It is time to do a series wrap of Gotham. Now that the season is over and we have had time to reflect on the season and the series as a whole, it is time for you, our Undercover Agents to share. We discuss characters, actors, and storylines.

My Series Wrap Thoughts: So here are are my series wrap thoughts. I heard about this series and it was billed as a GCPD centered series. I thought it would be an interesting change of pace and view on things. I came to the series and the podcast and was ready to talk.

Season 1 was strong with the other characters. I enjoyed season 1 however, Fish Mooney drew the series down for me. The creators made a role for Jada and it just didn't work. It may have brought viewers to the show having her on it but, for me it didn't work. I also hated Barbara. They didn't know what to do with her and she was annoying. But overall, I really dug it. When asked to become the co-host for season 2, I jumped at the chance.

Season 2 of Gotham saw the show flourish. We saw the introduction of Jerome and the cult of the Joker, the Galavan's and so much more. The season hit on all cylinders. It was powerful and made me love the series.

Season 3 saw more villains rise and our heroes having to stand firm in the face of the great opposition. We saw the Court of The Owls and our buddy Hugo Strange. Again it was another strong season.

Season 4 was flat out amazing. Joker, Professor Pyg, Ra's al ghoul, and Stabby Babs were all fighting to rule the city. Bruce had to take major steps in his journey to be come Batman. Jim was stretched to the breaking point. We had Lee standing up for the the people of the Narrows and Ed/Riddler becoming her love. It was probably my favorite season.

Season 5 was, for the most, part very good. I really felt the effects from the fact that they were given an initial episode count and then had it extended. They handled it well, but it was a bit uneven. I felt like the penultimate episode was really the season finale and the last episode was a look ahead. I felt both could have been 2 hours long to cover what needed to happen. Over all, I was happy with the season but, truly wish they had kept Camren as Selina for the last episode.

While the show moved more to more of an evolution of Bruce into Batman, the core of the show was always Jim Gordon. He had to be Gotham's defender until Batman could take it all on. We saw a growth of Jim through the series as he went from a new detective fighting the darkness to a commissioner ready to use all of the tools around him to defend and protect the city. Bruce's growth was huge. The weight and calling on his life grew and he thankfully learned much from Alfred and Jim. He still has a way to go to be that fully formed Batman but, he is on his way. The whole cast of characters grew and evolved. I was quite happy with how they were written and acted. I personally like Donal's portrayal of Harvey best out off all of the portrayals of the character. BD Wong's Hugo was wonderful. But the stand outs in my mind are Camren, Robin, Cory and Cameron. These actors had small roles before Gotham but, they grew so much during the series, it was amazing. They inhabited their characters and really shined. I cannot wait to see what they do next.

Your Series Wrap Thoughts: You really made this podcast with all of your thoughts through the years. I really wish we could have had series wrap thoughts from all of you. But we did have a great group of folks leave us feedback. It was wonderful to hear what you had to say!

Closing Thoughts: I want to say thank you to GSM's co-founder Darrell Darnell for allowing this podcast on the network and for allowing me to be a part. Thank you to Tim Arthur and Ryan Boyles for getting this podcast started in Season 1. Thanks to Karen Lindsay and John McGrail for joining me on the ride ever since. We are grateful to be small part of the Gotham family and the GSM group of shows. But most of all we thank YOU our Undercover Agents for being a part of the community for 5 seasons. You have faithfully left feedback, commented on blog posts and tweets, and been very active in our Facebook group. We are so thankful for you! Some of you have been with the podcast since season 1 episode 1 and some of you found us in season 5. Regardless we are so grateful to have your voices in the community. Podcasting is about connecting people with a shared passion and giving us an out let to share our thoughts. We are so glad we have you!

Cougar's Comic Corner: To get you prepared for Batwoman, here are links to volumes 1-6 of Batwoman (New 52). They are a great read and worth your time!

Batwoman Vol. 1: Hydrology Batwoman Vol. 2: To Drown the World Batwoman Vol. 3: World's Finest Batwoman Vol. 4: This Blood is Thick Batwoman Vol. 5: Webs Batwoman Vol. 6: The Unknowns

News: OK Undercover Agents, now that we have the series wrap complete I have some news for you. As you know, this season of the podcast has been different because our Scarlet Cougar, Karen, has had health issues that have kept her away. Unfortunately they are preventing her from podcasting for the near future. This breaks her heart, and ours! I love podcasting with Karen and it has been rough this season without her voice. I missed her extensive knowledge, in depth analysis, and her personality.  John has been my co-pilot and a great co-host this season. However, he needs to put his full focus on Maid of Steel. So I had to think about things.

I have been talking about us covering Batwoman this Fall. I spent the Spring reading the first several volumes of the New 52 introduction of Batwoman. The storylines are powerful and she has some great villains. I think story-wise they will have great material to work with and awesome characters. I fully intend on watching the series to see what they do. I am a bit concerned about if the CW will push the politics and agendas that, to me, draw Supergirl down. I'm afraid it will be even more heavy pushed. That gives me pause. When I podcast on things, I want to be able to come to it with passion and positivity. I just don't know if I can do that for Batwoman. All that to say, Karen and I will not be covering Batwoman on Gotham Undercover. At this point, it is unclear if other hosts on the network will pick it up and cover the show. But stay tuned to the Facebook group. We will offer you a place to discuss Gotham, Batwoman and all things Batman related there. If someone decides to cover Batwoman on GSM you will hear it there first. I will be podcasting with my buddy Wayne on season 2 of Castle Rock on our Castle Rocks Zone here on GSM.

Sound Off: What were your series wrap thought? We would love to know! Be sure to join our facebook group and get updates on upcoming shows!

Head over to our feedback page where you can upload an audio file, submit written feedback, or record a voice message on Speak Pipe. As much fun as for the two of us to talk about Gotham, we want your voice to be heard. So please help us in leaving audio feedback. Have you checked out the other Golden Spiral Media podcasts? Head over to www.goldenspiralmedia.com/podcasts to find other great shows!

Lend A Hand: Please leave us a review and a star rating on Apple Podcasts! They help us improve the show. We appreciate your support! If you’re in the market for Gotham or Batman books, videos or other merchandise, click on this link and you’ll help support GSM Podcasts.

Looking For Other Great Shows?: GSM has a great selection of podcasts about TV, Movies, and life in general. Check them out here. Catch Karen on Maid of Steel and Remaking History,Geoff on the Castle Rock Zone, and John on Maid of Steel.

The Beginning saw us jump 10 years into Gotham's future. Jim is ready to quit, but no one has stepped up to take his place. But Bruce has put on the cowl and cape. Batman is ready to defend his city with the help of his friends. The Beginning of Penguin and Riddler: [caption id="attachment_36870" align="aligncenter" width="495"] ©2019 Fox Media LLC Cr: FOX[/caption]

Penguin has been in Blackgate and Riddler in Arkham for 10 years. It turns out 6 months after reunification Jim busted them and they were put away. Riddler is broken out of Arkham and given a mission, by who he thinks is the Penguin. He is to kidnap Mayor James and blow then new Wayne Tower when Bruce shows up. Meanwhile Penguin is released and is looking dapper. He has one thing in mind, revenge on Jim.

Penguin kidnaps Jim and has him drive to the docks. Penguin takes him to the exact spot where Jim was told to shoot him, but didn't. Oswald wants revenge and is going to go through with it. Jim tries to reason with him and in the process finds out he is not behind Ed's escape and the theft of explosives, but it won't work. Jim jumps off the dock and swims to safety.

Riddler has Mayor James at the galla, but an observant Selina spots him and works with Babs to distract him. They knock him out and free the Mayor at the same moment Jim and the GCPD arrive. They find that the Gotham display model is rigged with explosives.

Riddler escapes and meets up with Penguin, but their car is attacked by Batman and they are put in custody. They manage to escape and vow to start their plans to control the city. But seeing Batman on the rooftops they decide to wait until tomorrow. The Beginning of The Joker: [caption id="attachment_36879" align="aligncenter" width="800"] ©2019 Fox Media LLC Cr: FOX[/caption]

Jeremiah has been in Arkham, but he was playing possum for some of that time. He had Ecco working behind the scenes for him. She comes into Arkham as a nurse and fills him in on the events not going to plan. It is time for him to take things into his own hands. He and Ecco head to the Sirens Club to get at Barbara. He knows all about her success, but he can use her. Ecco has her captive, but Barbara Lee (played wonderfully by Jeté Laurence) is a fighter just like her parents. She attack Jeremiah, but is no match for him. That distraction is enough for her mom to take out Ecco. Ecco is bleeding out. Jeremiah says she is his Ecco no more and kills her. He takes Barbara Lee and gives a wounded Barbara a message for Jim.

Jim and backup arrive an Babs tells Jim to go where it started for Jeremiah. Jim promises to save Barbara Lee and heads to Ace Chemicals. There he finds Barbara Lee suspended over one of the chemical vats. Says he is in process, not Jeremiah but he cannot decide what to be called yet. He lets go of the rope and Jim dives to catch it. Jeremiah/Joker begins to stab him, but out of the shadows batarangs knock him away. A shadowy figure scares him off. Once again Jim is saved by Batman. The Beginning of The Bat Family: [caption id="attachment_36878" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] ©2019 Fox Media LLC Cr: FOX[/caption]

Bruce left Gotham and learned the ways of the world. While he was gone Jim, Alfred, Barbara and our heroes had to step up to rebuild the city. Jim is ready to step down once Wayne Tower is open and Lee stands behind him. She says maybe if he steps down someone will step up. Jim and Harper investigate a gang location and find cartons of government explosives, but they are empty. The gang members are all dead. They are distracted by a shadow and they follow it. The shadowy figure says he is not his enemy but a friend. The figure says not to touch the bodies and then escapes out a window. Harper sees the bodies are all wired to explode. Batman has saved them.

