Things in Gotham are starting to get weird
Gotham City is up for grabs and the arrival of Theo Galavan (James Frain) and his sister Tabitha (Jessica Lucas) means problems for the city. As Jim Gordon (Benjamin McKenzie) finds himself falling down the rabbit’s hole and questioning his own morals, the Oswald “The Penguin” Cobblepot (Robin Lord Taylor) tries to maintain control of the underworld of Gotham. Bruce Wayne (David Mazouz) asks his butler Alfred Pennyworth (Sean Pertwee) for guidance on his quest for revenge while inside Arkham Asylum, Hugo Strange (B.D. Wong) is creating his own type of monster…and those Gotham thought were dead might rise again!!!
Everyone loves me!!!
Gotham—Season 2 is a DC Comics Batman “prequel” series and aired on FOX from September 21, 2015 to May 23, 2016. The season was split into two part “Rise of the Villains” is episodes 1-11 and “Wrath of the Villains” is Episode 12-22. The season received Primetime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Cinematography for a Single-Camera Series (“Azrael”), Outstanding Stunt Coordination for a Drama Series, and Outstanding Sound Editing for a Series (“Azrael”).
Gotham works a lot like other Warner Bros. superhero shows, and it seems to borrow a lot of its format from Smallville which had a very similar concept. As an origin series, Gotham isn’t necessarily open to use all of Batman’s villains since they are often “contemporaries” and Bruce Wayne is young here, but as the series progresses, the walls come down and it becomes more and more of a Batman series.
What Strange’s plan?
The first season of Gotham had its moments, but it was also kind of slow due to the “real world” nature of Gotham stories, but this season has more pep to its step because it starts becoming more comic book oriented. We have characters like the Riddler, Mr. Freeze, and Firefly which have tech which still kind of fits with the real world nature, but the introduction of Hugo Strange and his monster making factory opens up the floodgates for super-villains. The introduction of Clayface alone is a sign of where Gotham can potentially go from here on out.
The series is also working to maximize its supporting cast. Largely, Gotham has been and still is about Jim Gordon and as a result the GCPD. Here, you get to see a real corruption of his morals and a test of his character which doesn’t seem to fit many portrayals of Gordon in modern comics or cartoons. Gordon has always been a pinnacle of police work even if he works with a vigilante. It honestly didn’t make much sense in the bigger picture, but the “erasing” of some of this by Strange potentially resets the character and puts him back on the right track while expanding Bruce Wayne and his circle’s role in the series. The Penguin’s saga also continues with the best bit of casting (or recasting) with Paul Reubens reprising his role as the Penguin’s father after playing him in Burton’s Batman Returns.
Batman…with a gun!?!?
Oddly, Gotham seems to suffer a bit more from budget constraints than some of the other WB shows. It feels like there are a lot of sets and not many locations in many ways. It was interesting to see them utilize New York City a bit this season (like the tunnel near Bethesda Fountain) which potentially can give Gotham a bigger world feel that is sometimes lost when shooting shows in stand-in cities (though I don’t really picture Gotham as NYC).
Gotham—Season 2 maintains the show’s quality or even shows a slight improvement over the first season. Thought it is still long and getting a twenty-two episode season after many shows have dropped to thirteen or even ten or below makes the series drag a bit more than it needs to. I still like the direction that the TV show is taking and look forward to see what problems the newly released monsters cause in Gotham…bring on more super-villains!
Gotham—Season 2 Complete Episode Guide:
“Damned If You Do”
2.1 Damned If You Do… Airdate: 09/21/15
Oswald “The Penguin” Cobblepot (Robin Lord Taylor) is now running Gotham, and Jim Gordon (Benjamin McKenzie) finds himself out of a job when Commissioner Loeb (Peter Scolari) seeks revenge. When Gordon makes a deal with Cobblepot, he could regret it. Barbara Kean (Erin Richards) is locked away in Gotham plotting revenge on Lee (Morena Baccarin) and could have a new ally in Jerome Valeska (Cameron Monaghan). Bruce Wayne (David Mazouz) and Alfred (Sean Pertwee) try to gain access to Bruce’s father’s secret vault and decide to take desperate measures. Edward Nygma (Cory Michael Smith) finds that his second personality is growing stronger as it tries to take over his attempts to form a relationship with Kristen Kringle (Chelsea Spack). A breakout at Arkham Asylum led by a woman named Tabitha (Jessica Lucas) has Theo Galavan (James Frain) making a new power move in Gotham.
“Knock, Knock”
2.2 Knock, Knock Airdate: 09/28/15
The Arkham escapees have rebranded themselves as the Maniax, and Jerome has plans for Gotham. Alfred creates a rift between himself and Bruce that could cause their relationship to be unsalvageable and could be forced to bring someone else in on the secret discovered in Thomas Wayne’s hidden base. Gordon tries to convince Harvey Bullock (Donal Logue) to return to the force and deals with the escape of Barbara. Commissioner Sarah Essen (Zabryna Guevara) finds her new role is more complex than she thought as she faces the worst first week ever.
