Gotham

My impression of the first season is very positive. I didn’t read anything about it beforehand, so I thought it was going to be a Batman series. I certainly didn't expect Bruce Wayne to be little more than the “glint in the milkman's eye” as Edmund would say. It's basically a prequel to the Batman films, so the main characters are a long way from being superheroes and it's mainly the local police department that has to deal with the Gotham underworld. I enjoy the gradual development of both the positive and negative characters and I'm pleased with the cast and the now classic Gotham atmosphere. (10/15/2016)

Season 1 of Gotham was a nice surprise. A perfectly grim atmosphere permeated the entire season, and I also appreciate the elaborate intrigue in both the underworld and the GCPD. All the characters were well cast, and I was equally pleased with their development. The main storyline worked very well. I was slightly disappointed by the subplots at times, but I really enjoyed the first season on the whole. It goes to show that I'm far more into superhero series than superhero films lately. (11/19/2017)

The pilot hooked me right from the start. The creators did a fantastic job crafting a pleasantly dark atmosphere. I loved the seamless blend of contemporary and vintage elements — one moment you’re watching a gangster straight out of the 20s or 30s, and the next, someone’s mobile phone rings. It’s a perfect mix. The casting is spot on, and I especially enjoyed Jada Pinkett Smith as Fish Mooney. (11/16/2017)

I found the meteorological balloon case pretty entertaining this time around. However, the real highlight was watching Oswald’s character development. Sure, I could nitpick and find reasons to dock a star or two, but after what I’ve seen lately from Marvel and DC, I’m inclined to give this one a pass. (11/16/2017)

The main storyline was excellent, with the same great atmosphere that's been consistent since the first episode. While I enjoy Fish Mooney's scheming, the bomberman subplot didn't really grab me. (11/17/2017)

Another action-packed episode that really delivered. Sean Pertwee got more screen time, which was great because his Alfred is fantastic. The heroes took quite a beating, but who could stand up to the demonic Mazikeen? (11/17/2017)

This episode largely shifted to Arkham Asylum, giving the atmosphere an even more depressing tone. The story was captivating and kept me engaged throughout. Plus, it had the most open-ended conclusion of the season so far. (11/17/2017)

I was really pleased with this episode. The main storyline has been consistently engaging, but this time, the case of Jack Gruber/Buchinski also caught my attention. As a fan of gangster tales, I was particularly thrilled by the power struggle in Gotham's underworld – it had style. (11/18/2017)

Another solid episode, though I was a bit annoyed that the main storyline didn't progress much since the focus was on side plots. The ophthalmological surgery scene was a nice touch, reminding me of the original Terminator. (11/18/2017)

Even without a flurry of action, the episode kept me thoroughly entertained with its nonstop scheming from start to finish. Plus, the addition of my favorite villain actor, Colm Feore, was a delightful bonus. Couldn't ask for more! (11/18/2017)

The episode introduces Gotham's version of Mr. Grey, who bored me just as much as the protagonist from Fifty Shades. The main storyline stalled a bit, leaving Fish Mooney's quest to reach the mainland as the only somewhat engaging part. (11/18/2017)

A pleasant surprise after the somewhat dull previous episode. The hunt for the same killer continues, but this time the plot was engaging, the tension and atmosphere built up perfectly, and every storyline drew me in completely. A very well-done episode. (11/19/2017)

I enjoyed the second season a little less than the first, mainly due to the character of Theo Galavan/Azrael. On the other hand, the other characters (and there were quite a few) kept developing, while some new ones were added: a number of mostly charismatic villains and even some mutated individuals towards the end. The best thing about the whole series is definitely the atmosphere. The combination of modern times and classic American gangsters really appeals to me. I sincerely hope I'll be similarly pleased with the third season. It would be a shame if the series lost momentum. (10/15/2016)

The episode retained the excellent atmosphere from the first season, and the return of Cameron Monaghan as Jerome was a fantastic bonus. I'm equally pleased with Oswald's arc, though I'm still unsure about the new character, Theo Galavan. (11/19/2017)

Everything was going smoothly, but I had to knock off a star because of the tactical unit. Despite having clear firepower superiority, they only managed to hit Victor Zsasz with a single bullet. (11/19/2017)

Penguin just keeps getting better with every episode, but Theo Galavan still isn’t working for me. The historical dive into his family’s past was a total snooze-fest. I feel like the writers are starting to overcomplicate things. The initial episodes of this season were fantastic, but the plot has taken a bit of a nosedive since Jerome's death. (11/19/2017)

My satisfaction with the series keeps dropping with each episode. I managed to give this one four stars out of sheer inertia, but the Theo Galavan subplot is really starting to get on my nerves. If it weren't for Nygma, I don't know how I'd rate this. 4*- (11/19/2017)

If it weren't for Edward Nygma's picnic, I would have rated this episode three stars. The season feels like it needs a fresh spark. The recurring traps for Jim Gordon, with Barbara as bait, are starting to make me question the detective's intelligence. Where will they go next? Galavan's "elaborate" plan to take over Wayne Enterprises just screams writer's fatigue. 4*- (11/20/2017)

Better than the last episode, but the writers are starting to annoy me with piling up minor inconsistencies. Eduardo Flamingo can take down an entire police unit, but Jim Gordon can just punch him out a moment later? That's just one example. Fortunately, the sadistic comedic duo of Penguin and Nygma worked well. I also noticed the season's hypocritical censorship —v iolence, corpses, and body parts are fine, but they blur out the blood as if it might disturb some latent vampire. (11/20/2017)

The episode introduces Victor Fries, who I found really entertaining. My only worry is that there might not be any villains left for Batman at this rate! Arkham Asylum and its Indian Hill facility are back in play, which I'm excited about. Looking forward to seeing what comes next! (11/20/2017)