Selina (the 10 years later version played by Lili Simmons) has become somewhat of a socialite, but she is still having fun being a thief. She steals a big diamond and is interrupted by Batman. She goes to the Wayne Gala ad meets Alfred. From their interaction, it seems like they have seen each other over the 10 years, but it has been a while. She asks if Bruce is there. Alfred says he is late. She called out Bruce for leaving when the town and they needed them the most. Alfred agrees. She says she wants Bruce to stop following her and asks Alfred to do relay it. However Alfred calls her out saying she is dressed to the 9's and it seems like she needs to talk to him. At the end of the episode, she is in her full Catwoman gear and he is behind her. She begs him to speak. They have a heart to heart. Things are not resolved, but they know where each other stand. It nicely sets up the Bat Cat relationship that we see play out for years to come. Closing Thoughts: While I enjoyed this episode, I felt it was rushed a bit. I feel it would have been better served as a two hour finale so that each of our characters could have been fleshed out in the 10 years later. I feel "They Did What" served as a better finale for the series. This episode felt like some what of an appendix to the series. I did enjoy it and loved seeing Barbara's success, when we all predicted her death. I loved Barbara Lee and her dynamic with Jim. It was fun to see the very talented Cameron Monaghan play a third character that was not quite The Joker, but oh so close.It was a fun ride.

We will get into some of this with our series wrap up ep (that we want your feedback for), but I wanted to share a few thoughts here.

Wow it has be 5 seasons and we have seen all of heroes grow as well as the villains. When the series started it was touted as a series that centered around the GCPD and Jim Gordon. It did, and Jim had to fill the shoes of Batman who had not yet risen. The series did a masterful job of showing Jim's growth and his need for Batman. Many props to Ben McKenzie for stepping up and growing into the roll. Donal Logue is a great actor and he took a character that was rich and made him lovable and strong. I will think of Donal's portrayal from now on when I think of Harvey. David has grown so much in his acting as well as stature. He owes much to and I hope he appreciates the master class in acting he got from Sean Pertwee. I though Lili did a good job of playing an older version of Camren. But Camren deserves much praise for taking a reflection of Selina and making it real. I could go on and on about each member of the cast, writers and creative team. We were very fortunate to have them bring us a great tale over these 5 seasons.

I want to say thank you to GSM's co-founder Darrell Darnell for allowing this podcast on the network and for allowing me to be a part. Thank you to Tim Arthur and Ryan Boyles for getting this podcast started in Season 1. Thanks to Karen Lindsay and John McGrail for joining me on the ride ever since. We are grateful to be small part of the Gotham family and the GSM group of shows. But most of all we thank YOU our Undercover Agents for being a part of the community for 5 seasons. You have faithfully left feedback, commented on blog posts and tweets, and been very active in our Facebook group. We are so thankful for you! News: TV Line has a great article summarizing the finale with a Q&A by show runner & writer of the finale John Stephens. You can find it here.

Pennyworth: on Epix starts the end of July. The story of Alfred Pennyworth, a former special-forces officer living in London and working for Bruce Wayne's father.

Metropolis: will be on the DC Universe streaming service later this year or 2020. The description is as follows:

Metropolis will follow Lois Lane and Lex Luthor as they investigate the world of fringe science and expose the city's dark and bizarre secrets. Airing exclusively on DC's upcoming digital service, it promises to show us a wondrous and awe-inspiring City of Tomorrow, before the emergence of Superman, and establish much of the Man of Steel's world leading up to his arrival.

It is sad not post a trailer or news about next season. However as you can see from The CW promo below, Batwoman is a go for next season Sunday nights at 8 right before Supergirl. If we can get things behind the scenes work out, Gotham Undercover will cover another one of Gotham's heroes. Stay tuned to the feed and the Facebook group for details.

TVLine article about the show getting picked up can be found here.

  Sound Off: What did you think of “The Beginning..." What was your favorite moment from this episode? Be sure to join our facebook group and get updates on upcoming shows!

Head over to our feedback page where you can upload an audio file, submit written feedback, or record a voice message on Speak Pipe. As much fun as for the two of us to talk about Gotham, we want your voice to be heard. So please help us in leaving audio feedback. Have you checked out the other Golden Spiral Media podcasts? Head over to www.goldenspiralmedia.com/podcasts to find other great shows! Lend A Hand: Please leave us a review and a star rating on Apple Podcasts! They help us improve the show. We appreciate your support! If you’re in the market for Gotham or Batman books, videos or other merchandise, click on this link and you’ll help support GSM Podcasts. Looking For Other Great Shows?: GSM has a great selection of podcasts about TV, Movies, and life in general. Check them out here. Catch Karen on Maid of Steel and Remaking History,Geoff on the Castle Rock Zone, and John on Maid of Steel.

They Did What? saw our heroes and villains work together to defeat Bane and Nyssa al Ghoul. The people of Gotham banded together for their own reasons to preserve their city from destruction. Each has to step up to bring success. What Nyssa Has Planned: [caption id="attachment_36534" align="aligncenter" width="795"] ©2019 Fox Media LLC Cr: FOX[/caption]

Nyssa wants to see her father's vision come to pass. Nothing will stand in her way. She has Babs and the baby at City Hall. General Wade reports that the full army force has landed. On her command they are ordered to destroy the green zone and the people of Gotham. The commander balks at that but is quickly killed by Bane. Nyssa gives Barbara the same speech she gave Bruce about watching Gotham burn and then allowing her to die. What really got to Babs was her child being raised and an al Ghul.

Bane and the army arrive at the wall where a united front of the GCPD, Bruce, Riddler and Penguin. They fight is going OK until Bane pulls out a bazooka and blasts a hole in the wall. Our force falls back to the GCPD and Bruce has a plan. Lucius radios that the General's signal is coming from City Hall. Selina confirms that Nyssa has Barbara there too. So Jim orders the GCPD and the refugees to the tunnels.

Jim takes out some of the guards, but Nyssa has him surrounded and she has the baby. Jim and Barbara lay down their weapons. Nyssa challenges Jim to unarmed combat. All that League training puts Jim at a great disadvantage. He manages to cuff Nyssa and get the knife to Babs. Together they take out the guards and stabby Babs stabs Nyssa with the same knife that killed her father. Nyssa orders General Wade to kill himself so the commands cannot be revoked and she escapes. She found out about Riddler & Penguin's sub and uses it to get off the island.

Back at the GCPD, Lee check out the baby and she is fine. Jim orders Lee, Babs and the rest to use the tunnels to get to the subway system and escape. He and the other officers will hold Bane and the army off. What Will It Take To Stop Bane?: [caption id="attachment_36532" align="aligncenter" width="795"] ©2019 Fox Media LLC Cr: FOX[/caption]

Bane is ready to bring Gotham down. After the wall is breached, Bruce knows what to do. He is going to take the Jeremiah's power generator and use it like a bomb to bring down buildings to slow the army's progress. He and Selina volunteer since Lucius and Lee are needed at the GCPD. At the Wayne Enterprises building, Bruce reflects back on his good times there with Alfred waiting on his parents. They sacrificed so much to save the city and he is willing to do the same. They set the bomb and run. The tower comes down and blocks the army, for a short while.

On their way back to the GCPD, they encounter Bane. Five years of training and work still have not prepared them for this. Bane says friends and family are a liability in war. He looks forward to watching Bruce as he kills Selina. Selina stabs Bane and Bruce attacks. He has gotten tech from Lucius. One piece is the Nightwing project. It is stealth tech that hides planes from radar, but it attacks bats. Bruce plants it on Banes back and the bats attack.

Later, Jim, Harvey, Riddler, Penguin, Bruce, Selina and the GCPD stand up to Bane and the army. Things are not looking good, but Lee, Babs and all the refugees come out to stand with them. Bane orders them shot but the army does not comply. Jim says they can stand with Bane or join them. The draw on Bane and his men and the battle is won.

Jim finally gets to enjoy holding his girl. Babs says her name is Barbara Lee Gordon, so she knows who she can trust in Gotham. The new mayor makes Jim commissioner. Bruce tells him he is leaving Gotham. He wants to be out of the public eye and to keep forces who oppose him away. He can't tell Selina in person so he gives her a note.

At the airport, Alfred says he will start rebuilding Wayne Manor and Enterprises tomorrow. In a touching speech he says he never tried to replace Bruce's parents. But Bruce is the only son he will have, and he is proud of him. Bruce boards the plane and flies off. Selina makes it to the airport in enough time to see him fly off. What the Future Holds: [caption id="attachment_36535" align="aligncenter" width="795"] ©2019 Fox Media LLC Cr: FOX[/caption]

Penguin and Riddler are ready to leave Gotham. But Penguin just cannot do it. He cannot leave the town that made him. Riddler pleads with him, but he won't give in. At the GCPD, Penguin says that Gotham is a part of him and he cannot stand by and see it leveled and remade. The Riddler comes in to lend his support. This is just in time because Bane is on the way. We see the bookend of the beginning of the season with the forces banding together to defend the city. During the battle, Penguin shields Riddler from a grenade. His eye is damaged, but he is OK. They battle with the GCPD and help save the city.

