Gotham

:

Season 1
  • Network: FOX
  • Series Premiere Date: Sep 22, 2014
Season #: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
7.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 730 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 545 out of 730
  2. Mixed: 91 out of 730
  3. Negative: 94 out of 730
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  1. cdsmusicchart
    Sep 23, 2014
    10
    I thought that a lack of the Bruce Wayne/Batman character would ruin it, but "Gotham" proved me wrong thanks to its interesting prequel events, slew of well known actors and pot of memorable characters.
  2. XenonQ
    Sep 22, 2014
    9
    I liked the pilot a lot. The city is atmospheric and feels big. This is a city you believe a lot of **** goes down, but also where amazing people live. All main and supporting characters were memorable, well maybe except for Alfred. They made him straight up American, and he didn't deliver a single line of wisdom. Fish Mooney was surprisingly good. I didn't expect to get so invested into aI liked the pilot a lot. The city is atmospheric and feels big. This is a city you believe a lot of **** goes down, but also where amazing people live. All main and supporting characters were memorable, well maybe except for Alfred. They made him straight up American, and he didn't deliver a single line of wisdom. Fish Mooney was surprisingly good. I didn't expect to get so invested into a character that will probably get killed off in the second or third episode. Penguin is brilliant. I can't get enough of him. This is how you'd expect the famous crime lord of Gotham to start off.… Expand
  3. thebomb
    Mar 20, 2015
    7
    The show gets better after its too hasty pilot episode and it will keep you interested enough to go from one episode to the next. However, Gotham may face problems in the future since they throw pretty much every known Batman character in your face without being the slightest bit subtle about it. But for now the decent acting and the cool, yet bizarre plots of the individual episodes keepThe show gets better after its too hasty pilot episode and it will keep you interested enough to go from one episode to the next. However, Gotham may face problems in the future since they throw pretty much every known Batman character in your face without being the slightest bit subtle about it. But for now the decent acting and the cool, yet bizarre plots of the individual episodes keep the show going.… Expand
  4. jasper6333
    Nov 20, 2014
    9
    Epic characters a nice plot and story, man i love this series! This series gives the batman mythologie another layer of depth to it! it is so cool to see what happened before batman was there! a Must watch!!
  5. Jim222001
    Oct 11, 2014
    9
    A lot of people complain that show isn't good without Batman. But of course there's no Batman and Gotham never promised to have Batman. The show still has creepy villains; especially young Penguin. And it's a gritty and violent detective drama set in Gotham city. I find it great fun.
  6. greenman22
    Nov 5, 2014
    7
    I made it a point to watch the GOTHAM series from the beginning. I always catch shows about three seasons in and binge it on Netflix. That being said, I'm glad I did. The show felt like it was off to a rocky start, keeping itself from going to far "out there" with its simple villain of the week formula. I was weary that the show would keep this up, without having one episode tying into theI made it a point to watch the GOTHAM series from the beginning. I always catch shows about three seasons in and binge it on Netflix. That being said, I'm glad I did. The show felt like it was off to a rocky start, keeping itself from going to far "out there" with its simple villain of the week formula. I was weary that the show would keep this up, without having one episode tying into the next (besides, of course, the subplots that occur from episode to episode). Now, however, the show really seems to being getting comfortable with itself having done the first few establishing episodes. I'm excited to see where GOTHAM is headed next and always get even more excited when I start to recognize more and more characters that become announced. The show has a lot of potential to really develop its characters. I only hope that they don't spoil it.… Expand
  7. Mantis
    Oct 17, 2014
    8
    Really like this. The atmosphere, colours, the darkness that the theme brings. Pretty decent acting. What's not to like? Keen to see where this goes after seeing 4 episodes.
  8. expara
    Dec 7, 2014
    10
    Just to give you an idea of the shows I watch religiously, Walking Dead, Boardwalk Empire, Sons of Anarchy, The Knick, Game of Thrones and American Horror Story. I used to watch Arrow but got bored with it and loved Spartacus while it was on and now I can add Gotham to my DVR favorites. I was not expecting much and didn't bother to watch the first episode until they had already shown 8 ofJust to give you an idea of the shows I watch religiously, Walking Dead, Boardwalk Empire, Sons of Anarchy, The Knick, Game of Thrones and American Horror Story. I used to watch Arrow but got bored with it and loved Spartacus while it was on and now I can add Gotham to my DVR favorites. I was not expecting much and didn't bother to watch the first episode until they had already shown 8 of them, I ended up catching up in 3 days of action, drama and humor. To me this show has a nostalgic feel, maybe its some of the references or the hardboiled edginess of the lead characters but each one good or bad has you liking them and every actors goal is for the audience to like their character even if they are evil.

    Jada Pinkett Smith has found her career performance on Gotham and will easily win an Emmy, Don Falcone is played by the amazing actor John Doman who also plays Pope Alexander VI on Borgia: Faith and Fear a series from Europe now on Netflix and he was brilliant on that show as well. I hope this show lasts for 7 or more seasons as it is a delight and Donal Logue as Bullock was perfect casting and this is an actor that truly is a throwback to the character actors of the past, he was amazing on Sons of Anarchy as well as two of my other favorite shows I forgot to mention above, Vikings and the short lived British series Copper and we all remember him from the movie Blade! Well I've rambled on too much, I guess I really like Gotham.    … Expand
  9. Assassin8813
    Nov 10, 2014
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is a very long review, so be warned.

    Where. Do I. Begin. This series had me sitting on the fence about ready to stomp it out as a pathetic spin off of a beloved comic book franchise, but am I glad I stuck it out. The assault of Batman villains in the first episode had me reeling back in frustration as I try to figure out why they would introduce each of these people, most of which are only referenced once throughout the episode and are then forgotten like they never existed, but that is not important in this series. What is important is sticking with it, watching it to the end, and then thanking yourself for not coming to a quick conclusion. In order to fully appreciate this series, you have to be able to see it as a fan of Batman and a person who does not know much about Batman. That is what makes this series truly beautiful; it can capture somebody who's flipping channels and stumbles across this, and it will ensnare those who have been long awaiting this series.

    As a stranger to the Batman universe, Gotham is much more than your run of the mill Law & Order series. It explores the deep, dark, and crime riddled streets of Gotham in a roller coaster ride that will keep your hands up! Imagine instead of a typical TV series that is only a collection of stories, Gotham is a book that is played out to the viewer chapter by chapter, each one getting progressively more captivating. While they do have Gordon (the main protagonist) and Dent (protagonist #2) chasing crimes that are seemingly unconnected on an episode by episode basis, everything comes together the further you look into it, and that's the beauty behind Gotham. It's a line-tracers dream, where connections can be made between every occurrence, but doubt will always linger when you drag the string across the pictures, because the city of Gotham does not open itself to us like we may want. Corruption and deceit run amok in this metropolis, and it's impossible to be sure that any two things are as they may seem. To those who do not know Batman, Gotham is a book about mystery, lies, and turnarounds that will keep you on your feet.

    Now, to those fans of Batman who are revolted by this series, I beg you to look differently. Gotham is so much more than simply a copycat of Batman without the bat himself. It is an amazingly well done look into the evolution of the city of Gotham before the caped-crusader took up the mantle of its defender. Its introduction of beloved villains - both those who are currently good and already evil - is a beautiful composition of a prequel before a well beloved play. Gotham leaves fans of the Batman universe wondering what drug down those who are good into the infamy they hold against the dark knight, and what events unfolded to bring those already evil into their thrones of power by the time Batman arrived. The most heavily involved villain in this TV series is the Penguin, Oswald Cobblepot. Watching him grow from the errand boy of a lower raking criminal into what we already know as (arguably) second only to Carmine Falcone in the world of crime leaves you wanting more as this series teases you with recipes for disaster and success. The Penguins integral part in the play of Gotham is more than enough to keep this series interesting.

