirk Acevedo on the television show Oz. He is the main Latino inmate in the series. He is a gang member of El Norte and of Cuban descent.-Character overview:...
then approaches Adebisi to be partners in the drug trade but is refused for failing to help him take down the Italians. - Episode 2.7 “Strange Bedfellows” – Adebisi goes into disarray when he meets Shirley BellingerShirley BellingerShirley Bellinger is a fictional character in the HBO series Oz played by Kathryn Erbe and also referenced in the related book OZ: Behind These Walls: The Journal of Augustus Hill.-Character overview:...
and is rejected for being Black. Knocked in disarray by Adebisi, the Homeboys insult Pancamo and the Italians on a daily basis. This is until new leader Antonio NappaAntonio NappaAntonio Nappa is a fictional character played by Mark Margolis on the HBO dramatic series Oz.-Character overview:Prisoner #98N744. Convicted June 4, 1998 - Murder in the second degree. Sentence: 80 years, eligible for parole in 50...
shows up and takes charge of the Italians. To make Adebisi suffer for raping Peter, he asks Burrano what Simon values most which Burrano claims is heroin and Nappa than asks him to convince Glynn to conduct a random drug test depriving Adebisi of heroin. Adebisi then goes into withdrawal again attempting to murder Nappa but is stopped by an Elderly African inmate named JaraKipekemie JaraKipekemie Jara is a fictional prisoner on the television show Oz, played by Zakes Mokae.- Character Overview :Prisoner 98J604, Kipekemie Jara. Convicted August 1st 1998 - Criminally negligent homicide...
. - Episode 2.8 “Escape From Oz” – Off heroin and under the guidance of an African inmate named JaraKipekemie JaraKipekemie Jara is a fictional prisoner on the television show Oz, played by Zakes Mokae.- Character Overview :Prisoner 98J604, Kipekemie Jara. Convicted August 1st 1998 - Criminally negligent homicide...
, Adebisi is no longer a threat to the Italians who seek a partnership with Kenny WanglerKenny WanglerKenny "Bricks" Wangler is a fictional character in the HBO drama Oz, played by actor J.D. Williams.-Character overview:Prisoner #97W566. Convicted July 6, 1997 - murder in the first degree . Sentence: 20 years, eligible for parole in six.He was sent to prison for murdering a student he was...
. The condition of the alliance is for Wangler to kill JaraKipekemie JaraKipekemie Jara is a fictional prisoner on the television show Oz, played by Zakes Mokae.- Character Overview :Prisoner 98J604, Kipekemie Jara. Convicted August 1st 1998 - Criminally negligent homicide...
so that the Italians still have Adebisi under control. Wangler and Pierce then kill JaraKipekemie JaraKipekemie Jara is a fictional prisoner on the television show Oz, played by Zakes Mokae.- Character Overview :Prisoner 98J604, Kipekemie Jara. Convicted August 1st 1998 - Criminally negligent homicide...
and Adebisi goes to the psych ward.
Season 3
|Simon Adebisi
Simon Adebisi
Simon Adebisi is a fictional character played by Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje on the HBO dramatic series Oz, set in an experimental prison unit.-Character overview:Prisoner #93A234. Convicted May 2, 1993 - Murder in the first degree...
(Final Leader)
- Episode 3.1 “The Truth and Nothing But..." – Released from the psych ward, Adebisi appears non-threatening and Nappa says he could be of use to the Italians after all. Nappa then has Wangler test out new inmate Malcolm CoyleMalcolm CoyleMalcolm "Snake" Coyle is a prisoner on the television show Oz played by Treach of the rap group Naughty By Nature.-Character overview:Prisoner #99C122. Convicted January 17, 1999 - Grand larceny, armed robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, assault of a police officer...
who wants into the Homeboys. - Episode 3.2 “Napoleon’s Boney Parts” – Adebisi leaves the kitchen to volunteer for the AIDs ward as a means of getting revenge on Nappa whom he secretly infects with an HIV positive needle. In the meantime, Nappa fires Coyle to Wangler’s objection as he does not trust him.