After it is all over they are bitter. They get no thanks or respect for the roles they played in saving the city. Ed says that he only saved to city so he could rule it. Oswald jumps in and agrees. They will stand together as brothers to rule the city. They embrace in a hug. Both have knives to the other's back, but neither stab. A new work begins for them. Closing Thoughts: They Did What? took us back to the first shot we saw in the season premier. The No Man's Land situation was brought on by Jeremiah and Ra's al Ghul seeking to control Bruce. The resolution could not be stoped by just Bruce or even Jim. It took the entire city banding together and standing up to break through. I loved the episode because each of the people we have grown to love stood up and helped fight for the city. Each had their own reasons, but they worked together to save the flawed and gritty city they love. This could have easily have been the series finale. It closed story lines and celebrated the characters we know and love. But it will be fun to jump 10 year in the future and see what Gotham is like at the start of Batman's career. News:

The Beginning... The series flash-forwards 10 years into the future, as Bruce is set to return to Gotham for the opening of the new Wayne Tower. A series of crimes leads Gordon to believe Penguin and The Riddler are up to their old tricks. However, when Bullock is framed for a murder, Gordon begins to piece together an even more sinister plot targeting the city, and a new figure emerges from the shadows to be the hero Gotham desperately needs in the all-new “The Beginning…” series finale episode of GOTHAM airing Thursday, April 25 (8:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. (GTH-510) (TV-14 L, V)

Camren’s Says Goodbye to Selina: In a Twitter post she explained her reasons and thanked everyone involved. Lili Simmons will take over the roll for the final episode.Please take the time to read her heartfelt thoughts and wishes. We at Gotham Undercover, thank her so much for her great portrayal and hard work! https://twitter.com/camrenbicondova/status/1119316098166423552

Entertainment Weekly's Article: EW has an article on the series finale. The article also has two photos of Lili Simmons as the adult Selina. Check it out here: https://ew.com/tv/2019/04/19/gotham-series-finale-first-look-lili-simmons-adult-selina-kyle/ Sound Off: What did you think of “The Did What?" What was your favorite moment from this episode? Be sure to join our facebook group and get updates on upcoming shows!

Head over to our feedback page where you can upload an audio file, submit written feedback, or record a voice message on Speak Pipe. As much fun as for the two of us to talk about Gotham, we want your voice to be heard. So please help us in leaving audio feedback. Have you checked out the other Golden Spiral Media podcasts? Head over to www.goldenspiralmedia.com/podcasts to find other great shows! Lend A Hand: Please leave us a review and a star rating on Apple Podcasts! They help us improve the show. We appreciate your support! If you’re in the market for Gotham or Batman books, videos or other merchandise, click on this link and you’ll help support GSM Podcasts. Looking For Other Great Shows?: GSM has a great selection of podcasts about TV, Movies, and life in general. Check them out here. Catch Karen on Maid of Steel and Remaking History,Geoff on the Castle Rock Zone, and John on Maid of Steel.

 

Bane has been created out of the ruins of Eduardo's body. Professor Hugo Strange is working overtime ready to remake Jim. Barbara is in labor and Lee is trying to convince her not to run. Penguin and Ridder are ready to take the sub and leave by are held up by Babs.

There Is No Eduardo, Only Bane Is: [caption id="attachment_35790" align="aligncenter" width="795"] ©2019 Fox Broadcasting Co. Cr: FOX[/caption]

Hugo pumps Eduardo full of stimulants and the venom serum. We see the very familiar, to the comics and Burton film, blood vessels changing and muscles changing. He is equipped with a breathing device and is ready for action. That is bad news for Gotham and for our heroes.

General Wade (John Bedford Lloyd) and the Army arrive at the GCPD. It has been a year since the bridges fell, and a six month time jump for us. The GCPD has extended the Green Zone across the island and Lucius and Bruce have cleaned the water from Jeremiah's toxins. The General's techs confirm this. But the celebration is short lived. Bane and the henchmen arrive. They easily take out the soldiers and capture Bruce, Jim and General Wade. Later Jim awakens and Eduardo tells him that he has been Bane since Pena Durro. The experience of being burried alive and digging out multiple times made him something else. Walker saw that and between she and Hugo it was brought out. He is only Bane now.

Walker comes in and Jim confronts her. He says he does not know what to call her, because it is not Walker. She say Bruce has the answer and he is brought in. Jim says they have him and the General, she needs to let Bruce go. But she says he is the reason she is there. Bane tortures Jim to help Bruce realize who Walker really is. He finally realizes she is Ra's al Ghul's daughter. Nyssa al Ghul (Jamie Murray) is going to destroy Gotham, making Bruce watch and then let him die. But she knows it was not all on Bruce. She is out to end Barbara's life as well.

Jim is sent to Hugo for reshaping, Bane heads to the clinic after Barbara, and Nyssa is off on a mission. Bruce burns his way through his ropes and takes out the guards. He radios Alfred and Selina and sends them to the clinic to help. Hugo is ready to transform Jim physically and then chip him to make him a soldier for Nyssa. He cannot be bargained with. But the stimulants Hugo is pumping in Jim's body give him the strength he needs. He escapes and frees General Wade. He checks him for chip implant scar, but finds none.

Bruce joins them and tells them about Nyssa's plan to have the government raze Gotham. The General says he can stop it if they get to the Army HQ. They head over the the HQ, which is near the GCPD. Harvey tells Jim he is the father of a girl, Lee and Babs are safe, and are headed to the Sirens Club. But the good news is crushed. General Wade has been chipped. He orders the city razed and our heroes taken into custody. Jim takes out the guards and frees Bruce, Harvey and himself, but the bombing has already started. Bane gets knocked around by Alfred's car, but he easily swats away Selina. Alfred pulls him into a fight, but Alfred is no match for him. Bane slams Alfred into a light pole and leaves a shattered Alfred. Selina is crying over him.

Babs & Lee and Baby Makes Three: [caption id="attachment_35789" align="aligncenter" width="795"] ©2019 Fox Broadcasting Co. Cr: FOX[/caption]

Barbara is in labor and pressures Lee for a timeline. She wants to get herself and the baby out of Gotham. Through the process of the delivery, Lee finds out why. Barbara is scared that Jim will take away the baby or worse, the people after her would kill the baby. Lee builds trust with her. They become a team with Lee pushing Babs, while she fires with two guns taking out Nyssa's forces. They make it to the ambulance bay. Lee says that Jim will help her and the baby and she will help if Babs lets her. They make amends, but the baby is coming and so is Bane. Alfred and Selina arrive just in time to knock Bane down. Lee and Barbara escape and Barbara has the baby, a girl. They head to the Sirens Club, only to find it a massacre site. Nyssa has taken out the League ladies who worked for Babs. She is ready for revenge.

We All Live In Penguin's Submarine: [caption id="attachment_35791" align="aligncenter" width="795"] ©2019 Fox Broadcasting Co. Cr: FOX[/caption]

Riddler has finished the sub and Penguin has loaded it up with gold. Barbara arrives and Riddler immediately questions her weight. The weight in the sub it is a matter of life and death and Penguin will not give up any gold. The discussion does not go too far, because Babs goes into labor. Penguin sends her off to the clinic and promises they will wait. They have not plans to wait. Penguin gives his farewell speech to Gotham. However they cannot leave. Barbara has taken the sub's pressure regulator. So they are off to the clinic to get it from her.

She says that they will get it when she has delivered the baby. They have to protect her from Bane. They don't have the ammo for a big assault, but Riddler uses his mind to improvise a bomb. It has no effect on Bane. Riddler has stolen the regulator back and they are off to the sub. But we know from episode one and the preview they won't be leaving just yet.

Closing Thoughts: I Am Bane set us up for the last two episodes of the season. We saw the introduction of Nyssa al Ghul in the world of Gotham. She is set to make Bruce and Barbara's worlds hell since they killed her father. It looks like her father's vision of Gotham in flames is coming to be. I enjoyed Jamie Murray's performance this week. It seems like all the people of the city will have to band together to stop the Army and Bane. I enjoyed Nyssa and Bane in this ep, but John was not too thrilled about the writing of Nyssa and compared to the Arrowverse. Shane's Bane is no Tom Hardy, but I enjoyed what we saw. It looks like next episode takes us back to the opening scene of episode one of the season. But we have to wait a month.

News:

They Did What?:  No new Gotham until April 18. April 4th will be a repeat of “Penguin, Our Hero” and April 11 “Ruin.” This will mean Ep 11 “They Did What?” will air on April 18 and the season finale “The Beginning” will air on April 25. That is 79 years to the day of Batman #1.

Sound Off: What did you think of “I Am Bane" What was your favorite moment from this episode? Be sure to join our facebook group and get updates on upcoming shows!

Head over to our feedback page where you can upload an audio file, submit written feedback, or record a voice message on Speak Pipe. As much fun as for the two of us to talk about Gotham, we want your voice to be heard. So please help us in leaving audio feedback. Have you checked out the other Golden Spiral Media podcasts? Head over to www.goldenspiralmedia.com/podcasts to find other great shows!

