Gotham - Episode 1 'Pilot' Review


Gotham certainly has some big shoes to fill, making it stand out against other DC Comics TV shows and as a prequel to Batman. Sadly though, I feel it still has a while before becoming its own show instead of simply a prequel to the famous Dark Knight's story.
The focus on the Waynes' murders, Bruce Wayne's struggle as an orphan, the start of origin stories for villains and an overall theme of 'this is before Batman' makes Gotham just fall back into the shadows of nothing special.
The 50 minute Pilot introduces some interesting elements, such as James Gordon's struggle in a corrupt Gotham Police Force, as well as Oswald Cobblepot on his journey to become the Penguin. However, the cameo from Edward Nygma felt unnecessary and not-so-subtle as I would have liked, and as for the Ivy Pepper cameo...really? Ivy Pepper? Not Pamela Isely, Ivy Pepper? Of course they aren't at all hinting at her becoming Poison Ivy...
Easily the best hint at Batman future was the 'comedian' in Fish Mooney's club. Is he the Joker? Or is he just a random guy? I'd like to say the first option with the subtle focus his scene had on him, and even if he is meant to be the Joker, the Clown Prince of Crime didn't become that until Batman was already on the scene, in fact I'm pretty sure Batman was there when he fell into the acid bath and came out with his pale white skin and bright red lips...
There are some elements that need development, but I think that if the excellent cinematic cinematography, solid writing, great acting and intriguing story-line, Gotham is something I'll certainly be continuing to watch over the next 21 episodes. 8/10

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