- Episode 3.3 "Legs" – Augustus HillAugustus HillAugustus Hill is a fictional character, played by Harold Perrineau on the American television show Oz, serving as the show's narrator.-Character overview:...
testifies against Coyle for murdering an Italian family and Wangler seeks revenge. At the request of Kareem SaidKareem SaidKareem Saïd is a character played by British actor Eamonn Walker on the American television show Oz.-Character overview:Prisoner #97S444. Convicted June 6, 1997 - Arson in the second degree. Sentence: 18 years, eligible for parole in five...
, the Italians, Latinos, and Aryans all protect Hill and Nappa orders Coyle's murder as a means of keeping the Homeboys away from Hill. - Episode 3.5 "U.S. Male" – In the boxing tournament, Wangler loses to Hamid KhanHamid KhanHamid Khan, played by Ernie Hudson Jr., is a fictional character in the HBO series Oz.- Character overview :Prisoner #99K515. Convicted March 6, 1999 - Aggravated assault. Sentence: 10 years, eligible for parole in five....
then orders Poet to expose Muslim leader Kareem SaidKareem SaidKareem Saïd is a character played by British actor Eamonn Walker on the American television show Oz.-Character overview:Prisoner #97S444. Convicted June 6, 1997 - Arson in the second degree. Sentence: 18 years, eligible for parole in five...
's feelings for a white woman. After learning his wife was cheating on him, Wangler has her and her lover executed and feigns remorse to attend the funeral. In the previous episode, Pancamo talks with Adebisi about becoming partners in drug trade, Adebisi then brings in the Latinos led by El Cid after injuring Poet and Pierce as Kenny is away subjecting Wangler to Adebisi's mercy upon his return. - Episode 3.7 "Secret Identities" - Wangler is subject to Adebisi's mercy and is forced by Adebisi to claim that Tim McManusTim McManusTim McManus is a fictional character on HBO's prison drama Oz, played by Terry Kinney.-Character overview:McManus, the idealistic manager of Emerald City, is unlike the rest of the staff members at Oz as he has never been a CO, has a college education, and generally believes in the inmates as...
sexually harassed him. Adebisi claims that he has a plan to get a Black man to run Emerald City and begins fueling racial tension throughout Oz. - Episode 3.8 "Out o' Time" - As the racial tension builds, Poet and Pierce are released from the hospital appearing with White pigmentation on their skin recovering from the kitchen accident. Adebisi has the Black inmates become more unified as a means of starting a riot to take over the prison. For fear of a lockdown, Hernandez and Pancamo ask Adebisi to cool the rhetoric unsuccessfully as the Black inmates unify upon Augustus HillAugustus HillAugustus Hill is a fictional character, played by Harold Perrineau on the American television show Oz, serving as the show's narrator.-Character overview:...
's trip to the hole. Earlier in the episode, Adebisi convinces Black CO Clayton HughesClayton HughesClayton Hughes is a character played by Seth Gilliam on the HBO dramatic series Oz, which takes place in an experimental prison unit.He started out as a corrections officer. Warden Glynn did not want Clayton to work in Oz. The main reason was that Clayton's father, Samuel Hughes, was murdered in Oz...
to have the other Black officers join their cause and as a result, Hughes is fired but leaves Adebisi with a gift, a gun.
Season 4 Part I
- Episode 4.1 "A Cock and Balls Story" - The lockdown is ended and Adebisi's plan to get a Black man running Emerald City is still ongoing. Wangler suggests they use the gun but Adebisi claims that to get McManus fired, someone else needs to use the gun. Adebisi then has Wangler, Poet, and Pierce transferred back into Emerald City where the three bully a new White inmate Guillaume TarrantGuillaume TarrantGuillaume Tarrant was a fictional character on the HBO prison series Oz played by Lothaire Bluteau.- Character Overview :Prisoner #00T416. Convicted January 2, 2000 - Destruction of private property, concealment of a deadly weapon. Sentence: 10 years, eligible for parole in 3.Guillaume Tarrant was...
