I was behind but I just got caught up on the past two weeks. And here’s the thing: Gotham has reverted back to its S1 unstructured and unfocused mess. Killing off Joker and ending the Maniax arc did not serve the show. I’ll stick around for a bit but the show is going to have to work to keep me. It started off very strong this season by really focusing on one set story, the rise of certain villains and managing to work its long standing mythology in with its own unique twists. But now it’s back to its case of the week, too much mythology too fast, too little focus, no heart, cliche and hammy performances.
Passing thoughts, as the come to me.
–Barbara was interesting but now she just kisses Tigress because the show wants to be forward thinking and innovative but women kissing just for shock value and without any sort of narrative behind it, or developing it outside of sexual decoration…ooof. It rubs me the wrong way.
–I don’t find Theo compelling. Or at least not as compelling as Jerome was, Penguin (usually) is and Nygma can be. BUT…if we’re doing the St. Dumas storyline (complete with Azarel) I might change my tune. I do love me some religious mischievousness and anti Savior figures.
–Captain Barnes is annoying as HECK. I get it; he’s supposed to be an older version of Gordon with his heroic streak and his focus and determination to Justice and the Law (capital letters because Gordon and Barnes think in terms of sweeping cosmic themes where Justice and the Law are actual universal entities). But goooood lord. Talk about a hammy performance. The actor just chews through the scenery (while he’s throwing the actual scenery around)
–Am I going mad or did Alfred punch Selina Kyle?
–I will endure Kristen Kringle and Nygma dating IF Evil! Nygma comes out to play and turns Kristen into Harley.
–Bruce Wayne has a new love interest. Because that’s what 13 year olds need.
–The show is so unfocused. Is it mythology based or case of the week. Is it cartoony (most of the performances) or is it supposed to be a gritty and realistic look at life in a corrupt city that is in need of a hero?
–Making Firefly a girl is a unique twist but I can’t decide if they are doing it because they already have too many male villains on this show or because there is a larger point.