“The Last Laugh”
2.3 The Last Laugh Airdate: 10/05/15
Essen is dead, and Gordon is in the difficult position of trying to regain control of Gotham. Jerome first must deal with his father issues by a visit to Paul Cicero (Mark Margolis), but then he and Tabitha have bigger plans for the city. A charity event could be Theo Galavan’s big moment to shine, and Bullock has his own warning for the Penguin.
“Strike Force”
2.4 Strike Force Airdate: 10/12/15
The Penguin learns that Galavan has leverage over him in the form of his kidnapped mother (Carol Kane), and Galavan wants Penguin’s help to become Mayor of Gotham. Bruce returns to school in exchange for training from Alfred and meets Galavan’s ward Silver St. Cloud (Natalie Alyn Lind). Nygma makes his big move with Kristen, but a slip of the tongue could ruin the moment. There’s a new commissioner in town in the form of Nathaniel Barnes (Michael Chiklis) who puts his full support behind Gordon and his attempts to clean up the GCPD…but a growing conflict of interest with the Penguin could be a problem.
“Scarification”
2.5 Scarification Airdate: 10/19/15
Galavan needs arsonists and Selina’s connection to the Pike Brothers Joe (Leo Fitzpatrick) and Evan (Noah Robbins) might be what he needs…but Joe and Evan’s “sister” Bridgit (Michelle Veintimilla) could end up paying the price. Barnes is hitting the Penguin’s locations around the city to put pressure on him, and Gordon finds himself in an awkward position. Penguin’s desire to get leverage on Galavan leads to a discovery of a secret Gotham history and a family named Dumas…and Butch (Drew Powell) could be the key to getting Penguin’s mother back.
“By Fire”
2.6 By Fire Airdate: 10/26/15
Bridgit is wanted for the murder of one of Gordon’s team, but when she is kidnapped by her brothers, Gordon must make a deal with Selina if he hopes to get her back. Butch is going undercover with Galavan whether he likes it or not, but his programming by Penguin will be tested. Galavan continues to work his way into Bruce’s life while hiding his vow to kill him. Nygma finds his relationship with Kristen going strong but Kristen’s fears of him hiding something from her could jeopardize the couple.
“Mommy’s Little Monster”
2.7 Mommy’s Little Monster Airdate: 11/02/15
Betrayed by Butch, Penguin discovers Galavan has done the unthinkable…and will stop at nothing for revenge. Galavan has taken control of Gotham and has some new plans for the police force which forces Gordon to reconsider his backing of Galavan. Silver St. Cloud shows her true face to Selina and forces Bruce to take a side. Nygma deals with his murder of Kristen and discovers his other persona isn’t going away quietly.
“Tonight’s the Night”
2.8 Tonight’s the Night Airdate: 11/09/15
Nygma works to cover his tracks but discovers hiding a body isn’t as easy as it seems. Galavan is making his move with Bruce, but he needs to keep Gordon occupied long enough to do it…which means unleashing Gordon’s ex Barbara Kean on him. Bruce debates a big decision that could have a consequential influence on his life.
“A Bitter Pill to Swallow”
2.9 A Bitter Pill to Swallow Airdate: 11/16/15
Galavan is under arrest with the discovery of Mayor Aubrey James (Richard Kind) and Barbara is hospitalized due to her injuries…leaving Tabitha out for revenge. Bruce seeks a way to find out what Galavan knew about his parents’ murder but finds Alfred standing in the way of trying to work with Silver. Nygma’s discovery of Penguin could mean unlikely partnership if Nygma can get Penguin to turn his life around. Going to the Lady (Michelle Gomez), Tabitha hires assassins to take out Gordon…but the Flamingo (Raúl Castillo) could be Gordon’s biggest challenge.
“The Son of Gotham”
2.10 The Son of Gotham Airdate: 11/23/15
The Order of St. Dumas has begun their plan to retake Gotham, and the GCPD is in a race to tie them to Galavan. Bruce and Selina plot to get information from Silver but find the plan going sideways when Bruce and Silver are kidnapped. Alfred search for Bruce puts him in conflict with Tabitha. Galavan prepares to face trial but he has a few tricks up his sleeve…and Gordon could get caught in crosshairs.
“Worse Than a Crime”
2.11 Worse Than a Crime Airdate: 11/30/15
Bruce Wayne is the prisoner of Theo Galavan and being prepared for the ultimate sacrifice of the Brothers of St. Dumas, and Silver finds she must first prove her loyalty. Gordon finds himself wanted and partnered with the Penguin but gets a surprising reveal from Lee. When Lucius Fox (Chris Chalk) finds Bruce and Alfred missing, the search is on for Gotham’s son…and Gordon will have to make the choice of his life. Plus, a new danger arrives in Gotham.