. This is perfect for Adebisi who sees this as a way for a Black man to die at the hands of a White prompting his cause for a Black Unit manager to replace McManus. Adebisi also likes the fact that it will specifically be Wangler whom Tarrant fears and Adebisi still hates. Adebisi delivers the gun into Tarrant's pod and watches as he murders Wangler, Pierce, Lou Rath, and a CO Joseph Howard, all four of whom are Black prompting Adebisi's cause even further. - Episode 4.2 "Obituaries" - With the Emerald City shooting, Warden Glynn who is now a candidate for Lieutenant Governor is pressured by Adebisi and the other Blacks to fire Tim McManusTim McManusTim McManus is a fictional character on HBO's prison drama Oz, played by Terry Kinney.-Character overview:McManus, the idealistic manager of Emerald City, is unlike the rest of the staff members at Oz as he has never been a CO, has a college education, and generally believes in the inmates as...
and hire a Black Unit Manager whom they claim can maintain order in Emerald City and reduce the racially tense issues within Oz. McManus then self-destructs singing a song that denigrates Blacks at Officer Howard's funeral prompting Glynn to fire him immediately. Meanwhile, inmate Desmond Mobay wants into the drug trade and Adebisi suspicious of him being undercover asks him for a drug dealer that can vouche for him. - Episode 4.3 "The Bill of Wrongs" – Hernandez undergoes a mental breakdown and turns in Adebisi for the gun smuggling incident. Adebisi goes to the hole and Pancamo then determines that someone else needs to represent the Latino’s third. New inmate Enrique MoralesEnrique MoralesEnrique Morales is a fictional character played by NYPD officer turned actor David Zayas on the HBO drama Oz.-Character overview:Prisoner #00M871. Convicted April 6, 2000 - Murder in the second degree. Sentence: 25 years, up for parole in 15....
is the best candidate and causes El Cid's death. The three gangster groups then begin to test new inmate Desmond Mobay who wants into the drug trade by forcing him to snort heroin to prove he is not undercover. To get a Black Unit Manager, Adebisi convinces the Muslims to get Black community leaders to pressure Glynn further. - Episode 4.4 "Works of Mercy" - Mobay is released from the hole following a drug shakedown but Adebisi is not convinced that he is worthy to be amongst them so he puts him to another test. This test involves taking punches from Pancamo which Mobay does. A straw poll is then taken where Pancamo Votes Yes, Adebisi votes No, and Morales abstains causing a tie vote concerning Mobay's worthiness. It is resolved if he kills an inmate, he can be amongst them. Adebisi then gets his wish when Martin QuernsMartin QuernsWarden Martin Querns is a fictional character on the HBO drama Oz, played by Reg E. Cathey.-Character overview:He is an African American prison unit manager who has a vast experience of handling various prison units. He is hired by Warden Leo Glynn after he is asked to find a competent black unit...
, an African AmericanAfrican AmericanAfrican Americans are citizens or residents of the United States who have at least partial ancestry from any of the native populations of Sub-Saharan Africa and are the direct descendants of enslaved Africans within the boundaries of the present United States...
is hired as Unit Manager. Upon running Emerald City, Querns speaks with Adebisi and claims that he will look the other way on all the issues related to drug dealing as long as Adebisi and his followers eliminate violence from Emerald City. The two come to a mutual agreement and slowly the politics in Emerald City begin to change. - Episode 4.5 "Gray Matter" – To resolve Adebisi’s issues about Mobay joining their crew, the three groups agree to have him kill someone for membership making it look like an accident. New unit manager Martin QuernsMartin QuernsWarden Martin Querns is a fictional character on the HBO drama Oz, played by Reg E. Cathey.-Character overview:He is an African American prison unit manager who has a vast experience of handling various prison units. He is hired by Warden Leo Glynn after he is asked to find a competent black unit...
