Review: Gotham Season 3 Episode 7, Red Queen [SPOILERS]

OVERVIEW
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Gotham defers exploring Nygma's brain, while Gordon explores his own brain with Barbara as his guide. Wheee!

Elevator Operator Barbara with Jim Gordon in Jim Gordon's Mind Elevator
Source: http://i2.wp.com/tvrecappersdelight.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Gotham-Jim-Gordons-Trip.jpg

LOWS

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None.

MEDIUMS

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1. Nygma
I'm disappointed with what we didn't get to explore with Nygma. We didn't get to explore Nygma's psyche right off the bat because Isabella wasn't a figment his brain created. However, I cheated and watched the promo for next episode before writing this review, so I know there's definitely hope for next episode.

I HAD wanted to see Nygma deal with his murder of Kristen. I mean, the first time he "dealt" with it...he didn't really deal with it. His mind just sort of...broke. That made perfect sense, too. I would also go insane, if I killed someone I loved. How could anyone's brain deal with that?

But the more time passes, the more distance Nygma puts between himself and the murder, the more you'd expect it to creep up on him and demand to be looked at again, more objectively. This expectation is especially valid if Nygma can bring himself to love someone new. It's especially, ESPECIALLY valid if Nygma can bring himself to love someone new who looks like Kristen.

In this episode, Nygma seems to have come to terms with his murder of Kristen as "an accident." But it's more complicated than that.

It all started when Nygma murdered Tom Doherty because Tom was abusing Kristen. Actually, it all started when Nygma fell in love with Kristen. But I mean... immediately before Nygma killed Kristen, he revealed to her that he killed Tom.

She wasn't grateful or relieved. She was horrified. She tried to run, saying that she was going to tell the police.

And her fear was justified. I'd have run away in terror, too, if it turned out my boyfriend was a murderer. I personally wouldn't have said I was going to the police though, Kristen, because 1) it's stupid to say that and 2) I would probably have actually felt a bit of gratitude. Also, I wouldn't have continued dating Tom after he abused me, so Nygma wouldn't have had to kill Tom in the first place. Anyway, sorry. I don't mean to victim-blame. I reiterate that Kristen's reaction to Nygma was understandable.

In fact, it was Nygma's reaction to Kristen that had me going "What?" Actually, it still has me going "What?" But that's part of the brilliance of it. I doubt Nygma has any more of a clue why he did what he did than I do.

Yeah, he was trying to explain himself to her, but why was he so desperate to speak his piece that his grip on her was tight enough to strangle her in mere seconds?

Was he desperate to be understood by her? Was he desperate to keep her from leaving him? Was he desperate to save his own skin from the police?

And I say again: it wouldn't have happened if Nygma hadn't killed Tom.

So should Nygma have interfered in Kristen's life and murdered Tom? And why did Nygma fall in love with Kristen in the first place if she was never that nice to him and had nothing in common with him? Was Kristen right to be afraid of Nygma after he told her about Tom since Nygma DID end up killing her?

If Nygma had known he was dangerous to Kristen, would he still have dated her? Should Nygma have known he was dangerous to Kristen? Did Nygma know he was dangerous to Kristen? Was Nygma a bad person? Even before his Riddler personality took over?

These are the questions Nygma should be asking himself, and most of all, he should be asking himself how to keep himself from killing anyone else he loves. Is he a danger to everyone, no matter how good, kind, sane, and in love he is?

Fingers crossed we'll get to see Nygma explore these questions in the next episode.

2. Isabella
I know it's weird to say this about a show that features zombie supervillains and such but my suspension of disbelief is being tested. I mean, Isabella looks exactly like Kristen, speaks in riddles, showed up right before Penguin could express his love to Nygma, and she isn't a figment of Nygma's imagination?

Well, then there needs to be some other explanation for such a huge set of coincidences. I'd even take the "secret twin" explanation at this point. We'll see what happens next episode. If no explanation comes, I fear I may never accept the miraculous existence of Isabella.

On the other hand, Isabella is working quite well as an obstacle for Penguin and Nygma's relationship. A little TOO well. I'm really sad and frustrated for Penguin at this point. To think this is what I wanted: for there to be some conflict that keeps Penguin and Nygma from turning into a fairy tale couple.

Thankfully, I already see how Nygm and Isabella could fall apart. She's already a bit creepy, saying that Ed is the Anthony to her Cleopatra, the Romeo to her Juliet, the Othello to her Desdemona. As Nygma said, all those characters died. If I didn't know any better -- and I don't -- I'd think Isabella kind of LIKES the fact that Nygma is a murderer. It excites her. She wants some tragic, death-destined romance and she wants Nygma to fit a certain mold of character. Not a good sign.

3. Vale
Ok, I feel really mean for what I said about Vale's actress last time (even though I stand by it), so I'll say she did alright this episode. She was smart enough to realize that Gordon was trying to save Lee, self-respecting enough to break up with him, and like I predicted, she lost her hope in him because of the incident. Very sad.

4. Tetch's Scheme
A little anticlimactic, the way his scheme ended. (No one got poisoned, and Gordon didn't get to bring Tetch down.) I know that's probably the point, though, and it's actually a good twist that Captain Barnes will be the real threat to Gotham, rather than Tetch with Alice's blood.

