I have been skeptical of this show from the beginning because of what I call the 'Shield problem'. That is that a superhero show without a superhero will struggle and lose fans interest overtime. Well I'm here to tell you that this new Gotham episode is a major leap forward from the last few weeks and on par with the pilot.
The first few episodes had their fair share of great moments but ultimately lacked focus and relied heavily on easter eggs and teases. Arkham has some teases but it's also the shows best episode so far.
Gordon and Bullock are chasing down another serial killer, this time a man who's out to get both the Falcone and Maroni family. I really enjoyed that this episode didn't try to give it's villain too many scenes. It also cut down on the Bruce Wayne and Selina Kyle scenes, which in my opinion have been great but disappointing. I say disappointing because as hardcore fans we know that Bruce and Selina are far off from their alter egos so getting too many scenes of them talking about saving the city is frustrating.
Fish Mooney was actually a bright spot this week. She showed her calm and terrifying combination while picking out an apprentice. Forcing the two women to fight was gory for a cable T.V show but proved to be one of the highlights this week. Cobblepot as usual was deceptive and cruel. And Robin Lorde Taylor is for cure the most perfectly cast out of everyone. Tonight also saw the end to a short lived romance between Barbara and Jim but it's very likely that it wont be the last time we see the two of them together.
Overall it was the best acted, written, and directed episode. Gotham just needs to stay on this track for the remainder of the season. As long as they stay away from relying on using references to Batman's future and villain easter eggs the show will be just fine.
+Fish Mooney
+Cobblepot being Cobblepot
+Mob Boss' fight for Arkham
+Kept the teases to a minimum
+Well paced
-Bruce saying "do you really think this city can be saved?"
8.8/10
