While Gotham certainly hasn’t shied way from utilizing familiar villains such as the Penguin, Riddler and Mr. Freeze, I’ve found it quite refreshing to see them embrace those newer to the mythos like the Court of Owls. And while we’re certainly excited to see whatever a fully realized Scarecrow has in store for the GCPD this fall, it’s hard not to squeal upon hearing that Professor Pyg will be showing up as well.
Yes, the very same guy who once gave Robin a lap dance in the comics will soon be introduced on the Batman prequel series. Originally created by Grant Morrison about a decade ago, the absolutely insane Lazlo Valentin went on to play a huge role in the books, especially during the days when Dick Grayson took up cape and cowl in the absence of Bruce Wayne. Suffice it to say, he’s become one of my favorite newer villains, ranking up there with Hush.
Having gotten that out of the way, it instills much confidence to learn that none other than Michael Cerveris (Fringe) has been cast as Professor Pyg in what has been confirmed to be a multi-episode arc. Granted, the city has seen its share of carnage to date, but with this fella stopping by, it may never be the same again.
Here’s what executive producer Danny Cannon had to say about Cerveris climbing aboard:
“Michael is one of my best friends He was in my film school graduation movie, when we were both amateurs. And now he’s joining the fold as Professor Pyg.”
Knowing how Gotham has gotten away with a lot for a network television show, it should be the right forum to pull off a version of Pyg more accurate to the source material. In the past, he recurred on Beware the Batman, but seeing as how that was an animated series aired on Cartoon Network, some changes were obviously made. Still, we fully expect to see something as genuinely disturbing as what was offered in the video game Batman: Arkham Knight, only this time in the live-action realm.
Gotham returns for its fourth season on Thursday, September 21 on Fox.
