Darkness has fallen on Gotham
The murder of John and Martha Wayne (Grayson McCouch and Brette Taylor) has sparked something in Gotham. As their son Bruce (David Mazouz) tries to come to terms with his parents with the help of his butler Alfred Pennyworth (Sean Pertwee), new detective Jim Gordon (Ben McKenzie) finds Gotham might not be a place for an honest cop. A war is brewing between Carmine Falcone (John Doman) and Sal Maroni (David Zayas), and Oswald “The Penguin” Cobblepot (Robin Lord Taylor) and Fish Mooney (Jada Pinkett Smith) could be stroking the flames.
Gotham—Season 1 aired from September 22, 2014 to May 4, 2015 on FOX. The Warner Bros. Batman prequel series was initially met with mixed reviews but gained a strong following. It received Primetime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Sound Editing for a Series (“All Happy Families Are Alike”), Outstanding Costumes for a Contemporary Series, Limited Series, or Movie (“Under the Knife”), Outstanding Visual Effects in a Supporting Role (“Lovecraft”), and Outstanding Production Design for a Narrative Contemporary or Fantasy Program (One Hour or More) (“Pilot”).
Cat got your tongue?
Gotham intrigued me. I am not the biggest Batman fan (I think the character has kind of been driven into the ground due to over-use), but I love Batman’s supporting cast. I was also a big fan of the procedural comic book series Gotham Central which this series borrowed heavily from. I enjoyed the ride that Gotham—Season 1 provided though it was pretty standard WB TV.
The story is a rather typical story in the world of comic book shows. For years, I was dying for comic book TV (or movies) and now there is a glut of them. Though I enjoy them, for the most part the series unfold in similar ways with mid-season cliffhangers and introductions of characters that make you say “that’s really _____!” Gotham is rich with this due to the prequel nature of the show so if you are familiar with a lot of comic book TV shows, you will either love this or think it is just another entry in the TV world.
Who wants Fish?
The cast is fun for the series. I like Benjamin McKenzie and feel he always adds depth to a program (like Southland or even The O.C.). I’m generally not a big Jada Pinkett Smith fan, but her scene chewing Fish is a fun character that feels authentically comic book based (though she’s an original character). The Batman storyline sometimes feels rather unnecessary though both Sean Pertwee and David Mazouz are fine (I am a fan of Camren Bicondova’s teenage Catwoman). The series is loaded with great actors from Donal Logue, John Doman, Carol Kane, Robin Lord Taylor and more (and full disclosure, I do know one of the actors Drew Powell who used to be my RA). The slightly disappointing aspect of this season is the disappearance of Victoria Cartagena and Andrew Stewart-Jones who played Renee Montoya and Crispus Allen for the first part of the season.
Everyone is gunning for Gordon!
The movie gets the visuals as right as they can in a TV series. It doesn’t feel quite as big as a motion picture, but it feels much bigger than the standard drama. The gothic nature of Gotham isn’t as strong as in some Batman entries, but Gotham feels a bit more like your standard big city (that is more dirty and dangerous than most cities).
Gotham definitely has me wanting to return for season 2. It has enough interesting storylines and characters within the series that I feel it can have the legs it needs to continue and grow. Gotham is a bit tricky in that we know where it will end up. Bruce Wayne will become Batman, Gordon will survive and be the good guy, and characters like Ed Nigma are doomed for super-villains…it will just be interesting to see the path the series takes to reach it.
Gotham—Season 1 Complete Episode Guide:
“Pilot”
1.1 Pilot Airdate: 09/22/14
John and Martha Wayne (Grayson McCouch and Brette Taylor) are murdered in front of their child Bruce Wayne (David Mazouz). Detective Jim Gordon (Ben McKenzie) and Detective Harvey Bullock (Donal Logue) get the call and find themselves tasked to bring in the killer with Gordon promising Wayne that he’ll find the man responsible. When Gordon and Bullock take down Mario Pepper (Daniel Stewart Sherman), the crime appears to be solved…but a leak from Oswald “The Penguin” Cobblepot (Robin Lord Taylor) to Crispus Allen (Andrew Stewart-Jones) and Renee Montoya (Victoria Cartagena) indicate that Fish Mooney (Jada Pinkett Smith) could be a cover-up for Carmine Falcone (John Doman). Gordon refuses to give up and sets out to get to the bottom of the crime…even if it kills him!