Lend A Hand: Please leave us a review and a star rating on Apple Podcasts! They help us improve the show. We appreciate your support! If you’re in the market for Gotham or Batman books, videos or other merchandise, click on this link and you’ll help support GSM Podcasts.

Looking For Other Great Shows?: GSM has a great selection of podcasts about TV, Movies, and life in general. Check them out here. Catch Karen on Maid of Steel and Remaking History,Geoff on the Castle Rock Zone, and John on Maid of Steel.

The Trial of Jim Gordon saw him fight for his life. Ivy put the whammy on just about all the other men in the group. Babs fought to keep the peace for Jim. Lee saved Jim and ended up as a bride.

Ivy Puts Gotham on Trial: ©2019 Fox Broadcasting Co. Cr: Jeff Neumann/FOX

Ivy wants to keep Gotham cut off from the mainland so she can make it a garden for her plants. In her trial the people of Gotham are sentenced to death. In her multi-part plan, she must put multiple players into action. She controls Bruce and sends him to the water treatment plan. There, Bruce sprays her perfume on Lucius. Together  they reverse the water treatment and push Jeremiah's toxins back into the water. Thankfully Selina knocks sense back into both of them and the process is corrected.

Ivy has gotten control of Victor Zsasz and sends him after Jim. She knows with Jim out of the picture the city will fall into chaos and there will be no reunification with the mainland. Victor fails the first time. She arrives at the GCPD and sends him to be a distraction. He swaggers into the squad room shooting at the cops and declaring how much he loves Ivy. Alfred, Alvarez and the other cops provide cover for Harvey as he slips off to the equipment room. He pulls out the same bomb suit Ed used. He distracts Zsasz and then takes him out. Ivy is about to finish Jim off but Lee wounds her by a gut shot. She escapes, but not before smashing Lee's adrenaline.

Gordon's Trial in Dreamland: ©2019 Fox Broadcasting Co. Cr: FOX

Jim tried to broker a ceasefire among the gangs, but Ivy had other plans and had Zsasz shoot him. In his struggle between life and death he stands trail for his failings in Gotham. Earlier in the episode Lee questions his motives and personality. She wants a life with him, but he takes everything on as his responsibility. Thrown in this dreamland, his mind uses the time to show him his failings and motivations. He accuses himself for Gotham's failings, the separation from the mainland, the rise of the gangs, the bombing of Haven and more. Lee comes to accuse him of breaking her heart, the loss of their child, and her struggles. He is found guilty. Then we see a wake for him. He is behind bars when all the villains he has fought are free and celebrating his passing. The young Havenite Will leads him to the electric chair.   Lee offers him one more chance with a child and he is still unsure. As the switch is thrown, Jim decides to live.

All this time, Harvey has been busy finding out who shot Jim and leading the GCPD. He urges Babs to help by keeping the peace with the gangs. She does by poising the leaders and strong arming a cease fire.  Lee removes the bullet from Jim and begs him to wake up. While waiting, Alfred comes in and reassures her that she will make a great mother to Jim & Barbara's child. He is her sounding board about Jim and she fights to save him. He comes out if it and asks her to marry him.

One month later, we have a wedding in the Church of Law and Justice. Jim and Lee are married surrounded by co-workers, friends and family. Who better to officiate, but Harvey. Jim and Lee have each gone through their own trial this episode. Both came out if it ready to love each other and work to make it work together. Meanwhile Oswald is being the devil on Barbara's shoulder. She did all that work for Jim, but he was never going to see her needs. He only has eyes for Lee. Babs wants to escape. Penguin says Jim will hunt her down. But Babs is ready.

The Trial of Young Lovers: ©2019 Fox Broadcasting Co. Cr: FOX

Bruce takes Selina on a raid for supplies, but in truth it is a date. After the best canned meal Selina has ever eaten, they talk the future. Bruce laments the loss of Wayne Manor, but Selina assures him that Gotham is home. He agrees, but feels like Gotham would be better without him in it. He recounts the villains that have come to town because of him. Their love is put on trial when Ivy and the head of the Mutants Gang come to call. Ivy hits Bruce with her love and control perfume and he is under her spell. Selina is left to fight off the Mutant leader. She escapes and tracks Bruce down to the water treatment plant. She does not want to fight Bruce, but he forces her hand. She strikes back at him out of the fear of loosing him. Her blows knock him out of Ivy's spell. Later at Jim & Lee's wedding, Bruce wants to talk about what she said at the plant, but they are stopped by the ceremony. Inspired by the love in the room Bruce kisses Selina boldly.

Closing Thoughts:

The Trial of Jim Gordon was written by Ben McKenzie and directed by Erin Richards. it was the last episode of Gotham filmed. Where last week's ep felt like a filler add in, this one helped move the characters forward. We got a wedding in the Church of Law and Justice. Donal Logue shone as Harvey in this ep. He stepped up and lead the GCPD, he found Jim's shooter and took him down, and he was the perfect irreverent minister. The Trial looked at the character of Jim and helped him move forward. It was a well shot story and well written. LOVED the wedding so beautiful. I hate we have a break next week, but this one was a fun one to hold us over.

News:

I Am Bane:On the precipice of Gotham’s reunification, Gordon and Bruce find themselves face-to-face with a newly transformed Eduardo, and discover the real mastermind behind the city’s current chaos. Meanwhile, a pregnant Barbara turns to Lee for help in the all-new “I Am Bane” episode of GOTHAM airing Thursday, March 21 (8:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. (GTH-508) (TV-14 L, V)

March 28: repeat of Trespassers and  it is looking like the last two eps will be April 18th & 25th.

Sound Off:

What did you think of “The Trial of Jim Gordon" What was your favorite moment from this episode? Be sure to join our facebook group and get updates on upcoming shows!

Head over to our feedback page where you can upload an audio file, submit written feedback, or record a voice message on Speak Pipe. As much fun as for the two of us to talk about Gotham, we want your voice to be heard. So please help us in leaving audio feedback. Have you checked out the other Golden Spiral Media podcasts? Head over to www.goldenspiralmedia.com/podcasts to find other great shows!

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Please leave us a review and a star rating on Apple Podcasts! They help us improve the show. We appreciate your support! If you’re in the market for Gotham or Batman books, videos or other merchandise, click on this link and you’ll help support GSM Podcasts.

Looking For Other Great Shows?:

GSM has a great selection of podcasts about TV, Movies, and life in general. Check them out here. Catch Karen on Maid of Steel and Remaking History,Geoff on the Castle Rock Zone, and John on Maid of Steel.

Nothing's Shocking about Jane Doe who assumes the face and identity of people to seek revenge. Nothing's shocking about Mr. Peen  who comes back controlled by Scarface the dummy. Nothing's shocking about toxic river water turning people into killers. Really? This must be Gotham City! A Shocking Blast From The Past: [caption id="attachment_34894" align="aligncenter" width="795"] ©2019 Fox Broadcasting Co. Cr: FOX[/caption]

Jane Doe, Sarah Pidgeon, is out to take revenge on the cops who destroyed Jane Cartwright's life. This shocking villain is a link back to one of Bullock's first cases. Boggs, Lews, Dix (Harvey's former partner) and Harvey caught a case at the start of Bullock's career. A Mrs. Cartwright murdered her husband and confessed but later recanted. The crew didn't have enough evidence, so Harvey leaned on the 7 year old daugher Jane. She identified her mom as the killer. Harvey later learned that the husband beat his wife and Jane.

Jane got passed around foster care and eventually ended up in Arkham. Jane became one of Hugo Strange's test subjects. She can touch a person, absorb their memories, voice and appearance, and when she is done shed their skin like reptile. Jane Cartwright is dead Jane Doe lives and cannot even see her own face (it is lovely) as anything but horrible. She is out to seek revenge on those he hurt her. She kills Boggs & Lewis by playing Dix and then comes after him. Luckily the deaths at the Sirens Club had Barbara call Jim & Harvey. Harvey & Jim seek out Dix and save him from Jane.

Jim knows there is more to the story and what Dix and Harvey are telling them. So he, Harper and an officer head out the Cartwright home place. The officer is knocked out and Jane assumes his identity, but Jim spots the switch and takes her down. Back at the GCPD he learns the whole story from Jane. She escapes impersonates Harvey and kills Dix. She then assumes Barbara's identity to try an escape. Stabby Babs is able to overpower her and get free. Jane runs home. Harvey follows and tries to reason with her, but she will not back down. He has to kill her.

Back at the GCPD Harvey has to get the story and history off his chest to Jim. Jim cannot offer Harvey forgiveness. But truly Harvey knows he is better for having worked with Jim. It has brought him back from where he was.

