Gotham is definitely one of the most publicized and promoted new show of the season. FOX continues to struggle to find their 24 replacement drama/thriller. The show focuses on a young Jim Gordon (Ben McKenzie) investigating the Wayne family murder in Gotham City. The show is the supposed “untold” origin stories, which I thought most characters/villains have—at some point—within Batman comics, graphic novels, or one-shots. Despite being a cop/crime story, Gotham is going to be serialized and not procedural. The show has a film noir feel, which I love a la Veronica Mars; it is filmed in New York with very little CGI. The series even built an entire two story police precinct. Director and Executive Producer Danny Cannon has described the essence of Gotham: “What the show looks at is why a town like that will eventually need a vigilante to help them. What makes a town so crazy, what makes a town so out of control that villains begin to wear costumes?”
The focus of the first season appears to revolve around the Penguin (Robin Taylor). Penguin has never been one of my favorite villains but maybe I will convert, especially with a great performance. The rumor is Joker will be present yet hidden during the season. I hope Bruce Wayne plays a small role just to explore the city of Gotham more…because I don’t really want to watch a Batman TV show. Gotham will showcase the psyche of a 13 year old Bruce Wayne (David Mazouz) with subtle foreshadowing. There is a newly created antagonist for Gordon and the city of Gotham in Fish Mooney (Jada Pinkett Smith). I am excited the show is creating a new character within the comic universe. Gotham will also mark the first live action portrayal of Detective Harvey Bullock (Donal Logue).
I admit to having mixed feelings when Gotham was announced. Then, I got more excited as news such as casting and plots were released. The previews looks legitimately awesome and the show appeared promising. Unfortunately, after the pilot was screened at SDCC, the hype has died down pretty quickly. The pilot seems to have let a lot of people down and was underwhelming. My new series rule is a show must be given at least 3 episodes before you decide to not write off a new show. Pilots CAN be difficult to judge. They have to cram so much back-story, future subplots and character introductions/relationships into either 22 minutes or 42 minutes. I recognize the pilot challenge so a show needs a few episodes to hit a rhythm and set the tone and direction that the series will/ can go.
GOTHAM’s competition spiritually as well as strategically is Agents of Shield–which will come out on top.
I am now not as excited about Gotham but if superheroes have taught me anything—it’s to have hope. Besides when you look at the competition this FALL from other DC shows as well as the Marvel juggernaut (no pun intended) then DC and Fox and better PRAY that GOTHAM finds its’ feet fast.
What do YOU think Saturday AM fanatics? Let us know in the FORUMS.
By Kasey Michael-–a lover of all things entertainment. Born and bred in North Carolina, she has a degree in Film Studies and can usually be found in front of a screen.
