This week’s Gotham began to ramp up the intensity as the show heads towards its season finale next week, wrapping up the Ogre storyline while making the character of Barbara Kean more confusing than she already was.
Gotham was more intense this week than it ever has been throughout its first season, and that can be both good and bad. One of the themes that they have been exploring a lot lately is Gordon’s path between dark and light. If you need proof that the corruption of Gotham City is starting to affect him, this episode is it. This is one of the more interesting elements that the show should continue to explore, as it will add something new to this Batman prequel. I have always wondered how Jim, for so many years living in this city, still ends up being able to believe in hope by the time we meet him as a commissioner, whether it’s in the comics or the films. While this will cause Jim to have more enemies than he would like or needs, it’s going to make his story so much more compelling throughout the series.
I was greatly disappointed that they killed the Ogre off because of how much I enjoyed Ventimiglia in the role. For a minute, I really hoped he would just get locked up instead, but we can’t get everything we want, which this episode also gives us proof of. I know I’m probably way harsher than I should be with Barbara, but this episode made me lose any hope for this disaster of a character. I wasn’t sure what had really happened to Barbara, if she had snapped (hence why she couldn’t care less when her parents got killed in front her), or if she was under some sort of control. But regardless, this character needs to get axed off as soon as possible because I don’t know if I can stand her for another season.
Bruce had one heck of an adventure this week, as he got busted by Banderslaw who knew he was trying to steal documents. We also got the introduction of a very iconic Batman character, Lucius Fox (Chris Chalk), who I thought did a pretty solid job as a young Lucius. I’m just curious how much they will use him next season and how this will shape his relationship with Bruce being as young as he is. I’m glad that Bruce told Alfred the truth about what had happened to Reggie, and whatever those two are up to in the finale will definitely be interesting, based on the promo that came out.
Last, but not least, this episode also provided a great setup for next week, as Maroni and Falcone officially declared gangster war on each other, forcing everyone at GCPD to get ready for one heck of a gun fight. I was getting concerned that they wouldn’t do anything to get us ready for the season finale, which is sadly one of the most common things that new shows do in their first years. Fortunately, though, Gotham didn’t follow that same pattern and gave us the perfect ending to this episode which, aside from the horror that is Barbara, was another solid hour.
Don’t miss the season finale of Gotham, titled “All Happy Families Are Alike,” next Monday at 8/7c on FOX!
[Photo via FOX]
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