Gotham Season 4: Dawn of the Dark Knight!!!

Of all the current, superhero/comic-book adaptations on commercial television, "Gotham" remains the best and most honorable. It's not politically slanted in the sneaky way that "Supergirl" has become, nor does it get into the "I wanna marry my surrogate sister" motif of "The Flash", let alone pad itself with tiresome verbosity like "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D."  

As promised from the get-go, "Gotham" concentrates on young Bruce Wayne, and we watch his development through the versatile guise of David Mazouz. "Gotham" is also Jim Gordon's story; and thanks to Ben McKenzie, it never fails to be a rocky, realistic and engaging one. 

In addition, Alfred Pennyworth (Sean Pertwee); Harvey Bullock (Donal Logue); Oswald Cobblepot/Penguin (Robin Lord Taylor); Edward Nigma/Riddler (Cory Michael Smith); Ivy Pepper/Poison Ivy (Maggie Geha) and Selina Kyle/Cat Woman (Camren Bicondova) are equally developing souls, each in search of something elusive, but with an implied, fervid hope of fulfillment, whether good or bad in the ultimate run.

I suppose the same will be said of Jonathan Crane/the Scarecrow (Charlie Tahan) when he psychologically enters, as well as Ra's Al Ghul (Alexander Siddig) when he expands his influence, or at least tries to do so on our adolescent hero-to-be. It also seems destined that other favorites, new and old, will surface during the interludes, even if they're not yet publicized: After all, secrecy and surprise are part of the show's crafty scheme. (All the same, I'd love to see the Joker indisputably established through Cameron Monaghan's Jerome. Heck, wouldn't we all?)

Regardless of the various characters and their varying ways, it's imperative that focus remain on the Dark Knight's inevitable ascent. The path seems secure. "Gotham" is inherently Batman's tale, even if the Caped Crusader has yet to be seen or mentioned. However, the producers appear intent in mounting his reveal, for Season 4 (labeled "A Dark Knight" for its first half and for its second, "Dawn of Night") are culled from the comic-book sensations, "Batman: Year One" and "The Long Halloween".

While other superhero shows skirt around what they've promised to be, it's ironic that the once thought series-on-the-cusp is now the most faithful to its mythological core, both in heart and spirit.

As a Batman fan--as a superhero fan--I'm grateful that Fox is continuing its noble campaign. My gut tells me the best is yet to come; the vibes certainly feel sharp (and dark) enough.

Season 4 commences Thurs, Sept 21, one week ahead of its otherwise projected debut: further proof of the network's commitment to reward and widen its popular program's viewership. 

Gotham Season 3: The Mad City Rises

“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.