Have you ever watched an episode of a television show and thought, "Holy Heck that was Epic?". Have you ever watched something come to a head that feels frustrating, but then something big happens to rectify it and you feel satisfied, yet filled with anticipation? Well, I can say that properly describes my feelings after seeing this week's Gotham, Spirit of the Goat. Was it an absolutely perfect hour of TV, not quite. It was, however, the finest hour I've seen of Gotham thus far. Maybe it was the lack of Fish, or maybe it was the fact the entire episode built to an entertaining final few minutes.
Elsewhere in the episode, the Major Crime Unit detectives are operating within a limited window of time on the Cobblepot murder or else they will have to drop the case. So for those of you wondering if Gordon would have to pay for his apparent crime, you will find yourself with some answers this week.
We didn't see much of the aforementioned Cobblepot this week other than a few brief scenes, most of which were with his mother and it was kind of just creepy. We also were treated to another pointless Selina Kyle cameo, so be on the lookout for that if you're in to that kind of thing. Morena Baccarin also makes her debut this week as Dr. Leslie Thompkins, who if you are familiar with Batman comics lore, should grow to become a friend and confidant of Bruce Wayne. As far as her portrayal of the character goes, it wasn't all that bad.
Finally, I want to touch base on the man who will become my favorite Batman villain, Ed Nygma. This week he is actually more prominently featured and we get to see him deal with something other than work and riddles. I must say I was impressed. Too often I hear of Robin Lord Taylor's perfection as Penguin(MYSELF INCLUDED) but hear nothing of Cory Michael Smith. I am going to say he is the one to watch here. Yes, Penguin is maliciously delicious, but watching the smile spread across Nygma's face as he helps our two detectives narrow down suspects is haunting, especially knowing who is destined to become and how much he loves puzzles. See the show has already touched on Cobblepot's need for friends, and power and the depths to which he will go, but we have yet to see what will motivate or drive Nygma to become his fated alter ego. I hope this week's inclusion of him doesn't fall by the wayside and we get to see more of him. (Side note: if anyone can find me the question mark mug that Nygma drinks from that'd be great)
The Gripe: My biggest gripe this week comes from two things. The seemingly random Selina Kyle cameo, and the Bruce Wayne scene we get. Both don't add much to the episode other then maybe some minor character development and they sort of break the action and interrupt the pace. It's not that I don't want to see the characters because I do, but I want to see them when it's meaningful. It cheapens it for me a bit if it's not meaningful. Hopefully we can get a hold of this in the future so it doesn't feel so out of place in an otherwise fantastic episode.
Some Great Moments to Look For:
Nygma trying to get Bullock to solve a riddle.
Nygma, having a hard time showing someone he wants them to keep their job.
The way Bullock puts his arm around Gordon after they subdue a suspect. (Buddies!)
The final two minutes that turn everything on it's head.
This episode is worth the watch. It finally feels like it's living up to it's potential. The case was the right amount of creepy, intriguing and twisty. I honestly thought that was enough, I wasn't expecting more from the episode but a good case of the week with a pretty cool twist. I thought that everything else was good character development but kind of disjointed. Well, I was wrong. Some of it definitely ties itself into what's happening at hour's end. But let me be clear, what happens at end, is predictable, I just wasn't expecting it so soon. I thought we'd have endure a bit longer before things got turned around like this. So, having it happen right after coming off a pretty cool case twist, just upped the moment so much more and made me angry that I have to wait to see how this plays out. It was an almost stellar episode, only dampened by the things mentioned in my gripe. Don't take my word for it though, watch it monday and then let me know if you aren't at all eagerly anticipating what Gotham has for us next.
LAST WEEKS REVIEWS HERE AND HERE.
Do you think that there should be cameos if they add nothing of immediate value? Are you, like me, clamoring for more back story on Nygma? Are you ready for the whole Gordon murdered Cobblepot plot to come to an end? Sound off below and be sure to check out "Spirit of the Goat" airing this Monday at 7c on fox.
