No matter the generation, we all know the legend of Batman and his many nemeses. The story of how Bruce Wayne morphed into Batman is also a tale that DC comic fans have seared into their brains. However, what happens from the time young Bruce loses his family to the day he puts on the cape is not a part of the story most people know of. This fall, FOX’s new show Gotham reveals the tale of a young Bruce Wayne (David Mazouz) as well as his enemies as they evolve into the characters fans know them as today.
Before he was a commissioner, James Gordon (Ben McKenzie) was a young detective. Partnered with policeman Harvey Bullock (Donal Logue), their first case together is the murder of Wayne’s parents. During this case Gordon is introduced to young Wayne as well as Wayne’s loyal butler, Alfred (Sean Pertwee).
Gordon swiftly proves himself troublesome to both the political and the criminal establishment, and quickly realizes they are practically one and the same. Crime boss Carmine Falcone tells him late in the episode, “You can’t have organized crime without law and order.” Gordon also becomes a mentor to the young Bruce Wayne, and counsels him about the utility of fear. Gordon said that, “fear tells you where the edge is.”
The audience is reminded of the corrupt universe of Gotham, as well as the various villains that roam the streets of the city. One of the appealing factors of this new show are the infamous crooks recognized on the screen. From the Penguin (Robin Lord Taylor), Fish Mooney (Jada Pinkett-Smith) to the Riddler (Cory Michael Smith) and even a budding Poison Ivy and quite possibly the Joker, the audience will witness how each character gain their notorious reputation. Catwoman (Camren Bicondova) is a looming presence as well, although she is not tasked with much in the premiere.
The premiere was a big tease to what is to be expected in the episodes to come. The many layers and ability to have the city become a character in itself is one of the major factors that will make Gotham so watchable. We know the story of Batman. Gotham seems to focus more on the fall of a city rather than the rise of a hero.
Gotham airs on Mondays at 8 p.m. on FOX.