then names three trustees- Pancamo, Morales, and Adebisi who may deal all the drugs they wish in exchange for maintaining order in Emerald City. The Aryan and Biker inmates are then transferred out and Sean MurphySean Murphy (Oz)Sean Murphy is an Irish American Correctional Officer on the HBO drama Oz, played by Robert Clohessy. A fair and honest officer, Murphy is handpicked by Tim McManus to act as the head CO of Emerald City as he and McManus are lifelong friends...
loses his position as the supervising CO of Emerald City. More Black inmates come into Em City including Mondo BrowneMondo BrowneRaymond "Mondo" Browne, played by Gano Grills, is a fictional character on the HBO TV series Oz.-Character overview:Prisoner #00B563. Convicted April 10, 2000 - First degree murder...
, Leroy TiddLeroy TiddLeroy Tidd is a fictional character on the series Oz, an African American inmate played by Jacques Smith.-Character overview:Prisoner #00T255. Convicted May 10, 2000 - Armed robbery, reckless endangerment. Sentence: 20 years, eligible for parole in 12.Imprisoned for armed robbery and running over a...
and new inmate Supreme AllahSupreme AllahSupreme Allah is a fictional character of the HBO drama Oz. He is portrayed by Lord Jamar of hip hop group Brand Nubian.-Character overview:Prisoner #00K251. Convicted March 22, 2000 - Second degree murder...
who is looking to lead both the Muslims and Homeboys. - Episode 4.6 "A Word to the Wise" - Travis SmithTravis Smith (Oz)Travis Smith is one of the correctional officers on the HBO drama Oz, played by Jerome Preston Bates.Smith first appears as the Head CO of Emerald City under the management of Martin Querns. Querns and Smith both work together with inmate Simon Adebisi to build a virtually all-Black correctional...
, a Black CO is named the head of Emerald City and all the Christian inmates (Except for their single Black member who becomes one of Adebisi's sex toys) are transferred out of Emerald City and replaced by Black inmates. Adebisi then dismisses Arif by not transferring in any Muslim inmates. Querns then trades all the Non-Black COs out of Em City and transfers in several Black COs and Claire HowellClaire HowellClaire Howell is a fictional character on the HBO drama Oz portrayed by Kristin Rohde.-Character overview:A sexual predator serving as a guard in the eponymous prison, she preys on all the men in her orbit, prisoners and guards alike, as human sex toys who exist for her to dominate...
who disagreed with Tim McManusTim McManusTim McManus is a fictional character on HBO's prison drama Oz, played by Terry Kinney.-Character overview:McManus, the idealistic manager of Emerald City, is unlike the rest of the staff members at Oz as he has never been a CO, has a college education, and generally believes in the inmates as...
. With Mobay in, Adebisi has him, Browne, and Tidd recruit new drug customers under Poet's supervision. Immoral and Illegal behavior amongst the Black inmates increases as Querns lives up to his agreement ignoring their behavior in exchange for maintaining order. - Episode 4.7 “A Town Without Pity” – Supreme AllahSupreme AllahSupreme Allah is a fictional character of the HBO drama Oz. He is portrayed by Lord Jamar of hip hop group Brand Nubian.-Character overview:Prisoner #00K251. Convicted March 22, 2000 - Second degree murder...
threatens Arif and more Black inmates come into Emerald City courtesy of Querns and Adebisi when the Gays are transferred out. A fight nearly breaks out between Browne and Zanghi and the Italian and Latino inmates are cheated in the drug trade and then transferred to Unit B. Adebisi meanwhile is on a power trip recording videos of the Homeboys' antics that disgusts Kareem SaidKareem SaidKareem Saïd is a character played by British actor Eamonn Walker on the American television show Oz.-Character overview:Prisoner #97S444. Convicted June 6, 1997 - Arson in the second degree. Sentence: 18 years, eligible for parole in five...
