“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.
Let’s hope that "Mad City" has the decency to make our crazed-clown wishes at long last come true.