It's just that the writers are going to have to really come through with Barnes, making his story more fascinating than the story that would have played out if Tetch had successfully poisoned the heads of Gotham.

HIGHS

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1. Penguin 

I like that he seemed genuinely upset to have to get in the way of love, since he mentions it twice, first to Nygma and then to Catherine/Katherine, whom he had no reason to lie to. I'm glad he DID get in the way of love though. See, that's one of things that I love about Penguin: he's always been the character you could do crazy things vicariously through.

Remember that time he attacked a guy who booed his mom? That's the kind of thing real people know better than to do, because it usually only upsets the loved ones we think we are defending. (Nygma knows it. Just look at the thanks he got for killing his girlfriend's abusive ex who she was terrified of, lol.)

Penguin's mom didn't seem to mind though. That's why I miss the duo of Penguin and his mother, and it might also be why Penguin doesn't know any better than to try and drive Isabella away. He thought that he was a better match for Nygma and that Isabella would be "a disaster." Real people know that driving Isabella away would hurt Nygma and likely hurt Penguin and Nygma's relationship. So we wouldn't do it, if we were Penguin. But we wish we could, so we love watching Penguin do it.

In other news, Hugo Strange apparently actually had plans for Penguin! Strange worked for the Council, and in this episode, the Council revealed that they have a purpose in mind for Penguin. So, that's probably what Strange meant when he said he had plans for Penguin. I must say this is a fulfilling twist, especially since I gave up on Strange's "plan" for Penguin ever being relevant.

I wonder if Penguin will discover the existence of the council, realize he's not actually the King of Gotham, and start scheming to get to the top. Scheming, ladder-climbing Penguin was my favorite part of Season 1. I love that side of Penguin. I'd love to see it again.

2. Bruce & Selina
I'm glad Bruce didn't just let Selina get away with being so late. He wasn't so desperate to be with her that he would sweep his own feelings under the rug, and his relationship with her will be healthier because of it. I mean, I guess I know their relationship won't last, or it'll be on-again off-again, from what I know of the characters. Whatever, though. If it were to last, it would be better off because of Bruce's self-respect.

3. Jim Gordon
I like that Barbara wasn't just one of the stops on the ride. She was in the elevator on the journey with Jim. I mean, Barbara's been around since Season 1 Episode 1, and like I said a couple reviews ago, Jim and Barbara have a lot in common. For instance, they both cut off their engagements and came back to their exes too late and let it kill their spirits.

Also, disturbingly, they have similar tendencies toward violence, as seen when Jim tried to force Barbara to open the elevator doors and she came back at him with a broken glass. Jim may want Lee more than he wants Barbara, but he relates to Barbara more.

I like that Penguin appeared during Jim's first stop on the elevator, which also featured a war zone and Bruce. It seemed like Jim was going back to his roots. Not only did Gordon used to be a soldier, but also, just like Barbara, Penguin and Bruce have been around since Gordon first arrived in Gotham. And Penguin has actually been on Jim's side of the "war" the whole time.

I'm glad that Jim found his way back and rejoined the police, but I did think the stops on the elevator could have been explored further. They all seemed a bit rushed, but I understand there's only so much time in an episode.

Now, prepare for the "dead relative is still alive" twist. Even when you find your way back, Jim, there'll be something new to lead you astray. I think it's once you get used to that fact that you'll get yer sea-legs.

RATINGS

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General: 8/10

Compared-To-All-The-Content-I've-Ever-Loved: 7/10

Review: Gotham Season 3 Episode 6, Follow the White Rabbit [SPOILERS]

OVERVIEW
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Gotham was great again this week, wasn't it? Yes, it was. :)  Mad Hatter's SUPERvillainy, Penguin's feelings, and Nygma's psyche, oh my! Featuring appearances from classic moral dilemmas like the trolley problem!

The White Rabbit/Messenger for The Mad Hatter
Source:http://cnema.me/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Gotham-Season-3-Episode-6.jpg

LOWS

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None.

MEDIUMS

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1. Jim Gordon
I thought Gordon's scene where he kept hanging up the phone was hilarious. I'm glad he kept a bit of humor when faced with the horrible sorts of choices good people hope to never be faced with. I like that Gordon tried refusing to play Jervis's game and that Gordon tried changing the game by getting under Jervis's skin. Unfortunately, it didn't work either time, but I'm glad he tried.

What bugs me, though, is why not tell Bullock? Bullock seems like he, of all people, would be fine with not telling Captain Barnes and just going in alone with Gordon. And I didn't have time to think about it until Bullock asked the question himself. And Gordon simply answered with, "I couldn't." ...Why even bring it up if you have no good explanation, Gotham?

Also, Gordon picked Lee to save Lee, right? I sure hope so. I just feel his bond with Lee is stronger than with Vale.

2. Lee and Vale
I can understand that the lock-picking scene was there to show that Lee and Vale didn't just wait around helplessly, but if Vale knew how to pick locks, why didn't Vale pick the locks? Seems like it would have gone a lot faster that way.

