Gotham: The Ballonman

      This week's episode revolved around the first vigilante taking the law into his own hands! The Balloonman targeted high profile and corrupted people in Gotham who held powerful positions. One by one he'd strap them to a weather balloon and off they floated away into the sky, to later fall dead (possibly on top of old ladies walking dogs - not cool!) In this episode we're shown different relationships between characters; Gordon and Bullock, Bruce and Alfred, Selina and Gordon, Barbara and Montoya... and they're almost all as satisfying as the next.

      Gordon and Bullock start to show a sort of chemistry, or rather functional working relationship that adds humor to the show, and a depth into Bullocks character. He's the kind of cop who gets dirty (when it benefits him of course) and knows his way around Gotham's streets, something that Gordon desperately lacks. As for Selina, this week we see her taking advantage of the information she holds over Gordon, and she's going to try and stretch that as long as necessary in order to not be sent upstate. Unfortunately for Gordon, this means that in order for him to keep his promise to Bruce, he's going to have to play along with Selina.

       Bruce and Alfred dynamic are certainly a favorite! We're shown as Alfred struggles to take care of Bruce, who doesn't even want to eat much anymore, and instead spends his time going over his parent's murder pictures looking for clues. Much of the episode hints at Bruce developing the interests that later will help him in becoming Batman. I've read and heard about people being a little annoyed at this, but I actually enjoy it. I understand how it feels like they're maybe trying too hard at foreshadowing Batman, and possibly even trying to use this as a technique to keep some people interested, but for me it's just a genuine look into Bruce's mind and development, and it honestly ends up being interesting and making us giddy!

    Meanwhile, Cobblepot is back in Gotham and brewing trouble - just slowly and steadily! He finds himself in desperate need of a job, and there's no better place to get back on your feet than at a restaurant that caters to famed mob boss Sal Maroni, who is Falcone's enemy. This gives Cobblepot an advantage to squirm his way back into Gotham's crime scene. The last thing we see in the episode is Oswald paying a very confused Gordon a house call, which brings to question, how the hell is Gordon talking his way out of this one?

-Talia-

       I'm really enjoying where they are going with Cobblepot's character, and I'm really looking forward to how Gordon is going to deal with him. I also adore the team dynamic between Gordon and Bullock, because it's giving them character development, while giving the show a comedic relief. Bruce and Alfred's "fight scene" was flat out adorable and it had me grinning from ear to ear for like five minutes. Another good dynamic was Gordon's and Selina's, but I have to agree with my brother with the fact that her presence in the show right now is unnecessary.

       One of the negatives to the episode would have to be Fish Mooney. I feel as though Jada is way overacting. Like, yes, we get it, for the past three episodes you have established that Falcone is going down. They really need to do something new with her character, because she got old real quick. Regarding the "villain" of the week, at first I was very confused because I though it was Professor Pyg but it turns out I was so very wrong. I enjoyed his M.O. mostly because it was hilarious, but I still think the show needs to up the villain game. I'm not asking for The Joker (they wouldn't dare to), but something that can make the show more interesting.

       I'm glad the show is getting better with every episode, and hope that in the end, they exceed all of our expectations.

I give the episode a 7.5

-Isabel-

    I really appreciated all the hints of Bruce's development to becoming Batman, and the story of the first vigilante - especially the moment these two intertwine and Bruce says "He killed people, he's a criminal too." (or something of the sort) CHILLS.

    In essence, I think this episode showed us that the people of Gotham are sick of the double-faced law that only protects those in high places, and turns it's head to people in need. I really hope more vigilantes continue popping up - sticking fear and insecurity in to those who thought they were safe, and bringing hope to those who thought they were defenseless.

   The series is definitely getting better, and I'm so happy about that. The final scene, where Cobblepot comes to Gordon's apartment ended the episode on a very good and suspenseful note! What's going to happen now?! I'll stay tuned.

I give it a 7.5!

Geek Femmes Overall Score: 7.5

Check out next week's promo for episode 4, "Arkham", below!

   

Gotham: "Selina Kyle"

            

                  A new week, a new episode, and there are two words we have for it: much better. After last week’s clumsy and overcrowded episode, we’re glad that this week took a turn for the better, with an episode centered on Selina Kyle (or Cat, as she likes to be called). The plot revolved how Selina managed to escape from a super creepy pair of kidnappers that were targeting street kids. Another kid called Mackey (played by Kyle Massey a.k.a. Corey from That’s So Raven) also got away from the creeps, but not without being drugged and chased into a restaurant window. Detectives Bullock and Gordon are assigned to the case when the couple shot and killed a homeless man in the process of taking three street kids, and while interrogating Mackey, they discover that street kids are disappearing. They almost catch the creeps and but get to save the kids, and the city decides to rid the streets from runaways and sends them to foster care and/or juvie (depending on how pretty they are). This backfires when the creeps take one of the busses full of kids, including Selina, to the docks so they can be shipped out to the Dollmaker (tan tan taaan). In the end, Gordon and Bullock (kind of) save the kids and arrest the creeps. Also, while getting away from the baddies, scratches a guy’s eyes out. Penguin hitchhikes, gets picked up, kills one of the two guys in the car (the one that relates him to a penguin), rents a trailer and holds the other one hostage. Something different and interesting was that we got to meet his mother, a very (very) odd lady with a lot of love for her son. We also get to see Bruce being a masochist and Alfred having to turn to Gordon for help because he has absolutely no idea on how to raise a child. So, yeah, an interesting episode indeed.