    In summary, the only people who won't like this series are those who can't like it because of their deluded sense of fanboyism to Batman. Those fans with open minds and those strangers with enough time will find more than enough to keep them tuning in each week to watch the next chapter of this book unfold.    … Expand
  10. Troublewalking
    Nov 12, 2014
    9
    Having watched every episode since this show launched, all I can say is I love it. At first my expectations were low, trying to show all the Batman characters before they were legend seemed far fetched. Like most new shows the first couple of episodes have the actors over acting and the direction a bit confused, but this show really seems to have hit it's stride. The Fish lady is great,Having watched every episode since this show launched, all I can say is I love it. At first my expectations were low, trying to show all the Batman characters before they were legend seemed far fetched. Like most new shows the first couple of episodes have the actors over acting and the direction a bit confused, but this show really seems to have hit it's stride. The Fish lady is great, and I thought she had no possibilities from the first show. Now she is one of the sexiest and most manipulative women on television. The guy playing Penguin is incredible. The way he manipulates one side against the other for his own purposes, causing a mafia war and tearing Gotham apart is fantastic. Perfectly played Penguin. One second some tuff is pushing him around and he is whining his way to survival, the next that same thug finds himself on the wrong end of that threat. The head of the mafia (Falcone) is doing a great job. The other mafia guy is perfect. The guy playing Alfred is incredible, especially in his dealing with the young Bruce Wayne. Bullock is perfectly played. Young Bruce Wayne had me worried at first but the actor is doing a great job of showing the struggle to keep control on his sanity that Batman is legend for. Gordon is greatly played and a huge part of the show. I'm not feeling his wife, or the Montoya character. I'm worried if the girl playing cat woman can pull it off. The Riddler seems played to a t, early as Ed Ngyma. Though not a perfect copy of the comics this show does everything to cling to the Dark Knight and his dark Gotham. Mental illness in it's darkest corners are explored in every episode. If you remotely appreciate the darkness of the Batman character, watch this show for 5 episodes, you will be hooked. And the most promising part is if they pace it like the comics, the actors are young enough where they could truly explore all of Batman's villains in deep detail. Finally something truly dark, to represent the Dark Knight, instead of the watered down stuff that has been passing for Batman in many of the Batman movies. So if your a true Batman fan and love the Darkness of the Dark Knight and all his magnificent flaws, you will love this. But if your a Campy Batman fan, and like the watered down, ignoring all the mental health issues all of the Batman characters struggle with. This coffee is probably too strong for you.… Expand
  11. JamesIrish68
    Mar 1, 2015
    8
    Maybe not for the Batman purists but pretty good all the same. The Penguin character is the biggest hit for me giving Heath Ledger a run for his money. Some of the episodes are a little weak, the strong ones make up for them though. Its more adult than I expected and better for it. The city of Gotham is beautifully portrayed and attention to detail is extraordinary. Very entertaining.
  12. seventhseal
    Nov 30, 2014
    8
    A very entertaining, well produced, nicely acted to the large extent and story/character development is a meandering journey which is absolutely worth enjoying from the first class carriage.

    Robin Lord Taylor as Penguin is truly heinous and utterly brilliant!
  13. reellm
    Oct 3, 2014
    7
    3.5/5★

    Origin stories are tricky, but done right they can be fascinating. The comic book movie adaptations of the last decade have proven there is an audience for it, in large part from the coveted 18-49 demographic. The networks took notice and TV shows followed: Smallville, Arrow, The Flash, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. just to name a few. Most of these shows, the C.W. ones especially, are    3.5/5★

    Origin stories are tricky, but done right they can be fascinating. The comic book movie adaptations of the last decade have proven there is an audience for it, in large part from the coveted 18-49 demographic. The networks took notice and TV shows followed: Smallville, Arrow, The Flash, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. just to name a few. Most of these shows, the C.W. ones especially, are about growing up, taking responsibility for your actions and using abilities for good. Gotham is The Wire of these shows: it portrays the city as a dark, crime infested place, and how it influences its inhabitants as they struggle to live and survive. Gotham brings to life the stories of heroes and villains before they made the choices that set them on the path of superhood.

    The show is well cast, with Donal Logues Harvey Bullock a standout, bringing some much needed levity to Ben McKenzie intense James Gordon.

    Verdict: Watch. It will last a season.    … Expand
  14. TheRyanFlaherty
    Oct 14, 2014
    8
    It's ironic that the biggest drawback from the premiere of Gotham is in fact that the show takes place in Gotham.
    The show does such a fantastic job of establishing an uncompromising and corrupt city that it's hard not to feel the show would be more interesting without the expectations that come from knowing the source material. For instance, there would be more tension if the character    It's ironic that the biggest drawback from the premiere of Gotham is in fact that the show takes place in Gotham.
    The show does such a fantastic job of establishing an uncompromising and corrupt city that it's hard not to feel the show would be more interesting without the expectations that come from knowing the source material. For instance, there would be more tension if the character was an Edward Carrington instead of Edward Cobblepot. Because of this the show will often have to rely on dramatic irony, instead of genuine tension, since most viewers will already have knowledge of the key characters.
    However, that is less of a criticism and more of an admission that the show was done so well that it could have stood on it's own merits. Gotham has high production values for network television, is acted well, and the story moves at a brisk pace. Again, the only real missteps revolve around the source material, as there are many moments of "fan-service" (i.e. - "look, it's a character you know", moments) that felt forced or unnecessary.
    We may know the destination for many of these characters, but if the premiere is any indication, the journey will still be worth watching.    … Expand
  15. SythusRATINGS
    Oct 18, 2014
    9
    Before he was Commissioner James Gordon (Ben McKenzie), he was a young detective partnered with the legendary policeman Harvey Bullock (Donal Logue). Their first case together is the murders of Thomas and Martha Wayne, where Gordon first meets young Bruce Wayne (David Mazouz) and Alfrd (Sean Pertwee). Other Gotham characters set to appear include Fish Mooney (Jada Pinkett Smith), SelinaBefore he was Commissioner James Gordon (Ben McKenzie), he was a young detective partnered with the legendary policeman Harvey Bullock (Donal Logue). Their first case together is the murders of Thomas and Martha Wayne, where Gordon first meets young Bruce Wayne (David Mazouz) and Alfrd (Sean Pertwee). Other Gotham characters set to appear include Fish Mooney (Jada Pinkett Smith), Selina Kyle (Camren Bicondova), and Oswald Cobblepot (Robin Lord Taylor).… Expand
  16. sully22
    Nov 5, 2014
    8
    I'm enjoying the series thus far, yes the acting isn't amazing and some of the plots have a few wholes in them but it's a good watch and I love all the references. Worth a watch guys!
  17. goins1119
    Nov 16, 2014
    9
    Very interesting. This weekend watched almost all the previous shows on Comcast On Demand so that I would be able to follow the show. I love it, especially Jada's role. Very good....
  18. aimihazwani
    Nov 26, 2014
    10
    I've always been a huge Batman fan and this is a great way to tell a story about the origins. Other people may disagree with me but I think they put too many high expectations on the series to begin with. I watched it with an open mind and I must say I was hooked! Where else can you find a better timeless pre-Batman series? I love how they put effort in the little details like making theI've always been a huge Batman fan and this is a great way to tell a story about the origins. Other people may disagree with me but I think they put too many high expectations on the series to begin with. I watched it with an open mind and I must say I was hooked! Where else can you find a better timeless pre-Batman series? I love how they put effort in the little details like making the whole show and atmosphere look dark all the way hence 'Gotham'. I can definitely see the attributes according to the comics in every character. This program plants a lot of easter eggs so it's really fun to re-watch to see if you missed anything to give you any clues regarding the villains or what not. (i.e: Harvey Dent's shadow on one side of his face via the projector, the huge clock facing Barbara's apartment). Overall, I'm excited for more episodes to be released and I hope they will go on for years like pre-Superman's 'Smallville'. I can't wait to see how the show builds up from here!… Expand
  19. martinex
    Apr 10, 2015
    8
    Really wasn't looking forward to this show (Who want's to see a show about batman without Batman in it?). Boy was I wrong. This show is more interesting than many of the Batman movies. Jada Pinkett Smith is amazing as the evil Fish Mooney. Donald Logue (one of my favorite actors) is equally brilliant as the shady Harvey Bullock. Very well done all around. Who would've thunk?
  20. Eliut
    Oct 9, 2014
    9
    The show begins well, with several surprises and immediately recognize enemies. Do not forget that is an adaptation and not going to be 100% faithful to the comic.
  21. igorgavi
    Feb 28, 2015
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I have been controlling myself not say this, but I can not take it anymore, here it goes (don't be all pissed off at me): Bruce Wayne is actually Batman.… Expand
  22. AvantGuardian
    Jan 5, 2015
    8
    Before Gotham premiered, many of us were wondering -- What is there of interest to us in Gotham prior to the reason we like Batman... Batman. Well, turns out, lots, actually. Gotham, though told through the perspective of our protagonist, a young Commissioner Gordon is the coming of age and origin stories of the classic DC supervillains found in the various incarnations of Batman. InBefore Gotham premiered, many of us were wondering -- What is there of interest to us in Gotham prior to the reason we like Batman... Batman. Well, turns out, lots, actually. Gotham, though told through the perspective of our protagonist, a young Commissioner Gordon is the coming of age and origin stories of the classic DC supervillains found in the various incarnations of Batman. In particular, the show focuses a lot on the origin of The Penguin, his rise to power.