Also, I hate to say it, but the actress who plays Vale is just not great. I mean, it was distractingly bad when Vale and Lee were seated across from each other and you could see Lee being visibly scared, as anyone would be, while Vale barely reacted to anything. Maybe it's part of Vale's character and she's fearless or something, but it didn't come off that way.

Now, I personally believe that Gordon picked Lee to save Lee. But even if that's true and Lee knew it, Lee's reaction at the end showed that, understandably, she can't exactly appreciate what Gordon did for her. Not while Vale's in surgery and on the verge of death anyway.

That not even Lee can be happy to be alive is heartbreaking. But understandable of course. And it shows you that just because you save more people doesn't necessarily mean you put more happiness into the world. It's especially true, if the person you threw under the bus survives (as Vale likely will, in my opinion) and has lost their trust and hope in you.

Nobody wins. It's all very sad.

HIGHS

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1. Penguin & Nygma

Ok, I'm on board the Nygmobblepot bandwagon. :)

If you remember from my last review, my two chief worries about Nygmobblepot were that 1) it would make the show seem too sunny if a full-on romance blossomed between Penguin and Nygma and 2) Nygma was still hung up on Kristen.

Well, Gotham has addressed both of those issues, at once, perfectly.

See, the heart of story is conflict, and I couldn't see any serious way conflict could ensue if Penguin and/or Nygma fell in love. They're a good match for each other.

But ok, granted, I didn't try hard to find ways there could be a battle within and/or FOR Penguin and Nygma's relationship. I didn't try hard because 1) I didn't want Penguin's heart to be broken again, and 2) I didn't want Gotham to start running around in circles with Penguin again.

Last season, I felt like that's what the Gotham writers were doing: having Penguin just go through heartbreak again and again with no purpose. How happy I was when I realized that (probably) there was a purpose to all that suffering. It brought Penguin to Nygma. I think we'd all like to believe that our suffering has a purpose, and it feels great to experience a confirmation of that hope, even if it's vicariously through our favorite characters.

So, why am I ok with the conflict the writers did cook up for Penguin and Nygma? Because, if I'm right (which, admittedly, is a sizable 'if'), "Isabella" is just a figment of Nygma's imagination, created to help him deal with his feelings for Kristen, whom Nygma is obviously still in love with even though he murdered her.

Why would this hallucination pop up at this exact moment in Nygma's life? Well, quite possibly, Nygma is having trouble processing his feelings for Penguin in light of the fact that Nygma murdered the last person he was in love with.

Oooooooh!

It's all so juicy and psychological! I can't wait to see Nygma's mind explored more deeply than ever!

If I'm right about Isabella, it could mean that Nygma will have to get rid of her by working through his feelings and THEN he and Penguin can be together. I would be fine with that, since that's how a lot of love stories go. You know, there's the initial conflict and then a peaceful relationship that is simply back burnered until something interesting can continue to evolve it. I mean, seeing as the Gotham writers have already found a way to add conflict without breaking Penguin and Nygma apart completely, I trust they can do it in the future.

Alternatively, if I'm right about Isabella, it could mean that Nygma will never be able to get rid of her, and she will always pop up when he's getting close to Penguin, and Penguin/Nygma will never officially happen. I would also be ok with that, since then Penguin and Nygma will be back to being friends and they're actually pretty happy that way. Also, I'm very enamored with the idea of Nygma being forever in love with someone he murdered, like a ghost that haunts him.

If I'm wrong about Isabella, then...I dunno. How is it possible that there's a real woman who looks just like Kristen and also randomly spouts riddles? I guess we'll find out, if I'm wrong about Isabella.

Also, Penguin was just so freaking cute this episode. And just so relatable. I'd be totally in love with Nygma, too, after what Nygma did last episode. And I'd be filled with such hope that I would make speeches at breakfast about choosing courage over cowardice, too. I love Penguin! He's definitely regained a lot of his warmth in this episode.

2. Mad Hatter
Ok, Mad Hatter. Wow. I mean, he's still as scary and hate-able as he was in his previous episodes, but now he's super-hate-able because he's a supervillain!

To quote Megamind, the difference between a villain and a supervillain is "presentation!"

And Jervis Tetch's presentation is on point.

He doesn't just go around killing people anymore. He murders with panache. He builds up to a grand finale. He keeps his villainous word, cross his heart and hope to die.

He holds all the cards this episode, and what does he choose to do with that power? Put on a good show!

I felt like I was watching one of the classic cartoon supervillains in living color and with actual death happening.

That poor married couple! I was terrified for them when they got kidnapped. Not to make light of it at all, but the shots of them standing on the ledge were beautiful, just like all of Gotham. The visuals and music always work together beautifully to create the atmosphere.

Also, I think it was pretty brilliant how each choice Jervis had Gordon make was closer in character to the final choice.

1. The newlyweds vs. the child
A symbol of love vs. a symbol of innocence. It seems to represent Lee vs. Vale in several ways. Gordon and Lee's relationship is older and they used to be engaged. Gordon and Vale's relationship is young. As Jervis says near the end, Lee still has love for Gordon while Vale still has hope for Gordon because she doesn't know who he really is yet (says Jervis), and that is innocence in a way.

