Within the television industry, there is a resurgence that not many aside from the avid TV lover – and maybe a few others – would have noticed, the renaissance of TV series based on comics. Over the past year or two, there has been Arrow (out of DC Comics) and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D (a Marvel Comics product). Seemingly more intend on leading the “comic book comeback” is the DC Comics franchise that revealed plans to roll out two additional shows this fall – The Flash (which is going to be a spin-off of Arrow), and Gotham.
By all accounts, The Flash is certainly a show that TV lovers will enjoy sitting down to watch (on whatever day of the week The CW decides to air it), but those TV lovers (and more) will almost surely express a greater interest in Gotham. No offense to Barry Allen and co. (of The Flash), but the other show in reference is set in (and based on) quite possibly the most revered and renowned city in comic book history.
A Sneak Peek into Gotham
The series – which is to be aired on FOX – is certainly not what many would have been expecting. One would not be faulted for believing that the show would be all about Bruce Wayne, more popularly known as Batman – just in case the comic book connection with Gotham wasn’t already made, which is quite unlikely. However, this is not exactly so. Instead, the series will focus a lot on the early years of one James Gordon (played by Benjamin McKenzie) who is a mere detective (for now, anyway) in this series. The character is, of course, more recognized as Commissioner Gordon from all other Batman-related creations.
Detective James Gordon (Ben Mckenzie) and little Bruce Wayne (David Mazouz).
As per the show’s trailer, one of Gordon’s early cases within the Gotham City Police Department was solving the murder of Thomas and Martha Wayne – Batman’s (well, Bruce Wayne’s) parents. Those familiar with the story of Batman will know that decades onwards, that case was still a mystery. Fans should surely be eager to see all that Detective Gordon goes to try and provide Bruce with the closure he craves.
David Mazouz – who played the lead role of Jake Bohm in another FOX series Touch – will assume the role of Bruce Wayne in Gotham. Anyone familiar with that show will likely hold the opinion that the somewhat “lone wolf” persona of Bruce Wayne suits him nicely, having played a kid who mostly keeps to himself and is almost always against any form of human interaction. Sean Pertwee will play the character Alfred Pennyworth – Bruce’s butler and possibly only friend, with Selina Kyle (who everyone knows as Catwoman) to be played by Carmen Bicondova. A major name among the cast members is Jada Pickett Smith who will play Fish Mooney – a nightclub owner, and quite possibly the most powerful crime boss in all of Gotham.
Why the intrigue?
With a bit of insight, it would be pretty simple to realize the reason there are so many individuals eager for this series to hit the screens. James Gordon’s early years translate to early years for all the other big name characters in show as well.
That being said, Bruce Wayne is not yet Batman, and the notorious villains such as the Riddler, Catwoman, the Joker, Two-Face, and Poison Ivy are yet to fulfill what will turn out to be quite destructive futures. Interestingly, most of these characters are likely to be in their teens, still a way off fro “discovering themselves”. With this, TV lovers – particularly those who are true Batman fans – will be able to witness the events that lead to them taking the paths they did.
Jada Pinkett Smith plays Fish Mooney, a nightclub owner, and quite possibly the most powerful crime boss in all of Gotham.
Though very little has been said thus far, there is also a bit of suspense related to whether or not the “Dynamic Duo” of Batman and Robin will be portrayed. While it would be welcome, that pairing is possibly far off in the distance.
In previous adaptions of the franchise, there have been multiple representations of how these villains – for want of a better phrase – “took their form”, but there is a slight feeling that this latest production could yet present the best of the lot. Another major talking point is the fact that unlike many other productions where only a few of the villains were given any time on the air, within Gotham, there will be appearances (in one way or another) from all of Batman’s rivals.
Some Additional Information
The opening season of the series is set to consist of 16 episodes, which is more than the traditional 13 episodes generally ordered. It could very well be that FOX is expecting a lot of good to come from the airing of Gotham – with high ratings, tons of viewers, and impressive reviews just a few of areas they will be hoping comes true.
Bruno Heller, the mind behind The Mentalist is the man tasked with writing and producing the upcoming series. Danny Cannon and John Stephens are also slated to play the role of executive producers.
Though it may come across as harsh, producers and cast members aside, it is quite possible that individuals all around would still be in high anticipation of the airing of Gotham. The excitement in being able to witness the stories behind each major character of the Batman franchise is not something that can be easily contained.
An Air of Intrigue Surrounds Gotham
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