Gotham
Season 3 Episode 1: “Mad City: Better To Reign in Hell”
Directed by Danny Cannon
Written by John Stephens
Created by Bruno Heller
Starring Ben McKenzie, Donal Logue, Sean Pertwee, Robin Lord Taylor, David Mazouz, Camren Bicondova, Cory Michael Smith, Erin Richards, Chris Chalk, Michael Chiklis
FOX
Air Date: Monday, September 19th, 2016, 8pm

Last season, Gotham was besieged with villainy – and most were super crazy. Arkham Asylum was the drain we circled, with the psychotic Doctor Strange (the incredible BD Wong) experimenting with life and monstrous death. Bruce Wayne (David Mazouz) got so much closer to the truth, and a glimpse of his future in the batlike Azrael (James Frain), who started out as only a madman on the inside, set on destroying the Wayne family. Penguin (Robin Lord Taylor) was committed and freed, reunited with his dad at his mother’s grave (Tabitha killed mommy), but that happiness was fleeting. His stepfamily murdered his father, and Penguin returned in full force. Nygma (Cory Michael Smith) completely split apart after killing his girlfriend and framing Gordon for murder. He was caught and thrown into Arkham just in time to join the crazy party. The showdown at the end resulted in all the monsters going free, including season 1 resurrected baddie, Fish Mooney (Jada Pinkett-Smith).

Spoilers below!

One of the most striking things about FOX’s hit series Gotham is how the scene settings are their own characters, enhancing the darkness of the story. Cinematographer Crescenzo Notarile embraced us in that darkness last season, and we certainly embraced him back. Fans are not the only ones to notice. Notarile is nominated for a Creative Arts Emmy in Outstanding Cinematography for a Single-Camera Series for Episode 19’s “Azrael,” completely belonging in the stellar company of such shows as House of Cards, Homeland, and Game of Thrones.

I was lucky enough to speak to Notarile about the nomination, working with directors and actors, and some of our mutually favorite cast members.

Check out the interview and gorgeous image gallery here below.