“Gotham” is a television series that aired from 2014 to 2019. It is a crime drama that explores the early years of Gotham City before the emergence of Batman. The show primarily follows the character of James Gordon, played by Ben McKenzie, a detective in the Gotham City Police Department.
The series depicts the origins of various iconic Batman villains, such as Penguin, Riddler, Catwoman, Poison Ivy, and Joker. It also delves into the development of Bruce Wayne, played by David Mazouz, as he copes with the murder of his parents and his journey towards becoming the Dark Knight.
Throughout its five seasons, “Gotham” explores the city’s corrupt underworld, political intrigue, and the struggles of the Gotham City Police Department to maintain law and order. The show received praise for its atmospheric setting, strong performances, and its unique take on the Batman mythology.
Gotham – Season 2 – Summary
Gotham’s second season, titled “Rise of the Villains,” delves deeper into the city’s descent into chaos. The season introduces Theo Galavan, a charismatic but sinister figure who manipulates events to seize power. With his sister Tabitha, Galavan orchestrates a series of violent acts, including the murder of Bruce Wayne’s parents, to destabilize Gotham. His arrival marks the beginning of a new wave of villainy, pushing the city to the brink.
Jim Gordon, now a patrolman, struggles to redeem himself after being demoted. He faces moral dilemmas as he battles corruption within the GCPD and the rising criminal forces. His relationship with Leslie Thompkins becomes strained as his obsession with justice grows. Meanwhile, Oswald Cobblepot, now a rising crime lord, clashes with Galavan, leading to a brutal confrontation that leaves Penguin broken but not defeated.
Bruce Wayne continues his journey toward becoming the Dark Knight, uncovering more about his family’s secrets. He forms a bond with the mysterious Selina Kyle, who helps him navigate Gotham’s underworld. Alfred remains a steadfast guardian, but even he is tested as Bruce takes dangerous risks. The season also introduces Hugo Strange, a sinister scientist running Indian Hill, where experiments on prisoners create monstrous results.
The season’s second half, “Wrath of the Villains,” sees the escaped inmates of Indian Hill wreaking havoc. Strange’s experiments birth twisted versions of familiar characters, including a resurrected Theo Galavan, who becomes the fanatical Azrael. Gordon and Bullock race to stop the chaos, while Penguin and Nygma form an uneasy alliance. The season ends with a dramatic cliffhanger as Strange’s experiments unleash a new wave of terror, setting the stage for even darker times ahead.
Throughout the season, Gotham’s descent into madness becomes irreversible. Heroes and villains alike are pushed to their limits, blurring the lines between good and evil. The rise of iconic Batman foes and the city’s crumbling morality paint a grim picture of Gotham’s future.