You know, this is at least the third episode of Gotham where we find a masked man. Some have been good but most evil. I wonder what Gotham is trying to tell us. (Just kidding, I get it.) Hopefully soon I can do a blog post on all of the masked men we've seen so far.
Gotham continues to mature as a series and while this wasn't their best entry it still introduced us to many interesting concepts and characters.
The main plot point of the "Fight Club" business was tepid at best. We've seen it.
I got a real "Wolf of Wall Street" vibe when we caught glimpses of the feral and entitled staff too.
No, the best thing about this episode was how Gotham handled the dynamic between the main characters and how their stories are interwoven.
The relationship between Alfred and Bruce was a high point. In fact, this was a pretty good "Bruce" episode. Alfred has been a bit of a disappointment but bringing young Bruce to confront Tommy Elliot and reassuring Bruce he can teach him how to fight was valuable indeed.
Alfred proved he could be parental if need be but he also showed he is a worthy mentor and a bit of a best friend too. In the above frame, Bruce confesses to the fire of being angry all the time and I got a big time Batman rush from that statement.
I've had my doubts about David Mazouz as Bruce but his beat down of Tommy Elliot using his Dad's watch was rather thrilling. Yes, that sounds a little sick but we are seeing the future Batman at his earliest moments. Sometimes the Bat just can't contain himself and it took Alfred to pull the reins back. The use of the watch was highly symbolic as Elliot was taunting Bruce over the loss of his parents. Bruce channeled their loss and used that memory to teach Elliot a valuable if not bloody lesson.
And, whoa! I forgot they were going to introduce Tommy Elliot. I think a Hush came over my darkened psyche. Cole Vallis made quite the impression as Elliot. I hate him already! He was cruel and entitled and hopefully he will become a recurring character. When Tommy grows up to be Hush he will become a powerful villain in the Batman mythology. For now, as young Tommy, let's hope we see more of him as he will provide Bruce as an off and on friend, competitor and foil that Bruce can measure himself against.
Another dynamic that played itself out was the one between Bullock and Gordon. I still have my doubts concerning Bullock and sometimes I think he is too earnest when he tries to convince Gordon he is on his side. (I have a theory that Bullock is still in league with Fish Mooney and to the detriment of Gordon.)
Take a look at Bullock in Essen's office as he gazes upon the beleaguered Gordon. It was quite telling. It shows Bullock as shaded to different degrees. Not all of which are honest. He sympathizes with Gordon and do doubt sees a bit of himself as he once was. Harvey's in deep now and I think the tentacles of Mooney and Falcone reach deep inside him. Gordon wants to trust him but I would be wary as of now.
Speaking of Essen, did anyone else get a romantic vibe here? In the comics this comes to pass.
Allies of a different sort were displayed when the Cobblepots were seen together. The fast rising Penguin tried his "hand" at smoothing things over with Fish Mooney but she had a different point to deliver. Penguin learned his lesson. But thanks to Mama Cobblepot, Oswald found out there is more than one way to trap a rat. This episode didn't belong to the Penguin but as always Robin Lord Taylor stole every scene he was in. In fact when the family dynamic is played out between the Cobblepots I don't know which one is more oddly magnetic, Oswald or Gertrude.
Maybe they should get their own spin off series.
And spinning out of control are Barbara and Jim. Should I really comment on these two? Have another drink Barbara and don't let the door hit you on the way out. Sheesh, not again with her!
Lastly we got a good look at Edward Nygma. He really wan't paired off with anyone but as usual he seemed a little "at sea" when it came to working with others. Ed continues to be pushed away by just about everyone and it is only a matter of time before his resentment builds to the point where he'll take all the knowledge working for the police and use it against them.
Cory Michael Smith who plays the future Riddler has a nice comedic touch. His scene with the deceased office worker was pretty funny. The riddle he posed to the stiff was unsolvable and I got a kick out of him just talking to the dearly departed. Cobblepot gets so many good scenes maybe it is high time Ed got his share.
Alas, the next episode is titled "Harvey Dent" so the stage will have to be shared with another baddie. How much room is there for another super villain?
Enough for Killer Croc? I hope so! Don't go down in the sewers anytime soon Jim.
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