Gotham is a crime-drama television series that serves as a prequel to the Batman franchise. The show follows the early years of Detective James Gordon as he navigates the corrupt and crime-ridden streets of Gotham City. With a strong cast, high production value, and a thrilling plot, Gotham has garnered a loyal fan base over its five-season run.
However, like any television show, Gotham has its pros and cons. Some viewers rave about the engaging characters and dark, gritty tone, while others criticize the show’s convoluted storylines and inconsistent pacing. So, is Gotham worth watching? In this article, we’ll explore the factors that make Gotham a compelling series and weigh them against some of the show’s flaws to help you decide whether Gotham is the right show for you.
The Dark, Nihilistic World of Gotham
Gotham, the American TV series, explores the dark and gritty world of Gotham City which is plagued by crime and corruption. The show has a unique take on the Batman universe as it shows the origins of several iconic characters such as Oswald Cobblepot aka The Penguin, Selina Kyle aka Catwoman, and the infamous Joker. The series delves into the psyche of the criminals and shows the audience what drives them to do what they do.
The show’s tone is unapologetically nihilistic and grim, reflecting the reality of a city on the brink of collapse. The lead character, Detective James Gordon, battles against the forces of evil in the city, but it’s not just the criminals who are evil. The police force is corrupt, and even the villains have their own twisted code of ethics. Gotham is not a show for the faint-hearted, but it’s worth watching for those who want to explore the darker side of the Batman universe and see how the world’s greatest detective came to be.
Character Development: A Strong Aspect of the Series
Character development is arguably one of the strongest aspects of Gotham. From the beginning of the series, we see Bruce Wayne (David Mazouz) transform from a fragile, traumatized child into a strong-willed young man determined to avenge his parents’ deaths. The viewers witness the transformation of Jim Gordon (Ben McKenzie) from a somewhat naive rookie cop into a hardened detective, willing to do whatever it takes to bring down the corrupt criminal underworld of Gotham.
Furthermore, the show’s villains are given extensive backstories, making them all the more intriguing. From the tragic childhood of Oswald Cobblepot (Robin Lord Taylor) that ultimately leads him to become The Penguin, to the origin of Jerome Valeska (Cameron Monaghan) and his eventual transformation into The Joker, the show’s creators painstakingly developed their characters to add layers and complexity that make them memorable. Overall, it is the expertly crafted character development that makes Gotham worth watching.
Innovative Approaches to the Batman Universe
Gotham, the TV series, brings its own unique twist to the Batman universe. While the show is set in the same world as the comic book series, it doesn’t focus on the caped crusader himself, but rather the city where he operates. This approach allows for the exploration of characters and themes that wouldn’t be possible in a traditional Batman story.
One of the most innovative approaches that Gotham takes is its focus on the origins of classic Batman villains. Rather than simply introducing them as established criminals, the show delves into their backstories and shows how they became the iconic characters that fans love to hate. This means that viewers get to see characters like the Joker, Penguin, and Poison Ivy evolve over the course of several seasons, and understand what motivates them to commit their heinous crimes. This approach has been praised by both casual fans and die-hard Batman aficionados, who appreciate the attention to detail and the exploration of the darker side of human nature.
Gotham’s Portrayal of Villains
Gotham’s portrayal of villains is considered by many as one of the show’s strongest points. The series does an excellent job at providing a backstory for some of the most iconic villains in DC comics, such as The Joker, The Penguin, and Catwoman. The writers weave their narratives into the fabric of the series, creating multi-layered and complex characters.
One of the most significant aspects of this portrayal is its willingness to show the humanity of these villains. Gotham emphasizes that the characters we know as villains were not born evil, but were shaped by their experiences, traumas, and environment. It allows viewers to empathize and understand their motivations, providing a unique perspective on their behaviors. Overall, Gotham’s depiction of villains is a highlight of the series and sets it apart from other superhero shows.
The Role of Women in Gotham
The Role of Women in Gotham:
Gotham has been highly criticized for its portrayal of women, often depicting them as love interests or damsels in distress. However, in recent seasons the show has made a conscious effort to showcase the intelligence and strength of its female characters. Characters like Selina Kyle, Barbara Kean, and Leslie Thompkins have been given more agency and storylines that showcase their abilities beyond just being supporting characters to male characters. The introduction of female villains like Fish Mooney, Tabitha Galavan, and Sofia Falcone has also expanded the representation of women in the show. While there is still room for improvement, the progress made in the later seasons of the show is commendable.
Overall, the role of women in Gotham has evolved over the show’s five seasons. While it once fell victim to sexist tropes, the show has gradually moved in a direction that more accurately reflects the intelligence and capability of its female characters. The women of Gotham are now more complex and dynamic, and play a critical role in the storylines of the show. Though it may have taken some time, the showrunners appear to be finally recognizing the importance of strong female characters, and are giving them more room to shine.
The Serial Nature of Gotham’s Story
The serial nature of Gotham’s storyline is an integral part of the show’s appeal. While the series features standalone episodes, it also has a more significant narrative arc that stretches over several seasons. This serialized approach allows the show to develop its characters and storylines in a more significant way than a traditional procedural, while still delivering satisfying individual episodes.
By taking a serialized approach, Gotham can delve deep into the origins and character development of many of Batman’s most famous villains, providing insights into their motivations and backstories. This approach also allows for the introduction of new characters, events, and plot threads that can pay off in a big way later on. For fans of the Batman universe, this commitment to the serial nature of the story is a big part of what makes Gotham worth watching.
Should You Give Gotham a Try?
In conclusion, whether or not you should give Gotham a try depends on what you’re looking for in a television show. If you’re a fan of the Batman universe and enjoy dark, gritty dramas, Gotham may be right up your alley. The show’s unique take on the origins of some of Batman’s most iconic villains, as well as its focus on the city of Gotham itself, makes for a compelling and often unpredictable viewing experience.
However, if you’re not a die-hard fan of the Batman franchise, Gotham may not be as enjoyable. The show’s reliance on fan service and Easter eggs can sometimes come across as heavy-handed, and its pacing can be slow at times. Ultimately, while Gotham certainly has its flaws, it’s worth giving a try if you’re a fan of the genre or the source material.
Wrapping Up
It’s hard to say whether Gotham is worth watching or not. On one hand, the show introduces a fresh take on the origin stories of some of the most iconic characters in the Batman universe. It’s filled with interesting plot twists and well-written dialogues. The show also explores themes like corruption, loyalty, and morality, making it more than just a superhero show.
On the other hand, it can be argued that the show does not stay true to the source material, which may dissatisfy die-hard Batman fans. Moreover, pacing issues and inconsistent character development may make some viewers lose interest. However, if you’re a casual fan who enjoys action-packed dramas, then Gotham definitely deserves a chance.
In the end, whether or not Gotham is worth watching comes down to personal preferences. While it may not be perfect, it’s an entertaining show with enough depth and intrigue to keep viewers engaged. If you’re willing to accept it as a standalone entity and not dwell too much on the comics, then Gotham is definitely worth checking out.
