The one thing that DC Comics has been getting right is in their television programming. The CW’s Arrow is a bonafide hit and adding The Flash this fall has already created an even bigger buzz. If only the powers that be at Warner turned over the reins of their Cinematic Universe to the TV people who seem to get it. But I digress. Over on FOX, there is Gotham, a Batman inspired show without the caped crusader. That fact alone has soured many who have a hard time dealing with a show taking place in Gotham City and no Batman to be found. I’m not one of them. You would be hard pressed to find a bigger fan of Batman than I am. The reality is, Batman is in every episode. He just happens to be a pre-teen. So yes, I was skeptical too but seeing the people (good and mostly bad) and the events that would shape young Bruce Wayne’s life and his view on his beloved city has become compelling television. And with its latest episode titled Penguin’s Umbrella, it has only furthered my interest.
The character of Jim Gordon has always been one of my favorites. In many ways one could argue that the Gordon-Batman relationship has been the best and strongest of all the Batman partnerships he had forged over the years. That’s with all due respect to Dick Grayson and of course Alfred, who to me has always been the moral compass for Bruce and the voice of reason.
I believe seven episodes in and Gotham has started to find its own path. Is it based on canon? No. But neither was the Superman inspired Smallville, which lasted 10 years and over 200 episodes. Remember the no tights, no flights edict? Didn’t hurt them at all. Will Gotham reign as long as Smallville? Most likely no but it doesn’t have to either. We always knew that the city of Gotham was both corrupt and dysfunctional. Watching it fall under the thumb of gangsters and villains like the Penguin (played brilliantly thus far my Robin Taylor) and those who fight to keep it from falling like Jim Gordon (played equally as good by Benjamin McKenzie) only shapes the hero that would become Batman.
I encourage those who have watched to this point to continue and those who have stayed away to give it a chance. Gotham only enhances the legend. It doesn’t take away from it.
Gotham also stars:
Donal Logue as Harvey Bullock
David Mazouz as Bruce Wayne
Zabryna Guevara as Sarah Essen
Sean Pertwee as Alfred Pennyworth
Erin Richards as Barbara Kean
Camren Bicondova as Selina “Cat” Kyle
Cory Michael Smith as Edward Nygma
Jada Pinkett Smith as Fish Mooney
Victoria Cartagena as Renee Montoya
Andrew Stewart-Jones as Crispus Allen
John Doman as Carmine Falcone
May the Dork be with you,
JPB
The Dork Knight
