Can you believe we’re already 5 episodes in to the new season of Gotham? It feels as though it just premiered last week. The story has moved incredibly quickly, and every inch has been packed to the brim with high stakes drama and action. “Anything For You” was no exception this rule, and was a fun episode that kept things moving along nicely.
This week on Gotham: Penguin is working at keeping his promises as Mayor, but is struggling with the resurfaced Red Hood Gang, which turns out to be mutinous in nature. As part of the Red Hood investigation, Nygma is named liaison to oversee the case, which forces his return to the GCPD. Captain Barnes tries to learn more about the blood that infected him. Jim and Bruce both try to come to terms with their feelings.
I had a lot of fun with this one. Usually, I’m not one to care about Jim Gordon’s feelings about Valerie Vale or Leslie Thompkins or whoever. But even as Jim and Bruce tended to their feelings, every bit of that dialogue was sincere and expertly delivered. Jim is slowly realizing, and it’s manifesting itself on the show, that Leslie can move on because he is too. And also that he’s not a cop so he doesn’t care what Valerie knows anymore. Jamie Chung is also a great addition to the cast. But, that’s not to diminish David Mazouz or Camren Bicondova, who are still two of the best young actors on television today. That was such a sweet scene between them.
Butch presents a really interesting illustration in this episode, too. This guy at one time was literally hypnotized into Penguin’s service. The two became close, and now Butch has been surpassed by Penguin. But, being surpassed by Nygma was Butch’s breaking point. Watching him was like seeing a visual manifestation of desperation. He was clinging to the last bit of power he had. Drew Powell is a bit overlooked sometimes, but I really enjoyed his performance here.
Alright. I’m going to talk about it. Am I just insane, or has the tension between Penguin and Nygma turned sexual? I mean, at the end there when Penguin leaned in for the hug, I was SURE that it was going to be a kiss. There is a good chance that I’m crazy, but someone else had to have felt that, right? I don’t know if I ship it, because, frankly, who would be the stable one in the relationship?
Few other thoughts I had during the episode:
- Why does Leslie keep pulling Jim aside to tell him stuff? Write a letter, lady!
- I feel like I would’ve recognized Ivy, even though she’s much older. People don’t change THAT much.
- I would really like to see 2 or 300% more Victor Zsasz. Please and thank you.
- Though it was great when Leslie punched Nygma, it was even better when Barnes congratulated her.
- Speaking of Barnes…who/what is he going to turn into?
I very much enjoyed this episode. It hasn’t been as off-the-wall nuts as some of these others have been (in a good way, of course), but it was a strong, emotional episode.
What did you guys think? Did you enjoy the episode? Let us know in the comments!
Gotham airs Mondays at 8/7c on FOX
Visitor Rating: 4 Stars