-Talia-

            Like it’s mentioned before, this episode was muuuuuch better than the pilot. Contrary to the last episode, this week they managed not to overcrowd it. The plot was simple, the creepy baddies were creepy, not all that great, but still creepy, so, basically they did their part well. They found a good way to reference a character without it sounding weird, and we’re all looking forward to how they are going to develop the Dollmaker. The dynamic between Gordon and Bullock was much better, and I guess they’re just learning how to get along with each other.

            Regarding the “star” of the episode, I’m still a bit confused as to what they are trying to do with her character. They’ve made it clear that she’s going to be vital to the development of the show and her relationship with Gordon is important, but even with an episode centered on her, I’m still unclear. I do like the way she interacts with the other characters, specifically Gordon, and I’m very curious as to why she’s so interested in Bruce. Speaking of Bruce, what the hell is he doing? I didn’t think this kid was going to be a constant character in the show, and I can live on a Batman show with no Batman; so I feel like they’re trying to make him be a substitute for the fact that they can’t have Batman (maybe?). I also feel bad for Alfred, because in contrast to the nurturing and wise Alfred we’re used to seeing, this guy has absolutely no idea on how to raise a child. I mean, he was their butler, but he never planned on raising Bruce, and I think that’s why he’s so blunt and rough (but hey, at least he’s trying).

            As for Penguin, last week I wrote that I was very confused by his character. This week, I feel like instead of rushing things, his brief appearances teased how much he’s changed since the first episode, and how he’s ready to do whatever is necessary in order to get revenge. The scene where the Major Crimes detectives are at his mothers house show us the reason behind his odd behavior, and I actually want to see more into his past. The parts with Mooney and Falcone were in a way unnecessary for this episode, but probably necessary for others, and I feel like Mooney is biting off more than she can chew.

            In retrospect: although the villains of the week were, well, weak, they managed to be creepy and stir up quite a commotion in Gotham City. Selina Kyle still has me confused, but, again, she has potential to develop. Overall, it was waaaay better than last week, and if the show keeps improving, we might have a hit on our hands.

I would give it a 7.3 :)

P.S.

I love Barbara and she reminds me a lot of her daughter <3.

P.P.S.

I recently discovered alongside my mother how much Camren Bicondova (Selina Kyle) looks a lot like a young Michelle Pfeiffer, I mean, it’s creepy.

                     

Gotham pilot episode

by Talia and Isabel

Let us start off by saying we had (still do) high hopes for this show. The fact is, we are huge Bat-freaks, and will delight in anything related to the Bat-family. We honestly didn’t know what to expect from the show, as far as the direction it was going to take, besides the fact that it was going to be based majorly around Jim Gordon...

The pilot episode starts off with a young Selena Kyle, a.k.a. Catwoman (Camren Bicondova) walking through the streets of Gotham, stealing whatever she can get her hand on. She nearly gets caught but manages to escape through a fire escape, when she witnesses the murder of Thomas and Martha Wayne (spoilers). The show the cuts to the Gotham City Police Department where a rookie Jim Gordon (Ben McKenzie) being his good honest self and getting slammed for it by his veteran partner, Harvey Bullock (Donal Logue). They are assigned the Wayne murder case, much to Bullock’s disdain, and at the crime scene, Gordon promises a young Bruce Wayne (David Mazouz) that they’ll catch the man who did it. The show progresses with the investigation, the main suspect being Mario Pepper, Ivy Pepper’s father, who gets killed by Bullock after running away while being questioned in his house. Shortly after, they find Martha’s pearls and he is deemed the murdered. After this point, Gordon starts suspecting foul play from the GCPD. Fish Mooney (Jada Pinkett Smith) makes various appearances, accompanied by Oswald Cobblepot (Robin Taylor), whom looks nothing like a penguin. Through some further digging, Gordon later learns that Pepper was framed, and that it was a cover up that involved not only Mooney's mob, but also Carmine Falcone (John Doman) who apparently controls the mayor and the police department. After being saved from Mooney's mob, by Falcone himself, Gordon is given the choice to either prove his "loyalty" by killing Cobblepot for being a traitor, or refuse and they both get killed by Harvey. At a pier, Gordon leads Cobblepot to the edge at gunpoint, while he begs for his life, warning Gordon that there is a war coming and he could be helpful. Instead of killing him, Gordon fires a shot and pushes him off the edge telling him to never come back to Gotham. Later, Gordon goes to visit Bruce at the Wayne manor, where he sees him on the edge of the roof as if about to jump off, and later finds out he was actually learning to conquer fear (so it begins!). Gordon goes on to tell him everything he found out, and promises that he'll clean up the corrupt police department and find his parents' real killer, but Bruce must keep quiet. Bruce accepts saying "I'm glad he's still alive. I want to see him again..." (your Batman is showing). Gordon drives away from the manor and young watches Catwoman atop a nearby wall. The episode ends with Cobblepot surfacing from the river, killing an old fisherman and eating his sandwich like he just swam a marathon and needed the protein.

