By: Cynthia Ayala
“Politicians on both sides of the Arkham district issue are in danger as the vote approaches; Gordon gets a visit from an old friend.”
- Synopsis provided by Shazam
This was yet another incredible episode that revolves around the infamous Arkham Asylum. Anyone who has ever picked up a comic knows that Arkham Asylum is where the criminally insane go, notables like the Joker, Poison Ivy and Riddler.
This episode has set the foundation for the future and has given such life to the Gotham mythos. A wonderful episode showed the underbelly of Gotham as the two gangs – Maroni and Falcon – work against one another in hopes of swaying the Arkham vote a particular way.
While that was expertly written alongside the investigation of the murders, Robin Lord Taylor, the Pengiun, was phenomenal. He steals the show with his dark performance, his sneaky charm and sinister smile. He is such an amazing actor who captures his character perfectly. While the overall casting is amazing, he is the character who steals the show. The writing behind his character also makes him a very sympathetic character that makes viwers want to root for him to win.
There is that added bonus of added characterization and story that builds the tension between the characters in the show, most notably between Barbara and Jim, a tension created by Montaya and her eagerness to bring down Gordon and get Barbara back. That doesn’t make her an unlikable character because on the one hand, viewers understand that while she is just trying to be a good cop there is also the fact that she is using her position and self-righteous attitude to drive a wedge between the pair.
Honestly though, in the end, I just can’t get enough Gotham.
Directed by: TJ Scott
Written by: Ken Woodruff
Starring: Ben McKenzie, Donal Logue, David Mazouz, Zabryna Guevara, Sean Pertwee, Robin Lord Taylor, Erin Richards, Camren Bicondova, Cory Michael Smith & Jada Pinkett Smith
Genre: Crime-Drama, Action, Superhero
Original Air Date/Time/Channel: October 13, 2014 | 8 PM EST | FOX