Gotham Review: Penguin, Our Hero (Season 5 Episode 3)
I don’t know if it’s just because we’re near the end, but the final season of Gotham seems to be moving extremely quickly. Perhaps it’s the shorter than normal episode order, or perhaps they’ve simply chocked their episodes full of action to make every last bit count.
Either way, Gotham Season 5 Episode 3, “Penguin, Our Hero” doesn’t waste a minute of time. It manages to maintain excitement the whole way through, which (as much as I love it) has not always been the case for Gotham.
Every story in “Penguin, Our Hero” is either exciting, or draws on one of Gotham‘s better elements.
For instance, the relationship between Gordon and Penguin has always been a highlight of the show. So when circumstances bring them together for a team-up (that looks like it’s going to continue into the next episode), it not only calls back to the show’s early episodes, but puts two of the show’s strongest actors (Ben McKenzie and Robin Lord Taylor) together to really chew some scenery.
They’re so good together.
Aside from that, even the few minor scenes with Harvey and Barbara took a nostalgic look at just how far Gotham has come over the last five years.
Even more compelling, though, is the journey of Bruce and Selina into “the Dark Zone” to find Jeremiah. They don’t quite get to not-the-Joker just yet, but following Selina’s new found rage while Bruce tries to keep her in check makes for some incredible television. It’s exciting, smart, and compelling to watch Bruce and Selina become star-crossed lovers with different moral compasses.
It helps that Camren Bicondova and David Mazouz are some of the best young actors on TV right now.
“Penguin, Our Hero” also introduces Harley Quinn for the first time, and there is an epic throw-down between she and Selina. It may be one of the best fight sequences Gotham has ever done.
Really, the entire No Man’s Land story has given Gotham a breath of fresh air. The stakes are higher than they’ve ever been, and since it’s the final season, no one has to worry about how far away Batman is, so they can just create.
So create they do.
With such high stakes, it’s only a matter time before they blow up an entire building’s worth of innocents.
Oh wait. That happened. Gordon’s safe zone gets blown up, giving “Penguin, Our Hero” a wildly unexpected and exciting conclusion.
A few stray thoughts:
- Okay seriously guys, where the heck is Lee? Enough toying with us.
- Gotham has always been at its best when the good guys and the bad guys team up to defend the city. Given the flash-forwards we’ve seen and the previews for next week, we’re about to get a lot more of that.
- Penguin’s obsession with Edward the bulldog gives me life.
- When Barbara asks Harvey where’d he’d be without Jim and Harvey says “I’d be dead.” Tears.
- Not enough Alfred in these episodes. Needs more Alfred.
What did you think of this episode of Gotham? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Gotham airs Thursdays at 8/7c on FOX.
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Nick Hogan
Nick Hogan is an experienced podcaster and writer (particularly on media topics), who loves discussion and analysis of TV and is always looking for new shows to watch. He is also a parent who loves buffalo wings, blowing raspberries, and his beloved Cincinnati Reds.