After the critically acclaimed Dark Knight trilogy, DC Comics seeks to capitalise on the Batman success in a novel yet sustainable way, by launching a prequel as a TV show.
Similar to The Hobbit and Star Wars: Episodes I-III, Gotham partly shifts the focus from the initial protagonist. Thus, the story doesn’t revolve around Batman, but around other familiar characters that inhabit the city of Gotham. Drawing from Nolan’s naturalistic approach, the series aims to show how Bruce Wayne was shaped by the social climate of his environment, long before his alter ego’s actual inception.
Plagued by gang wars and corrupt officials, Gotham is rotten to the bone. Freshly appointed police detective James Gordon provides the typical comic book antithesis, as he takes a stance against the status quo. However, another underdog steals the show: a conniving young Penguin rises within the ranks of the local underworld with enough grace and charisma to often atone for his psychopathic tendencies. And as a runner-up comes Fish Mooney, a power-hungry mob leader, the donna whose strengths lie in deceit and seduction.
Not all is dark in Gotham, as Gordon’s partner, Harvey Bullock, shows occasional signs of redemption. Otherwise, the jaded detective often provides comic relief. As does eccentric forensic scientist Edward Nygma, the future Riddler. Sly young troublemaker Selina Kyle, soon-to-be Catwoman, mostly lands into amusing situations. A similarly entertaining dynamic appears as butler Alfred Pennyworth tries to contain young master Bruce.
Blending crime drama, gangster epics, interesting characters, well-placed laughs and a basket full of Easter Eggs for the fans, Gotham feels exciting without even revealing its full potential. A spot-on cast pumps colour into the moody dark city. This promising start reminds me of the first season of “Fringe”.
Let’s hope the producers play their cards right! Maybe even a Joker…!?
By Stefan Stoican
The Rabbit Newspaper 