“Mr. Freeze”
2.12 Mr. Freeze Airdate: 02/29/16
Galavan is dead at Gordon and Penguin’s hands, but Gordon isn’t talking, and Penguin is in the wind. When Penguin is captured and shuttled off to Arkham Asylum, he learns that Doctor Hugo Strange (B.D. Wong) has plans for him and the other patients. Tabitha goes to Butch with a new offer of alliance. Meanwhile, someone is freezing and kidnapping people from the streets of Gotham…and Victor “Mr. Freeze” Fries (Nathan Darrow) is on a mission to save his wife (Kristen Hager).
“A Dead Man Feels No Cold”
2.13 A Dead Man Feels No Cold Airdate: 03/07/16
Victor has cracked the formula for his cryogenic process, but the discovery of his crimes has put his wife Nora in police custody. The Penguin finds himself under radical treatment that could break his mind. Alfred has the information Bruce has been seeking and the name Patrick “Matches” Malone (Michael Bowen) as the man behind his parents’ deaths…but Alfred has an ultimatum for Bruce. With Nora as bait, Arkham Asylum becomes the trap, but Hugo Strange has his own plans for Fries.
“This Ball of Mud and Meanness”
2.14 This Ball of Mud and Meanness Airdate: 03/14/16
Finding Matches Malone has consumed Bruce and a request from Selina could make Bruce’s quest deadly. Lee’s concern over Kristen Kringle’s disappearance puts Gordon on a collision course with Nygma. Strange tests his newest patient, and the Penguin learns the results of the treatment. When Alfred is forced out of the hunt, Bruce sets out to find Matches himself…at any cost.
“Mad Grey Dawn”
2.15 Mad Grey Dawn Airdate: 03/21/16
Nygma is done playing games, and Gordon is going down as a result. The Penguin is out of jail and fighting his new programming…but a meeting at his mother’s grave could change his life. Bruce and Selina are living on the streets together, and Bruce might get to test some of Alfred’s training. Setting off a string of puzzles, Nygma has Gordon’s number…and Gordon might have met his match.
“Prisoners”
2.16 Prisoners Airdate: 03/28/16
Gordon is in prison for murder, and when he’s transferred to general population, things are going to get dangerous…but that isn’t the only shock he’ll experience. The Penguin finds himself with a father (Paul Reubens) and a new makeshift family, but not everyone is as welcoming as his dad.
“Into the Woods”
2.17 Into the Woods Airdate: 04/11/16
Gordon has returned to Gotham in the hopes of clearing his name with the help of Bullock but seeking out Nygma to decode a tape tied to the case might be a mistake. Bruce’s time on the run with Selina might be cut short by a surprise and a discovery by Lucius.
“Pinewood”
2.18 Pinewood Airdate: 04/18/16
Nygma has been institutionalized, and Gordon is a free man on a quest to keep his promise to Bruce Wayne by discovering who hired Matches. Bruce and Alfred track down a woman named Karen Jennings (Julia Taylor Ross) who has a surprising story to tell Bruce. With information that the suspect might be called “The Philosopher”, Gordon and Bruce are getting closer to the answers they seek…but Gordon finds the return of Barbara and someone he thought was dead might complicate matters.
“Azrael”
2.19 Azrael Airdate: 05/02/16
Galavan is reborn as the Order of St. Dumas legend Azrael…and Strange has put him on a collision course with Gordon. Nygma suspects Strange is hiding something in Arkham and seeks out his own answers. With Strange as a potential suspect, Arkham Asylum becomes a point of interest for GCPD, but Gordon is at the precinct and Azrael is coming.
“Unleashed”
2.20 Unleashed Airdate: 05/09/16
Bruce’s attempt to get to Hugo Strange means a team-up with Selina who learns that Strange might have her friend Bridgit alive and going into Arkham Asylum might be the only way to get the evidence. Nygma’s discovery of what Strange is hiding in Arkham’s basement leads him to want to escape Arkham Asylum at any cost. Azrael is after Jim Gordon, but a reunion with his sister leads him to take on his original target: Bruce Wayne.
“A Legion of Horribles”
2.21 A Legion of Horribles Airdate: 05/16/16
Azrael’s escape and other failures have put Hugo Strange’s practices at Arkham Asylum under suspicion and the Court of Owls is not happy. Fish Mooney (Jada Pinkett Smith) finds herself alive once again, but unlike Strange’s other experiments, she has her memories…and more. Faced with Firefly, Selina finds that she might have to think fast to keep her old friend from killing her. Bruce, Gordon, and Lucius decide to go undercover at Arkham, but Strange is ready for them…and a prisoner named Basil Karlo (Brian McManamon) might help Strange’s cause.
“Transference”
2.22 Transference Airdate: 05/23/16
Basil has replaced Gordon and stopped the GCPD’s investigation into Arkham for the moment, but with Bruce Wayne among the missing, Bullock finds he might have to act. Orders to destroy the project leads Strange to plot to blow-up Arkham Asylum with much of Gotham as collateral damage…and Bruce Wayne’s interrogation reveals evidence of a hidden council that runs Gotham. Strange’s “treatment” of Gordon could lead to an epiphany if Gordon gets out of Arkham alive. Fish Mooney doesn’t intend to go down with Arkham Asylum and has her own plans for an escape.
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