Gotham S5 Ep. 2 Scrambled Thoughts

"Trespassers"

Kicking off Week 2 of Gotham’s 5th and unfortunately final season is what I’d consider to be another successful episode minus one specific subplot (a little more on that later). So far, I’ve been really enjoying the artistically unique villain factions being introduced throughout the city to which this episode gives us 2 with the bonus inclusion of Mother (who was introduced during the Season 4 finale). Though I absolutely love the costume designs on the 2 different gangs giving off some crazy post apocalyptic Mad Max vibes, I felt that their development as antagonists was a tad bit sidelined. This however isn’t necessarily a major issue but more of a nitpick unless, in some fashion, they’ll play a significant role down the line using this episode as the only set up that we’ll have. For now, I'll simply see them as a cool "environmental threat". 

Whoah! Such a cool entrance and design for a gang/gang leader...but then they all seemingly died without any development

On the topic of the gangs themselves, I’m also digging the idea that there’s a “Dark Zone” in Gotham to which certain factions reside making it essentially suicidal for any poor sap to venture through. I’ve talked during past season reviews (particularly Seasons 2-4) about the masterful way in which this series presents the city of Gotham itself as its own pronounced character. In a profound sense, this concept has now hit its peak of potency with the way in which the city’s layout now plays a major role in the storytelling. Whenever Gordon addresses the map of the city pinpointing villain territories, I can’t help but smile at how far we’ve come with this universe's evolution.

As for the Mother introduction, as much as I enjoyed this particular horror toned segment of the episode, I felt that her unmasking didn’t really lead to anything satisfying. The entire side plot with her and the misleading kid (Orphan?) felt like a well directed bonus villain scene that was thrown in at the last minute. Perhaps she’ll show up again later in the season with a larger role or maybe Mother is simply just a one off villain of the week that was interweaved with other potential villains of the week. Either way, I was hoping for a bit more screen time and development with her debut considering Gotham's solid track record with villain introduction episodes. With that said, and fans should take this into great consideration, Gotham does have a unfortunate time restraint on storytelling being forced on them with this be the final season and all.

Speaking of villains making their grand debut, to some degree, we see Ivy fully taking on the Poison Ivy direction here aesthetically speaking. From the tattered green fabric barely clothing her skin to the many victims smothered in vines within her lair truly invoked the iconic Batman villain more than ever. Though she is given the side plot position in this episode, I really do hope this wasn’t the last time that we’ve seen of her all things considered. Also, I find it interesting that Ivy plays a major role in Selina’s full transformation as Catwoman. Talk about an unexpected twist to the comic book lore, but one that I’m actually fine with. Perhaps it’ll lead to interesting new paths in their complicated relationship depending on where the show takes it.

Hmmm. I do wonder if I'd be down with a Catwoman having supernatural powers tho. I've always liked the idea of her and Batman being intertwined as two non-super powered costumed people going above and below the law whenever they feel. It's one of the few things that they had in common that made their connection interesting. We'll just have to wait and see.

One really cool thing to note during the Ivy/Witch scenes is how Bruce, in classic Batman fashion, exploits his enemy’s mentality for his own gain. The way that he talks his way towards getting what he needs from both Ivy and the men trying to burn her earlier felt like a major step forward in Bruce’s journey into becoming the Cape Crusader. One of my favorite things about the Gotham series overall is witnessing this character's progression throughout the seasons. At this point, I can safely say that we’re now truly entering proto-Batman territory. Bruce has gained the fighting capability to fend off threats on his own to some extent, the courage to stand up to obstacles seemingly larger than himself, and the sensibilities to understand and exploit his enemies. I’d say we’re right around the corner from a Bat Cave being operational wouldn’t you say? 

Also, didn’t Bruce get a proto Batmobile last season for his birthday?

As for that subplot that I wasn’t entirely enjoying that I hinted at earlier, that would be Ed’s personality disorder dilemma. Of all the plot threads going on right now, despite how much I enjoy the character and actor in the role, I’m constantly asking myself "Why can't The Riddler just be...The Riddler?". I felt Season 3 officially cemented him as being at peace with his new persona yet the writers felt the need to start him over from scratch again in a sense for some reason. It just feels like a waste of what makes that particular villain so much fun. It's almost as if Seasons 2 and 3 gave us a delightful taste of what Gotham's iteration of the Riddler can be when fully unleashed, but then at some point, the writers weren't sure how to keep that character's direction going. It's the same issue that they have with Mr. Freeze and Firefly. A great introduction of their full villain persona that leads to them being essentially benched. Guess we’ll just have to wait and see.

Overall, this was a great episode pushing forward the concept of Gotham City being an “every man for themselves” post apocalyptic setting. It is through this new story path that we’re fully starting to see certain characters invoke their comic book counterparts in interesting ways while being introduced to entirely new ones along the way. Consider me hyped to see what comes next.

Episode Rating: 9/10