  A Shocking Return: [caption id="attachment_34895" align="aligncenter" width="795"] ©2019 Fox Broadcasting Co. Cr: FOX[/caption]

It turns out Mr. Penn (Andrew Sellon) survived his attack in Haven, but it has left him unbalanced. He has come to depend on Mr. Scarface, the dummy, to make the hard decisions. Penn was managed, bullied and pushed around by Oswald. He can't advocate for himself so he is letting Mr. Scarface do it for him. It is shocking how fast Penguin and Riddler start talking to Scarface as if he is real. Ed says that Penn/Scarface are correct and Oswald uses people. He tells Penn about the sub and escape plans. Penguin distracts Penn and Ed sets off the sonar. Oswald gets the upper hand and shoots off Scarface's head. Penn acts like he is free, but Ed kills him. Ed and Oswald acknowledge that that need each other and work best when they are themselves. It's Shocking What You Find Under The City: [caption id="attachment_34892" align="aligncenter" width="795"] ©2019 Fox Broadcasting Co. Cr: FOX[/caption]

Bruce and Alfred hear about people going missing in the tunnels under the city. They hear the shocking story from a survivor. She and her husband went to go find the others. He is missing and she was beaten up. Rather than tax Jim and the already busy GCPD, they head down to the tunnels to find the missing people. The wall of the tunnels run parallel to Gotham River and that means Jeremiah's toxin is leeching through the walls. That has caused damage to the people living there. It turns out one or more people were driven insane by the toxins and attacking and killing the others. Bruce & Alfred rescue the missing husband, but have fight off one of the damaged people. Bruce has to pull Alfred off of the guy. Later in the hospital we get a great conversation between Bruce and Alfred. Alfred wants to help be a protector of the city. Bruce says the vengeance Alfred was seeking will not provide absolution. Alfred still feels guilty for the destruction of Wayne Manor and not being able to stand up against Tetch & Jeremiah due to weakness. Bruce wisely says, "Part of being a family is that we can be strong for each other." Closing Thoughts: Nothing's Shocking was clearly a story written after Fox extended the season. It gave the writers the ability to pull out some Batman villains and play a bit. Was it the best ep of the series, no, but it was fun. It gave us some insight into Harvey's character. It also had some great family discussions between Bruce and Alfred. So truthfully nothing was that shocking, but it was a fun little ride. News:

The Trial of Jim Gordon: After Gordon is shot in an attempt to establish a cease-fire, he hallucinates a trial for his life that could have deadly real consequences. Meanwhile, Ivy (guest star Peyton List) returns and puts her spell on Bruce, leaving Selina to defend herself. Lee has a life-changing moment as Barbara and Penguin consider their next moves in the all-new “The Trial of Jim Gordon” episode of GOTHAM airing Thursday, March 7 (8:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. (GTH-512) (TV-14 L, V) Sound Off: What did you think of “Nothing's Shocking" What was your favorite moment from this episode? Be sure to join our facebook group and get updates on upcoming shows!

Head over to our feedback page where you can upload an audio file, submit written feedback, or record a voice message on Speak Pipe. As much fun as for the two of us to talk about Gotham, we want your voice to be heard. So please help us in leaving audio feedback. Have you checked out the other Golden Spiral Media podcasts? Head over to www.goldenspiralmedia.com/podcasts to find other great shows! Lend A Hand: Please leave us a review and a star rating on Apple Podcasts! They help us improve the show. We appreciate your support! If you’re in the market for Gotham or Batman books, videos or other merchandise, click on this link and you’ll help support GSM Podcasts. Looking For Other Great Shows?: GSM has a great selection of podcasts about TV, Movies, and life in general. Check them out here. Catch Karen on Maid of Steel and Remaking History,Geoff on the Castle Rock Zone, and John on Maid of Steel.

Ace Chemicals is the birthplace of The Joker and for us the true birth of Batman. These two engage in a dance of death and destruction and it all started here. Penguin is looking for a way to escape with the help of Selina and Riddler. Jim is caught in an awkward triangle with Lee and Barbara.

Ace Chemicals - Birth of the Bat and Joker: ©2019 Fox Broadcasting Co. Cr: Giovanni Rufino/FOX

Jeremiah has done all in his considerable power to recreate the most pivotal day in Bruce Wayne's life. He has had two people given plastic surgery to look like dear old mom and pop Wayne. With the hypnotic help of the Mad Hatter, Jervis Tetch, both the Wayne stand in's and Alfred are under control. Jeremiah plasters the newspapers of the Wayne death around the city and has the stand in's lure Bruce through the tunnel to Wayne Manor. Bruce is blown away to see two people who look like his parents and Alfred all acting like the murder never happened. But Jeremiah is the guest of honor at the party. Bruce must play the game or the Manor goes boom with all of them in it. After an awkward dinner in the kitchen, it is time to head back to the city. Bruce barely gets Alfred out in time. Wayne Manor is blown up and the tunnel is sealed, but the blast broke Alfred out of the Hatter's trance.

Bruce tracks Jeremiah to a movie theater where and updated version of "The Mark of Zorro" is playing. Jeremiah has re-created the movie that frightened young Bruce and forced the Waynes to leave. Out in Crime Alley, Jeremiah is waiting. On one side of the alley is Ecco with a truck full of toxin filled fireworks and on the other Jeremiah and the Waynes. But surprise, it is a hypnotized Jim and Lee. They were tracking down things and fell in to the trap Ecco and the Hatter had for them.  Now Jeremiah reveals that he wants to be a part of Bruce's life and killing Bruce's father figure of Jim and friend Lee will do that. Jeremiah is about to shoot Lee, when Selina whips the gun out of his hand. She wakes Jim and Lee and Ecco starts the timer on the fireworks. Jim sends Bruce after Jeremiah and drives the truck into Gotham Harbor.

Bruce chases Jeremiah into Ace Chemicals. Bruce says it ends tonight, but Jeremiah says it begins. They struggle and fight along the catwalk. Jeremiah echos speeches made by several other versions of the Joker. He says that Bruce, without Jeremiah, is like a joke without a punchline. Bruce gets the upper hand and over the railing goes Jeremiah. Later we find that Jeremiah survived. He is badly scarred and is braindead. But this is Gotham and we know the true Joker has not risen, yet!

Penguin Is No Ace Escape Artist:

Penguin has all the wealth he needs to succeed on the mainland, but he and Selina cannot find a way out of Gotham. The government has mined Gotham Harbor and they cannot get out by air. Selina is playing along with Penguin's game for the wealth, but she is smart. She goes to Barbara to fill her in on the plan. Once a way out is found they will off Penguin, for killing Tabitha, and take all the wealth for themselves. Selina takes Penguin to the tunnel Jeremiah and his crew were digging, but their hopes are dashed when a battered Alfred emerges. The tunnel is closed off by the rubble of Wayne Manor. Selina is about to off Oswald, but Alfred's appeal to help Bruce spares his life.

Penguin turns to his frenemy, Edward. The two agree to set their differences aside to escape the city. When they arrive back at City Hall, Barbara is there waiting. She has checked out Selina's story and found the treasure. Since Selina didn't end Oswald, she will. The every observant Riddler detects that Barbara is glowing. His announcement about her pregnancy throws her off. She cannot kill Oswald. Our Penguin, ever the opportunist, steps up and draws her in to their plan to escape. In a nod to the 60's movie, it will be via submarine. It can navigate the harbor and avoid the mines. There is one minor issue, they have to build it. Babs says to call her when it is done.

 

Becoming an Ace at Navigating Relationships: ©2019 Fox Broadcasting Co. Cr: Giovanni Rufino/FOX

Jim is renewing his love with Lee while trying to do right by Babs, his baby mamma. Jim is a man driven by purpose and his love for Lee has never stopped. Yet he is a man of justice and responsibility and knows he has to do right by his child with Barbara. She clearly saw this child as a way to find stability and peace with Jim. But her hopes have been dashed and her hormones are taking sway. She says she doesn't want Jim involved, but that is a front. How will this triangle work out by the end of the season? I'm saying that Barbara will sacrifice herself for the safety of the child and Jim. Jim and Lee will raise the child and name it Barbara in her memory. But we could also argue that it would be better suited to be James Jr. who has a spark of his mother's craziness.

Selina has saved Bruce's life by stepping in where she once did nothing. The two bond over the seeming win over Jeremiah. It is a tender moment and all to fleeting in this dark city. The Bat and Cat have a long road in front of them, but it is moments like this that bond them and keep them coming back to each other.

Closing Thoughts:

Ace Chemicals was written by Tze Chun, executive story editor of Gotham, and it shows. We have a twisted retelling of Bruce's origin story by a twisted character. Jeremiah is obsessed with being a part of Bruce's journey and if he cannot do it by brotherhood, he will do it by becoming an arch nemesis. The way that Jeremiah digs at Bruce's emotions and the people he cares about is masterful. Yet he does not count on Selina, the one who was there from the beginning. Here in this episode we see how far our characters have come since the beginning and also how far they have to go. I am so happy we have great writers like Tze on the series to craft it. Props to John Stephens who took the script and set it to motion. The visuals in Gotham are always striking but two scenes stuck out to me. The first being the final battle in Ace Chemicals. The green of the vats being a visual representation of Jeremiah's envy of wanting to be a part of Bruce's life. The second being the GCPD at the end of the episode. The set has been church like from the beginning with the lights, windows and pulpit like balconies. We have Jim in the Church of Law and Justice struggling on how to deal with this love triangle and we end with he and Lee kissing as the light streams around them. It is masterful.

News:

Nothing's Shocking Bullock’s past comes back to haunt him when he and Gordon investigate two murders at Sirens. Meanwhile, Bruce and Alfred explore the tunnels beneath the city, and Penguin and Nygma’s plans to escape are thwarted by the least likely of suspects in the all-new “Nothing’s Shocking” episode of GOTHAM airing Thursday, Feb. 28 (8:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. (GTH-511) (TV-14 L, V)

Sound Off:

What did you think of “Ace Chemicals" What was your favorite moment from this episode? Be sure to join our facebook group and get updates on upcoming shows!