, the Muslims' reinstated leader who claims that "A bad system ran by Blacks is the same thing as a bad system run by Whites." Vowing to stop Adebisi and Querns, Said secretly teams up with Tim McManusTim McManusTim McManus is a fictional character on HBO's prison drama Oz, played by Terry Kinney.-Character overview:McManus, the idealistic manager of Emerald City, is unlike the rest of the staff members at Oz as he has never been a CO, has a college education, and generally believes in the inmates as...
and then pretends to ally himself with Adebisi. - Episode 4.8 "A Town Without Pity" - Glynn drops out of the Governor race after an assassination attempt done by Clayton HughesClayton HughesClayton Hughes is a character played by Seth Gilliam on the HBO dramatic series Oz, which takes place in an experimental prison unit.He started out as a corrections officer. Warden Glynn did not want Clayton to work in Oz. The main reason was that Clayton's father, Samuel Hughes, was murdered in Oz...
against Governor Devlin and the Black inmates cheer. Tension builds around Mobay who ends up turning himself in for a murder of another inmate. To reintegrate Em City, two of the remaining white inmates Ryan O'ReilyRyan O'ReilyRyan O'Reily is a main character in the television series Oz. He was portrayed by Dean Winters from 1997 to 2003.-Character overview:Prisoner #97P904. Convicted July 12, 1997 - Two counts of vehicular manslaughter, five counts of reckless endangerment, possession of a controlled substance,...
and Chris KellerChris KellerChris Keller is a fictional character on the HBO series Oz, portrayed by Christopher Meloni from 1998 to 2003.-Character overview:Prisoner ID 98K514. Convicted June 16, 1998 - felony murder, two counts of attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, robbery, driving under the influence and...
murder Nate Shemin and Mondo BrowneMondo BrowneRaymond "Mondo" Browne, played by Gano Grills, is a fictional character on the HBO TV series Oz.-Character overview:Prisoner #00B563. Convicted April 10, 2000 - First degree murder...
successfully framing Supreme AllahSupreme AllahSupreme Allah is a fictional character of the HBO drama Oz. He is portrayed by Lord Jamar of hip hop group Brand Nubian.-Character overview:Prisoner #00K251. Convicted March 22, 2000 - Second degree murder...
for the murder. Said then discovers Adebisi's videotapes courtesy of Poet and after moving into Adebisi's pod delivers them to Tim McManusTim McManusTim McManus is a fictional character on HBO's prison drama Oz, played by Terry Kinney.-Character overview:McManus, the idealistic manager of Emerald City, is unlike the rest of the staff members at Oz as he has never been a CO, has a college education, and generally believes in the inmates as...
. Glynn sees the tapes and fires Querns reinstating McManus who comes back to Em City transferring out several Black inmates. Angered by the disruption of his system, Adebisi attempts to kill Said but Kareem ends up killing him in self-defense.
Season 4 Part II
- Episode 4.10 "Conversions" - With Poet as the default leader, the Homeboys are out of the drug trade until elderly Black inmate Burr ReddingBurr ReddingBurr Redding is one of Oz's oldest inmates.-Character overview:Prisoner #01R289. Convicted January 11, 2001 - Murder in the first degree, seven counts of attempted murder...
(Who is stepfather to Augustus HillAugustus HillAugustus Hill is a fictional character, played by Harold Perrineau on the American television show Oz, serving as the show's narrator.-Character overview:...
