“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 – TV Series – Season 5 – Summary
Gotham’s fifth and final season picks up after the city has been cut off from the rest of the world, plunging into chaos. With no outside help, Gotham becomes a lawless no man’s land, ruled by gangs and criminals. Jim Gordon, now a captain, struggles to maintain order with the GCPD’s dwindling resources. He forms uneasy alliances with former foes like Penguin and Riddler to survive the anarchy. Meanwhile, Bruce Wayne, still young but determined, begins his transformation into a vigilante, testing his limits in the crumbling city.
The season introduces new threats, including the fanatical cult leader Eduardo Dorrance, who is later revealed to be Bane. Working under the orders of a mysterious figure (later revealed to be Nyssa al Ghul), Dorrance manipulates events to push Gotham further into ruin. Barbara Kean, now a mother, tries to protect her child while navigating the dangerous power struggles. Selina Kyle, recovering from her paralysis, grows closer to Bruce, but their paths begin to diverge as he embraces his darker destiny.
As the season progresses, the mystery of Jeremiah Valeska deepens. His obsession with Bruce leads to a climactic confrontation, where Jeremiah fully embraces his role as the Joker, complete with a terrifying chemical transformation. Meanwhile, Penguin and Riddler’s twisted partnership fractures, leading to betrayal and violence. Gordon, with the help of allies like Lucius Fox and Alfred, fights to reclaim the city before it’s too late.
In the final episodes, Gotham’s fate hangs in the balance as Bane’s forces attack. Bruce, now wearing a proto-Batman mask, helps Gordon defeat Bane, but the city is left in ruins. In a time jump, the series fast-forwards ten years, showing a rebuilt Gotham. Gordon, now commissioner, attends the unveiling of the new Wayne Tower, where a shadowy figure—finally revealed as Batman—watches over the city. The series ends with Bruce fully embracing his destiny, leaving Gotham’s future in the hands of its Dark Knight.