(You may have seen this post already via a reader or in your inbox. Apologies for that! I wrote this up and planned to go back in a bit and rework it as I hadn’t yet worked in Penguin and Fish. Figured that was important since they’re starring in the title for the post.I hit “Publish” by mistake when trying to preview it.)
This week’s episode of Gotham, “The Mask” didn’t fail to disappoint me. I’m going to discuss it here so if you haven’t yet seen it, keep that in mind. Spoilers abound!
I like the ‘case a week’ approach as long as the overall arcs keep, well, arcing. Tie them into and through the weekly who-dun-it and I’m super happy. This weeks woven thread was Gordon, what drives him and whether or not he’s willing to step over the line to take care of business. He isn’t, so far, and I hope he never is.
First, Barbara. (Removed a paragraph here because I decided I didn’t want to give this character any more time.) Call me mean but I hope she stays gone, at least long enough to grow a set and learn everything doesn’t have to be all about her.
Gordon is still gun-shy on trusting Bullock to do the right thing. Over using this word, perhaps, but it’s understandable. Bullock hasn’t proven to always have his back and trusting the other (dirty) cops to do their job correctly is asking too much. Gordon decides to canvas the neighborhood looking for witnesses that may have seen whoever dumped John Doe himself. Bullock acts as though he isn’t impressed but I think he is, secretly. I think Gordon is waking the memory of a young Bullock, a memory long faded into a mired mess of corruption. Gordon is good for Bullock and through Gordon, Bullock is redeeming himself.
To me, anyway.
When Bullock realized Gordon hadn’t checked in, that something may have happened to his young partner, he asked for help from their fellow pouty-faced babies officers. Request denied! Huge redeeming moment incoming! Bullock chastised the bullpen, reminding them that Gordon was a brother (cops are in a brotherhood, right?) and he needed help. You don’t have to like him, but you’re gonna help find him. Basically. When the chief agreed to help that sent the right signal to the other cops who, begrudgingly, pitched in to help find Gordon. Way to go, Bullocks! There’s hope for you yet!
Alfred sent Bruce back to school, telling him it’s what kids do. He wants to see Bruce be a kid again, take a break from the heavy and horrible hand he’s been dealt. A bully decides to tease Bruce about his parents death, upsetting Bruce. Alfred wins the day when he takes Bruce to the bully’s house and gives him Bruce’s father’s watch to beat the bully’s face in with. I don’t condone violence and just don’t see where it’s the answer. I will admit, however, that scene just felt right. Alfred seemed pleased when Bruce asked if he could teach him to fight. Me, too, Alfred.
Penguin, again, stole the show in my not so humble opinion! Don Falcone and Don Maroni have brokered a peace deal. Penguin decides to rub it in Fish’s face present a show of good faith to Fish, his ex-employer/current nemesis by giving her a fine brooch he stole (at least he said “please”, no?) from some well-to-do woman in the street. Fish used the pin from the brooch to send her own show to Penguin. He had to have seen that coming! Fish wastes no time in getting her point across.
‘Nor does Penguin waste time furthering his agenda. Torturing the dude that took his place with Fish until he coughed up the goods on Fish’s cookie-baking ‘weapon’ will certainly settle well for him with Falcone. I still don’t see Falcone taking Fish out anytime soon. I think her spunk entertains him if nothing else! If left up to Penguin, I think he has “Fish” on the menu and can’t wait to savor such a tasty meal.
Seeing Nygma perform an autopsy when he wasn’t supposed to because it’s not his job was hilarious! I’m liking him more and more and want to see him more often. Selina popping out of the sidewalk with loot stolen from the fancy dress shop … Meh. Didn’t do anything for me and, frankly, felt more like a token appearance than not. We’ll see. I’m hoping this carries over into next week, her and Gordon, when we meet Harvey Dent. Excited about this? Let me know in the comments! Would love to hear how you’re liking, or not liking, Gotham!