Head over to our feedback page where you can upload an audio file, submit written feedback, or record a voice message on Speak Pipe. As much fun as for the two of us to talk about Gotham, we want your voice to be heard. So please help us in leaving audio feedback. Have you checked out the other Golden Spiral Media podcasts? Head over to www.goldenspiralmedia.com/podcasts to find other great shows!

Lend A Hand:

Please leave us a review and a star rating on Apple Podcasts! They help us improve the show. We appreciate your support! If you’re in the market for Gotham or Batman books, videos or other merchandise, click on this link and you’ll help support GSM Podcasts.

Looking For Other Great Shows?:

GSM has a great selection of podcasts about TV, Movies, and life in general. Check them out here. Catch Karen on Maid of Steel and Remaking History,Geoff on the Castle Rock Zone, and John on Maid of Steel.

13 Stitches can't close the wound in Eduardo after his battle with Jim. Magpie's wound came at the hands of Penguin and Selina. Babs' wound came from Jim finding Lee. Goodness knows the wound Jeremiah will make using Alfred will be deadly.

The Wound of Broken Relationships: @2019 Fox Broadcasting Co. Cr: FOX

Jim is on the run from Chipped Riddler. They end up in a fight inside an ambulance. Jim gets the upper hand after he shocks Riddler's brain with the defibrillator. They head to the Sirens Club. Riddler explains that the chip in his head is fried and he wants to help Jim. Babs wants to help as well, but they are interrupted  by Eduardo and the boys. Riddler comes in the room acting like he is still under the chip's control. He then takes out a soldier and the battle begins. The soldiers are beating back and the trio escapes.

At the Wayne brownstone Lucius Fox removes the chip from Riddler. There is data of all the voice commands from Walker and Eduardo as well as a trace back to them. Bruce has contacts in the press and if they can get the message out things could change. Eduardo has radioed Secretary Theresa Walker (Jamie Murray) for orders. She says she has a way to get to Jim. Eduardo calls Jim and says they can do a trade Edward for Lee. Jim agrees.

Jim heads to Haven for the meetup. Meanwhile Bruce heads the the GCPD rooftop antenna to broadcast the chip's signal. Fox, Alfred and Babs sneak in the back to gas the place. Riddler in full bomb suit heads in the front to distract the soldiers. Riddler says there is a bomb in his case and the combo is the answer to a riddle about mice. The soldiers are stumped, but Harvey (who has no clue about the plan) pulls out high school knowledge that that rodent is extinct. The soldiers knock down Riddler, but just in time the gas knocks out the soldiers. Bruce gets the message out.

Jim confronts Eduardo and they begin to fight hand to hand. He learns that the group was going to move in earlier but the government saw what Jim had done with Haven and were going to send aid. So they had to blow up Haven to force their hand. Jim hears that after he left the unit, they were captured in Pena Duro and Eduardo was the only survivor. Walker rescued Eduardo. Jim claims she turned him into a killer, but Eduardo say she is the killer. Jim impales Eduardo on rebar and goes to help Lee, but she has taken out the soldier.

Later Walker comes to Haven and says their cover has been blown by the broad cast. She puts a mask on Eduardo and say the Professor Strange will fix him up. All Eduardo cares about is Jim. Walker says that she has a tool for that. She activates the chip in Lee's head and she starts to attack Jim. Jim electrocutes Lee to fry the chip.

The Partners That Wound Together Stay Together: ©2019 Fox Broadcasting Co. Cr: FOX

Penguin is back at City Hall when Edward leads him to the treasure vault. It seems that Penguin had it built and stocked by criminals that he then killed so they could not steal from him. But the info got out because he has a visitor. Magpie is a criminal with expensive tastes, but she leaves explosive artifacts in the place of what she takes (see our Comic Corner below). She has stolen a diamond and Penguin is almost blown away by its' replacement. He knows he needs help to find Magpie. So he turns to Selina. Her reputation for killing Jeremiah has her at the top of the heap of criminals and they are all challenging her. Penguin promises her safety in return for help finding this woman. Selina says "white hair, feathered collar, kind of of resembles a goth chicken?" Yep that is Magpie.

Penguin and Selina track down the treasure trove of Magpie and get some answers out of her before she escapes with a threat of making the place go boom, boom. Selina figures out that all the wealth Penguin has does no good in Gotham, he has to have a way out. She wants to go with him so she can be free and be herself not the killer of Jeremiah. Penguin agrees to a partnership of 10% and a promise not to kill her once on the mainland. Selina breaks them out and they head back to the vault. There they find a wounded Magpie. It seems she is not the only one who likes booby trapped treasures. Penguin ends her and solidifies the power dynamic between he and Selina.

 

Jeremiah's Job Requirements Will Wound You: ©2019 Fox Broadcasting Co. Cr: FOX

After the action of the day, Alfred heads over to the Wayne Brownstone to get some things for Bruce. On his way out he senses things are not right. Jeremiah pulls a Batman and appears out of nowhere and knocks Alfred out. As he does, he repeats the job add that might have been written by the Wayne's when looking for a butler. Alfred aways groggily inside Wayne Manor. He asks how Jeremiah got there and he reveals it is by tunnel. It seems that Jeremiah has plans for Bruce and it requires Alfred in addition to the faux Waynes he had the doctor create last episode. Today is the day!

Bonus - Wound To The Heart: ©2019 Fox Broadcasting Co. Cr: FOX

The whole episode Barbara has been trying to help Jim and show him, her help is from the heart. But she sees Jim's reaction to Lee coming back and is angry. Jim and Harvey are trying to explain what happened to Lee. Babs barges in and Jim wants nothing of her. He reminds him of the sex they had in the office and says that she is pregnant. Saying hello to Lee, she turns and leaves the trio shocked. In the words of Harvey, "congratulations?"

 

Closing Thoughts:

13 Stitches marked the mid-point of our last season of Gotham. Does that wound you like it does me? I'm going to miss this show, but we have been very fortunate to get the great show we have. There was so much going on this week. We saw the beginning of Bane and that scares me, but honestly not as much as Walker in Gotham! Magpie was a fun distraction, but it was a quick run for her on the show. I'm scared for Alfred and Bruce with the plans Jeremiah has for them. Now we have a love triangle between Jim, Lee & Babs and I don't think any of these 3 will come out without a wound or two!

Cougar's Comic Corner: Arkham Asylum Living Hell

Magpie is a DC villain with a propensity to steal shiny objects and artifacts. She produces weapons with them. She kills off any of her goons that fail her. She is taken down by Batman and Superman. The comic this time is the tale of her, Poison Ivy and others in Arkham.

It is Arkham Asylum: Living Hell: “examines the dark underbelly of Gotham's notorious "House of Madness!" Warren White, one of Gotham's most successful financiers, thought he could beat his jail rap by pleading insanity. Now he's finding out why you don't cop an insanity plea in Gotham! Expect appearances by Batman, The Joker, Two-Face, Poison Ivy, Killer Croc, and the rest of Arkham's regulars -- plus the debut of several new Rogues!”

Get the deluxe edition from Comixology/Amazon here.

News:

Ace Chemicals: Gordon races to uncover the criminal element threatening to end talks of Gotham’s reunification with the mainland. A very much alive Jeremiah (guest star Cameron Monaghan) returns and organizes a twisted recreation of the murder of Bruce’s parents with the help of Jervis Tetch aka Mad Hatter (guest star Benedict Samuel) in the all-new “Ace Chemicals” episode of GOTHAM airing Thursday, Feb. 21 (8:00-9:00PM ET/PT) on FOX. (GTH-507) (TV-14 D, L, V)

Sound Off:

What did you think of “13 Stitches" What was your favorite moment from this episode? Be sure to join our facebook group and get updates on upcoming shows!

Head over to our feedback page where you can upload an audio file, submit written feedback, or record a voice message on Speak Pipe. As much fun as for the two of us to talk about Gotham, we want your voice to be heard. So please help us in leaving audio feedback. Have you checked out the other Golden Spiral Media podcasts? Head over to www.goldenspiralmedia.com/podcasts to find other great shows!

Lend A Hand:

Please leave us a review and a star rating on Apple Podcasts! They help us improve the show. We appreciate your support! If you’re in the market for Gotham or Batman books, videos or other merchandise, click on this link and you’ll help support GSM Podcasts.

Looking For Other Great Shows?:

GSM has a great selection of podcasts about TV, Movies, and life in general. Check them out here. Catch Karen on Maid of Steel and Remaking History,Geoff on the Castle Rock Zone, and John on Maid of Steel.

Pena Dura brought hard times for Riddler and Jim. Riddler struggles to find out who is controlling him. We find out that Jim's buddy Eduardo is here to take over Gotham not save it. Jim is not onboard with Theresa Walker's dark plan for the city.

Hard Reboot for Riddler's Brain: ©Fox Broadcasting Co. Cr: Jeff Neumann/FOX

Riddler is confronted by Jim and Eduardo, but due to sharp thinking and traps he makes it out. The GCPD and Delta Force announce to the city that Ed was behind the attack on Haven. The citizens of Gotham proclaim the hard sentence of death on Ed. They are hunting him down. He gets blindsided and knocked out. A crazy family decide to electrocute him via car. Ed pulls a Brer Rabbit and tricks his way out, but not before a few shocks. They bring back a memory of Oswald saying he was going to fix Ed.

