When it was announced that Season Five would be the last for Gotham, I knew things were going to get very real, very fast. But I was not prepared for the emotional roller coaster that was “Year Zero.”
Gotham City has gone to hell in a hand basket. Sectors of the city are controlled by crime lords. Resources such as food and ammunition are low. No one gets in or out of the city, and the government refuses to provide any help. On a more character-driven level, Selina is paralyzed and even tries to kill herself with a scalpel during a pretty devastating scene. Like I said, this one gets real.
If only that was the most painful part of the episode. Unfortunately, we had to say goodbye to Tabatha, who was stabbed to death by the Penguin. I absolutely hate to see Taby go as she is a favorite, but what a scene: Tabatha is just about to take Penguin out with a head shot, but the gun misfires due to Penguin’s shoddy ammo manufacturing. I honestly thought she was going to die last season, but this one still floored me. I’m devastated.
Meanwhile, Captain Jim Gordon and Bruce Wayne are doing everything they can to protect the people of Gotham. Jim is constantly radioing for government aid, and Bruce calls in a helicopter with supplies. Naturally, the copter is blown out of the sky and a war over the supplies ensues on the ground. Bruce steps up his Batman game a bit more this episode as he takes out a handful of Penguin thugs and Scarecrow thugs. He comes up big when he delivers ammo to the cops and medicine to the clinic. Gordon is keen to Bruce going out on his own to fight and tells him, “Next time you wanna help, just ask. You’ve earned a place here.” The Gordon/Bruce relationship here is perfect. They even have another little teaser moment while they are both standing in front of what will presumably become the bat signal.
There are unanswered questions aplenty this episode which should lead to some nice storytelling throughout the season. First, we actually aren’t told who shot the helicopter out of the sky, but we can make some assumptions. (Tabatha?) I honestly have no clue who this witch is that the nurse is referring to in regards to healing Selina. Could it be Zatanna or Poison Ivy? I feel like I’m missing something obvious here. Finally, towards the conclusion of the episode Jim is contacted by a woman on the radio who says they are allies from across the river. Again, I’ve got nothing.
As Gotham enters it’s fifth season, I was not surprised to see some time jumps early on. They have to get things moving, and get teen Bruce to somehow finally become Batman. (The teasers have shown a batman silhouette behind smoke). I’m honestly shocked the show is wrapping after only five seasons, as I was expecting more of a Smallville type build of 10 Seasons. The time jump we see at the beginning of the episode captioned, “No Man’s Land – Day 391” features Jim, Harvey, Riddler, and Penguin working together to take on what appears to be a legit army. I have so many theories, but I’ll let this play out a bit.
The episode wraps with a final message from the GCPD Captain himself:
“I know you’re all asking why are we still here when our own government won’t help us. It’s simple. We’re supposed to be giving these people hope. Hope that if they’re in danger someone will come. WE WILL COME. Suit UP!”
Things are dim in Gotham, and things may even get worse before they get better. In any case, it looks like it’s going to be a hell of a ride as Season 5 should ultimately be the completed origin stories of Commissioner Gordon and The Dark Knight.
Overall rating: 9 out of 10
