In the thrilling, animated sequel to DC/WB's "The Death of Superman" (see Aug '18 post), a pressing question rises: Who of the new Kal-Els is good and/or bad? In other words, is the second coming of Superman to our benefit, or will his "cloned" manifestations wreck havoc?
The true-blue (and red and yellow) bottom line: We wouldn't want any such entity--let alone several--to rub against the grain of our alien, all-American icon, would we? Wasn't Doomsday's cataclysmic presence a stupendous enough strike against us, not to mention all the other demonic bruisers that have come and gone through the years? And yet, here we go again, though surely for the melodramatic better.
Director Sam Liu does a trusty job as only he can, enforcing the rippling tensions which were introduced via print a couple decades back. The film incarnation, "Reign of the Supermen" (named after Jerry Siegel's Man of Steel, short-story catalyst), captures all the marvelous mystery that made this much publicized DC period one of its most discussed, ruminated and praised.
Of the Supermen who surface after Kal-El's burial, there's the zealous, visor-clad "Eradicator" (Charles Halford, but maybe Jerry O'Connell's vocals aren't so far behind--hint, hint); a LexCorp-jacketed youth, aka Superboy (Cameron "Gotham" Monaghan--how's that for a joking twist?); the enigmatic Cyborg/Terminator Superman (Patrick "Better Call Saul" Fabian); and one of the best and most underused Superman "offspring", hammer-wielding Steel/John Henry Irons (Cress "Black Lightning" Williams).
They're never completely on the same side as power-hungry Darkseid (Tony "Candyman" Todd) plans an invasion with the enlistment of zombiefied super-citizens. However, that big-time villain is but a big-time ruse in light of the identity and loyalty issues that intersect Apokolips' advent. But have no fear, for good has no choice but to burst from the fiery collisions. As Superman fans ought to know, this particular, multi-character, mythological mix only further illuminates the character's sacred legacy.
Still, despite the story's founding gleam, I must reveal that when these particular Men of Steel appeared in '92, it was hard for me to trust them: John Henry excluded, but Steel has always followed his own, noble track. It was the implied, Ubermensch thing that struck me as a wee too, well, Nazi-ish. Still, I so wanted one of these up-from-the-ashes incarnations to be the real, revived deal. Because of this, the melodrama compelled me to see the saga through.
Thanks to screenwriters James Krieg and Tom Sheridan, the animated adaptation reflects its comic-book roots, dispatching doubt and hope, which once more makes the elongated, resurrection unlike any Superman tale that's come before or since. Also, this animated edition isn't afraid to reinvent a few interludes, keeping the now familiar formula nice and fresh.
Though the story is terrific, the varied ensemble (no matter how big or small the role) plays a big part in why this epic moves so well. Just take a gander at the returning, co-starring roster: Lois Lane (Rebecca "X-Men" Romijn); Batman (Jason "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." O'Mara); Lex Luthor (Rainn "Super" Wilson); Cyborg (Shemar "Criminal Minds" Moore); Wonder Women (Rosario "Daredevil" Dawson); Martian Manhunter (Nyambi "Blindspotting" Nyambi); Green Lantern (Nathan "Firefly" Fillion); and the Flash (Christopher "Covert Affairs" Gorham), to name but a significant few. Cream of the crop all the way--and more than enough to stretch this chapter's sprawling scope a zillionfold.
Beyond question, "Reign..." presents full-fledged classic material, or at least material destined for such coveted distinction, particularly if/when teamed with the emotional Part I. To boot, it's on as high a level as any live-action counterpart, maybe more so, re-imagining "Highlander'"s "...there can only be one" and once the dust clears, inspiring viewers to jump up and cheer "Up, up and away!!!" (Awright, at the AMC theater I attended, it was more a case of energetic applause, but no less a show of indisputable respect for a job well done.)
Give "Reign..." a righteous spin or better yet, procure a disc or digital copy for those inevitable, return yearnings. Why not sit the whole family down to absorb both chapters? It's not often that folks get the chance to experience a combo this aesthetically profound.
The latest "Gotham" sure was entertaining (entitled aptly enough, "That's Entertainment") and more than a tad jarring in its historic ramifications.
With Cameron Monaghan playing two parts, as Jerome and his out-of-the-blue brother, Jeremiah, a switch in the Clown Prince of Crime dynamic should have come as no surprise. Still, I'd have preferred Jerome to have been the one. Besides, it would have given Monaghan the continued chance to play two parts. He's a fine actor. The contrast in personalities would have been an ideal fit for his expressive abilities.
With this said, I'm glad the actor remains on the roster. I'd have been heartbroken and angry as hell if it had been fare thee well.
Also, it's about bloody time that the Joker's presence was confirmed on the show...or has it been? Who honestly knows what the "Gotham" writers/producers have in store? I don't trust 'em, which I suppose is both good and bad. Twists are great, but only within reason. The Jerome/Jeremiah deal may be one such excellent case in point.