    Gotham is a dark show. It doesn't hold any punches and takes place in a city as corrupt as they come. Even the stray dogs are corrupt in Gotham. It's all up to one man to do his best to keep order. While Jim Gordon is no Superhero, he is the only moral cop in a whole city of crooked cops and its his sharp intuition and persistence that see things through to justice each week. A very cool, artistic and innovative new series that I suspect will easily be renewed.    … Expand
  23. jacob4
    Jan 10, 2015
    10
    An epic prequel to the Batman franchise, this show basically fills in the gaps of what was happening as Bruce Wayne was growing up, and what all the other iconic Batman characters and villains were like when they were young too. Instead of being centered around Bruce, this show instead focuses on Jim Gordon and how he became the commissioner who helped Batman. This show has mystery,An epic prequel to the Batman franchise, this show basically fills in the gaps of what was happening as Bruce Wayne was growing up, and what all the other iconic Batman characters and villains were like when they were young too. Instead of being centered around Bruce, this show instead focuses on Jim Gordon and how he became the commissioner who helped Batman. This show has mystery, suspense, some comedy, action and adventure. It portrays iconic Batman characters in ways we didn't imagine, and brings to life other iconic characters or villains, some we've probably never heard of. Instead of simply heroes fighting villains, this show adds that where the police is like fighting against the mafia and corruption of the city. A must see show for all those Batman fans who want to extend their knowledge of the Batman universe and discover how Gotham became city it's known as.… Expand
  24. cumovies
    Oct 13, 2014
    8
    REVIEW AFTER FIRST 2 episodes- So far Gotham has a dark exciting start with a good blend of action mystery and drama but the first episode to me was much better than the second.
  25. gmonster320
    May 17, 2015
    7
    "Gotham" follows the usual 22 episodes per season network TV format. I typically do not like this setup because there are too many "filler" episodes added. This seemed to be the case in the middle of the season. I would much prefer to see fewer, tighter episodes. The show did finish strong at the end though which gives me hope for next year. In terms of main characters we have cops Gordon"Gotham" follows the usual 22 episodes per season network TV format. I typically do not like this setup because there are too many "filler" episodes added. This seemed to be the case in the middle of the season. I would much prefer to see fewer, tighter episodes. The show did finish strong at the end though which gives me hope for next year. In terms of main characters we have cops Gordon and Bullock. We have potential Gordo love interests Barbara and Lesley. I'm secretly hoping one/both of these ladies turn out to be major baddies and wreck havoc on Gotham City. How cool would that be? We also meet mobsters Falcone, Maroni, Fish and Penguin. A young Bruce Wayne (who always has trusty Alfred by his side) tries to find clues about his parent's deaths. He also develops a friendship with a young Catwoman. We also see the beginnings of the Riddler and the Joker. There are various other criminals (such as the Dollmaker, the Scarecrow and the Ogre) along the way. My suggestions to the writers for season 2 would be to focus on cohesive stories that provide an emotional impact. You already have lots of great characters to highlight. They just have to be compelling enough to hold our attention. And props to Robin Lord Taylor who is the standout character of "Gotham" in my opinion. I was skeptical that anyone could top Danny DeVito's interpretation of the Penguin but Robin breaths new life into Oswald Cobblepot.… Expand
  26. Sythus
    Oct 16, 2014
    9
    I was very skeptical of Gotham at first, with missing key characters as a adult Bruce Wayne and having different age gaps from the Comics, i wasn't very interested but then i watched the first episode and it suckered me in the show, Jim Gordon is great and is very enjoyable when he and Harvey are on the screen together, this show surprised me with it's acting, story and characters, theI was very skeptical of Gotham at first, with missing key characters as a adult Bruce Wayne and having different age gaps from the Comics, i wasn't very interested but then i watched the first episode and it suckered me in the show, Jim Gordon is great and is very enjoyable when he and Harvey are on the screen together, this show surprised me with it's acting, story and characters, the Easter eggs may be a touch too obvious but that doesn't put me off, overall Gotham is a great show and the only cop drama show to interest me, i'll definitively give this a 9.… Expand
  27. SOA21
    Oct 20, 2014
    8
    If you are a hard core comic lover, you probably won't like the show. Now that I got that over with, I think Gotham has done a really good job of creating the back stories of the characters everyone knows from the movies. Yes some of the acting can be upgraded and a few of the stories changed around, but overall this is a pretty good product if you are into superheroes and villains.If you are a hard core comic lover, you probably won't like the show. Now that I got that over with, I think Gotham has done a really good job of creating the back stories of the characters everyone knows from the movies. Yes some of the acting can be upgraded and a few of the stories changed around, but overall this is a pretty good product if you are into superheroes and villains. Those of you expecting "The Dark Knight" type of writing are going to be disappointed, those of us that just want to watch it for what it is, will enjoy the series. I will be back with a full review once season one is complete. If you are going to trash the show without watching all of the first season, then don't leave a comment.… Expand
  28. king5ter
    Aug 31, 2015
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. While it's first few episodes get the show off to a shaky start, Gotham is overall a brilliant show, blending detective drama, origin stories and mob wars into an intriguing, enjoyable show. The main character Jim Gordon is likable and dynamic, and the main characters are mostly fleshed out and human, with one or two exceptions.

    The pilot is rough around the edges, introducing the characters while at the same time cramming in so many references that every single minute of the episode is packed with them. They aren't exact;y subtle either, with the show throwing every conceivable plot device and clue at you to get you to notice the reference. It does this a lot in the season. An example is a scene in a mid-season episode where both the viewer and Jim meet Harvey Dent for the first time, the lawyer who later becomes Two-Face. You see him with a client of his, making a decision based on a coin flip, a nod to the character he will later become, and had that been all that happened, the reference would be okay, subtle enough to not scream "LOOK EVERYONE IT'S TWO-FACE" but obvious enough that Batman fans would understand it. However, Dent then proceeds to explain the whole thing to Gordon, dragging the reference out needlessly. At first Gotham can be forgiven, but after twenty-two episodes it becomes tiring.

    The main premise of the show is that Jim Gordon is just starting out as a Detective in Gotham, long before he becomes Commissioner, and he works to fight both corruption, gang violence and the villains that are slowly populating Gotham. This first season focuses largely on the gang wars, although there are some notable villains thrown in every few episodes - namely Scarecrow, the Electrocutioner and possibly the Joker - to name a few. A couple of the villains have bigger roles than just one or two episode affairs, especially The Riddler and Penguin. Penguin, in fact, plays a vital role in Gotham, serving as both a protagonist and antagonist when it suits him. Ultimately, though, he is destined to become a huge gang leader and super-villain, and watching him rise from nothing to a great force over the course of the season is hugely entertaining.

    Over the course of the season, the balance between the origin-like cases and the gang war is well kept, and tensions rise between the two biggest gangsters, Falcone and Maroni, as the season goes on, culminating in a finale that changes things a lot.

    Speaking of the finale, that brings me to one of my favorite things about Gotham. Now, I know this review is tagged with spoilers, but this is probably the biggest spoiler you could reveal about the show, so if you want to leave, do it now.

    In the final episode, Maroni is killed off, something that goes off canon from Batman, as he plays a big part in a lot of Batman stories. One of my favorite things about this show is that it isn't afraid to take risks and go off canon. It does this a lot, including:

    -Maroni dying
    -Barbara not being pregnant when they move to Gotham
    -The Riddler working for the GCPD
    -Barbara killing her parents
    -Bruce and Selina's friendship as children
    -And many other things

    This non-canon attitude allows Gotham to be more creative and flexible in it's approach and gives it a lot more freedom, which I think is definitely needed to give the show a breath of fresh air.

    Most of the characters are portrayed brilliantly. The duo of Jim and his partner Harvey Bullock are likable and yet not perfect, giving the audience someone to root for while still questioning their actions at points. The villains are almost all played perfectly, particularly Riddler and Penguin. If there is one character I don't like, it's Fish Mooney. Fish is a gangster working under Falcone whose plan is to rebel against him and bring his empire down. For the entirety of the season she is portrayed as selfish and brutal, and she is very one-dimensional, never at all seeming human. Even the mob bosses, Falcone and Maroni, can be understood and empathized with at points.

    All in all, Gotham is a good show. While the references are obvious and often unnecessary, the characters are played brilliantly, and the non-canon approach lends itself brilliantly to the show.    … Expand
  29. Havvkeye
    Oct 21, 2014
    9
    Just when I thought I'd never watch another Batman anything, along comes Gotham .... the ultimate prequel! Gotham's fresh approach gives viewers not only a new and more complete understanding of the Batman saga but should have all creators looking at their productions thinking "Can we apply the approaches used in Gotham to enhance existing projects." The answer is simple: Yes they can!
  30. papeadojhon
    Dec 17, 2014
    8
    Gotham es una entretenida, misteriosa, inteligente y buena actuada mezcla que de verdad entretiene al expectador y lo hace esperar con ansias cada episodio.
  31. kamiyamaninja1
    Dec 18, 2014
    10
    I was really looking forward to this show.. it has really surprised me.. top quality and very interesting plots.. I really enjoy it a great deal.. awesome filming and twist... I'm very happy someone took the lead to make this happen..
  32. Tui
    Dec 29, 2014
    8
    When Detective James Gordon arrives in Gotham conflict is sure to follow! Gotham is a new hit crime series set before the events of Batman. Throughout the dark and gothic atmosphere viewers are told the chilling backstories of Batman's most famed villains.
  33. DBPirate1129
    Jan 12, 2015
    10
    Well, this show is certainly better than I expected it to be. Each Gotham episode feels like its own contained story with characters you'll be rooting for and characters you'll hopefully be against. It has great action and an engaging plot all at the same time which many shows and films don't seem to succeed at these days. Gotham has proved to be a great and suspenseful show and one of myWell, this show is certainly better than I expected it to be. Each Gotham episode feels like its own contained story with characters you'll be rooting for and characters you'll hopefully be against. It has great action and an engaging plot all at the same time which many shows and films don't seem to succeed at these days. Gotham has proved to be a great and suspenseful show and one of my personal all-time favorites!… Expand
  34. JulietteRyanRok
    Apr 28, 2015
    8
    I hated the begining of this series , primarily for a whole bunch of incongruities in style of filming , writing & acting but I stuck with it & it's gotten much better. Lots of talented actors & stunning set locations. I like the "Noir"-esque feel of the production. I think the reason it's getting a lot of bad press is because some viewers are trying to contextualize this into the hugeI hated the begining of this series , primarily for a whole bunch of incongruities in style of filming , writing & acting but I stuck with it & it's gotten much better. Lots of talented actors & stunning set locations. I like the "Noir"-esque feel of the production. I think the reason it's getting a lot of bad press is because some viewers are trying to contextualize this into the huge body of previous Batman related productions. Try to watch it without comparing it to other Batman productions & story lines & I think you'll find it has merits of it's own & can become very enjoyable to watch.… Expand
  35. CallMeMrGeek
    Jul 31, 2015
    9
    A série anda à volta da fantástica, incrível e enigmática cidade do "Cavaleiro das trevas". Onde o crime e a corrupção é o pão nosso de cada dia.