Ed slips into city hall. Here Ed and Oswald have a powerful talk. This scene was well written and amazingly acted. Oswald says that he was trying to help Ed and got Hugo to save him. If anyone is controlling Ed it would be Hugo. They both pledge to confront each other openly and face to face. The status of their friendenemy relationship has been restored.

Ed heads to Sirens and seeks info from Babs. She hears him out and decides to help. She tells Ed where he can find the men to take him to Hugo Strange. Ed sneaks in to Hugo’s lab in a bodybag. Hugo is surprised and intrigued. Riddler wants to know how Hugo controlled him. It seems the not so good doctor, fixed Ed and put in a control chip in his head. But the control was left to others. Hugo paralyzes Ed and reboots the chip.

A Hard Break Between Friends: ©2019 Fox Broadcasting Co. Cr: Jeff Neumann/FOX

Jim and Harvey tracked down the dealer that sold the RPG. He is watching the movie "Tangier Incident." (Thanks to our buddy and S1 actor Joe The Cop a.k.a Thomas Calderone for that info.) They turn out to be outgunned. Then the calvary er, I mean Delta Force shows up. Eduardo Dorrance (Shane West) is in charge and saves Jim's bacon. Theresa Walker sent Delta Force in to retake the city. They start to work with the GCPD to take back the city district by district. Jim and Eduardo loose Riddler, but renew their friendship. Eduardo and Jim served together and saved each other’s lives. It seems like hope has come to Gotham. They get word Ed was seen at city hall. Harvey and Eduardo take out Oswald’s men and take him in.

Oswald reasons with Jim and give him the scoop on Hugo and Ed. In turn Jim lets Oswald go. Jim and Eduardo track down Ed and Hugo just in time. Ed is unfrozen and spills the beans about the chip and being controlled. About that time, Eduardo pulls out the remote and freezed Ed. Theresa Walker wants to take the city and wants Jim to be the head, but Jim has to kill Ed to do it. Jim fakes out Eduardo and escapes. Eduardo sends Ed after him.

Hard Times For Bat & Cat: ©Fox Broadcasting Co. Cr: Jeff Neumann/FOX

Bruce is filled in on the Delta Force arrival by Alfred. Bruce is taking what is happening to Selina personally and he wants to fix it. Alfred tries to break him out of it, but it does not work. Bruce finally finds Selina at Sirens. Babs and the ladies are cheering Selina for killing Jeremiah. Bruce and Selina talk at the bar. He is trying to have her see the light. He says he knows her and this is not her. She says she was there when his parents were killed and she did nothing. That is who she is. It is a hard time for this couple and things don’t look to get better any time soon.

It Is Hard To Kill This Joker er Jeremiah: ©Fox Broadcasting Co. Cr: Jeff Neumann/FOX

Jeremiah wakes up in the tunnel. He is sore and stitched up. Ecco make armor for him, but he had to convince Bruce and Selina he was dead. Ecco and the crew have broken through. The tunnel comes up through the batoffice. Jeremiah and Ecco enter Wayne Manor via secret access through the fireplace. He has had a doctor do surgery on a couple to look like Mr. & Mrs. Wayne. It looks like Jeremiah is going to use them to shatter Bruce’s world.

Closing Thoughts:

Pena Dura was not as hard on us as Ruin, but it set up a great deal of the season. The acting between Robin Lord Taylor and Cory Michael Smith was outstanding. These two have played off of each other for 5 seasons and it shows. BD Wong tore up his two short scenes. He seems to relish and enjoy his role as Hugo. Hard times are ahead for Gotham, but we cannot wait to see what is next!

News:

13 Stitches: Gordon assembles an unlikely team to protect Gotham from Eduardo Dorrance (guest star Shane West) and his Delta Force. Just as Lee Thompkins resurfaces, Barbara reveals shocking news that will change Gordon’s life forever. Meanwhile, Selina and Penguin team up to outsmart fellow villain Magpie (guest star Sarah Schenkkan) in the all-new “13 Stitches” episode of GOTHAM airing Thursday, Feb. 14 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. (GTH-506) (TV-14 L,V)

10 Ways Gotham is better the Dark Knight Trilogy: thanks to Ken From Chicago for sending this article from CBR: https://www.cbr.com/the-dark-knight-trilogy-vs-gotham-tv-better-comparison/amp/?__twitter_impression=true

Sound Off:

What did you think of “Pena Dura" What was your favorite moment from this episode? Be sure to join our facebook group and get updates on upcoming shows!

Head over to our feedback page where you can upload an audio file, submit written feedback, or record a voice message on Speak Pipe. As much fun as for the two of us to talk about Gotham, we want your voice to be heard. So please help us in leaving audio feedback. Have you checked out the other Golden Spiral Media podcasts? Head over to www.goldenspiralmedia.com/podcasts to find other great shows!

Lend A Hand:

Please leave us a review and a star rating on Apple Podcasts! They help us improve the show. We appreciate your support! If you’re in the market for Gotham or Batman books, videos or other merchandise, click on this link and you’ll help support GSM Podcasts.

Looking For Other Great Shows?:

GSM has a great selection of podcasts about TV, Movies, and life in general. Check them out here. Catch Karen on Maid of Steel and Remaking History,Geoff on the Castle Rock Zone, and John on Maid of Steel.

[sc:gotham]

[sc:gothamtop]

Ruin delivers unlikely alliances in the wake of the Haven destruction. One team is finding a potential suspect, another is forensic'ing their way to the cause - and finding out the true perpetrator. The third team is still fighting for vengeance against Jeremiah, and then - as usual - there is Barbara.

There Are Lines That We Don't Cross ©2019 Fox Broadcasting Co. Cr: Fox

Haven is on fire. Gordon mobilizes all that he can to put the blazes out. Penguin is visibly shaken by the sheer violence and inhumanity of such an act. Barbara is still on the scene and has Penguin dead to rights but pulls away instead and disappears. In the morning Harvey finds Jim's badge which confirms that the Jr. Deputy is in fact dead. Jim describes the carnage on the short wave radio and once again he is promised help and he is doubtful that will ever happen. The citizens are upset with Jim who can only promise empty hope. Harvey suggests that Barbara might have something to do with it so Jim goes to find out what she knows. She tells him she knows the location of a potential suspect and asks Jim if he really thinks she could be capable of killing all of those people. He simply says "I don't know." Hurt, she replies "I guess I deserve that." Jim is called back to the Police Station to find Penguin and his men there looking ready for battle. It turns out Penguin wants to supply the GCPD with weapons and ammo to forge an alliance because they all lost good people in the Haven blast. The suspect Barbara is leading them to turns out to be none other than Victor Zsasz. Victor tries to fight his way out but Jim and Penguin's combined forces turn out to be too much for him and Jim takes him down in a spectacular move. Victor is taken back to the GCPD and says he was at Haven to steal supplies but had nothing to do with the bomb. Penguin, out for vigilante justice, comes with his armed men and takes Zsasz from Jim to put him on a show trial for his alleged crime. After finding out the truth of how the blast occurred Jim tries to convince the citizen-jury that Zsasz is, in fact, innocent but they are hungry for anyone to pay so they pronounce Zsasz guilty and he is nearly guillotined before Jim and Harvey step in to save him. They take him to the outskirts of the city where Jim must release him because there are no better options. Zsasz taunts Jim and says Gotham will never be what Jim wants but will always belong to the bad guys. Jim orders Harvey to give Zsasz his gun so they can have a shoot out right there. Zsasz backs down and Harvey tells Jim that he needs to get it together and not to EVER ask him to do anything like that ever again.

When Is A Bomb Not A Bomb? ©2019 Fox Broadcasting Co. Cr: Fox

Ed wakes up to find an empty suitcase on his bed and a partial note written on his hand that leads him to think "Inmate 1215" knows. "Knows what?!?!," he screams to no one. He disguises his way into the GCPD HQ to get the prison records of Inmate 1215 when he is surprised by Lucius who has been tasked with finding out how Haven was destroyed. Lucius grabs the all-important file that Ed wants and uses it as leverage to have Ed help him figure out the bombing. Agreed on working together they go back to Haven to discover that the existing 250 gallons of contained heating oil was the incendiary device and that an RPG came through a nearby window from a rooftop to cause the blast. On the rooftop they find the RPG launcher case and Lucius genuinely thanks Ed for his help. As Lucius leaves, Ed notices that an older lady is across the street in her apartment and that she had a perfect line of sight to the person who launched the RPG. Reaching her apartment the lady is truly terrified and tells Ed that he was the one on that roof. She blunt force trauma's him and the details start coming back to him that The Riddler launched the RPG and he sees all of the details as they truly unfolded. Not being knocked unconscious, he throws the lady from her wheelchair out of the window to her death.

