Gotham Episode 3 Review

Tonight's episode moved things forward for 'Gotham' in a big way. The main plot point of the episode is a vigilante who handcuff's corrupt members of Gotham's infrastructure to giant weather balloons and sends them aloft to die. The vigilante, labelled the "Balloonman" by the media, is intent on punishing the corrupt of Gotham, be they police or politician or businessman.

Gordon and Bullock are on the case, tracking down leads and eventually apprehending the culprit. A very straight-forward question asked by the vigilante to Gordon is "Who will you work to save?", a question that is sure to make an impact on Jim Gordon in his later years.

The episode once again focuses its attention on Bruce Wayne, and shows that Alfred is attempting to help the boy maintain a normal life, despite all that has happened to him. Coupled with that is Bruce's growing interest in the affairs of Gotham, something that will of course become part of his identity as Batman in the future.

A third major plot point is Oswald's actual return to Gotham. He finds employment at an Italian restaurant owned by Don Sal Maroni, Carmine Falcone's rival for control of Gotham City. Oswald manages to keep his head down, and even finds a friend in Sal Maroni. Here it shown that Oswald has a plan in mind on how to facilitate his revenge on both Fish Mooney and Carmine Falcone.

All the while, we also see Barbara Kean's continued support of Jim, despite Detective Renee Montoya's continued pestering that Jim isn't all that he appears to be, coupled with the fact that at one point Renee and Barbara were apparently an item.

 I enjoyed this episode because it showed Jim and Harvey engaged once again in actual police work, tracking down leads, compiling clues etc. Bruce is developing as a character and person, despite his young age, it is starting to become a tad too obvious of his intent to want to make a difference for Gotham City. The best character so far in terms of appearing genuine, cut from the same cloth as his comic book counterpart, is Oswald Cobblepot. Oswald had a specific quote in the first episode, that a war was coming. And it is now quite apparent, that Oswald will somehow be a major part in that war, with the intention of coming out on top as the new crime king of Gotham City.

Next week's episode promises to be a good one, since throughout tonight's episode, there were minor references made to 'the old Arkham place', which can only mean that the infamous Arkham Asylum will soon be opening its door again. And if the nut house is opening back up, that means the nuts will surely come in droves to Gotham. Probably not as bad as the future Rouges Gallery that Bruce will face as Batman, but certainly enough to give Gordon and Bullock a run for their money. So let next week's episode come, and with it, a brand new review.