) arrives and takes charge. A war builds between the Homeboys, Latinos, and Italians that results in Morales framing Redding for the murder of a Chinese refugee. - Episode 4.12 "Cuts Like A Knife" - Out of the cage, Redding finds more trouble in the drug war when Supreme AllahSupreme AllahSupreme Allah is a fictional character of the HBO drama Oz. He is portrayed by Lord Jamar of hip hop group Brand Nubian.-Character overview:Prisoner #00K251. Convicted March 22, 2000 - Second degree murder...
is released from solitary. After telling Augustus that Ketchum caused his arrest, Hill makes an attempt on Supreme that results in him being tossed out of his wheelchair and hospitalized. Redding at the suggestion of Chris KellerChris KellerChris Keller is a fictional character on the HBO series Oz, portrayed by Christopher Meloni from 1998 to 2003.-Character overview:Prisoner ID 98K514. Convicted June 16, 1998 - felony murder, two counts of attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, robbery, driving under the influence and...
calls in Tug DanielsTug DanielsCarlton "Tug" Daniels, played by Method Man of the Wu-Tang Clan, is a character in the HBO prison drama Oz.-Character overview:Prisoner #01D251. Convicted February 20, 2001 - Attempted first degree murder. Sentence: 28 years, eligible for parole in 14....
, the brother of the man Supreme is serving time for killing and has him make a murder attempt on him in the visiting room. Supreme lives though, Daniels gets sentenced to 28 years, and Poet goes to the cage for assisting Tug in the murder attempt. - Episode 4.13 "The Blizzard of '01" - In an attempt to eliminate the Homeboys' competition, Redding devises a plan to kill the Italians and Latinos in addition to Supreme AllahSupreme AllahSupreme Allah is a fictional character of the HBO drama Oz. He is portrayed by Lord Jamar of hip hop group Brand Nubian.-Character overview:Prisoner #00K251. Convicted March 22, 2000 - Second degree murder...
using Poet, Daniels, Jia KenminJia KenminJia Kenmin is an Asian American inmate on the HBO drama Oz played by Michael Delmare.-Character overview:Prisoner 01J813. Convicted February 2, 2001 - Possession and distribution of a controlled substance...
, and Omar WhiteOmar WhiteOmar White is a fictional character on the HBO drama Oz played by Michael Wright.-Character overview:Prisoner 01W711. Convicted January 4, 2001 - Murder in the first degree...
. Having second thoughts, Augustus informs the COs who then lock the prison down. - Episode 4.14 "Orpheus Descending" - The Lockdown is ended and McManus forces Redding and Morales to come to a truce. Redding then ex-communicates Augustus for tipping off the COs only allowing him to live because of their past relationship. Released from the hospital, Supreme tells Pancamo and Morales he will secure control of the Homeboys by killing Redding through Hill.
- Episode 4.16 "Famous Last Words" - In the previous episode Daniels was murdered by Redding when a spy of his, Colonel Edward Galson tells him that he saw him conspiring to take over the Homeboys with Supreme AllahSupreme AllahSupreme Allah is a fictional character of the HBO drama Oz. He is portrayed by Lord Jamar of hip hop group Brand Nubian.-Character overview:Prisoner #00K251. Convicted March 22, 2000 - Second degree murder...
. Supreme then dies due to an allergic reaction in the cafeteria supplied by Augustus HillAugustus HillAugustus Hill is a fictional character, played by Harold Perrineau on the American television show Oz, serving as the show's narrator.-Character overview:...
whom Redding then lets back into the Homeboys. Galson then dies making an attempt on Morales under orders from Redding.
Season 5
- Episode 5.3 “Dream a Little Dream of Me” – The Italians are knocked into disarray by the Aryans, so Redding makes peace with Morales causing the Homeboys and Latinos to ally in dealing drugs throughout Oz.
- Episode 5.4 "Next Stop: Valhalla" – Redding convinces Glynn that he should manage the cafeteria and transfer out the Italians. Redding then forces Omar WhiteOmar WhiteOmar White is a fictional character on the HBO drama Oz played by Michael Wright.-Character overview:Prisoner 01W711. Convicted January 4, 2001 - Murder in the first degree...
to move drugs to Reggie RawlsReggie RawlsReggie Rawls is a fictional character in the HBO series Oz, played by Mtume Gant.-Character overview:Prisoner 01R934. Convicted January 10, 2001 - Aggreviated assault. Sentence: 12 years, up for parole in four....