Anyway, it's probably safe to say that the Joker has been born (or reborn), with some crazy "Killing Joke" panache splashed into the big reveal. It'll be interesting to see what other surprises this season has in store, since this one is unlikely to be topped. I also wonder how the transformed Jeremiah will mesh with the rest of Gotham's mad gang...
Elated to see "Gotham'"s producers have redelivered Cameron Monaghan's Jerome Valeska to the show, now with scary scars and all. We were promised the return of the Maniax's guffawing leader before the third season's start, but seeing is believing. (I still wasn't convinced this was going to occur, even with the tease in "Ghosts", but now that Frankenstein experiment entitled "Smile Like You Mean It" has concluded, how can I deny the obvious?) Still, we really got burnt with a vicious mislead in the early phases of Season 2, for which I (and it appears many other fans) haven't been too forgiving.
It remains debatable whether resurrected Valeska is, in fact, the Joker-to-be. He might simply be a demented guru to Gotham's would-be, greasepainted thugs, from out which the veritable Joker will grow. (If it's the latter, we end up with a foreshadowing of "Batman Beyond" and all those futuristic Jokerz, but for chronological purposes, that rather distorts things.)
All the same, why clown around with us? We got our young Penguin, Riddler, Mad Hatter...Catwoman. It's only right we get our fledgling version of Batman's arch-foe. (Rumor has it that Harley Quinn might appear as well by season's end, but that doesn't grab me: too much projection, far too soon. Let's focus on the Joker right now, and substantiate his presence beyond a doubt.)
Monaghan is a damn good actor, and his absence from "Gotham" has been one of the most embarrassing miscalculations to hit a series in quite some time. At least Jerome's return is a step in the right direction, even if he might yet dash our Clown Prince of Crime hopes.
“Gotham’”s second season was a ratings winner. Even so, I found it uneven at times. Others
would argue that the initial season was the awkward one, but I felt that the tonality was at least steady throughout that introductory phase. With Season 2, early episodes were Burton-esque, while later ones had Chris Nolan's no-nonsense approach; and still several see-sawed between the
extremes, all within the same, commercial-laden hour. Throughout it all, the biggest highlight—and blunder—was the use and misuse of Jerome Valeska (Cameron Monaghan),
the Clown Prince, heir apparent.
We’re promised a continuation of the Jerome saga this season (commencing 9/19 on Fox), and by golly, why not? Hugo Strange (B.D. Wong)’s Frankenstein experimentation justifies it. All the same, I’ll believe it when I see it. Season 2 could have
easily resolved the matter in its final episode ("Transference") and made us even more excited for Season 3, aptly subtitled "Mad City" (those-in-the-know will understand the label), but I guess that's just the way the misleading ball bounces.
At least the bulk of our established players are back: Jim
Gordon (Ben McKenzie); Harvey Bullock (Donal Lague); Bruce Wayne (David Mazouz); Alfred Pennyworth (Sean Pertwee); Oswald
Copplepot/Penguin (Robin Lord Taylor); Ed Nygma/Riddler (Cory Michael Smith);
Selena Kyle/Catwoman (Camren Bicondova); Mr. Victor Fries/Freeze (Nathan Darrow); Hugo Strange (the aforementioned Wong); Lee Thompkins (Morena Baccarin); Nathaniel Barnes (Michael Chiklis); Lucius Fox (Chris Chalk); and Butch Gilzean (Drew Powell). Also, we can expect the advent of Jervis Tetch/the Mad Hatter
(Benedict Samuel); as well as a new Poison Ivy (moving from Clare Foley to Maggie Geha).
Season 3 could hurl “Gotham” to even higher heights of
popularity, but if certain insinuations go unfulfilled (or if we're simply teased along without resolution), the series could falter, which would be a embarrassment to all involved. The show (i.e., its basic premise of presenting character origins) has intriguing appeal and specific expectations. The producers would be
wise to pay heed to what the fans desire; if not, a particular chance for iconic villainy could be foolishly squandered.
Let’s hope that "Mad City" has the decency to make our crazed-clown wishes at long last come true.
I'm no Criswell, but when it comes to Fox's "Gotham", I can confidently predict an even grander, more fulfilling season with the second--especially when it comes to its primary villains!!!
With Fish gone (or at least seemingly so), Oswald Cobblepot (Robin Lord Taylor) should have ample room to spread his wings as the crafty Penguin. That can only be a plus.
I also foresee bigger and more demented things for the poor, misunderstood Edward Nygma (Cory Michael Smith), the Riddler-to-be.
As for the possible Joker-to-be, Jerome Valeska (Cameron Monaghan), a return is inevitable (if not essential), and though his occupation as the Clown Prince of Crime is still questionable, to peer further into any angle of the arch foe's genesis is a sure-fire means to raise the series to further, maniacal heights.
I'll be posting comments accordingly throughout this season. Can't wait for it to commence. In Dark Knight lore, September 21 is gonna be historic, indeed, reestablishing"Gotham" as one of television's best and most innovative, mythological epics.