    Quem tenta travar uma batalha para quebrar esse fluxo de podridão da cidade é o agente James Gordon, interpretado por Ben McKenzie, infelizmente o seu caminho é longo, já que tem de deparar-se com todo o tipo de criminosos. Até agora (estou    A série anda à volta da fantástica, incrível e enigmática cidade do "Cavaleiro das trevas". Onde o crime e a corrupção é o pão nosso de cada dia.

    Quem tenta travar uma batalha para quebrar esse fluxo de podridão da cidade é o agente James Gordon, interpretado por Ben McKenzie, infelizmente o seu caminho é longo, já que tem de deparar-se com todo o tipo de criminosos.

    Até agora (estou no episódio 17) só tenho coisas positivas a apontar sobre a série, desde da história, dos personagens e da perfeita escolha do elenco (que apesar de ter alguns jovens) têm todos eles uma perfeita prestação na série.

    Vermos o Bruce Wayne a deparar-se com a perda dos pais e como enfrenta isso é de forma mais aprofundada é algo que vale a pena ver.

    Outro grande argumento para vermos Gotham é o facto de pudermos ver personagens como o Pinguim ou Joker a enlouquecer aos poucos, assim como vários outros vilões presentes nas bandas desenhadas de Batman.

    A série vencedora de 2 prémios (“Most Exciting New series” e “Outstanding Drama”), tendo sido nomeada por 12 vezes sendo que 2 ainda estão pendentes.

    Com uma média de 6.5 milhões de espectadores por episódio nos Estados Unidos , Gotham tem mais que argumentos para ser considerada uma fantástica série.    … Expand
  36. georgio
    Jul 18, 2016
    8
    I watched first 15 episodes of the TV show and I am loving it. However I understands why some of the die hard fans of DC Comics franchise may be disgruntled. I will address some of the stuff:

    Setting: you will not see some dark Gothic themes and weird supervillains much. The TV shows is set in a modern US city although much more twisted and corrupted but in an ordinary way. Gothem seems    I watched first 15 episodes of the TV show and I am loving it. However I understands why some of the die hard fans of DC Comics franchise may be disgruntled. I will address some of the stuff:

    Setting: you will not see some dark Gothic themes and weird supervillains much. The TV shows is set in a modern US city although much more twisted and corrupted but in an ordinary way. Gothem seems to be closer to cynicism of "The Wire" rather than fairy tale dark atmosphere of Marvel franchise. So you see the corrupt police, mob wars and corporate greed played out in various plots. It picture Gotham as a complex maze that is hard to navigate by "heores" and "villains" alike. I am loving it.

    Characters: There are some really wonderful and strong characters in the show. However to me it seems that support characters may be better acted than main heroes. This reminds me a little bit of "The Grim" series. Additionally there seems to be no presence of some silly/supernatural aspects in the show. Penguin is creepy rising star in italian mob. Enigma is weido working as lab rat in police department. really well done.

    Plot: There are several plot lines of various characters that meet and divide again and again with murder cases of detective Jim Gordon as a common thread to connect everything. So you get to see "murderer of the week" episodes with no longterm effect as well as episodes where plots that were long in preparation are thwarted or changed. All in all the pace is good.

    What I find lacking: Humor. I mean it. The TV show takes itself too seriously. I think there is a lot of potential for some sort of dark and cynical humor in the Show. You have cynical detective in Harvey Bullock. You have your english butler in american metropolis. I cannot imagine that people of Gotham could take everything they live through without some sort of humor. Look no further than "The Wire" for some tips.

    Anyways all in all this is a very good detective TV show that is also a probe into the life of citizen of totally corrupted city. It has a lot of potential even if you are not particular fan of DC Comics franchise.    … Expand
  37. TornadoCreator
    Apr 9, 2016
    8
    This is yet another show in quick succession that seems to be bringing back an aesthetic long forgotten; film-noir. While other shows have seen more conversation started over them, namely Daredevil, this stands along side it as one of the pioneers of the emerging genre and an equally interesting offering from DC as the ones provided by Marvel.

    Focusing more on the city before Batman    This is yet another show in quick succession that seems to be bringing back an aesthetic long forgotten; film-noir. While other shows have seen more conversation started over them, namely Daredevil, this stands along side it as one of the pioneers of the emerging genre and an equally interesting offering from DC as the ones provided by Marvel.

    Focusing more on the city before Batman exists, we have a show that focuses more on the atmosphere and style of the city itself while telling a police-periodical crime-noir drama, steeped in style as it explores the nature of corruption and organised crime. A thrilling show that keeps the energy up while being relateable through the characters of Gordan and Bullock who play a fantastic police duo. Highly recommended viewing even for those who don't particularly enjoy superheroes as you'd be completely unaware that this was based on a comic if you're not previously familiar with the setting.    … Expand
  38. royv
    Feb 14, 2016
    10
    Gotham’s hooks

    You’ve my applause FOX Your excellent display of gruesome narrative, in an era of indifference, in a hoary metropolis, where the ’stale’ is banished and the bloody is made mainstream…….well, I do declare my loyalty to all things ‘Gotham’! Don’t you know/your writers are top tier, their exposés unrivaled And that they’ve my eyes and ears on Monday nights when I    Gotham’s hooks

    You’ve my applause FOX

    Your excellent display of gruesome narrative, in an era of indifference, in a hoary metropolis, where the ’stale’ is banished and the bloody is made mainstream…….well,

    I do declare my loyalty to all things ‘Gotham’!

    Don’t you know/your writers are top tier, their exposés unrivaled

    And that they’ve my eyes and ears on Monday nights when I sink into a Victorian lounger, pull at my lower lip, pinch a corrosive hook Twix my forefinger and thumb, wait for the clock to strike eight, click the clicker, and slowly pierce it in and through?

    My fantasy, a mild bleed, makes me flush, I’m warmed, and then made nauseous; what’s more, escape into a dark miserable reality is somewhat curiously soothing …..I taste my own blood……there’s a hint of metal/rust in it; nevertheless, I’m out-and-out hooked!

    So reel me in FOX……..I ‘wanna’ be reeled in

    And for you, whom are unaware,

    ‘Gotham’, the show, is in the midst of laying foundations, building transformative walls, painting a portrait of an iconic city morphing from a dull harmony/old-style lawbreaking to outright bedlam….

    Citizens known more for their inflexibility and nonconformity are at first confused, then inured, and ultimately struck hard, stunned to ever escalating senseless bloodletting….

    The populace, like frogs in a crock, is slowly cooked/ is conditioned for villainy untold

    What simmers to a boil is a complete disregard for original forms of crime and sleaze swapped for a constant flow of corruption/misconduct/ wickedness/treachery/ and the noxious brew is spiked to the brim with indescribable fury….

    The ‘law’ is railed at……’wake up damn it…… get your ass out of bed, get to your feet, and stand up’!

    But ‘he’s’ crippled, and when he walks he staggers, he’s dejected

    ‘Evil has spilled over and ‘performance’ has taken to the stage’!

    ‘Badness’, she’s a grisly sort, her learnt knacks are made the rule/ not the exception
    And ‘Brutality’, her lackey, makes the people salivate
    They want eyes to be stabbed and gouged
    They want flesh to be ‘lit up’ to fuel the light that brightens their dark alleys
    The cries from living torches is unsettling but not unconscionable
    They want Stilettoes (her heals) to be pressed through defenseless throats conjuring the sounds of desperate gurgles
    Fresh corpses are cut up, handled sloppily, and contempt for morality/ethics/ life has taken on a perverse significance

    An intellect that feeds on unbridled egotism is birthed,

    Gotham is made gross;

    With the rise of the villains she’s no conduct for what is civil

    And at the core of this new spirit are a riddle joined to a bird, tempered by a cat, while a disreputable fish is exiled

    At present, these are Gotham’s ‘hooks’, and I’ve no other reason for watching the wonderful spectacle that is