Hell Hath No Fury Like A Catwoman Shot ©2019 Fox Broadcasting Co. Cr: Fox

Bruce is still handcuffed and trapped at the unholy Jeremiah church. He tries to fight his way out one using one arm but is about to be shot when Alfred arrives on the scene. While he frees Bruce, Alfred also confronts Bruce that he can't always save Selina from herself and her current path of destructive vengeance. But today, they should go help her. Indeed Selina is still following Ecco and the new recruits and we find them still trying to build the tunnel that we were introduced to two episodes back in "Trespassers." And the leader Jeremiah Valeska himself is there to oversee the work. Jeremiah and Ecco and Jeremiah catch up on the latest happenings over a strangely awkward dance. Ecco assures Jeremiah that she will kill "Curls" the next time she sees her. Selina takes advantage and has Ecco's outfit on and gets close enough to stab Jeremiah. Repeatedly. Viciously. She is about to slice his throat as well but Bruce again holds her back from her full rage. He, Selina, and Alfred escape and our last vision of Jeremiah is him on the ground appearing to be dying. (???)

Why Don't You Make Like A Tree, And Get Outta' Here? ©2019 Fox Broadcasting Co. Cr: Fox

Jim is drinking. A lot. Barbara saunters into the office to give Jim another tip on a suspicious character. She is also describing Jim in his current state - that no one can understand the weight he is under. He tells her to leave. Twice. The second time she says she hears him and comes very close and we have a very, very, very hot near kiss. She turns to actually leave, Jim slams another drink, takes her by the arm and boom-chicka-wow-wow commences. Cue the "Gotham" title card!!

Closing Thoughts:

Ruin, like the other three episodes of Season 5 so far, is simply perfection. The alliances of coming together to take down the SOB who destroyed Haven is perfect since there really are some lines that even these collective psychopaths recognize that you just don't cross and this time it's indeed gone too far, for even Gotham! The reveal of Ed as the RPG'er that took down the Wayne Enterprises helicopter and Haven was simply spectacular. The writers led us down the primrose path that surely Jeremiah was the culprit which made the true reveal of Ed that much sweeter. Bruce and Alfred connected by yet another Bat-toy was fantastic. Plus the fact that we got a TON of Zsasz AND Jeremiah in this episode was amazing! It's ludicrous to think that Jeremiah is actually dead, or who knows if they'll pull something to say that wasn't really Jeremiah himself. Finally, Jim being put to his physical and emotional limits was a wonderful journey to be a witness. He has nothing but platitudes of hope to give to the citizens and he doesn't believe any of it. He is becoming reckless and selfish for the first time in a very, very long time. I can't wait to see where this storyline goes as we continue this tragic journey. Is it Thursday yet?!?!?

News:

Pena Dura: A military task force, led by Eduardo Dorrance (guest star Shane West) is called in to provide relief to Gotham. Meanwhile, Nygma looks for answers from Penguin, who leads him back to Hugo Strange (guest star BD Wong). Then, Bruce is concerned about Selina’s recent behavior in the all-new “Pena Dura” episode of GOTHAM airing Thursday, Jan. 31 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. (GTH-505) (TV-14 L, V)

No new Gotham on Feb. 7, but you can rewatch Year Zero.

Sound Off:

What did you think of “Ruin" What was your favorite moment from this episode? Be sure to join our facebook group and get updates on upcoming shows!

Head over to our feedback page where you can upload an audio file, submit written feedback, or record a voice message on Speak Pipe.  As much fun as for the two of us to talk about Gotham, we want your voice to be heard.  So please help us in leaving audio feedback. Have you checked out the other Golden Spiral Media podcasts? Head over to www.goldenspiralmedia.com/podcasts to find other great shows!

Lend A Hand:

Please leave us a review and a star rating on Apple Podcasts! They help us improve the show. We appreciate your support! If you’re in the market for Gotham or Batman books, videos or other merchandise, click on this link and you’ll help support GSM Podcasts.

Looking For Other Great Shows?:

GSM has a great selection of podcasts about TV, Movies, and life in general.  Check them out here. Catch Karen on Maid of Steel and Remaking History,Geoff on the Castle Rock Zone, and John on Maid of Steel.

[sc:gotham]

Penguin, Our Hero starts out people with mocking Penguin and ends up with them thanking him. However, people are still out to shut him down and take out Haven. Bat and Cat head to the Dark Zone to find Jeremiah but end up with an Ecco of Harley.

Penguin, Our Hero:

A hero and savior is what Penguin is styling himself as, but a dictator is all he is to his people. They sing an anthem to him and Mr. Penn tells him only what he wants to hear. But then a choir member falls out and Oswald gets the bad news. People are working double shifts ,because people are defecting to the GCPD's Haven. Oswald tells Penn to stop it or it means his head. Some members of the Street Demonz gang enter and shoot up the place before being stopped. They say that Penguin has taken out the Demonz, Lo Boyz, and Undead gangs and left graffiti. Penguin says if it was him there would be no survivors and no proof. He sends them off to be tortured. The next day he awakes to only Olga, the housekeeper, singing to him. She says everyone has defected to Haven including his dog Edward. He wakes up the one Demonz member alive and tells him to round up what is left of the other gangs. They are going to attack Haven.

Harvey tells Jim that Haven is filling up and they have very little food and the ammo supply will not survive an attack. Jim breaks up a fight and lays down the ground rules to the new folks. His speech inspires hope and Bruce thanks him for it. But Jim is tired and loosing hope. Bruce takes him to talk with Will (who's friends they rescued last episode). Will has bad dreams and a broken arm because of it. Jim encourages him. Later at the GCPD they get word that Penguin's forces are coming for Haven. Jim sends Harvey to Barbara for help and takes the rest of the force to Haven.

Harvey finds Babs in the club and she is not happy. She tells Harvey that, Golden Boy Jim can be his own hero. Harvey says that Jim and Haven cannot stand without help. He says that Penguin and his forces are attacking. Babs says you should have lead with Penguin and they head to Haven.

Penguin, the Street Demonz, Lo Boyz, and Undead arrive at Haven. After two attacks, the GCPD are out of ammo and have to surrender. Jim is locked up. Jim asks Penguin to take things out on him, not the refugees. Penguin says his people will go back to being lead by him and the rest will go back to being the gangs' slaves. The gangs are dividing up the people and the Demonz want to kill Penn. Penguin stops them, but the leader shoots and kills Penn. He says they are going to take his turf and ammo factory. They lock Penguin up with Jim. As Jim and Penguin argue, Will comes in and slips them a can opener. They make a truce, free themselves and with the help of the GCPD take out the gangs. Jim settles the people down. He thanks Will for his help and standing up for him. He deputizes him. Outside Jim says they are even and lets Penguin go. About that time, Harvey & Babs show up. Babs is hell bent on killing Ozwald, but Jim stands in her way. Then explosions rock the entire Haven building.

 

Selina's No Hero and Jeremiah's A Cult Leader:

Selina is hell bent to find Jeremiah and end him. She and Bruce question one of the new refugees and find out there are rumors of Jeremiah in the Dark Zone, but that place is filled with lunatics. Bruce wants to be a hero and bring him to justice. But he will do anything to protect Selina. Even going into the Dark Zone. There they find the Mutants gang and Selina goes after the towering leader, while Bruce takes out everyone else. Selina literally beats Jeremiah's location out of the leader and has to be stopped by Bruce's grappling hook.

They head to Old Town and find that Jeremiah has a cult. Worshipers dress in black pants/skirts with white shirts and black ties. Jeremiah's right hand woman, Ecco, says that he is looking for people devoted and those willing can go upstairs. Selina steps up and heads up with the pilgrims. They are taken to an empty pool. Their test of faith is to form a circle and play Russian Roulette with the person in front of them. They fire and 3 pilgrims die. Ecco scolds Selina from stopping stopping the person behind her from firing. She dismisses the rest. She knows who Selina is because, Jeremiah's cult knows everything and everyone connected to Bruce Wayne. Ecco, who is dressed like Harley Quinn, says she wanted to see Selina test herself. Selina says you go first. Ecco shows a bullet wound. She shot herself and the bullet is still rattling around in there. Selina and Ecco begin to fight and Selina has the upper hand. Then Bruce comes in and tells her to stop. This distraction is all Ecco needs. She stabs Selina and escapes. Selina handcuffs Bruce to a grate, saying she is going to do things her way now.

Closing Thoughts:

Penguin, Our Hero ramped up the action to 11. Penguin wanted to be a hero but failed. Jim was the people's hero, but faltered. Bruce tried to be a hero and keep Selina from going over the edge and failed. Selina didn't want to be a hero. She just wanted to kill Jeremiah. After the last two episodes we have learned that the Dark Zone is no place to be and how Haven is really that for the people of Gotham. Who is behind the attack on Haven? Is it the government's retaliation for Jim doing the rescue mission? I think it is Jeremiah's forces causing chaos and fear, like they did with shooting down the chopper. I'm exited to see what is next!

Cougar's Comic Corner:

We talked about the Mutants' look and feel being right out of the Frank Miller classic "The Dark Knight Returns." This is a seminal work in the Batman lore. Check it out on Amazon or Comixology.

News:

Ruin: Gordon and Penguin are forced to work together and alliances are shaken when Lucius, Nygma and Barbara all have different ideas of the culprit behind recent events at Haven. Meanwhile, Selina continues her quest for revenge against Jeremiah (guest star Cameron Monaghan) in the all-new “Ruin” episode of GOTHAM airing Thursday, Jan. 24 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. (GTH-504) (TV-14 L, V)

The following week we have Pena Dura and then a repeat of Year Zero on Feb. 7th