-Talia-

      Now, to say that it was terrible might be stretching it, but I was, still am, severely disappointed. First of all, there were a handful of unnecessary cameos, especially Ivy Pepper’s, who’s supposed to be Poison Ivy. Not only was cameo inessential, but they did the same thing that pissed me off in the Dark Knight Rises, when it’s revealed that John Blake’s name is Robin. I don't understand why they feel the need to change the names, I mean, most fans will catch on that it's who they're supposed to be, and if they don't, well, that's what Google is for. Anyhow, the show felt rushed and overcrowded. The plot failed to hook me because there was too much going on. There was no wow factor; basically it had nothing to set it apart from other crime shows (well, except the fact that it's based on Batman). It also felt as if I couldn't get a grip on many of the characters, especially Bullock and Penguin. The Riddler's cameo was so rushed and awkward that I hadn't even noticed it was him. I feel like I might need to re-watch before the next episode because many things felt out of place.

      Even so, the show did have some positives. First, the acting wasn’t bad, and I guess that could be used to its advantage. Martha and Thomas’ death was very accurate, and I think that kid Bruce did a good job at displaying his emotions, and at giving us a hint at who he will become. I adored Alfred, especially because he was having none of Bruce and Gordon's shit. I also really, really loved Gordon. Watching him, I felt like he was exactly the way Gordon would be at his age. He pulled of the cocky rookie perfectly, but never lost the humility and decency that is key for Jim Gordon, and I guess he is what’s holding my expectations for this show.

      Overall, I have hope that it will get better, many good shows have rocky starts, and hopefully this one will improve. It was kind of weird seeing these characters so young, but that’s what sets the show apart. I’m hoping for better character portrayal and better storylines, because I really want to see all of these character develop and shape into who they become in the future. I'm optimistic about it, and you should be too!

I would give it a 6/10

-Isabel-

      I’ve read through a couple of reviews, and it’s safe to say the public's opinion about the Gotham pilot is mixed. Some were easily impressed by all the relentless in-your-face, and downright obvious, villain cameos, while others recognized the flaws in both the writing and the performance. I’m in between, but mostly of the latter. I could pick at all the little things that bothered me (and maybe at some point I’ll get into some), but I’d much rather praise the show for the things it did right.

      First off, the setting of Gotham as a dark, dangerous and corrupted city was achieved, and gracefully presented through city view scenes that made you think “Damn, I do NOT want to live there…” Gotham seems lividly like a city that needs saving, which bring me to my next point, this story's hero... Jim Gordon. I liked Ben McKenzie from the start, although remembering times when I watched The O.C., made me question the decision a little... Regardless, he had that rough, and serious but decent look about him! Turns out he's a pretty great Gordon. His performance is on point even with poor dialogue, although at times his mannerisms and facial expressions were a bit exaggerated. I can definitely see this Jim Gordon kicking ass and taking names, and I'm excited! There is so much potential for character development that it's almost ridiculous... I really hope they put Jim Gordon through tough times where we see him prevail, and come out a better man and cop.

      Other actors also did pretty good performances as well! Second best for me was Alfred Pennyworth, who hardly had lines but perfectly executed the few he did. From the moment he gets out of the car in the crime scene, a shadowy figure, and says "I'm Alfred Pennyworth.", clutching young Bruce Wayne in his arms, I knew he was a good pick. I also enjoyed Cobblepot's disturbing creepiness, and Nygma's (Riddler) little cameo where you can kind of sense his mental instability just by his expressions, although having him basically talk in riddles made his identity overly obvious. Which makes me question: Could that failed comedian Mooney was watching and praising be Joker? I hope not. Additionally, every time young Bruce Wayne said ominous lines like "I'm learning to conquer fear." or "I'm glad he's still alive... I want to see him again." the Batman fangirl in me squealed. While other characters failed to interest me much at all, such as Fish Mooney and Harvey Bullock... I can easily imagine the story working without them even in it. Even young Selina Kyle, silently sitting atop high places was better than those two for me.

      From what I could gather in the episode, the series will follow Jim Gordon trying to prevent, or fight against, a gangster influenced war for territory and power in Gotham, apparently lead by Falcone, while also fixing the corruption in the police department and looking for the Wayne's real murderer. This would seem like a promising and interesting plot, and I'll definitely give it a chance and stick around to watch the next 15 episodes!

    Ideally, I'd like to see an gritty action packed series, HBO style, but we need to stay opened minded, just like with any new universe and enjoy what we get!

I give it a 5/10.


Geek Femmes Overall Score: 5.5