Matthew Chase
Connector Contributor
The problem with superhero stories in today’s world is that they are confined to two hours. Being complex characters, it is hard to develop them within that timeframe without multiple disappointing sequels or a lack of action (then again, Michael Bay explosions don’t tell a story either). “Gotham,” the newest television rehashing of the Batman lore, is a rare gem among the cavalcade of superhero stories, not only being a TV series, but a really good one at that.
When the pilot episode of “Gotham” aired on Fox in September, audiences were given a fresh look into the Batman universe, this time through the eyes of James Gordon (Ben McKenzie), a new detective on Gotham City Police Department, GCPD.
Detective Gordon is partnered with Harvey Bullock (Donal Logue), a lackadaisical and corrupt detective that sees Gordon as a goody-two-shoes whom will eventually become part of the Program, controlled by crime boss Carmine Falcone, played by John Doman.
The show begins with the murders of the Waynes, Thomas and Martha, who are the parents of Bruce Wayne, played by David Mazouz. All Batman lovers will remember that this moment is where Wayne draws his strength from and spurs him to be the crime-fighting vigilante Batman. The series follows Gordon on his quest to find the Waynes’ murderer as well as clean up the GCPD.
One thing that immediately stands out in “Gotham” is the performances of the actors. Since the show has no big stars to showcase the superhero appeal, such as Robert Downey, Jr. as Tony Stark, the actors and actresses must rely solely on their talent.
McKenzie delivers a great interpretation of Detective Gordon, appearing as a naïve yet determined young detective. Fans are used to seeing Gordon as an older, more experienced character; McKenzie’s take on this younger version still gives us that stoic confidence of his older self, but with more flare and attitude.
Robin Lord Taylor serves as the other standout in the series, playing Oswald Cobblepot, otherwise known as the Penguin. Rarely has the Penguin’s origin story been addressed, but Taylor shows viewers a younger, low-ranking Cobblepot who is trying to scheme his way into the upper echelons of the organized crime world.
The aesthetics of “Gotham” are unlike any other that have been presented in a Batman series. Most renditions of the city not only take place mostly at night, but are generally dark regardless of time. In the show, Gotham City is still depicted as grimy, but with a more edgy look than other portrayals. Colors and sounds are bright and loud and nothing is hidden to the eye of the camera. Instead of just assuming that the city is grimy and filled with crime, the camera actually shows it in the muggings, robberies and prostitution that run rampant throughout the city. This view of the city helps set up the story perfectly. The wildness of the city helps to set up Gordon and Wayne as the city’s future defenders, and they are molded by an untamed amount of crime and corruption.
Fans of Batman will enjoy this fresh take on the origin of their favorite superhero and will be pleased with the acting and aesthetics that the show has to offer.
The one thing the show is lacking is a solid grasp of its storyline. The characters seem to only loosely fit together and need to have more depth if the show is to continue its success. The latest episode, “Spirit of the Goat,” moved towards that goal with an excellent journey into the background of Bullock. Hopefully “Gotham” will continue down this road of character development, otherwise it could end up amongst the countless number of forgotten superhero stories.
