The Hype
Four episodes in and Gotham still has a lukewarm standing with me, it has yet to prove itself as a worth while series, but has also stayed entertaining enough and made few mistakes. That is if you can get over the references and easter eggs constantly reminding us of the Batman free universe it takes place in. This week seems like were going to get a stronger connection to a huge Batman Villain, in size and reputation. The "Viper" drug is an original concept with some familiar side-effects, before brutally killing them, it gives victims temporary super strength, so weather we eventually get to see Bane or just the origin of his favorite drug, this should be interesting.
The Review
This weeks episode had a rocky start, it's very similar to last week's introduction, another throw away weekly villain with a comic-booky gimmick.This is the closet we've gotten to anything like super powers, even though it is the drug related super soldier type thing that has kept Marvel going for the better part of the last decade. The beginning is just presented in a strange way, and overall just seems cheesy, and the TV sized budget really shows.
I'm starting to get really frustrated that I can't figure out if this is a good show or not. I'm afraid to recommend to anyone other than a hardcore Batman fan, but i'm not ready to stop watching. I thought this would be the episode to drop the ball, officially end the novelty of Gotham and pull the thread that unravels the whole series. However, the Penguin story continues to be the most interesting aspect, and once we get into his part the episode really picks up, we get some much needed development in the overarching story and a lot more tension with Cobblepot finally telling Maronie his story, unknowingly bringing Gordon into the fire with him
Unfortunately we also get more Bruce and Alfred, IN THE SAME DAMN ROOM. I don't know if i'v stressed this enough but The Waynes lived in a mansion yet Bruce and his loyal butler confine themselves to a single small room?! Really, Gotham? You only have the budget for one set? They probably spent all their money on Jada Pinkett Smith, and shes giving an ordinary TV grade performance anyway, I truly believe almost anyone could fill her role.
At least if we're going to have Bruce and Alfred sticking around they got involved in the action this time. We find out that Viper is actually a failed predecessor to Venom, Banes drug of choice so maybe we will get to see the big man on the small screen even if it is a cameo size cliffhanger. The war between Gotham's families is getting more intense, but we really need some more and bigger developments soon or it's going to feel like it's dragging on.
The Verdict
A sub-par episode saved by Oswald Cobblepot and it's connections to a beloved villain.
7.0/10