The newlyweds vs. the child choice also ties into Gordon's psyche too, since like Jervis said, the last time Gordon saw a woman in a wedding dress, it was Barbara and she was trying to kill him. Additionally, Gordon and Lee recently lost a newborn child. And, who knows? Maybe it was some subconscious association that swayed Gordon's choice.

Or maybe he just doesn't like climbing stairs. Haha. Sorry. I'm not trying to be funny. That was actually a serious suggestion.

2. The doctor vs. the journalist
This choice obviously represents Lee and Vale's roles in society and really drove home the point that Gordon could lose both Lee and Vale if he didn't choose one. ALTHOUGH, the first choice drove home the point that Gordon wouldn't feel good choosing just one, and the second choice drove home that he wouldn't feel good making no choice. Summarily, then, the first two choices drove home how you just can't win in situations like this. You're going to feel like utter crap either way.

This choice also took it up a notch by asking Gordon to more actively harm one of the people by shooting one of them, which is closer to what he had to do in the end: naming one person to die (though that might be half a notch down from this).

3. Lee vs. Vale
And this is where Jervis was at his most supervillainous. But I say that not because he shot one woman. Ironically, I say it because he actually left one woman unharmed. Most modern villains would have shot both, unless there was some strong contrived motive for leaving one alive. But Jervis isn't just a villain. He's a supervillain. He plays by the rules that he set, arbitrary as they may be.

Furthermore, the fact is that, in the end, it may have led to more suffering for Gordon this way and thus better served Jervis's main goal. Suffering is inherent in life, not necessarily in death, see? More life actually equals more suffering. More life actually equals more of a lot of things. It's simply impossible to say whether it will end up being worse or better for Gordon that one woman was left alive.

Yes, Jervis is turning out to be just as great and terrible a supervillain as I expected.

3. Barbara
I'm glad this episode showed Barbara doing more as a villain than being super fun. She actually poses a real threat to Gordon because of what she knows. If she feels so inclined, she could get him or someone he loves hurt, and she did.

Also, how sad is it that she told Jervis that Gordon is in love with her and Jervis didn't buy it at all? LOL. Maybe Gordon is totally over her now.

I laugh, but poor Barbara. Poor crazy Barbara.

4. Classic Moral Dilemmas in a Cinematic Style

I know that, before seeing this episode, plenty of people probably already knew of the thought experiment where you can either kill one person and save five people or do nothing and let the five die.

But I think it's a great service to society to present such classic moral dilemmas in a vivid story with realistic characters we empathize with. It's different when you feel like you're actually experiencing it.

It's easy to make your choice when you're not really seeing it happen. It's easy to say, "It's better to save more people." It's easy to say, "It's better not to push a person in front of a train."

But when you're actually in it, doesn't it feel gross for Gordon to choose to do nothing and let two people die rather than shooting just one? Doesn't it feel gross for Gordon to say, "Kill Lee"? Doesn't it feel gross when Lee declines to talk about it with Gordon?

It can and should make the viewer question whether either choice is objectively better.

RATINGS

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General: 9/10

Compared-To-All-The-Content-I've-Ever-Loved: 9/10

Review: Gotham Season 3 Episode 5, Anything for You [SPOILERS]

OVERVIEW
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The best ever!!!!!!!!!!! Sorry, but I loved this episode so much. I've thought and thought about it, and you know what? I'm gonna give it a 10 out of 10.

I know, in the future, my feelings for it will probably cool a little and I'll see more of the flaws in this episode, but right now, I just don't really care about those flaws. I don't care that the structure of this season is all over the place.

I mean, we had those first two episodes with Fish, and then a two-episode story arc with Mad Hatter, and now this pretty much self-contained episode. It's all over the place, but I don't care.

This episode gave me a high I still haven't come down from. Seriously. It's given me a flavor of lasting happiness that I didn't know I missed.

Penguin and Nygma
Source: http://cdn-static.denofgeek.com/sites/denofgeek/files/styles/main_wide/public/gotham-305_scn1_jn0668_hires1.jpg?itok=KIzBcxtV

LOWS

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Let's just say none, even though, technically, I could count the flaw I listed in the Overview, but nah.

MEDIUMS

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None.

HIGHS

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So many...

1. Penguin
I can't tell you how satisfying it is for me to see Penguin to find someone to fill that original hole left in his heart by his mother. I feel like I've been on this whole journey with Penguin, from his mother's death (which literally left me sad for two weeks) to his father's death (which did not leave me sad for long, but definitely increased Penguin's and my own despair) to now: Penguin's mayorship and Nygma.

So, now, I feel like -- and I don't even care how stupid this sounds -- a hole has been filled in my heart just as it has been filled in Penguin's heart.

God, it's good to live vicariously through your favorite characters sometimes.

This! This is how it's done, folks! Good shows work for it, wait for it, earn it, and leave their audience with a better high than shows that give their characters everything right away.

And as I said in my review for S3E4, it seemed like Penguin was settling for shallower and shallower love, first that of his father and now that of the public. How glad I am that that is not the case.

He wasn't settling for anything. At the start of this episode, he makes it clear that he realizes that mayorship was merely a professional goal, of sorts, and he still needs real love, "someone to share it with."

