Batman gets the Smallville treatment…
Looks like Batman has finally got the prequel series treatment, just like DC’s Superman long-running CW series Smallville.
It works especially as it makes a statement, which was seen in The Dark Knight films on how the police force sometimes serves corruption. There’s even a quote at one point on how crime is an essential function to show that the police are there to protect?
Gotham does although sometimes become a bit cheesy, particularly the incorporation of Selina Kyle stalking Bruce Wayne after witnessing the death of his parents. I mean it’s perfect for the two to have a somewhat deeper connection, but it just seems a tad corny for a show that’s trying to be largely dark.
The OC‘s Ben Mckenzie also marks his return to FOX, the channel that kick-started his career. Ben proves his still got it as he pulls of the perfect brooding demon-battling good hero as lead character, Jim Gordon.
Oh and was it just me, or was Alfred (Sean Pertwee) quite icy? He was quite comical when Jim payed Bruce a visit. He certainly appeared as a man who hasn’t got time for any nonsense. Jim’s mentor although, Detective Harvey Bullock was a tad bit too much as his character aims to challenge Jim. I feel his role needs to be turned down a bit as Jim seems a much more complex character in comparison.
Villainess Fish Mooney first appears on screen as a tad over the top until we later get to know her. She proves a great addition, played superbly by Jada Pinkett Smith as the conniving underground club ring leader who unfairly treats her minion Oswald Cobblepot (Robin Lord Taylor).
Well it comes back to bite her in the end after he reports her illegal activities, which in turn lead her to becoming a suspect in the Wayne’s murders.
Jim Gordon may live to regret his kindness though, as he lets Penguin go after being sentenced to death by Fish when she discovers his betrayal. We are then treated to Penguin’s iconic disturbing murders, when he resurfaces after Jim chucks him into the sea (to convince Harvey that he murdered him) and kills an innocent fisher for his sandwich.
Side Notes: Does Jim’s girlfriend Barbara have a lesbian history with Detective Renee? They seemed a tad more than just old-school friends. And who else is digging Ivy being on the show as a kid? It’s nice to see her evolution into her eventual Poison Ivy persona. Oh and one more thing.. *cough* Riddler *cough*
VERDICT: The pilot shows large amounts of potential for a dark gritty DC series, if it plays it’s cards right (Yes, that was a Joker pun).
Overall Rating:
4/5
Watch the promo for next week’s episode below:
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYEY86-2RNg?feature=player_detailpage]
– Shahbaz Malik.
Image: FOX
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