“Selina Kyle”
1.2 Selina Kyle Airdate: 09/29/14
Allen and Montoya continue to investigate the disappearance of Cobblepot by speaking to his mother Gertrude (Carol Kane) while Oswald tries to plan his next step after avoiding a watery grave. Selina Kyle (Camren Bicondova) witnesses the abduction of children by Patti and Doug (Lili Taylor and Frank Whaley) who work for someone known as the Dollmaker. Fish finds Falcone crosses the line again when he has her “boyfriend” roughed up, but Fish has plans for Falcone. Bruce tries to accept that his parents are dead, and Alfred (Sean Pertwee) question if Bruce is hurting himself. Barbara (Erin Richards) leaks the child kidnapping story to the press…and Selina could end up paying the price as a result!
“The Balloonman”
1.3 The Balloonman Airdate: 10/06/14
Selina reveals to Gordon that she was present when the Waynes were murdered and that she has evidence of what the killer looked like but catching Selina could be harder than Gordon thought. Allen and Montoya’s investigation leads them to Gordon and Montoya has a warning for Barbara about Cobblepot. When corrupt officials are targeted by a killer known as the Balloonman (Dan Bakkedahl), Gordon and Bullock are put on the case to shut the Balloonman down. Gordon finds his past has come back to haunt him when Oswald comes calling.
“Arkham”
1.4 Arkham Airdate: 10/13/14
Cobblepot tries to prove to Gordon that he could be a legitimate informant for him but Gordon reminds Cobblepot that they both will be killed if Falcone finds out he’s alive. As plans for the new redevelopment of Arkham Asylum’s ground and surrounding area begins to be developed based on the plans of the Waynes, a turf war breaks out between Falone and Sal Maroni (David Zayas) which could lead for an advancement for Cobblepot in his new position in Maroni’s restaurant. Fish hatches a new plan with the hiring of a singer named Liza (Makenzie Leigh) who has some hidden talents. With a paid assassin targeting councilmen on both sides of the debate, Gordon and Bullock must stop the assassin before he goes after Mayor Aubrey James (Richard Kind).
“Viper”
1.5 Viper Airdate: 10/20/14
A drug called Viper is being distributed amongst the junkies of Gotham and giving them temporary superhuman strength before killing them. As Gordon and Bullock investigate who is involved in Viper, Gordon finds that Cobblepot’s ties to Maroni could cause him trouble. As Bruce questions the Wayne Foundation’s involvement in the Arkham deal, the man behind Viper may make a charity event his next target. Fish unleashes her plan and Liza on an unsuspecting Falcone.
“Spirit of the Goat”
1.6 Spirit of the Goat Airdate: 10/27/14
Bullock’s past and how he lost his partner Dix (Dan Hedaya) to the Spirit of the Goat is revealed when a new person claiming to be the Spirit of the Goat resurfaces…targeting the children of Gotham’s 1%. With the help of Edward Nygma (Cory Michael Smith), Bullock must find the connection between the old Spirit of the Goat and the new Spirit of the Goat. An eyewitness to Cobblepot’s shooting has Allen and Montoya out to arrest him, but Bullock isn’t the only one with a past that’s come back.
“Penguin’s Umbrella”
1.7 Penguin’s Umbrella Airdate: 11/03/14
Penguin’s return has put a target on Gordon’s back, and Gordon plans to go out big if he is going to be killed. With new alliances with Montoya and Allen, Gordon is targeting the Mayor James and Carmine Falcone…but when Falcone sends Victor Zsasz (Anthony Carrigan) after Gordon, Barbara could get caught in the crossfire. Penguin finds himself under the protection of Maroni and a war between Fish and Maroni’s men could erupt as a result.
