Welcome back to another week of the good/bad featuring Gotham. Will this week have more good now that it seems Cobblepot will be recruiting some of the Gotham’s Rouges Gallery, or will we get another story line to add to the mix? Read on to find out:
Good: The Rouges Gallery — I’ve always enjoyed when a number of enemies team-up for a common goal. Whether it was in the comics, or even Batman 66, team-ups are always awesome. I am glad they brought Mr. Freeze back into the scene. I thought that the Victor Fries story line was another that fell victim to being rushed, so I am glad that he has been brought back. Firefly is returning as well, so that will leave her, Penguin, Ivy, and Freeze going against The Riddler. I also like the fact that they keep using the term “freaks”. This is taken from Tim Sale and Jeph Loeb’s Batman: The Long Halloween when Maroni and Falcone lose their ground on the new individuals fighting for Gotham’s Underworld, which they refer to as “the freaks”. This has potential.
Good: Barbara Playing the Middle Ground — Barbara looks to be playing it neutral with The Riddler and Penguin. Smart move as she will look to continue her current dominance of the Gotham Underworld. She seems to be playing it safe for now, but I wouldn’t be surprised if she actually instigates both sides to eliminate each other for her own gain. That’s Barbara, she hides her manipulative nature behind her beauty. Could this eventually be her downfall? By trying to play both sides in her quest to reveal The Court, she may be losing an ally in Tabitha.
Good: The Riddler — I enjoyed when Nygma first transitioned to The Riddler, and Cory Michael Smith continues to excel in the role. His portrayal is extremely reflective of the source material, and gives Gotham an interesting antagonist again. The use of his riddles brings another element to the show that it hasn’t had before. It keeps the viewer involved by trying to figure out not only what the riddle may be, but what The Riddler’s next move is. He always seems to be two steps ahead, much like he and Penguin were during Season 2.
Bad: Bruce’s Doppelganger — I haven’t enjoyed this story line all season, and this episode wasn’t any different. The doppelganger is dying, and will be dead by the time Bruce returns. I’m assuming The Court wants Bruce to return “brainwashed” so that they can use him as they see fit, but he will return closer to his transformation into Batman. Still seems needless. The Court could easily still function as an antagonist outside of this story line. The only interesting thing he has done was push Selina out the window, which I didn’t see coming.
Good: Lee Thompkins — Wow, she sure is bitter. I’m not surprised of how upset she is, but this is one of the main characters who has seemed to have consistency. Even though Mario Falcone’s story was short, the outcome still clearly affects Lee and her feelings towards Gordon. It’s a subtle detail in the crowded story, but is one of the few consistencies of the season.
Bad: Gordon — I view his role like I view Bruce’s. I get the feeling they do not know what to do with him. He somewhat connects the stories, but sometimes it isn’t necessary. Gotham started as a series focused on Bruce and Gordon. Once the show gained popularity, it was through the villains rather than the protagonists. As the show continues to focus on the villains it seems as if they are unsure of how to properly include the two.
Good: “Batman Returns” Nod — The ending with the cats around Selina looked almost identical to the scene in Tim Burton’s Batman Returns with Michelle Pfeiffer.
This week’s episode looked to contain more good than bad for once. What put it over the edge for me was the focus back on the villains. Bring them all together, then pit them against each other. Even though some would work together, their individual narcissism will eventually get the best of them, much like in the comics. That would be interesting.
What’d you think of this week’s episode? Did you find more good than bad, or the opposite? What did I leave out? Do you think the show should continue to focus on the villains? Leave your thoughts in the usual spot, and thanks for reading!
Gotham returns next Monday at 8 p.m. on Fox.
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