Decoding Sofia Falcone’s Master Plan
Throughout this season of Gotham, Sofia Falcone’s true intentions have remained a mystery. As a master manipulator, it’s been difficult to determine whose side she’s on or what angle she’s working. However, in “Things That Go Boom”, her motives have become clearer, alliances have shifted, and Gotham now faces a war for the status quo and unholy alliances to survive. While some of Sofia’s hand has been played, others (like Gordon) believe there are bigger fish to fry.
Crystal Reed’s portrayal of Sofia has been captivating, and her true intentions in Gotham City have finally been revealed in this week’s episode. It’s evident that she wants the Falcone family back in power and has genuine romantic feelings for Jim Gordon. However, her manipulative nature could mean there’s more to the story. Sofia also cares about orphans like Martin, who she believes went “Boom” at the end of the episode. Despite being rejected by Gordon and betrayed by Penguin and Martin, she has found a new girl power squad with Barbara, Selina, and Tabitha, who follow her through the promise of power in Gotham’s new world order post impending war. This shake-up is exciting, and it will be interesting to see how Jim’s two former flames take charge of this group of lady fighters.
Professor Pyg’s Obsession and Escalating War
The Professor Pyg storyline has been enjoyable, as it’s one of the higher stakes stories Gotham has told in some time. It turns out, Pyg has a strange obsession with being ranked among Gotham’s all-time crazies. When Gordon tells him he’s nothing compared to the Jerome Valeska’s of the city, this does not sit well with Pyg, and he escapes Arkham Asylum with ease. While I was excited when I thought the Pyg saga had ended with his arrest, his early release from Arkham gives me mixed feelings. His story so far has been excellent, and I’m eager to see where they take it next. However, at what point does Gotham beat a dead pig? The escalating war in the city feels like the much more important story, but I won’t be counting any pork loins before they’re slaughtered.
Lee Thompkins: Gotham’s Best Underworld Leader
Lee Thompkins has quickly transitioned from in-house doctor to underworld leader by offering medicine in trades with other groups. It doesn’t hurt that she has re-ignited super genius Ed Nygma/The Riddler on her team, along with enforcer extraordinaire Solomon Grundy. So far, the Thompkins-era underworld is running smoothly and is a fun story, but now that Nygma’s alter-ego has been awakened, it’s only a matter of time before bad things happen.
Additional Thoughts and Speculations
- Professor Pyg could try to establish his greatness in a couple of ways. One, he could try and eliminate every woman Gordon has ever loved at once, giving him a terrible choice to make. Or, he could release all of the great Gotham villains all at once so that comparisons may be made. The latter seems more likely given the glimpse we caught of Jerome in the preview for next week.
- My jaw dropped when Oswald’s car exploded originally, because I didn’t think they had it in them to kill Martin. Turns out I was right, but still, that moment caught me off guard.
- “And he’s not the kind that gives out lollipops”. I appreciated this line and what it was trying to accomplish, but what dentist DOES give out lollipops? Aren’t dentists generally anti-sugar? You’re confusing dentist with pediatrician.
- This is your weekly reminder that Victor Zsasz is a treasure and we do not deserve him. But we get him anyway, this time complete with rocket launcher.
Overall, I enjoyed this episode of Gotham. It did feel like it was setting up something more, so judging it on its stand-alone merits doesn’t seem prudent. Still, the characters are strong and they’re a joy to watch. Plus, there was nothing from Bruce the rebellious partying teen, so that’s good.
What did you guys think? Did you enjoy the episode? Let us know!
Gotham airs Thursdays at 8/7c on FOX
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