Even better, now he's found someone who would do "anything for you."

I'm so happy!

I also really appreciate that Penguin and Nygma did NOT kiss at the end. I thought they were going to for a second, and then I thought, "Oh, please, no." And thank goodness it didn't happen.

As things are, the viewer can decide for his or herself whether Penguin/Nygma is a romance or a bromance. I prefer to think 'bromance' because I think a romance would just be too much. Too much goodness. This isn't a fairytale or a hit television mockumentary wherein Penguin and Nygma would get married and adopt a Vietnamese daughter and good times would ensue, accompanied by simple lessons in parenting and relationships. (I love Modern Family, honestly. I joke out of love.) This is Gotham.

Also, I like to think that Nygma is still and will always be in love with Kristen Kringle, because he's crazy like that...crazy romantic, lol. And he's simply a good friend, like he used to be to Gordon. Now, he's that friend to Penguin. I hope.

I'm so happy, btw! Did I mention?

I mean, okay, I know there's still a chance that Nygma really is just using Penguin, but I find that unlikely. Gotham is really good about not pulling crap out of left field. And it really would be out of left field if Nygma turned on Penguin after Nygma passed up the opportunity to smile evilly when he hugged Penguin. That would have been the time to show us that Nygma has ulterior motives.

I'm so happy!!!

2. Nygma
The suspense was real. I genuinely had no idea what was going to happen next when Nygma set his plan in motion. On the one hand, Nygma has been shown to be an extremely manipulative person and I could definitely see him having a problem with playing second fiddle. But on the other hand, I could see how he might simply be trying to expose Butch.

Butch was a problem for Penguin this episode, just as I predicted (more or less). I mean, it doesn't take much to predict that, after everything Butch has already done to Penguin. After all, Butch got Penguin's mother killed in the first place.

(And yes, I know Penguin has done a lot of horrible stuff to Butch too, and I'm glad the writers had Butch bring that up, to be fair. But I'm team Penguin here.)

And while I was in suspense of Nygma this episode, my heart sank as Butch initially refused to kill Penguin. Are the writers trying to say that Butch really is the more trustworthy of the two?

The competition between Butch and Nygma started out as charming. I imagine it was particularly captivating for people who like both Nygma AND Butch, but I was team Nygma from the start. Nygma's never done anything that bad to Penguin and, therefore, Penguin SHOULD trust Nygma more than Butch. "Don't drag common sense through the mud please, Gotham writers," I thought.

And they didn't!

And I'm so happy!

And that's one of the many wonderful things about Gotham. It's full of common sense: common sense love, common sense friendship, common sense ideals. Of course the more trustworthy friend is the one who didn't help kill your mother. Of course the truer love would risk life and limb to show you the truth rather than to pull one over on you.

So good!

Also, I'm glad to see the writers have given Nygma a way to do something interesting outside of Arkham, since he's allowed in the forensics lab of the GCPD.

3. Bruce and Selina
Maybe I was wrong about what made Five a good match for Selina. Maybe it's just that Bruce and Selina look older now, so their romance is simply less awkward. I mean, 'cause Bruce and Selina were so cute this episode. I'm totally rooting for them now.

4. Barbara, Zsasz, Lucius Fox

These actors are freaking superb, and all three characters were fantastic comic relief this episode.

I loved how much Barbara loved the party because I was loving it just as much.

I'm glad to see Zsasz back after a long absence, and I was happy to see him helping Nygma protect Penguin because I've always shipped Zsasz and Penguin as friends too.

I loved Lucius's conversation with Nygma and how Lucius is not a man of violence but is also not above insinuating that he laced the hand sanitizer dispenser with poison.

5. Musical Score
Amazing, as always, especially in the opening scene where Penguin commenced his mayorship to the backdrop of an upbeat version of his theme.

6. Just overall the way the pieces fell
I have been lenient on Gotham for having Penguin forgive Butch so easily because I could see that it was a way of keeping both Butch and Tabatha alive, but honestly, there should be better ways to keep certain characters alive than by compromising another character's consistency.

And behold, isn't this a much better way? Having Butch on the run and Tabatha protecting him? I think so.

Also, this episode was actually a good breather. Now, I'm ready for what will come next with Bruce's doppelganger and the Mad Hatter. 

RATINGS

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General: 10/10

Compared-To-All-The-Content-I've-Ever-Loved: 10/10

Review: Gotham Season 3 Episode 4, New Day Rising [SPOILERS]

[WORST CRIMES DISCLAIMER: This episode vaguely references possible incestuous abuse.]

OVERVIEW
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High-energy episode, in which everyone has "flair," but especially Barbara, Five, and Selina. Had some unfortunate problems too, like the emerging two-episode story arc pattern and Penguin's refusal to fire Butch.

Edward Nygma in his new suit
Source: http://static2.hypable.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Gotham-season-3-episode-4-3.jpg

LOWS

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1. Alice and Jervis's Story
I once again thought that the show went a little too dark with Alice's story. Wouldn't it have been bad enough that her brother wanted to control her and/or use her to infect people? Why add incestuous feelings and possible rape? Poor, poor Alice.

