Gotham - By Fire - Advance Preview

“Gotham” turns up the heat as “By Fire” continues its Firefly arc and the show delivers what I think is the best episode of the season so far.

Not surprising given the death of their fellow officer, emotions are running high as Gordon, Bullock, and the Strike Force cops hunt for Firefly, unaware of the tough circumstances that forced Bridgit Pike into that fire suit. Gordon gets a lead when he discovers the connection between Bridgit and Selina. Elsewhere, despite her continued, insincere insistences that she doesn’t care, Selina comes up with a plan to help Bridgit get out of town. But the situation takes a bad turn when Bridgit’s “brothers” get involved and Selina ends up having to ask Gordon for help.

It’s an engaging story and there’s some good twists and turns as it goes along. I’m glad the show has seemingly abandoned the cases of the week in favor of these multi-episode mini-arcs as it allows the writing to dig deeper into the villains and their motivations. And this arc has some great acting from guest star Michelle Veintimilla and especially Camren Bicondova.

Meanwhile, the Penguin pushes forward with his plan to plant Butch within the Galavan organization so he can find his mother. Though there’s an amusingly awkward moment where Barbara brings up their acrimonious history, Butch is seemingly able to sell the story to the siblings. But as the episode goes on, his fortunes appear poised to change. I have to say, I’m really enjoying Drew Powell this season and – based on this week and last – I feel like Butch is definitely a character to watch. Also, there’s some amazing physical, comic book-y comedy involving Butch’s...um...stump.

The smaller subplots are also strong. Bruce continues to train with Alfred while the Galavans continue to lure Bruce into their web using Silver as bait (there’s a funny beat where these two threads intersect). The first cracks form in Gordon’s alliance with Captain Barnes as the shades of grey Gordon has come to see dealing with crime in Gotham clash with Barnes’ by-the-book attitude. And Edward Nygma grows concerned that Kristen Kringle’s ex-boyfriend slash the guy he killed might derail their romance from beyond the grave.

But the scene I think everyone will be talking about Tuesday morning is the last one. Only about a minute long, it’s a real surprise so be sure not to miss it.

“Gotham” will set our screens ablaze with “By Fire” this Monday on FOX. Until then, light up our comments section with your thoughts and speculations.