The first season of "Gotham" was torn between being an origin story and an action/adventure romp. This second campaign staunchly places itself in the latter camp, forgoing any semblance of coherent storytelling and just charging full steam ahead at all times. While that approach makes for some fun/exciting moments, it also makes the whole effort seem kind of pointless in the long run.
This is probably where I will take my leave of "Gotham", and here is why: It just doesn't want to commit to any plot or character for too long. I prefer deeper, more thoughtful dramas, and this ain't it, so to speak. There is no tact at all in this show, as it barrels along from one episode to the next. I wonder if the creators even know what "the plan" is, or if they are just making it up as they go along. I honestly don't think I've ever seen a network TV show that plays so fast and loose with characters and plots from episode to episode.
All that being said, this Second Season of "Gotham" actually turns out to be BETTER than the first. Why? Because in its rush to get so many things done, it does stumble upon some really interesting material, including:
-The "Joker" arc, where Cameron Monaghan gives the performance of a lifetime as the mysterious smiling Jerome. I didn't know if I would continue with "Gotham" after a very disappointing first campaign, but his early-season turn sucked me back in.
-The episodes featuring Theo Galavan (James Frain), whose mysterious nature is intriguing, and Tabitha (Jessica Lucas), because lets face it...she is stunningly gorgeous. Some of the best episodes of the entire season are when those two interact with the young Silver St. Cloud (Natalie Alyn Lind) in order to try and seduce Bruce (David Mazouz).
-Victor Fries (Nathan Darrow) is fun...until about halfway into the first episode, when he is quickly turned into just another "one of the bad guys".
Plus, I've always thought (and still do) that Ben McKenzie is an excellent lead in James Gordon. The characterization may be shoddy from episode to episode (like everything else in the show), but his portrayal of the detective is impressive.
Other than that, this season of "Gotham" features a few too many similarities to the freshman year: Penguin (Robin Lord Taylor) and Nygma (Cory Michael Smith) have a few good scenes, Alfred (Sean Pertwee) chews the scenery, Selina (Camren Bicondova) just kind of hangs around, and Harvey (Donal Logue) gets in a zinger from time to time.
So, my experience with the second season of "Gotham" was an odd one: Though overall I enjoyed it a bit more than the first campaign, I also now realize what kind of a show it is going to be, and that's a type of show that doesn't really appeal to me. If you are looking for high character development and established, over-arcing plots, you need not apply any further. If you are more open to madcap shenanigans and shaky character "development", then you will be more impressed/entertained than I.
