by Jen
Before we delve into this week’s episode, let’s revisit the good, the bad, and the ugly news from the world of Gotham this week. First, the good: The Hollywood Reporter informed us that Fox has ordered more episodes of Gotham, meaning that its premiere season will be a full 22 episodes.
Then there’s the bad and the ugly, which are one and the same: Deadline: Hollywood reported that Warner Bros. had planned to “paint down” a white stuntwoman rather than hiring a minority to perform stunts for a guest spot in an upcoming episode. Fortunately bad publicity helped them see the error of their ways, and they’ve since recast the stunt role. Hopefully there’ll be no more such nonsense; it is 2014, and the era of blackface should be far behind us.
Then there’s the bad and the ugly, which are one and the same: Deadline: Hollywood reported that Warner Bros. had planned to “paint down” a white stuntwoman rather than hiring a minority to perform stunts for a guest spot in an upcoming episode. Fortunately bad publicity helped them see the error of their ways, and they’ve since recast the stunt role. Hopefully there’ll be no more such nonsense; it is 2014, and the era of blackface should be far behind us.
And now on to Arkham! Someone is killing councilmen in advance of the vote to determine the future of the old asylum - the Mayor and Falcone are backing the plan that was developed by the late Waynes, but Marone is making a play for power in Gotham and it appears he won’t be denied.
Meanwhile, the same killer is working for both sides - and at first glance, it looks like he’s using a sonic screwdriver to kill… but wait, I’ve never seen a sonic screwdriver used to stab someone in the eye! Gordon and his partner seek out the identity of the killer, but their pursuit only uncovers the identity he’s been using for the past several years.
Speaking of Gordon, he finds out more about Barbara when she admits that she and Montoya had a relationship before she knew him.
He is disturbed that she kept this from him, and she in turn is disturbed that he won’t talk about Oswald Cobblepot - little does Barbara know she’s already met the man himself, who came to visit their home in the beginning of the episode. The secrets everyone is keeping don’t bode well for the future of their relationship.
He is disturbed that she kept this from him, and she in turn is disturbed that he won’t talk about Oswald Cobblepot - little does Barbara know she’s already met the man himself, who came to visit their home in the beginning of the episode. The secrets everyone is keeping don’t bode well for the future of their relationship.
In the end, no one wins - the Arkham vote ends with a compromise after a near-death experience appears to alter the Mayor’s perspective. Young Bruce Wayne is mightily disappointed, and Gordon isn’t feeling much better about the state of things in Gotham. Fish Mooney is somewhat pleased with herself, having found a new weapon.
One final piece of advice: never trust villains bearing pastry. Penguin’s cannoli are deadly.
One final piece of advice: never trust villains bearing pastry. Penguin’s cannoli are deadly.
