Now in its third episode, "Gotham" seems to have found its rhythm as far as balancing its cases of the week with its ongoing story arcs without feeling the need to tie them all together.
While the ongoing mystery of the Waynes' murder, Oswald's continuing criminal career rebirth and the cat-and-mouse play amongst the mobsters all get their screen time, this episode is about Gotham's newest vigilante. No, it's not Batman, but his name does begin with a B.
The titular Balloonman is targeting criminals, something Gotham has an ample supply of, sending them into the atmosphere as punishment for their crimes. As usual, Gordon is more interested in actually catching the perp than his partner Harvey, but when one of the Balloonman's targets hits too close to home, the entire police force is mobilized.
Meanwhile, Gordon tries to validate Selina's story that she witnessed the Waynes' murder and Oswald makes his long-awaited (an entire episode!) return to Gotham.
This was a solid episode, even with the premise being the most potentially cartoonish to date. Ultimately, this show is going to live or die by the chemistry between Ben McKenzie and Donal Logue as Gordon and Harvey, and they continue to be the highlight of the show. Coupled with Robin Lord Taylor's continued scene stealing as Oswald and Jada Pinkett Smith oozing schemes and sexuality as Fish Mooney, the cast can bring the gravitas needed to ground the sometimes more outlandish situations and dialogue.
BEYOND HERE THERE BE SPOILERS
I speculated before about Barbara and Renee Montoya's past relationship considering the latter's portrayal in the comic books, and it was confirmed in "The Balloonman" that they indeed were a couple, as well as the fact that they are both recovering addicts. Although it's a bit cliche, I think it gives Montoya the needed personal reason to continue her investigation of Gordon, who we the audience know is innocent of Oswald's supposed murder, without making her a villain.
Of course, the episode saved its biggest surprise until its final moments, when Oswald shows up at Gordon's door, so now Barbara knows he's alive. My guess is Gordon will swear her to secrecy, which will only add to the intrigue between her and Montoya.
I complained in my review of "Selina Kyle" that I wasn't feeling Sean Pertwee's performance of Alfred, but this episode changed my mind. I loved his fencing duel with Bruce, as well as his attempts to get his charge to eat. He felt much more human here and gives me hope that the writers have found a right balance for the character.
Other than Selina proving she was in the alley where the Waynes' were murdered, we didn't get much in that case this week, and with Selina now in the wind again, I'm curious to see where they go with her story. Sooner or later, she and Bruce will have to meet up, if only for the fact that they're the only regular cast members their age.
The case of the week was interesting, with multiple people talking about the people of Gotham and their collective attitude following the deaths of the Waynes. It would make sense that Bruce wouldn't be the first vigilante to try to take the law into his own hands, especially since we've got about 10-15 years before that comes to fruition. Of course, they can't a different vigilante every week, but it was a concept that I didn't really think about. I hope "Gotham" can continue to provide surprises like this. Speaking of vigilantes, it's also interesting to note Bruce's reaction to The Balloonman, reflecting that by killing, he became just another criminal.
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