On the bright side, that element of Alice's story was presented more responsibly than it could have been. I mean, similar stories have presented mind-control rape in a rather more... romantic light. (*cough*Jessica Jones*cough*) I can't see Alice-Jervis ships taking off the way Jessica-Kilgrave ships took off.

2. Two Episode Arcs?
Ok, so it seems Mad Hatter's story arc is over for now. But he was only introduced one episode ago. Which means he had a two-episode arc. Actually, come to think of it, Fish had a two-episode story arc in the first two episodes of this season. So, does that mean Gotham is switching from three-episode arcs to two-episode arcs now?

I don't like the sound of that. Two-episode arcs are awkward (three-parters are more natural: beginning, middle, end, you know?) and less satisfying than longer arcs. But more importantly, if Gotham continues on this trajectory, I project that by the start of Season 3b, Gotham will land smack dab in the heart of episodic territory: one-episode arcs. And the episodic-ness of Season 1 was my one big complaint about it. I don't want to see it go back to that.

MEDIUMS

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1. Penguin
I like that they finally came out and said what I've always felt was Penguin's driving force: love. However, it seems Penguin keeps settling for shallower and shallower love. I mean, the writers did a wonderful job of showing the bond between Peguin and his mother. It hit me hard when Gertrude died. Not so much when Elijah, Penguin's father died, though, because the bond between him and Penguin was given little to no time to grow and solidify in the mind of the audience.

Now, Penguin is experiencing the love of the public for the first time, and I can see how that would be a mood-booster for Penguin. But it's so abundantly obvious to me that the public's love is a shallow love, as shallow as it gets, and it won't last long.

So I hope the writers are intentionally having Penguin settle for shallower and shallower love and it's not just lack of effort on their part to grow the love. Grow the love, man... lol, I hope that doesn't sound creepy. You know what I mean, right?

Also, Penguin is supposed to be "three steps ahead," isn't he? But he keeps making all these rookie mistakes, like pissing off Butch and then keeping him on the payroll. Seems like something similar happened last season, and it turned out very, very badly for Penguin. (See the episode "Mommy's Little Monster" for further info.) When will he learn?

2. Gordon
So, in this episode Gordon does some soul-searching, and it becomes clear that he resented Lee for moving on so quickly. And it's understandable that he would hold some resentment, but it's also hypocritical. Not only did Gordon sleep with Valerie Vale, but he also moved on pretty quickly from Barbara back in Season 1. And he moved on with Lee. So, I'm glad that he seems to be getting over his resentment of Lee, but I'm also hoping this leads him to be more understanding of Barbara.

I mean, he and Barbara have a lot in common now. They both broke off their engagements, walked in on their former fiancee making out with someone else, walked away and let it change them for the worse. Okay, yeah, Barbara changed for the worse a lot MORE, but not until she was traumatized by further violence.

HIGHS

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1. "Bruce" and Selina
I've never shipped Bruce and Selina much, and I didn't get how anyone thought they had chemistry. But I see how they could now, since I felt like Five and Selina were pretty adorable together. I have a feeling Bruce is going to become increasingly like his doppelganger in terms of his fighting skills and emotional brokenness and loneliness, and it was those qualities that made the doppelganger a good fit for Selina. So, I see now how Bruce and Selina could be a match.

Hey, maybe even it will turn out that, in this Batman universe, Bruce is Bruce Wayne and Five is Batman!

Haha! Just kidding, I'm sure that would piss off a lot of fans. (But I think it would be a pretty cool twist.)

2. Barbara

Barbara's just a bucket of fun. Also, I'm theorizing right now that Barbara really does get more and more evil the longer she stays awake and that she never sleeps well and that another coma would put her right back to... normal... I guess. It's just a theory.

RATINGS

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General: 8/10

Compared-To-All-The-Content-I've-Ever-Loved: 7/10

Review: Gotham Season 3 Episode 3, Look Into My Eyes [SPOILERS]

[WORST CRIMES DISCLAIMER: This episode shows attempted rape.]

OVERVIEW
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Ok, I can see the season taking shape now, and there's definitely hope for this season. I see a promising main villain and distinct story directions for Penguin, Gordon, and Bruce.

Penguin leaning out a window, in a penguin-like way
Source: http://blogs-images.forbes.com/erikkain/files/2016/10/Gotham-S3E3-3-1200x800.jpg?width=960

LOWS

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1. Alice's First Scene
I'm sorry, but I think it's ridiculous that she apologized to the guy who was sexually assaulting her. She didn't even poison him by choice. So, presumably, her apology showed how good and kind she is, but I just don't see it that way. I see it as ridiculous, and I don't know why such a dark scene was necessary just to show Alice's "power."

MEDIUMS

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None

HIGHS

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1. Opening scene
Pretty funny, if you ask me.

2. Barbara

Once again, really fun. Loved her hypnosis scene and the idea of a Barbara/Mad Hatter team up.

3. Mad Hatter
You thought he was going to be a wacky villain with a hypnosis gimmick? Nope. Commits a brutal double murder in his second scene. And he doesn't bat an eyelash. Pretty chilling. Also, for character development, we have the obviously complex relationship with his sister, Alice. Mad Hatter will make a great villain for the next two to eight episodes, depending on whether we've got a 3-episode story arc or a half-season arc ahead of us.

