As the expression goes, if I had nickel for every time a character said, “Where’s Penguin,” “Where’s Sofia,” or “Where’s Ed?” in this episode, I would have a lot of nickels. This was the closest thing to a hide and seek type episode I’ve seen on television in a while, and it worked. Lots of things happening in Gotham.
The show opens with Martin (Christopher Convery) being rescued by The Riddler (Cory Michael Smith) set the tone early as we see A LOT of character movement this episode. Lots of comic relief as well with the “Uncle Penguin sent me to get you. Come on. Let’s go get ice cream” line. This is just the first of three dessert mentions this episode by the way.
‘The Sinking Ship, The Grand Applause’ had a really enjoyable subplot with Bruce (David Mazouz) and Selina (Camren Bicondova) working together to recover a stolen item. The dynamic between these two is already incredible. While outnumbered, and fighting together, they used tandem offense to win the fight. This was one of my favorite parts of the episode as it reminded me a lot of the Arkham gaming series fighting with Batman and Catwoman. Selina even using her whip to stop a goon with a gun was on point. Lots of smirking between Selina and (as my wife says) baby Bruce.
Now that Alfred and Bruce have reconciled, it was really awesome to see Jim and Bullock come together again. (As best they could anyway) I was more than thrilled to see Bullock pick up the badge and ultimately tell Jim that he needed to be the hero that both the GCPD and Gotham believed in. I love the focus on Jim being the hero at this point, and not Bruce as much. Bruce’s time is coming soon though. Excited to see where this goes.
As for the villains, it was fun to see almost every villain interact in this episode. Zsasz (Anthony Carrigan) is always funny, and his team up with Headhunter (Kyle Vincent Terry) could be fun. Grundy (Drew Powell) now realizing that he is/was Butch adds another interesting dynamic. Penguin (Robin Lord Taylor) and The Riddler also rekindling their bromance is gonna be great, especially when Jerome (Cameron Monaghan) (fair to say he will be the Joker) joins them. The casting on this show is phenomenal and when the three of them get together I am certain it will be epic. I anticipate some nods to the old Cesar Romero, Burgess Meredith, and Frank Gorshin 1960s Batman series/movie.
Can’t leave out another dessert mention as Zsasz suggests he and Headhunter go get milkshakes. What’s with the desserts this episode? Still very funny.
Even though there was a lot of keep away with characters in this episode, there was more than enough action. Besides the aforementioned Selina/Bruce fight, the two shootouts were pretty intense. Jim (Ben McKenzie) getting shot by Headhunter was shocking to me, but was nothing compared to Sofia Falcone (Crystal Reed) shooting Jim three more times! But wait, she’s monologue-ing! In true classic villain form, she tells Jim she cares for him and they can start over. When she asks Jim to beg for forgiveness and his life, I literally mouthed the words with Jim Gordon as he said, “Sofia, go to Hell.” (Classic Jim Gordon) Loved it.
Lee Tomkins comes up huge in this episode more than once! Besides saving Penguin from being shot and/or arrested, she saves Jim twice! Pretty cool she saves Jim by shooting Sofia twice (once in the head) and keeping him alive with her medical prowess. Oh and did I mention how she also owned Sampson by hammering his hand? This is certainly not the Dr. Lee Tomkins I remember from the comics, but I’m interested to see where this is going. I can only assume she is taking back the Narrows and will continue to work with the villains.
Oh, and we come to find that Sofia Falcone is in a coma? How is this possible!
The episode conclusion with Barbara Kean (Erin Richards) having another episode hearing voices and seeing Ra’s Al Ghul walking towards her (and somewhat morphing into her) was interesting. Not necessarily sure where they are going with her character but I’m intrigued. Really solid episode overall and I am not only thrilled about the Bruce, Selina dynamic but the ensemble of villains. I can’t wait to see the brilliant Jerome (fair to say Joker) back in the mix with Penguin and Riddler. Ra’s Al Gul not so much.
Rank 8/10 (Loses points only for lack of Jerome, and Sofia somehow surviving!)
-Rob Crowther IV