“The Mask”
1.8 The Mask Airdate: 11/10/14
Bullock and Gordon investigate the body of a man with a finger in his mouth, and Gordon finds he could be in trouble. As Penguin continues to work for Falcone in Maroni’s organization, Fish keeps Liza near Falcone and seeks out information. Selina Kyle finds herself in trouble with the law again while Bruce Wayne faces bullies as he returns to school.
“Harvey Dent”
1.9 Harvey Dent Airdate: 11/17/14
Gordon meets Harvey Dent (Nicholas D’Agosto) and learns that he could help him with his search for the Waynes’ killer. Selina Kyle moves into the Wayne Manor for protection and finds herself butting heads with Alfred. The Penguin confronts Liza about her infiltration of Falcone’s home and makes her an offer. The kidnapping of an imprisoned bomb-maker named Ian Hargrove (Leslie Odom, Jr.) has Gordon and Bullock in a race against time to stop the next target.
“Lovecraft”
1.10 Lovecraft Airdate: 11/24/14
When an assassin named Larissa Diaz (Lesley-Ann Brandt) is sent to Wayne Manor, Selina and Bruce find themselves on the run in Gotham City. Pennyworth teams with Bullock in the hopes of locating Bruce and is forced to make a deal with Fish. Gordon searches for the backer of the assassin and finds it could lead him to a downfall.
“Rogues’ Gallery”
1.11 Rogues’ Gallery Airdate: 01/05/15
Gordon has been reassigned to Arkham Asylum, but someone seems to be killing the inmates and Gordon and Dr. Leslie Thompkins (Morena Baccarin) are the only hope of finding out who is responsible. Selina finds Ivy Pepper (Clare Foley) sick on the streets and tries to help her. Barbara’s relationship with Montoya hits problems, but Barbara discovers that Jim might have moved on. Butch (Drew Powell) considers an offer to turn on Fish while Penguin has his own problems with Marconi.
“What the Little Bird Told Him”
1.12 What the Little Bird Told Him Airdate: 01/19/15
The Jack “The Electrocutioner” Gruber (Christopher Heyerdahl) is free in Gotham, but Jim realizes he can use it as a means to return to the GCPD if he can get past Commissioner Gillian B. Loeb (Peter Scolari). Fish makes her move with Liza in the hopes of getting Falcone out of the picture. With Gruber targeting Maroni, Penguin could accidentally expose his secret alliance with Falcone…or he could get everything he’s dreamed of.
“Welcome Back, Jim Gordon”
1.13 Welcome Back, Jim Gordon Airdate: 01/26/15
Gordon is back on the squad, but not everyone is happy about it. When a witness is killed in the interrogation room at the station, Gordon thinks it is an inside job and finds himself forced to call in a favor from Penguin to get the truth. Bruce searches for Selina but learns Selina might not want to be found. Fish is on the run from Falcone’s men, and Butch could be forced to make a sacrifice. Nigma’s love of Kristen Kringle (Chelsea Spack) could be exposed.
“The Fearsome Dr. Crane”
1.14 The Fearsome Dr. Crane Airdate: 02/02/15
Gordon and Bullock are called in to investigate the murder of people attending an anonymous phobia group, and Dr. Gerald Crane (Julian Sands) enacts the greatest phobias of his victims for his own plans. Nigma’s invasive nature gets him suspended and he could be forced to take creative measures to get himself back on the force. Penguin finds himself trapped when Maroni learns Penguin might be playing him, and Jim’s relationship with Dr. Thompkins heats up. Fish leaves Gotham but could face dangers on the sea.
“The Scarecrow”
1.15 The Scarecrow Airdate: 02/09/15
Gordon and Bullock realize Crane is still on the loose and question what his plans are for his experiments and his son Jonathan (Charlie Tahan). Fish discovers herself imprisoned and learns that even prisons have hierarchies. Penguin is given Fish’s club and sets to make it his own, but Maroni still might have plans for Penguin. Gordon adjusts to Dr. Thompkins working at the station while Bruce Wayne ventures into the woods and faces challenges.
