Gotham Review: Mandatory Brunch Meeting (Season 4 Episode 17)

Gotham Season 4 Episode 17, “Mandatory Brunch Meeting,” isn’t exactly a filler episode, but it is definitely an ill-shaped connective piece. While it adds a bit to the storyline, it simply does so at a snail’s pace.

This installment has the villains. We have Oswald, Jonathan, Bridget, Victor, Jarvis, Solomon, and a few more being congregated by the mastermind: Jerome. The problem is, it seems as though they don’t have much to do.

What a bore to see a group of vile people sitting around a table for half of the episode. At least if some bickering would erupt, we could get a good laugh. This opportunity isn’t seized, and a majority of the characters seem about as disinterested as we are.

Then, when our gaggle of villains do finally decide to get in on the action, they run off, scared of Harvey Bullock. Sure, this moment gives me a chuckle — one of the few of the hour — but it seems a bit out of character for Jervis and Jonathan.

I don’t know about you, but for two people known for mind-controlling abilities, hightailing it out of the room isn’t the showdown I was hoping for.

Now on to Jerome’s twin, Jeremiah.

Jerome, you were born bad. —Jeremiah Valeska

Yes, it seems that Sophia’s survival of a bullet to the forehead wasn’t the only soap opera moment that is going to occur this season. Maybe if Jeremiah’s arrival had been shrouded better, this plot twist would be more intriguing.

Instead, they launch into the good twin/bad twin scenario that everyone sees coming.

The scenario isn’t as bad as it seems at first, when the writers attempt to throw a Primal Fear type of twist in the mix. Maybe Jeremiah is the master manipulator in this entire snafu. This hypothesis seems like the way things could be leaning.

Unfortunately, Jeremiah isn’t all that exciting thus far. The only part that really grabs your attention is when he admits to Jerome that he lied to their mother about Jerome’s death threats. The funny part is that it only makes Jerome’s backstory captivating, instead of the other way around.

Enough with the boo-hooing about all the missed opportunities and faux pas of the episode. Let’s move forward with the good stuff.

The Riddler’s homemade game show in the Narrows is a fun little bunny trail we get to wander down.

Lee’s coy attitude toward Ed’s alter ego is entertaining to watch. Again, we all know she’s had something up her sleeve the entire time — but that just adds to the anticipation.

The kiss between the two — at the end of their little game — is something that sparks a flame in my heart. Sorry Nygmapot shippers, but this kiss was steamy!

But the best scenes have to be the interactions between Robin Lord Taylor and Drew Powell. It has been so long since we have seen these two share the screen at the same time. I would be lying if I told you my face isn’t beaming just writing about it.

It is refreshing to know that Oswald isn’t simply going along with Jerome’s evil tactics. His patient waiting just beneath the surface suits Oswald perfectly. Although his thirst for power is great, he doesn’t mind letting others take center stage until the time is right.

This sets the stage for what will most likely be a fallout — presumably in the third act of the season.

With Oswald being one of the show’s forerunners, it won’t be long before he is back on top and running the criminal underground of the city. It might take the rest of the season to get him there, but trust me, this crazy-haired fool will soon once again be shouting, “I’m the king of Gotham!”

What did you think of this episode of Gotham? Is everything unfolding the way you want it to? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Gotham airs Thursdays at 8/7c on FOX.

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