GOTHAM “Arkham” Review


It’s time for another walk on the dark corrupt streets of Gotham, but should anyone really care at this point? Read on to find out.

The official description from Fox:

As a contentious city council vote on the future of the Arkham district approaches, politicians on both sides are in danger. Gordon and Bullock must race to protect the council and an old friend visits Gordon in the all-new “Arkham” episode of GOTHAM airing Monday, Oct. 13 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX.

The biggest obstacle this series has to contend with is the shadow of things to come. As it is right now we have to be able to enjoy the characters before they become who they’re meant to be. And I’m happy to report that the creative team behind this franchise has found a way to balance that out without forcing random Batman teasers to maintain interest. There are imperfections to be sure but the cast has certainly come into their own in some impressive ways as the narrative tissue expands toward an interesting and continually intersecting rouges gallery.

Gotham 104 A Widescreen

In this episode we find a city on the verge of a vote with the future of the Arkham district in question. Both Carmine Falcone (John Doman) and Don Maroni (David Zayas) support opposing strategies while certain other villains steadily prepare their own ascension to power. In the midst of a burgeoning criminal war we find our two lead detectives embroiled in a back and forth assassination plot with a hit-man that’s working for both sides. And you know what? This wholly works as this engaging hour of television does more than simply survive, it impresses.

Gotham 104 Widescreen

Donal Logue (Harvey Bullock) and Ben McKenzie (Jim Gordon) lead an all-star cast full of rouges with differing agendas. Each actor and actress brings something to the table but it’s the villains that get to shine this week, especially as Robin Lord Taylor (The Penguin) gets some juicy scenes that are bound to have implications. Same goes for Jada Pinkett Smith (Fish Mooney) who, at the start of this series, struck me as far too over the top but now leaves me anticipating what she will do next. We don’t see enough of Sean Pertwee (Alfred) but David Mazouz (Bruce Wayne) continues to hold my attention with every interaction. And I’m bored with the subplot for Erin Richards (Barbara Kean), it’s a bit too predictable and the talent deserves a better arc.

Gotham continues to be a sturdy comic adaption that aspires for greatness. It stumbles slightly but “Arkham” for me solidified the core elements of the franchise while moving each player forward in a stream of steady narrative progression. In short: this episode comes recommended.

OUR RATING
8
  • + How Arkham is included is interesting.
  • + The Penguin is just awesome in this.
  • + A larger plot comes into focus.
  • - A few sloppy interactions...