“The Blind Fortune Teller”
1.16 The Blind Fortune Teller Airdate: 02/16/15
Barbara Gordon returns to Gotham and finds her apartment being used by Ivy and Selina. A trip to Haly’s Circus puts Jim and Leslie at odds when the murder of a snake charmer could have a supernatural tie to a blind fortune teller Paul Cicero (Mark Margolis). Penguin discovers his hopes of running his new club dashed by poor attendance but is given a surprising gift by Victor Zsasz. Fish sets out to take control of the situation at the prison and comes up with a unique plan for power. Bruce Wayne starts to investigate Wayne Enterprises’ holding, and the knowledge could be dangerous.
“Red Hood Gang”
1.17 Red Hood Airdate: 02/23/15
When Gus Floyd (Michael Goldsmith) puts on the Red Hood during a robbery, he starts a revolution among his fellow robbers, and Gordon and Bullock must stop the Red Hood Gang before it robs again. Fish’s attempts to meet with her captor fail, and she is forced to take drastic measures. Alfred has an old army friend named Reggie Payne (David O’Hara) comes to Wayne Manor seeking help, but he might have ulterior motives. Penguin deals with an alcohol shortage at his club and gets bad news from his new partner Butch.
“Everyone Has a Cobblepot”
1.18 Everyone Has a Cobblepot Airdate: 03/02/15
Arnold Flass (Dash Mihok) is cleared of his murder charges by Commissioner Loeb, and Gordon finds a shocking reason why. Fish meets her captor Dr. Francis Dulmacher (Colm Feore) and finds Dulmacher has helped restore her vision…for a price. Alfred remains hospitalized after Payne’s attack and Bruce vows to find Payne’s connection to the Wayne Enterprises’ board of directors. Teamed with Harvey Dent, Gordon seeks out to stop Loeb and could uncover a secret that Loeb has been hiding for years.
“Beasts of Prey”
1.19 Beasts of Prey Airdate: 04/13/15
Fish plots a daring escape while Selina and Bruce investigate Payne and his employer. Gordon is put on to the trail of a killer by an admiring officer but finds out “the Ogre” (Milo Ventimiglia) has his own game he plays with the officers trying to bring him down. Penguin seeks to take over a bar and plots an end to Maroni.
“Under the Knife”
1.20 Under the Knife Airdate: 04/20/15
The Ogre begins to stalk Gordon and his friends but Gordon’s relationship with Barbara could affect his plans. After Payne’s murder, Bruce questions his relationship with Selina as they try to get access to the files of Sid Banderslaw (Michael Potts). Maroni meets with Oswald’s mother Gertrude and reveals her son’s true face to her. Nygma’s attempt to help Kringle escape from her abusive boyfriend Tom Dougherty (Zachary Spicer) takes a deadly turn.
“The Anvil or the Hammer”
1.21 The Anvil or the Hammer Airdate: 04/27/15
Barbara is the prisoner of Jason Skolimski who believes she is a kindred spirit and has plans to win her love. Bruce seeks to find what Bunderslaw is hiding at Wayne Enterprises and learns from Lucius Fox (Chris Chalk) that his own father might have secrets. Nygma tries to cover his tracks with the murder of Dougherty and finds a separate persona emerging. Cobblepot sets up a war between Maroni and Falcone’s men which could spill out into the streets of Gotham.
“All Happy Families Are Alike”
1.22 All Happy Families Are Alike Airdate: 05/04/15
Barbara tries to recover from the Ogre’s attack and seeks Lee’s counselling. Gordon finds saving Gotham might mean keeping Falcone alive and finds himself, Bullock, Penguin, and Butch caught in the crossfire…and when Fish reappears alive with Selina as her follower, the real fireworks could start! Bruce and Alfred search for clues to Dr. Wayne’s secret and make a big discovery.