    Gotham    … Expand
  39. Graham433
    Jul 7, 2016
    10
    When I wake up and think of a word to describe Gotham it would be 'Masterpiece.' Gotham sets a new bar for
    superhero tv shows with its suspenseful, retro, gory vibe. Gotham Season 1 is better than Season 2 though Season 2 is also a masterpiece. In Season 1 we are introduced to Jim Gordon, Black Mask, & Joker or Mad Hatter. Overall, a masterpiece that must be watched.
  40. XxramezxX
    Aug 2, 2016
    10
    Incredible show, i'm amazed with the incredible talent of the whole cast and the script, it really is worth a watch..i don't usually follow tv shows but this ones just blew me away, it does not stick to all the original versions of dc we know but it sticks out due to its originality , 10/10 a true masterpiece
  41. marc5477
    Sep 7, 2015
    9
    What a pleasant surprise. I was expecting more garbage like Arrow and Flash but was treated to something that might climb to the top of my list of TV shows to watch. The dialog is good and the acting is extremely good. For the most part the plots are well done however several episodes had some big plot holes that didnt make sense but on average, the writing was good. Do not expect thisWhat a pleasant surprise. I was expecting more garbage like Arrow and Flash but was treated to something that might climb to the top of my list of TV shows to watch. The dialog is good and the acting is extremely good. For the most part the plots are well done however several episodes had some big plot holes that didnt make sense but on average, the writing was good. Do not expect this show to follow the comics loyally. If you are one of those idiots who think that everything needs to follow the comics, I invite you to snort some cool aid because even the comics themselves do not follow their own origins and turn non-nonsensically bad 90% of the time. There is no difference between a comic writer writing Batman or a TV show or Movie producers. They are all PAID BY THE OWNERS to do exactly that. This show is very good and possibly the best adaptation of a comic in history... all that said, and Batman is not even a factor since he is just a kid at this point. I cant wait for season 2 and while you are at it, maybe during the off season, go help the morons at Flash (Arrow is not salvageable) which is a travesty and embarrassing to watch.… Expand
  42. cloud34156
    Oct 1, 2014
    9
    The show begins with arguably the most influential deaths in comic book history and it only gets better from there. I'm going to keep this readable so I'll begin with the pros and move onto the cons.

    ==Pros== - Cinematography - This show is one of the best shot I've ever seen. Exciting camera angles when it's warranted, dramatic backdrops taken right from the pages of Batman and a    The show begins with arguably the most influential deaths in comic book history and it only gets better from there. I'm going to keep this readable so I'll begin with the pros and move onto the cons.

    ==Pros==

    - Cinematography - This show is one of the best shot I've ever seen. Exciting camera angles when it's warranted, dramatic backdrops taken right from the pages of Batman and a tone which is right on par with the Christopher Nolan trilogy.

    - Acting - The cast is absolutely phenomenal. You always expect actors to be finding their feet in the first season of a show but honestly this is one of the best collection of actors and actresses I've ever seen on a TV show.

    - Plot - I've read Batman for years and yes this is an origin story we all know but getting a glimpse at those years which forged the character we all know and love outside of a bunch of flashbacks is a real treat. The Pilot kept me hooked from start to finish and by the end of it I wanted to jump right into the next episode.

    - Characters - The various nods and character introductions may annoy some people but I thought they were handled wonderfully. A lot of characters got introduced but it wasn't just a case of here's catwoman, looks here's penguin oh and riddler too. It felt like each character was given their time on screen and yes they all had little quirks which suggested who they were to become but I felt it was charming not forced.

    - Music - Much in the way we all seem to know what Star Wars music should sound like there is a similar expectation for the Batman series. Well although it isn't breaking new ground in terms of score I found the music captured the dark, seedy world Batman was born from and once again was on par with it's movie counterparts.

    ==Cons==

    - Mystery Shooter - One of the reasons why I love the Batman origin story so much is that the man who killed his parents was nothing more than just a regular, lowlife criminal in it for the money. Although there have been attempts to change this it's never really stuck. I feel they are going to revolve a lot around who the shooter was and why he did it which I just believe takes something away from what makes Batman's story truly tragic.

    - Alfred - Now I don't mean the actor playing him I think he's good at what he does. However my first impressions of Alfred are a little disappointing. I guess I was hoping for more of an Alfred from the animated series as opposed too the most recent beware the batman. Hopefully we will see Alfred grow into the backbone of the Batman legacy that we know him as today.

    -----------------------------------------------------------Conclusion------------------------------------------------------------------

    I intend to review the first season fully when it ends but having viewed the pilot I feel the show has started out exceptionally strong and is one of the most impressive first episodes I've ever seen. I feel they managed to avoid the pitfalls of being overwhelming to their audience whilst still giving something for DC fans to smile and chuckle at (Come on that riddler moment was brilliant!). By the end of the first episode I felt invested in the characters and plot of the show and feel like it brings something very unique to the superhero TV show formula we've all grown accustomed too.    … Expand
  43. Another_Nerd
    Oct 6, 2014
    9
    Impressive pilot. The very fact that it is supposed to be without any superheroes and have such a great impression is great. There was some good acting, and a really intense atmosphere as well.

    I would recommend this for anybody who would want an introduction to Batman. It's good, it's thrilling. I guess my rating may go one notch up after a few episodes!
  44. BredToMaim
    Oct 7, 2014
    9
    I was afraid to be disappointed, but I am not. At least so far, with the 3 episodes. Fish Mooney, as i expected isn't so great. But the Penguin is, i think the actor is the best one in the show. The first episode felt kind of too fast-paced, but i loved it. The second one isn't so memorable, but it has a nice Catwoman origin story. The third episode is as good as the others, maybe better,I was afraid to be disappointed, but I am not. At least so far, with the 3 episodes. Fish Mooney, as i expected isn't so great. But the Penguin is, i think the actor is the best one in the show. The first episode felt kind of too fast-paced, but i loved it. The second one isn't so memorable, but it has a nice Catwoman origin story. The third episode is as good as the others, maybe better, as things evolve in the story and the universe that Gotham City is.… Expand
  45. Gamereview
    Nov 27, 2014
    8
    Under-acted, under-produced, with better than half decent writing which makes it all work, surprisingly...Not a top shelf show that works on one thing - it allows the whole range of other characters from Batman to come front and center at different instances - it's Gotham, it's not Batman! If you go in expecting something completely polished, you will be disappointed, I'd say, give theUnder-acted, under-produced, with better than half decent writing which makes it all work, surprisingly...Not a top shelf show that works on one thing - it allows the whole range of other characters from Batman to come front and center at different instances - it's Gotham, it's not Batman! If you go in expecting something completely polished, you will be disappointed, I'd say, give the series a chance, it has potential, seems unlikely that it will survive beyond season three, but it just might make it.… Expand
  46. OMM
    Oct 2, 2014
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The show is really good, you get get a since of how corrupt Gothem is since you see corruption at all levels, something that is hidden when Batman is just beating up bad guys. There are no major plot holes as suggested, even with the drugging of the children. If you're to kidnap a bunch of homeless kids, why how you poison the food you give them? One you have ZERO guarantee that they will eat it right there. Two most drugs that knock you out are destroyed by your stomach acids. This why you are given intravenous sedatives when you're scheduled for surgery. Lastly, how do you know they want them dead? The idea that they were used as food was debunked in the same episode! If want to see a show that focuses on the over corruption & shows you why Bruce Wayne is a metal case (they do a really good job here) watch the show.… Expand
  47. AGarcia732
    Nov 9, 2014
    7
    Unlike some other viewers, the biggest problem I have with Gotham isn’t that it’s a prequel series about Batman characters without Batman (after all, Batman has so much source material that it’s very feasible to make a show about his world without him in it)—it’s that the shows narrative, direction, and plot/story is all over the place and that the show has an unfocused feel. Gotham lacksUnlike some other viewers, the biggest problem I have with Gotham isn’t that it’s a prequel series about Batman characters without Batman (after all, Batman has so much source material that it’s very feasible to make a show about his world without him in it)—it’s that the shows narrative, direction, and plot/story is all over the place and that the show has an unfocused feel. Gotham lacks a cohesive vision. People are shoehorned/crammed into episodes when they “would be better served slowly, driveled out and introduced as the plot unraveled. Instead, because we saw so many characters so soon, it eliminates any sense of mystery—removing the need to think, to wonder, and to invoke the imagination as to where the story might go. By introducing us to so many future Batman villains within one single narrative, it leads us to believe that all of these future super villains operate within the same circle of people; making it seem very incestual. If all of these horrible people emerge from the same neighborhood and all of them play a part in each other’s origins, then it robs them of their individual and unique backgrounds and motivations.”

    A part of me wonders if the showrunners are forced to introduce Batman mythology in every episode (when it’s often times unnecessary and detrimental to the show) to please the people “higher up the chain”. If so, then some of the people up top should play musical chairs—because Gotham’s approach isn’t really working. This show definitely reminds me of TASM2 and some YA novel-to-movie adaptations, such as The Maze Runner (I personally liked both despite their faults, and I also reviewed both on Metacritic). It reminds me of TASM2 and TMR because both use lots of franchise bait/teases to supposedly entice viewers into sticking around.

    “Gotham has a habit of juggling more balls than can be done justice.” Besides unnecessary world-building, the show focuses on certain plot elements and character arcs at unnecessary times (Selina Kyle, Oswald Cobblepot, Enigma, Barbara/Jim’s relationship), when there are better and more important stories to be told. Too many side characters get unnecessary/unwarranted attention.

    As far as characters go, I would personally say that most of them were well-cast and the actors do well in their roles. One character I really hate, however, is Renne Montoya. She constantly nags Jim and Barbara, which makes her really annoying. I hope she dies a gruesome death. I like Fish Mooney, IMO she is a captivating and vicious new character in Gotham lore. Enigma is quite…weird. I don’t think he was adapted well. I like the Penguin as a character; he’s ambitious, charismatic, fun, a person the audience can be sympathetic toward, etc. Harvey Bullock is a nice “sidekick” to Jim; I like his brand of cynical humor. Harvey and Jim are such opposites that it’s fun to see them interact. While the characters on Gotham are nice, I think some should have more development and background history told (Harvey Bullock is big example. “Spirit of the Goat” started telling his story, and I liked it, but we need more.)