4. Penguin
I think it's safe to say, at this point, that Penguin pulled a "Selina Kyle" at the end of last season. (For untold reasons, he snapped out of his depression and was ready to live again. It was like Selina's sudden turn to the dark side at the end of Season 1, in that it was for untold reasons. That is, the writers may have had reasons, but they didn't show us those reasons, which is unsatisfactory writing, in my opinion.)

HOWEVER, at least, he spent a much more realistic amount of time grieving than most TV characters. And if I have to accept that Penguin is back in the game for untold reasons, at least the writing for Penguin seems to be on the upswing. I have hope.

In this episode, he has a purpose (mayorship) that should last a while and give his character direction. He proves to be "three steps ahead" in the restaurant scene. And I thought it was adorable how he popped out of his car window; You could just picture him as an actual penguin.

5. Gordon
I like how the writers were able to bring Gordon into the Mad Hatter plot, since Alice was an Indian Hill escapee and Gordon is a famous escapee-catcher. I like that Gordon showed concern for Ivy Pepper when Selina told him Ivy was missing. I liked that he was disgusted with The Narrows bar owner for implying that he would kill Alice. It showed that Gordon still cares a little bit.

I also liked the scene on the roof with Gordon about to jump. It showed that Gordon is a lot worse for wear than I would have guessed.

6. Nygma

The scene of his release was hilarious, and I don't know where his character is going this season, but I have hope now that we'll find out and that Gotham is not, in fact, just aimlessly meandering.

7. Bruce's Doppelganger/'5'/'Five'/IDK
He's creepy enough, and I can see how his character gives Bruce new direction. (Bruce wants to investigate why his doppelganger was created, and the answer will no doubt cause Bruce to once again take up the fight against the Council). So, I look forward to seeing more of Five.

RATINGS

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General: 7/10

Compared-To-All-The-Content-I've-Ever-Loved: 6/10

Review: Gotham Season 3 Episode 2, Burn the Witch [SPOILERS]

OVERVIEW
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Overall, there wasn't much to this episode. It was plot-centered episode, with little character exploration, and the plot wasn't even terribly exciting. Sorry to say.

LOWS

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1. Gordon/Vale
This episode, Gordon and Vale engaged in the most annoying kind of romance: the kind where they both do nothing but annoy each other, and I guess we're supposed to interpret that as sexual/romantic tension because, all of a sudden, they're sucking face full force. And of course, just as Gordon starts to move on, Lee returns -- which is a cliche that wouldn't annoy me so much if I hadn't just spent the whole episode being annoyed by Gordon and Vale's annoying romance that is also a cliche.

2. No idea where the season is headed
This episode seemed to wrap up several story-lines, but it did nothing to indicate where this season is headed overall.

I mean, all but one of Fish's minions are imprisoned or dead, and Fish herself is gone -- probably for a while, until Strange can fix her. And Penguin is done hunting her. Gordon seems to be moving on from Lee with Valerie Vale. Lee ended her absence. Bruce even met with the secret council and agreed to stop investigating them.

Where do we go from here though?

At this time, there's no conflict or goal large enough to take up a whole season. Neither Poison Ivy nor Bruce's doppelganger NOR Fish seems like big enough a threat to be the season's main villain. What's more, this is isn't even the third episode of the season, so I guess the writers have given up on having even that much structure. (Last season, they had a lot of 3-episode arcs, which weren't ideal, but I was ok with them.)

It's a bit of a mess. TV shows are supposed to have structure. I have no idea where this season is going.

MEDIUMS

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1. Penguin
I could understand why Penguin would hesitate to kill Fish after what she said. She expressed a sort of parental pride in him, and we all know how much Penguin needed his real parents and how they were ripped away from him. Not to mention Fish and Penguin go way back, back before everything went to crap for Penguin. So I can absolutely see why he might be overcome with emotion at her explanation.

HOWEVER, to just let her go and tell her to never come back, as if he actually expected she might never come back?

Of course, she's going to come back. Her whole plan is to take over Gotham, as always. She's just found a different way to do it now, rather than be a crime boss.

Why is Penguin the King of Gotham again? He seems to lack the insight and trickery he had in the first season.

Also, I'm definitely noticing that Penguin lacks the warmth he had in earlier seasons. Whether that was a conscious decision on the part of the actor and writers, I do not know. But it does make sense, unfortunately, after all he's been through. And even more unfortunately, it makes him less likable. 

HIGHS

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1. Barbara

Barbara is the star of the episode, for the second episode in a row. I just really enjoy watching her be sassy and creepy and a little bit crazy.

RATINGS

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General: 6/10

Compared-To-All-The-Content-I've-Ever-Loved: 4/10

Review: Gotham Season 3 Episode 1, Better to Reign in Hell... [SPOILERS]

OVERVIEW
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I love Gotham and very much want it to succeed, but I have to be honest and say that I was a little disappointed in this episode. 

I recently became aware that Gotham receives a lot of hate. I think such hate is completely unwarranted, since so far, Gotham has been an incredible show. Not just a great comic book show. Just objectively a great show.

