The best liars always tell the truth
This review contains spoilers.
In this episode, Gordon follows a lead that may provide more evidence to Galavan’s evil while Bruce tries to find the name of the man who killed his parents.
The Order of St. Dumas starts ritualistically killing citizens of Gotham while Gordon is on their trail. He is able to figure out that Galavan is a member of this group but isn’t able to prove it. In court, Mayor James claims to have lied about his allegations against Galavan and the latter is set free. He kidnaps Gordon, explains his plan and then leaves without killing Gordon. And thus, Galavan has completed his life-long dream of becoming a Bond villain. Because Galavan is an idiot, Penguin is able to rescue Gordon. Meanwhile, Bruce and Silver are kidnapped by a man who wants to know the name of the person that killed Bruce’s parents. When Silver finally gives up a name, Bruce reveals he was the one who hired the kidnapper as part of a plan with Selina to find out what Silver knows. Silver claims to have made the name up but that may be a lie. The episode ends with Galavan threatening to kill Bruce.
Positives
The subplot with Bruce, Selina and Silver is the best part of the episode. David Mazouz and Camren Bicondova are two of the best actors on the show and they especially excel when they’re in scenes together. It was nice to see them interact and play off each other again. Additionally, it was cool to see Bruce be able to deceive Silver and do it believably. This is actually a step towards him becoming Batman that I buy. It doesn’t feel forced or random; it works. It was a fun side story.
Alfred and Tabitha have a fun fight. It’s always cool to see Alfred be a bad ass.
Negatives
The Galavan plot just gets worse every episode. Before, there seemed to be an obsession with Bruce’s company; for whatever reason, that was important to Galavan. He was very conscious of subterfuge even if he wasn’t good at it. But now, he just shows up at Bruce’s house and threatens to kill him. Why not try to gain his trust again? Why is it time to kill him now as opposed to two weeks ago or three months ago? I was really hoping that this story was done and it’s back for no reason.
I am tired of this show trying to make me believe that certain major characters are going to die. I know Alfred and Bruce are going to make so there is no tension when Tabitha shoots Alfred and when Galavan threatens Bruce. Also, I know Gordon is going to live. I get that this is a re-imagining but the show would be pointless if they killed one of those three this early. It makes no sense and I am tired of it being teased.
Again, Nygma has several pointless scenes. They just establish that he exists and I don’t care anymore.
Verdict
Overall, this episode is okay. While a lot of the story is just falling flat on its face, the subplot with Bruce is very enjoyable. In addition, this cast and this set design can get me through an episode and this isn’t an exception but I am at the point now where I need more in the story.
