Gotham
Season 1, Episode 9: “Harvey Dent”
Written and created by Bruno Heller
Starring Ben McKenzie, Donal Logue, Jada Pinkett Smith, Sean Pertwee, Robin Lord Taylor, David Mazouz, Camren Bicondova, Erin Richards, Zabryna Guevara, Andrew Stewart-Jones, and Victoria Cartegena
FOX
Air Date: Monday, November 17, 2014, 8pm

Spoiler alert! Recap of Episode 8 “The Mask” Review of Gotham Season 1, Episode 9 “Harvey Dent” to follow!

There are residual effects to the whole precinct turning their backs on Jim Gordon (Ben McKenzie), including the Captain (Zabryna Guevara). Jim doesn’t think he needs them. Bullock (Donal Logue) is of a different mind, when Jim goes missing after investigating a “fight club” competition for a finance job. Bullock makes an impassioned speech on Jim’s behalf. He IS the best character on the show. Penguin (Robin Lord Taylor) goes and makes nice with Fish (Jada Pinkett Smith) who promptly stabs his hand with his gift to her. He re-gifts to his mommy who warns, “Everyone has secrets.” The ending of the episode was really enjoyable, albeit expected. And c’mon Barbara (Erin Richards)! Give the guy a break!

Gotham
Season 1 Episode 7: “Penguin’s Umbrella”
Written by Bruno Heller
Starring Ben McKenzie, Donal Logue, Jada Pinkett Smith, Sean Pertwee, Robin Lord Taylor, David Mazouz, Camren Bicondova, Erin Richards, Zabryna Guevara, Andrew Stewart-Jones, and Victoria Cartegena
FOX
Air Date: Monday, November 3, 2014, 8pm

Gotham’s golden rule: No heroes! And…spoiler alert!

So who was the villain du jour on last week’s Gotham? Bullock (Donal Logue) thought he killed him ten years ago. Is this “Spirit of the Goat” a copycat? Milky rising from the grave? Gotham’s firstborn one percenters are being strung up and displayed surrounded by candles in tribute. Bullock’s layers are showing. He is more and more enjoyable this week. Nygma (Cory Michael Smith) cannot stop being awkward–first by telling Bullock bad riddles and then harassing his crush. Penguin (Robin Lord Taylor) is comforted by his mom (Carol Kane), and seems like they would be comfortable as members of the Bates family. The best moment of the episode was Gordon (Ben McKenzie) and Harvey’s old partner commiserating that Bullock always thinks he’s right. Montoya thinks she has enough to arrest Gordon. Ah, the dramatic irony! Who else LOVED the last second nose-to-nose moment of the episode?

The upcoming Batman prequel TV series Gotham gives us a look at the origins of some of the well-known characters from the DC Comics property. The show will follow Commissioner Gordon (a role recently filled by Ben McKenzie) back when he was a rookie detective, a young Bruce Wayne as he mourns the loss of his parents, and the rise of some of the city’s most infamous villains.

A few more actors have now joined the show’s cast, including for notable roles Oswald Cobblepot, who is of course better known as the Penguin, and Wayne family butler Alfred.