“Damned If You Do” Gotham is Back!
Waiting in wonderful anticipation for one of your favorite shows to return is not something I do easily and for Gotham it was one of the hardest show breaks I’ve experienced. Finally, finally September 21st arrived and it was well worth the wait! Episode one “Damned if You Do” starts off with a bang and does not slow down until “Gotham” appears just before the credits.
Zaardon drinking the potion–Copyright Fox2015
Zaardon is a funny opening to the show, though it’s a bit odd that no one in Gotham batted an eye to the random costumed guy until he started shooting, but the comical aspect of his character starts on a lighter foot and also make you think that his “master” isn’t that big of a threat. Of course, we all know Gotham better than that, plus the show creators have eluded to who the new player in the game is in the trailers and teasers. Zaardon’s threat to Gordon that “dark days are coming” is something to be noted, especially since this season has been dubbed “The Rise of the Villains”. We quickly get a taste of the Edward Nygma to be, and Corey Michael Smith’s acting is top notch. Going from the “Cool Nygma” in the mirror to the nervous and unsure Nygma we’re used to is a treat to see him portray, plus it does make you feel bad for “normal Nygma”. We then move from Nygma’s scene to the jerk that is Commissioner Loeb, whom as usual, has a bone to pick with Gordon. This time he decides to fire him for “pushing another officer”, which is the dumbest thing he could have been fired for. Loeb is really fishing when he says “some men just aren’t meant to be cops” and honestly I was expecting Gordon to deck him, I sure would have! Gordon without a badge is a weird sight, but it definitely won’t last. I’m interested in seeing how far Gordon will go to get it back. I’m also looking forward to see Loeb get his. I adore Lee and Gordon together, they compliment each other really well and she is a rock for him. She’s sort of a moral compass and it’s great to watch him seek guidance, but mostly reassurance, from her.
Holy shiitake mushrooms, the banter between Jerome and Barbara is outstanding. Cameron Monaghan, who plays Jerome, is an amazing actor and the rest of the cast has been vocal about how excited they are to be working with him. His portrayal of “The Joker” (at least from what we as watchers can assume is his destiny) is fun to see and it’s going to be an interesting trip to watch his growth into that character. This show is one of the best when it comes to subtle, yet powerful, character development. We saw it mostly with Oswald last season and it seems as though we’re going to see a lot of characters grow. I know I for one am looking forward to that!
Butch stands loyally by Penguin’s side–Copyright Fox2015
Speaking of Cobblepot, all of the yes! Robin Lord Taylor is just spectacular (warning: I do and will admit to ranting and raving about him, but I am not going to stop!) Since day one of this show he has proven to be the most interesting character. His acting style is so… poetic. His nuances when he’s playing “Cobblepot” are very meek and mild-mannered but when he’s “The Penguin” he’s firm and volatile. As Penguin his voice hardens and the doe-eyes immediately disappear. The scene with Gordon is the perfect example of that! When he’s speaking to Gordon as a “friend” his voice quivers just slightly, but everything changes once he slams his hand on the table and gets serious. It’s just spectacular.
When Gordon goes to apologize to Bruce for not making good on his promise I think Bruce’s response was something none of us expected at this point in his story line. It was sound advice coming from the boy who will be Batman! With Bruce’s blessing, Gordon goes to confront the mob boss who owes Penguin money and ends up doing something I did not see coming. I don’t even think Gordon knew he was going to go that far. In doing so, Gordon solidified his place back in the GCPD, but who knows what his actions may have cost him. At least when he confronts Lee about it she stays by his side, but they never really explained how much he told her about it. Once again proving how much of a rock she is for Gordon.
In the amazing “Do you have any peanut butter?” scene I spy a small black bowler hat. Now, unless I’m mistaken we haven’t seen Cobblepot don any sort of hat, but of course Penguin’s trademark look is a top hat, so it’s most likely going to appear sometime! Keeping good with his promise, Cobblepot gets the Commissioner to resign. At the resignation ceremony we meet the new threats to Gotham, Theo Galavan and his sister Tabitha. These two broke out the Arkham Asylum inmates for his, well whatever it is he’s planning. The inmates include Barbara and Jerome, whom at this point in the episode have an interesting “Harley Quinn and Joker” feel, though I doubt they’re going to have Barbara go the Harley route, she really isn’t that psychotic… yet?
Gordon apologizes to Bruce–Copyright Fox2015
I have to admit I got a bit emotional when Bruce read the letter from his father. It creates so many questions for Bruce’s crusade, what does Bruce feel is his true calling at the moment? And will his father’s cave (heh, Batcave) have any clues to the corruption of Wayne Enterprises? The whole thing between Bruce and Alfred trying to get into the cave is great too. Especially Bruce’s line about either helping him make the bomb or getting him some tea, that was killer.
This episode all in all is a strong but heavy opener to the new season. It was dark but fun and held my interest two viewings through. The episode gives hints towards the path this season will take as well. I think Gordon will truly be testing this season, especially now that he’s dirtied his hands in a way that he has always hated and I know that Bruce will become more and more intent on finding the truth. Of course we have no idea what’s in store for Barbara, Jerome and the other inmates and I really cannot wait to find out!
Want more Gotham goodness? Check back all week for interviews with the cast!
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