Gotham Review: One Bad Day (Season 4 Episode 21)

Gotham Season 4 Episode 21, “One Bad Day,” proves that this show isn’t just the prequel that it once was. In fact, it is much, much more.

From the name alone, comic book fans will know exactly where the show is headed. The “one bad day” theory stems from a wildly popular graphic novel written by Alan Moore titled, Batman: The Killing Joke. 

The graphic novel is known for showing the twisted origin of Batman’s nefarious nemesis, the Joker. Of course, in this case, they switch out the name to Jeremiah.

Some of the similarities throughout this episode are so glaring, that it practically mirrors a majority of the storyline.

Besides the name — which was clearly taken word-for-word from the graphic novel — the first real hint of imitation actually happened on Gotham Season 4 Episode 20, “That Old Corpse.” It happened right under our noses — without us giving it much thought. I’m referring to the kidnapping of Alfred Pennyworth.

The video of Alfred being brutally beaten by an unknown assailant, could almost be a shot-for-shot scene between the two sources. In the graphic novel, it is Barbara who is being beaten, while Jim Gordon searches for her. But it is rather understandable, why they have switched out characters. After all, it is in very bad taste to see a woman bound and gagged — no matter what time slot it is in.

Further on in the scene, things become quite disturbing, while watching Alfred cut himself from cheek-to-cheek with a straight razor. Aside from the cannibalistic meal earlier this season, this could be Gotham at its cruelest.

As this happens, I keep thinking to myself, how are they going to get themselves out of this one? Luckily, we realize it is just a side effect of the Scarecrow’s fear gas messing with Bruce’s mind. It doesn’t make the scene much more tasteful, but at least we get the relief in knowing it isn’t happening to our favorite butler — sorry Mr. Belvedere.

The other major comparable scene, is the shooting of poor Selina Kyle. Again, the characters are switched around leaving out Barbara, who actually becomes paralyzed in the graphic novel.

It is pretty safe to assume, that Selina Kyle will not become wheelchair bound for the rest of her life. If they even stick with it as a temporary setback, I’m guessing there won’t be any long-lasting ramifications. Probably just a rehab stint over the summer break, or a magical computer chip like Felicity Smoak received on Arrow.

“This days not over yet.” – Jeremiah Valeska

But as we all know, Gotham likes to throw us a curveball quite often — so who really knows what they are thinking here.

The Jeremiah themed parts of the episode are quite enjoyable. Unfortunately, many of the other pieces thrown in aren’t as entertaining.

For instance, Penguin fails at extorting money from Jeremiah. This isn’t much of a surprise. It seems to be just another hair-brained scheme, tossed in to give Oswald something to do.

Don’t get me wrong, I’ll take any excuse to see Oswald scheming, but his evil genius could be used in better ways.

Also, the scenes between Lee and Nygma, are a little less steamy this time around. This doesn’t include Edward’s implication to Jim Gordon, that the two aren’t just playing kiss and tell. It isn’t really clear, if Edward is just playing the braggart — lets hope not.

Honestly, I prefer the love triangle between Edward, Oswald, and Lee over the triangle of Edward, Lee, and Jim. The relationship between Jim and Lee has fizzled in my opinion — it really needs to be put to rest already. The occasional scenes of tension between the two are nice, but let’s leave their romance for the history books.

The episode ends without us not really knowing where things are headed. Besides Selina lying half dead on the ground, I’m not that concerned about where the other storylines are going. That in and of itself, concerns me.

With next week being the season finale, it feels as though things should be so heightened, that it feels like the walls are closing in on themselves. Instead, I just feel the need to tune in because of the time I’ve already invested in the season.

Watching the end of the season shouldn’t feel like an obligation — it should feel like a privilege.

What did you think of this episode of Gotham? Are you anticipating the finale? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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 Gotham airs Thursdays at  8/7c on FOX.

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