Gotham: A Critique
- Renee Alysson Estomata
- Feb 10, 2017
- 5 min read
Can you imagine a city that is filled with so much terror and crime? As if Evil has finally taken over? Well the American crime drama television series, Gotham, gives you exactly that. The series that is directed by Bruno Heller, is primarily based on the Batman franchise published by DC Comics. This series revolves around the multi-billionaire, Bruce Wayne, and the persistent police who works for the Gotham City Police Department (GCPD), James Gordon. Initially, Heller was hesitant about doing the series because he did not know how to write about people with super powers and thought that Batman would not work well on TV. Although, his son suggested that the focus of the series should be Commissioner Gordon. With that, Heller further developed the idea that Gordon is the investigator who will help Bruce Wayne investigate his parent’s murder. The series has received many recognition and awards since it began its telecast in 2014. Some of which, is when they won “Most Exciting Series” in the Critic’s Choice Television Awards (2014) and “Outstanding Drama” in the Gracie Allen Awards (2015). The show was also nominated as “Outstanding Achievement in Casting - Television Pilot - Drama” in Casting Society of America, USA (2016). Their cast consists of rising actor David Mazouz as Bruce Wayne, Sean Pertwee as Bruce Wayne’s butler and an ex-assassin, Alfred Pennyworth, Ben Mckenzie as James Gordon, Donal Logue as James Gordon’s partner, Harvey Bullock and much more.
Personally, I believe that one should be knowledgeable about the Batman franchise before he or she devotes him/herself to watching the show because if you are new to the series, then you will not be able to make certain connections or future references that the show is trying to achieve. Since I am passionately in love and involved with the Batman Series, whether it may be a TV series or a comic series, and am a loyal viewer of the show, I can honestly say that I am amazed by how the cast perfectly fits and portray the characters that they are playing. The actors are efficient and on point in their acting skills and their talents really helped in conveying the mood of the show. Every character in the tv series has the exact same characteristics as the original batman comic series. For example is Jerome, who is known to be a representation of the Joker, is played by Cameron Monaghan. The actor perfectly captures the essence of Joker through his cold heart, manipulative eyes and his spot-on evil laugh. It is as if the drawings on the comic has come to life!
In the series, we get to live through and empathize with how Bruce Wayne gets traumatized by his parents' death and how the little boy regrets that he did not do anything to stop it. Bruce is constantly reminded of this memory throughout the whole show. Although, Bruce slowly learns to mature into a man from his witty and wimpy state, with the help of his legal guardian and butler, Alfred Pennyworth. Alfred plays an important role in the series as he is the one who protects Bruce and acts as his guardian angel. Without him, Bruce will be useless and helpless in the show.
At one point in the series, Bruce meets a girl called Selena Kyle, who is the future “Catwoman”, whom he, later on, falls in admiration with. The series showcased some scenes of their “puppy love” which gives life to the series, thus attracting the youth and the viewers. As the series goes on, Bruce seeks revenge and justice for his loss and is motivated to find out more about his parents' death and their business, Wayne Enterprises. Therefore, Alfred teaches Bruce to be smart and to man up by having self-defense classes with him. This is where we see that he is slowly developing into the “Batman” that we know.
Bruce seeks help from James Gordon who is also busy trying to solve the crimes of Gotham and his own personal issues. James, who is very passionate about honesty and having justice, tries to put villains to jail and remove corrupt officials in the government in order to have a better and safe city. As we can see, Gotham’s plot dwells on a social issues which are present in today’s society. One of which is corruption. An example of this is Commissioner Loeb who has many “under the table” transactions and is secretly allied with a corrupt official. In the series, Loeb has incriminating files on every cop in the department. Thus, he tries to blackmail and reinstate Jim as a detective. Gotham also tackles issues on hierarchy, as in the series, there are big families which are known as the “heads” of Gotham. These families are rich businessmen and thus will do anything for business. They have great power and can get away with almost anything, including killing people. As they say, “Business is business”. One of the examples is Don Falcone. Don Falcone is portrayed as someone who radiates fear. Therefore, he knows many people who can help him get his way. One of them is Zsasz.
Zsasz is a professional killer, assassin and a sharp shooter who helps Don Falcone kill out his enemies or anyone he has a problem with. He just waits for Falcone’s orders and he does it. In addition, Gotham is filled with psychos and killers whom Jim has to deal with in every episode. Jim is constantly faced with a dilemma whether he should do a bad thing to do good. Hence, we can see how every person has the will to choose what is right or wrong. There are times wherein these criminals get so out of hand but Jim catches and deals with them one way or another, even if it means doing unlawful and unethical things.
In my opinion, I can closely relate and associate Gotham with the state of the Philippines as there are many crimes and problems that roam the streets day and night. Thus making people feel unsafe and scared at all times. There are also many corrupt officials who are yet to be named. With that, there is quite a number of illegal and secret transactions or affairs that run in the government. Filipinos are also known to have close family ties therefore causing political dynasty in the country and nepotism in the workplace. Just like how the Falcones, Waynes and Maronis, Gotham’s three big families, run the city with their endless wealth and power. This emphasizes how money can be used to manipulate others, which is very evident in our society. On a brighter note, I am pleased to say that with our new President, Rodrigo Duterte, who I can associate as being the “James Gordon” of our society, the crime rate in the Philippines has significantly decreased and we are now experiencing a change that is for the better.
All in all, Gotham is a crime, action, drama and thriller series that provides a realistic take on the Batman franchise. The show gives us an insight on what the Batman series or Gotham would be like in today’s society or in the real world. In addition, it shows us what society would be like if it has gone out of control and if evil is just around the corner. Gotham never fails to emphasize the universal truth that Good will always conquer Evil, and that’s what i love about the series.
Sources:
1. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3749900/
Gotham. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3749900/
2. http://screenrant.com/gotham-fox-tv-show-season-3-best-villains-so-far/?view=all
The 15 Best Gotham Villains (So Far). (n.d.). Retrieved from http://screenrant.com/gotham-fox-tv-show-season-3-best-villains-so-far/?view=all
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