in Unit C. Upset over some family losses, Hill goes to Poet for some heroin which in the following episode he ends up overdosing on. - Episode 5.6 “Variety” – With Hill in the hospital and Redding on the warpath, Poet draws suspicion away from himself in Hill's drugging with Guerra by scapegoating the Italians. They then get Busmalis to inform Redding that an Italian inmate Salvatore DeSantoSalvatore DeSantoSalvatore DeSanto, played by Phil Campanella, is an Italian inmate on the HBO drama Oz.-Character overview:Salvatore DeSanto is falsely accused of drugging inmate Augustus Hill...
sold the drugs to Augustus. Redding orders DeSanto's food to be mixed with LSD in the kitchen and at dinner, he then overdoses and dies. McManus however has no proof that Redding killed DeSanto as the kitchen has been competently cleaned. - Episode 5.7 "Good Intentions" - To find Hill's drug dealer, Tim McManusTim McManusTim McManus is a fictional character on HBO's prison drama Oz, played by Terry Kinney.-Character overview:McManus, the idealistic manager of Emerald City, is unlike the rest of the staff members at Oz as he has never been a CO, has a college education, and generally believes in the inmates as...
interrogates him in the hospital claiming that Redding thinks the Italians sold him the drugs. Hill says they did not but will not give up Poet either. McManus then informs Redding refusing him and Augustus to see each other as he thinks another inmate will die at Burr's hands. Furious, he searches for Busmalis whom Poet coerces to tell Redding that Guerra and the Latinos are in fact responsible. This causes a fight between Morales and Redding and causes an end to the Homeboy/Latino alliance with both leaders going to the hole. Poet is then later paid to expose dental information about Aryan member James Robson that gets him excommunicated from the Brotherhood. - Episode 5.8 “Impotence” – While Redding and Morales are in Ad Seg, Augustus returns from the hospital and agrees not to rat out Poet to Redding. When Redding returns, he expresses his sorrow for having Augustus get on drugs in the first place. The Latinos in the meantime renew their alliance with the Italians and Frank UrbanoFrank UrbanoFrancis Urbano aka "Frank the Fixer", played by Antoni Corone, is an Italian inmate on the HBO drama Oz.-Character overview:Prisoner #02U672. Convicted January 7, 2002 - Murder in the first degree. Sentence: Life imprisonment, eligible for parole in 25 years.A famed hitman, he was given a life...
then makes an attempt on Redding that ends up killing Augustus Hill.
Season 6
- Episode 6.1 "Dead Man Talking" - With Hill dead, Redding is in mourning and then urged to lead the Homeboys once again as Kareem SaidKareem SaidKareem Saïd is a character played by British actor Eamonn Walker on the American television show Oz.-Character overview:Prisoner #97S444. Convicted June 6, 1997 - Arson in the second degree. Sentence: 18 years, eligible for parole in five...
points out they are out of control attacking various inmates. - Episode 6.3 "Sonata Da Oz" - Inspired by a business plan, Redding asks for Said's help to start the Homeboys in the telemarketing business in Oz giving up the drug trade.
- Episode 6.5 "4Giveness" - After following Poet out of the telemarketing business, the Homeboys attempt to sell drugs but come up short as Redding asks the Italians to stop them from slinging. The Homeboys then go to work for Arif at the book-binding plant.
- Episode 6.7 "Junkyard Dawgs" - Poet and Rawls agree to help new inmate Stanley BukowskiStanley BukowskiStanley Bukowski was a fictional prisoner on the HBO prison drama Oz played by Ashley Hamilton.right|thumb|Ashley Hamilton as Stanley Bukowski.-Character Overview:...
sell Marijuana-Flavored Brownies but he is stopped and killed by the Italians who see he is cutting into their business. Redding then destroys the binding plant as a means of repopulating his business. Poet leads them back to work for Burr where they will secretly steal credit card numbers which their friends and relatives on the outside can sell.