    I think I’m coming off as too critical of Gotham; I actually like the show very much. (I’m just critically analyzing the show.) Something about the show’s wacky nature keeps drawing me in each week; the shows crazy atmosphere is very captivating. In reality, Gotham might be flawed but it is too me a very fun and entertaining viewing experience. Gotham is dark, gritty, charming, intriguing, and cartoonish at times. It focuses on too many things, which is what is hurting it the most. Despite its flaws, I’ll stick around. I think Gotham has lots of potential and the show so far has been promising. Even if it doesn’t really improve this season, season two might be a different story (something tells me Gotham will have a season 2). If you dislike this show right now, I recommend that you stop watching it and start again when season 2 starts. After all, Agents of SHIELD greatly improved during season 2.

    Score: 7.6
    I have reviewed 32 other movies, including the 2014 films: Dracula Untold, The Maze Runner, The Expendables 3, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Guardians of the Galaxy, The Giver, Sharknado 2, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, Transformers: Age of Extinction, Edge of Tomorrow, X-Men Days of Future Past, Godzilla, Blended, The Amazing Spider-Man 2, Divergent, Transcendence, Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit, Blended, The Lego Movie, and more. I also review TV shows, such as The Last Ship, Sleepy Hollow, Marvel's Agents of SHIELD, The 100, I Wanna Marry Harry, Crisis, Gang Related, and more. I also have reviewed the mobile game Minecraft Pocket Edition.

    Goodbye! Sincerely, AG732.    … Expand
  48. EarthBoundCal
    Sep 25, 2014
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. First things first, when I first heard the concept for Gotham I was met with both excitement, and with pessimism. You see, the current landscape for comic book TV programming is exciting. The excellent second season of Arrow has not only opened up the doors to a spin off in The Flash, but it’s also has us comic book nerds salivating at the prospect of having more hours of comic book programming to sink our teeth into. Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D is finally finding it’s groove now that it's no longer has the restrictions of The Captain America Winter Soldier’s MCU changing plot twist, Agent Carter has a lot of buzz leading up to its winter premier, The Flash has been received well by most who have had the chance to see the pilot early and Constantine although has not been received greatly by those who have seen the pilot has already implanted change to correct possible toning issues it is said to have. All of these shows warrant our excitement.

    Now onto Gotham, and my pessimistic side; The problem I initially had when hearing the news of a program chronicling both the rise of Jim Gordon within the GCPD and the evolution of a young Bruce Wayne and how he would eventually go on to don the cowl and cape is that I thought it would be a gateway to much frustration ala Smallville (which admittedly improved a lot toward the last quarter of the series). The problem I had with a lot of Smallville was I didn’t really care much for a costume-less Superman, but over time I warmed to Clark Kent, but it was after four seasons.

    So moving onto Gotham, and my thoughts after actually seeing the pilot? For starters I feel like they’ve nailed Gotham, one part Burton, one part Nolan the series creators have done a great job of making Gotham exactly what it should be; alive! A character in itself.
    I felt Ben McKenzie did just fine introducing us to a younger fresher faced Jim Gordon. I wish I could say the same for the actors that played Alfred, Fish Mooney, The Riddler (Edward Nigma) and The Penguin. All of the above seemed a little too overacted for a show that appears to be set in a more grounded Batman universe, I will say that Donal Logue did a fantastic job in his role as Harvey bullock, I foresee him giving us all a character we love to hate. I felt that the pilot squeezed too many Batman rogues into the one episode though.

    All that being said I quite enjoyed the pilot, it had some definite ‘moments’ and quite refreshingly a good amount of blood, not too much, but enough to add a distinguishing trait that isn’t shared by any other comic book TV show currently out there. Give this one a chance, it's not what it is underneath, but what it does as a show that defines it, and what it does is setup a relatively exciting show without a cape or cowl in sight.    … Expand
  49. ronsterzz
    Sep 30, 2014
    8
    So far it's not so bad. Although before the series started, they launched a preview of what the show would be and honestly, it wasn't what i was expecting. The preview was more entertaining than the show really is. The show although entertaining because it explores the origin stories of the villains that Batman would be facing in the future, the show lacks a certain mystery. Revealing theSo far it's not so bad. Although before the series started, they launched a preview of what the show would be and honestly, it wasn't what i was expecting. The preview was more entertaining than the show really is. The show although entertaining because it explores the origin stories of the villains that Batman would be facing in the future, the show lacks a certain mystery. Revealing the murder of the Wayne's immediately and plots against certain characters. it does show more of James Gordon trying to rid the city of corruption. The team of Bullock and Gordon as partners is golden, good cop, bad cop routine works for them. As for Bruce and Alfred, they popup from time to time but there is no relevance to the cases the detectives are faced with every episode. Sure Bruce still doesn't know why he is doing what he is doing, but it doesn't really quite fit in the show. And there is also a part of me thinking whether we will get to a part in the show or series where Bruce will appear as Batman. I came to know of Bruno Heller from the The Mentalist, that show is amazing, compelling and mysterious with twists happening all over the place, which made it very interesting. I do hope that Gotham evolves into that kind of level because i would hate to see a series this good get cancelled.… Expand
  50. DEADSHOT
    Oct 10, 2014
    10
    This series is awesome !!!
    I think this series is one of the most popular series are transformed over time into !
    Over time, the charm of the series would increase with the addition of characters with stories that have ever heard ness !
  51. Canadian_runner
    Oct 13, 2014
    10
    As a child, always enjoyed watching batman. Gotham allows us to see how and why Batman came to life. I love all the characters they are building. catwomen, riddler, pinquin, commissioner Gordon, etc.. well written series. A+++
  52. gc21
    Nov 6, 2014
    7
    Well written, good cast (unlike Agents of Shield) There is only one issue. Bruce should have been older, and had a more active role in the show. Gordon is great, but Bruce Wayne (Batman) is Gotham. Bruce's journey from a teen boy to Batman would have been much more enjoyable.
  53. Shedegg
    Dec 4, 2014
    8
    Gotham holds potential for the near future. I'm a big comic fan, and this is like a dream come true.....but, there are a lot of references to comic book characters; so if you know nothing about the dc universe it your time wasted. The acting is alright and the characters it does use are pretty good. At first you may find it boring, but like any tv series it normally takes a few episodesGotham holds potential for the near future. I'm a big comic fan, and this is like a dream come true.....but, there are a lot of references to comic book characters; so if you know nothing about the dc universe it your time wasted. The acting is alright and the characters it does use are pretty good. At first you may find it boring, but like any tv series it normally takes a few episodes before you actually get into watching it.… Expand
  54. roinujrino
    Jun 18, 2015
    10
    It's an amazing show! All the actors and characters are great. The way Gotham presents Batman's characters make them look even better than they are, the show is really great!
  55. StephenJB
    Oct 23, 2014
    9
    Firstly I would say I am not a huge Batman fan, but I have enjoy every incantation, I have seen all the films and previous tv series.
    Normally with first series it takes time for me to get into it, then you have to start understanding the characters and plots. This sometimes changes over time with what works for the series/producers and what doesn’t. Gotham does this right from the off    Firstly I would say I am not a huge Batman fan, but I have enjoy every incantation, I have seen all the films and previous tv series.
    Normally with first series it takes time for me to get into it, then you have to start understanding the characters and plots. This sometimes changes over time with what works for the series/producers and what doesn’t. Gotham does this right from the off this has me hooked even more than Breaking Bad did.
    This is totally driven by characters, yes I know some are extremely familiar perhaps that’s why familiarity is comfortable with this project. You already have a head start although with back stories you never know what is going to happen. Although I guess with this project you kind of know who is and isn’t going to die hence the extra villains that are littered brilliantly about the piece.
    The series so far almost reminds me of the JJ Abrams view on Star Trek just a different time line as Spock tells Kirk and this time line hasn't been written yet.
    The set design and costumes are right up to date and I have no issue with technology being used such as mobile phones etc, some have pointed out this is just wrong and I am not sure why? It’s just how it is in this time frame. In a strange sort of way some of the city shots remind of noir movies and expecting a James Gordon’s voice over explaining how the rain and filth of the city etc etc
    For me the best part of this is watching James Gordon fight with his demons and how to walk that line between good and evil. You can almost feel his inner claustrophobic fear within him from the middle of the first episode fantastic portrayal.
    For me the Cat has it all wonderfully played shame she wasn’t left for a few more episodes a little more mysterious. Her interaction with Gordon at the subway is brilliantly played.
    Totally brilliant series so far and worth a watch with your minds clear of all the previous clutter of the Batman saga. Watch this as a standalone piece and expect to watch a series up for many awards soon.    … Expand
  56. AmericanPunk
    Feb 14, 2015
    10
    I have been anticipating this take on Batman since I first starting reading about it. Every episode leaves me thinking what is going to happen next week.
  57. filmfan1990
    Sep 22, 2014
    8
    Decent start, lots of promise here. McKenzie and Logue are a nice pairing. Pinkett-Smith and Taylor might outshine them though.