Gotham is complete with a solid plot, great character moments, great character development, great performances, great visuals, great musical scores, and interesting philosophical points. Nonetheless, people hate on it a lot more than people hate on some other shows, shows that I think showcase some severely inconsistent characters and plots. 

Character consistency is extremely important to me. (Plot consistency too, but not as much.) And the character inconsistencies in this episode makes me wonder if the Gotham writers have halfway given up...but are halfway still trying...but have halfway given up. 

Glass half full/empty/who knows? 

It is true that Gotham's ratings have been steadily decreasing, in spite of the great writing. So, hey, if I were the Gotham writers, I might halfway give up too. And the saddest thing is that their ratings might go up now. Viewers seem to prefer inconsistent characters and plots. 

Oh, well. We original Gotham lovers will always have the first two seasons. And this awesome picture.

Gordon holding a snow globe of the rest of the characters
Source: https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CrM-iF_UEAAaUxS.png

As you might guess, most of today's items will be located in the MEDIUMS section, since it seems the Gotham writers are halfway trying, halfway not.

LOWS

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1. Tabatha and Captain Barnes

When Tabatha and Barnes both fell into comas last season, I was nervous that it was just the cliche method of getting them out of the way until the writers could think of something interesting to do with them and the comas would have no lasting consequences. 

Well, I was right. Tabatha and Barnes are right back at it now at the very start of the new season, no worse for wear, except mayyybeeee Barnes who gave a small cough after scolding Gordon and Bullock.

MEDIUMS

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1. Penguin

Consistencies:

Penguin explains why he holds no grudge against Nygma for the way Nygma turned Penguin away when Penguin was brainwashed.

Penguin admits to struggling to make it through every day. To Nygma, Penguin says that he doesn't know how he would have made it through the last few months without Nygma, since Fish is out there plotting and Penguin is surrounded by idiots and lunatics. But none of that is new for Penguin and he got through it with ease in the first season, so that means he really isn't doing as well now without his parents' love.

Penguin is still mad at one of his mother's murderers, at least. He says he will kill Tabatha as soon as Butch gives the ok.

Inconsistencies:

If Penguin is large and in charge again and such good friends with Nygma, why can't he break Nygma out of Arkham? Falcone broke Gordon out of jail once, and  Falcone wasn't even the number one mob boss at the time.

Penguin appears as affectionate as ever to Gordon, even though Gordon left Penguin to be tortured in Gotham last season and Penguin was quite upset about it at the time.

Penguin seems as trusting as ever toward Butch, even though Butch took Fish's side (as much as he could while brainwashed) at the end of the first season. Well, Fish is back again and Butch isn't even brainwashed this time. So how can Penguin trust Butch?

Penguin spares Tabatha on Butch's behalf, even though Butch himself helped to kill Gertrude. So why does Penguin spare Butch?

2. Nygma

Consistencies:

Nygma remembers how he treated Penguin when Penguin was brainwashed, and asks why Penguin is so nice to him anyway.

Inconsistencies:

Personally, I am really not a fan of the whole smartest-person-in-history-at-such-and-such schtick.

Said schtick boring, both for me, the audience, as well as for the character himself, if he were a real person. I can only imagine the mental frustration of never finding an entertaining challenge. And I dont want to imagine it. It's frustrating to imagine.

And it always, always raises the valid question: "If you're so smart, why can't you figure a way out of the mental asylum?"

AND said shtick is inconsistent in a character who once (in Season 1) said he enjoys video games. Regular old video games that never drove any mathematicians mad or went generations unsolved in any family. 

Therefore, I was not pleased by the puzzle box scene.

3. Butch

Consistencies:

Butch is still in love with Tabatha, consistent with what we last heard from him.

Inconsistencies:

Butch is on Penguin's side instead of on Fish's side. What we last heard from Butch was that he had accepted Fish's death, but before THAT, Butch said that he loved Fish and would never hurt her. Even when he was brainwashed to hate Fish and obey Penguin, he loved Fish and disobeyed Penguin in order to save Fish. Butch isn't even brainwashed any more. Why is he not on Fish's side?

HIGHS

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1. Music
As always, Gotham's score goes above and beyond to set the mood for each scene. In this episode, the music is especially effective when Bruce's doppelganger is on screen. The music really helped to sell the doppelganger's creepiness.

2. Barbara
"Boop." I loved Barbara's scenes this episode. I am happy her friendship with "Ozzy" continues. 

Also, I thought about it, and her transition back to evilness seemed very sudden in this episode, but when you think about the last 3 or 4 episodes she was in, it has been fairly gradual. She "helped" Gordon by kidnapping him; she went crazy channel-surfing (she was clearly in pain); she helped Penguin decorate his home with a severed head; and finally, she nearly beat a man to death (he was a bad guy). Makes sense. I have no complaints.

CONCLUSION

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Gotham is a character-centric show, like all great shows. It never missed an opportunity to show the main characters' personalities and it made sure the main characters always acted in-character. And it continues to focus on the characters with great energy (I had fun watching this episode) but less consistency.

RATINGS

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General: 7/10

Compared-To-All-The-Content-I've-Ever-Loved: 6/10