    There were a lot of pilot-y problems though, I expect them to get fixed.
  58. djrussell
    Sep 29, 2014
    9
    I really liked the pilot. I'm a massive Batman fan and it was good to see another take on the series. It felt serious and well written. Reminded me a lot of Nolan's series but with maybe a tiny bit of Burton in there for some of the more dark-gothic backdrops. The only thing I didn't like about the pilot was how many classic villains they tried to cram in (I counted 6). It felt forced.I really liked the pilot. I'm a massive Batman fan and it was good to see another take on the series. It felt serious and well written. Reminded me a lot of Nolan's series but with maybe a tiny bit of Burton in there for some of the more dark-gothic backdrops. The only thing I didn't like about the pilot was how many classic villains they tried to cram in (I counted 6). It felt forced. Apart from that though, it was better than I expected.… Expand
  59. Jordan20
    Sep 26, 2014
    8
    I like the first episode of Gotham, I'm wondering if we will get to see Arkham Asylum or meet the Arkham family? It would be nice to see the Arkham Family depicted outside comic books. Maybe they were friends of the Waynes. I would like to see them introduced on the show.
  60. zildel
    Sep 24, 2014
    10
    The show was surpringly great! Within the first 5 minutes of the show, the tone is set. Then it takes you on a wild ride and you keep wanting more. I'm excited to see the evolution of these characters and how they all become the villians we all know. Fantastic show.
  61. lordmoo_23
    Sep 23, 2014
    8
    I was very intrigued when I first heard about this show. I never really understood all the backlash and hate this show got before it even aired. The most prominent argument that kept being brought up was that a Batman show could not work without Batman. I could not disagree more. The Batman world is full of interesting and captivating elements that could make for an entertaining TV show. II was very intrigued when I first heard about this show. I never really understood all the backlash and hate this show got before it even aired. The most prominent argument that kept being brought up was that a Batman show could not work without Batman. I could not disagree more. The Batman world is full of interesting and captivating elements that could make for an entertaining TV show. I tried to keep my expectations at a reasonable level, I wasn't expecting a Breaking Bad or a True Detective, but I do want the show to succeed. I'll start off with things that I felt were not good with the pilot. The episode felt crowded, and a lot things ended up being rushed, especially towards the end. I understand that this is the pilot episode and the show runners have to establish a lot, but I felt that some of the "future" Batman villains could have been introduced in later episodes. The last ten minutes featured three essential scenes that felt crammed and rushed. However, I do like the content itself, so I guess its the handling of the content thats a problem. Catwoman doesn't feel believable in this Christopher Nolan influenced Gotham, nothing against Camren Bicondova. However, I'm invested in this character and look forward to learning more about this incarnation. Donal Logue, as great as he is, feels a tad off as Harvey Bullock. His interaction with James Gordon, played by Ben McKenzie, is one of the best things of the pilot. However, his comedic lines and delivery feel out of place with the episode's dark and gritty tone. Apart from that, I don't have any others cons. I love the way Gotham looks, and that it actually feels like a character in the story more so than any other interpretation of Batman on screen. One character that I didn't think I'd like too much was Jada Pinkett Smith's Fish Mooney, and she turned out to be one of my favourite elements of the pilot. She's charismatic and has a big presence on screen. The acting was decent, with a couple of great performances from both Bob McKenzie and Robin Taylor as the Penguin. With McKenzie, it's all in the eyes. He does a great job playing a clean and honourable cop in an otherwise dirty and deceptive city. The theme of good vs evil and how good won't survive long in a corrupted city like Gotham is intriguing, which really is the key word I got from the episode: INTRIGUING. The pilot did its job by hooking me to watch further. Lets just hope this continues.
    Also, I loved the Joker easter egg.    … Expand
  62. mrmonster
    Oct 8, 2014
    8
    Its not perfect, but it exceeded my expectations. At first, I was sceptical, I thought "Oh boy, another cop shoe.". Needless to say, this show blew me away.
  63. Bo33y
    Feb 10, 2015
    8
    I like this show a lot, despite of its clear blasphemy to source material, used as pretext to another display. So in essence having Pandme elope with Anakin the terror caused from having a bat/cat or that dark knight rising to orphans. Shwn out of perspective to be somebody else their vision away from sourced material.

    But does it work? What is on offer here, however, is a surreal    I like this show a lot, despite of its clear blasphemy to source material, used as pretext to another display. So in essence having Pandme elope with Anakin the terror caused from having a bat/cat or that dark knight rising to orphans. Shwn out of perspective to be somebody else their vision away from sourced material.

    But does it work?

    What is on offer here, however, is a surreal Noir esque universe. With darkly comic villains and cops. Providing entertainment that does mostly what it says on the tin, without constantly suffering from unrelated soap opera drama. Consistently in keeping up action and pace as shown events unfold.

    A shame that as a premise it wasn't derived from other sources, ones of which we weren't so familiar with, my only complaint to this content shown.    … Expand
  64. SullyBaby
    Sep 24, 2014
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Gotham; who is this show meant for?

    I started watching this pilot with extreme skepticism, expecting the worst, and I finished watching it without pure hatred spewing from every orifice. So, my opinion of Gotham wavers between shear boredom and hopeful optimism. This show is far from great, but its devotion to shoehorn in as many Batman characters makes you wonder what they have in store for these future Dark Knight foes.

    The show starts by introducing us to an approximately 10-year-old Catwoman (Catgirl?) stealing milk for alley cats and witnessing the assassination of Bruce Wayne’s parents. I have to admit it wasn’t badly done for what it was and that’s the problem. I really digged the directing, the actors, and the set designs, they set the tone well. But unfortunately it’s so formula and clichéd, that it comes across dry, humorless, and boring.

    I felt like I was watching a script written to please studio executives. It was formula in a lot of ways, but a well directed, styled formula that makes you wonder what it could be if they took off the proverbial gloves and gave us the gritty batman stories we want. So much potential, but still better in many ways from the 90210 jet-set teenaged, ridiculously good-looking, super-hero wannabes on The CW.

    It’s a bit unsettling having a middle-school aged Batman, Catwoman, and Poison Ivy set in an adult-toned world of CSI style investigations, interrogations, and murder. How are they planning on writing stories that will involve these children in Detective Gordon’s investigations in a corrupt police force without making us suspend belief any more than we already have? Maybe they will all go to school together? Gotham Middle School: The Early Years?

    So why involve school aged characters at all? Is it to bring in younger viewers? If so, do you want kids to watch the scum of Gotham City get tortured, signs of domestic abuse, murder, and the overall sense of despair? I doubt these scenes would even be interesting to a child if they could be patent enough to sit though the dull, drab plot. Most of the show is Detective Gordon running around town introducing us to a whole cast of villains that would be better served slowly, driveled out and introduced as the plot unraveled. Instead, because we saw so many characters so soon, it eliminates sense of mystery. Removing the need to think, to wonder, to invoke the imagination as to where the story might go. Subtlety is not this shows strong suite. The almost pathological need to force plot-driven dialog that blatantly shove characters with familiar names and similar characteristics down our throats becomes slightly insulting after a while.
    Every time they introduced a Batman villain they had to repeat the name or follow-up with a forced remark that reinforced that they were blatantly shoving a person of interest in our face. At times it seemed as if time slowed down during the introduction of each of these characters and I kept expecting them to break the fourth wall, stare into the camera and make sure that we were still paying attention to the boring script.

    By introducing us to so many future members of Batman’s rouges gallery within one single narrative, it leads us to believe that all of these future super villains operate within the same circle of people; making it seem very incestual. If all of these horrible people emerge from the same neighborhood and all of them play a part in each other’s origins, then it robs them of their individual and unique backgrounds and motivations.
    Now it comes across that, in this Gotham City, superpowers don’t seem to exist. No magic. Nothing that even hints to the existence of anything remotely fun and removes the possibilities of seeing any of the Justice League or any of Batman’s famous super-powered friends. What you see it what you get. Now that may change in the future. They may pull an Arrow and introduce super-powers in the second season. But this show seems ridged, unimaginative, and boring.
    How I wish this was planned out by the likes of J. Michael Straczynski, Joss Whedon, or J.K. Rowling, then we would get the extremely well-planned, multi-year story arcs that we crave. Another missed opportunity to do the Batman story justice.

    Overall, I would give the pilot a “C.” Meaning I don’t hate it and I will give it a few more episodes to see how they start to flesh out the stories. I wouldn’t recommend this to any friends that expect a Batman show. Instead this should only be watched by people that endured the show Smallville and don’t mind sitting on a pair of blue balls for seasons at a time until you get the smallest dose of fan service spoon-fed into your brain.

    It’s not a terrible show but it’s so far removed from what a real Batman TV show should be, that I find myself wondering why I make excuses for shows that fail to deliver. It pretty much comes down to how much horse poop you’re willing to stick your hands in and feel around until you get some Batman gems that will tide you over until we see Ben Affleck don the cape on the big screen in 2016.

    Me, I want to like Affleck as Bruce Wayne/Batman. I feel that he’s matured since Daredevil and has the potential to put out a decent superhero film.

    Of course, he was da bomb in Phantoms yo! : )    … Expand
  65. raviopatra
    Sep 25, 2014
    9
    The writers and crews who work on the pilot for Gotham must be a genius. The production is next to flawless and it clearly shows how huge the show can be (only if it keeps on taking the right direction) and the tremendous potential the characters and stories in the Batman/DC universe carry. Definitely a game-changer for Fox. Who needs originality when you have authenticity blended with vision!
  66. pacifier666
    Sep 23, 2014
    8
    Absolutely awesome its pretty dark and has the mob elements similar to the nolan universe. The dude who plays gordon is great. Show is great. PS please notice the stand up comic role in the pilot might be an Easter egg
  67. jlizada
    Sep 23, 2014
    9
    I was preparing myself for another "Agents of Shield" debacle but surprisingly Gotham's pilot was great. It was solid and just enough to intrigue viewers for the season. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't perfect but considering how most pilots go, this is one of the good ones.

    I'm excited with this one.
  68. RikerDonegal
    Sep 23, 2014
    7
    The Gotham opener had a surprisingly enjoyable case-of-the-week, which moved at rapid pace and was full of interesting characters. At it's heart it is basically a cop show. A cop show about partners. Something you don't see very much any more. Plus: one of them is corrupt! Even better.
  69. DARKKNIGHT7
    Sep 26, 2014
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. It Is AWESOME i am speechless The second Bruce says he is learning to conquer fear And when Gordon says fear is a good thing it doesnt needs conquerance it tells u where d edge is and when Penguin Yeah he is really Superb specially when he starts laughing after beating a man with Baseball bat Gordon BRUCE Selina she just gives d vibe of an innocent sweet and swift and clever Catwoman I like d Origin of Penguin and hope it ll maintain The same power packed performance by lead cast it will surely be worth watching Every second is like a comic book holiness (with liberty os some alterations ).Pilot was Epic… Expand
  70. ShipperWar
    Sep 22, 2014
    10
    Loving it so far, it's staying pretty faithful to the comics and I'm loving that about the series so far. A lot surprise characters I wasn't expecting to see, which makes things exciting for future episodes and how things will be developed with these characters!
  71. daneyuleb
    May 25, 2016
    10
    Stylish, gritty, atmospheric, a little gonzo at times. Superbly cast. This is easily the best of the comic book based dramas out there no matter what anyone tells you--if anything made better by the fact that it's carving it's own spin on the origin stories of Batman and his various friends and enemies.

    The characters are near-perfectly cast--especially Gordon, Penquin, Alfred and the    Stylish, gritty, atmospheric, a little gonzo at times. Superbly cast. This is easily the best of the comic book based dramas out there no matter what anyone tells you--if anything made better by the fact that it's carving it's own spin on the origin stories of Batman and his various friends and enemies.

    The characters are near-perfectly cast--especially Gordon, Penquin, Alfred and the Riddler--and MOST especially David Mazouz,as the young Bruce Wayne.

    I know that Agent Carter, The Flash, Daredevil, Jessica Jones are all the darlings of the critics, but after this show got rolling deep into its first season, it clearly grew into taking the crown as the best of the super hero shows, the others all too often suffering from too much camp, too much talk or too much self-importance and angst.    … Expand
  72. kk84
    Nov 3, 2017
    10
    best show i have ever watched! i love the GOTHAM, the city, the characters good and evil, the actors and their acting, the make up, the stories, the whole Batman universe is so great!
    Best time of the week is to see another episode of this show! dont miss it its the best!
  73. johnyct9760
    Sep 28, 2015
    9
    On the whole I thought it was good, I would have liked to have seen a little more character exploration on a few of the main and secondary characters (EG: detective bullock) but all and all it was really solid and fun to watch. I did notice there were just a few to many impossible escapes by and hammed up over the top gun fights thrown in that did kind of break my immersion in the story.On the whole I thought it was good, I would have liked to have seen a little more character exploration on a few of the main and secondary characters (EG: detective bullock) but all and all it was really solid and fun to watch. I did notice there were just a few to many impossible escapes by and hammed up over the top gun fights thrown in that did kind of break my immersion in the story. My final verdict is Solid B+ Well done, room to grow and I'm definitely going to tune in for season 2.… Expand
  74. Soma9840
    Nov 11, 2015
    8
    The show is definitely worth a watch with interesting characters, interesting story, and lack of major filming mistakes. Also, I find the multiple storylines idea incredibly well done and interesting. There are very few cop show cliches. Some of our favorite characters are made believable through means not possible in film or comics. This is one of the few shows I can find myself invested in.
  75. JoeBlair
    Nov 20, 2015
    10
    The show is great fun if you overlook some awkward compromises that were made to retain mass appeal.

    2nd Season has a fantastic Michael Chiklis performance.
  76. ProGamerZix
    Sep 20, 2016
    9
    The start blew my mind. The writing and screenplay are amazing. The Music is exceptional. The display of the city Gotham is very dark and gritty !

    If you are a DC fan this is a must watch
  77. cwetzel4
    Feb 7, 2016
    10
    I was extremely skeptical of this show because all of my friends told me it was very good but it wasn't about batman so I as a lover of everything batman wasn't to interested in a show about the city of gotham that wasn't all about batman. I end up binging on super hero tv shows on Netflix and once i found my self done with The Flash and The Arrow I figured why not and decided to make theI was extremely skeptical of this show because all of my friends told me it was very good but it wasn't about batman so I as a lover of everything batman wasn't to interested in a show about the city of gotham that wasn't all about batman. I end up binging on super hero tv shows on Netflix and once i found my self done with The Flash and The Arrow I figured why not and decided to make the jump and watch Gotham. Lets just say I watched every available episode with in two days and if it was a possible career choice I would sign up today to be a member of the GCPD (Gotham City Police Department). I highly recommend watching Gotham… Expand
  78. SrPepe
    Jul 5, 2018
    7
    Esta buena pero tiene varios conceptos raros y bastantes malos. Muy por debajo de la siguiente.
  79. TiagoGM18
    Mar 27, 2017
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Great first season, too bad the show kind of collapses after the death of Azrael. Great characters, you can really get invested both in the heroes and the villains, especially Penguin… Expand
  80. flylex
    May 18, 2017
    8
    Gotham from the beginning already defines how the series will be in the case a police series on the department of the gcpd of gotham the city and the series itself are dark, dark and give a certain intimidation, the protagonist is the policeman james gordom while he is new And is not commissary in the beginning the series follows a language of the recipe of a villain per episode and a clueGotham from the beginning already defines how the series will be in the case a police series on the department of the gcpd of gotham the city and the series itself are dark, dark and give a certain intimidation, the protagonist is the policeman james gordom while he is new And is not commissary in the beginning the series follows a language of the recipe of a villain per episode and a clue to a larger plot in the future, villains in general are good falcone, maroni, fish mooney and the penguin are great character pincally penguin and fish Which has strong personalities that are being molded and defined more and more, we also have bruce wayne that is relatively well but does not pass full credibility of what would be the future millionaire egocentrico and grumpy, alfred is very similar to the comic always giving sermons and how Always very badass, jim gordon itself is not very impressive in the series and harvey would be the supposed relief comico the series is good but also has many mistakes and holes in the same script So amuses and learns from past mistakes note 78… Expand
  81. TheOnlyMr
    Jun 6, 2017
    9
    The first five episodes were boring to be honest , But after those episodes that explain the backstory of this TV series the action starts and goes deeper in the DCEU.
    The idea of killing off huge villains and getting them back from the dead isn't really fun. On one of the season finale's I believe they " killed " off fish mooney , And then Hugo Strange appears and gets her back from the    The first five episodes were boring to be honest , But after those episodes that explain the backstory of this TV series the action starts and goes deeper in the DCEU.
    The idea of killing off huge villains and getting them back from the dead isn't really fun. On one of the season finale's I believe they " killed " off fish mooney , And then Hugo Strange appears and gets her back from the dead. Then Galavan dies and returns as a ninja warrior , So things just dont add up in the series and I think that they should fix these small issues then Ill consider a 10/10.    … Expand
  82. Peanutdesforets
    Oct 12, 2017
    9
    We must take your time with this show because it's going better each episode at a time. The villains are nice, Alfred is awesome and even if Bruce aka young Batman is sometimes muche more that annoying the acting is good and the next season is going to be epic.

Awards & Rankings

63
#63 Best TV Season of 2014
5
#5 Most Discussed TV Season of 2014
14
#14 Most Shared TV Season of 2014

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 34 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 34
  3. Negative: 0 out of 34
  1. Slant Magazine
    Reviewed by: Chuck Bowen
    Sep 26, 2014
    50
    Though it abounds in diverting window-dressing, Gotham is literally all dressed up with nowhere to go: It's a derivative copy of a copy in search of a real governing identity.
    Read full review
  2. Sioux City Journal
    Reviewed by: Bruce Miller
    Sep 22, 2014
    80
    An absorbing, intelligent new drama that gives the Batman mythology one more layer of depth.
    Read full review
  3. Newark Star-Ledger
    Reviewed by: Vicki Hyman
    Sep 22, 2014
    91
    The city--neon-washed, Chanderlesque, somewhat anachronistic--is itself also a character, and it turns what could be "Law & Order: Gotham" into something infinitely more layered and watchable.
    Read full review
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