Saving Gotham: 10 Reasons Why It’s Actually Brilliant

The future isn't looking too bright for FOX's Gotham. While it's been a divisive program since the beginning, a combination of low ratings and lack of renewal news means it's walking a tight rope at the moment. Furthermore, the news of DC's forthcoming digital service should ring some alarm bells, as it'll allow Geoff Johns and company to create their own Batman-themed shows. There will be those cheering the series' demise, of course, inevitably pointing at its failure to respect canon material as its biggest downfall. It's a fair criticism, too, as the deviations and desire to shoehorn popular characters have led to clunky and rather odd storylines. The transformation of Theo Galavan into Azrael is a prime example of how the story went off the rails in a messy fashion. However, when you look at all the show has done right, you have to appreciate that it's had its moments of sheer brilliance. Some of the castings, for instance, have been incredible and we've seen comic book arcs brought to life which we may never see elsewhere. It's not too late for the crime drama, though, and it may still get renewed later this month, so all is not lost just yet. In the meantime, let's look at the 10 reasons Gotham is actually a brilliant television series. Earth One Alfred We've seen a variety of Alfred Pennyworths on the big screen. Every actor has portrayed the loyal butler differently, but no one has quite played the badass Al quite like Sean Pertwee has. Who needs Batman when you have Alfred breaking jaws and kicking ass, right? Pertwee's inspiration is directly from the pages of Geoff Johns and Gary Frank's Batman: Earth One. In this version of the Caped Crusader's origin, it's Alfred who trains Bruce in martial arts and acrobatics to become the bruiser of criminals everywhere. He still remains a loyal and loving figure, but he also has a rougher edge that makes him a formidable and vital ally in Bruce's war against crime in Gotham. While Jeremy Irons' role as Alfred in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice showed him to be a more hands-on partner than others before him, he's yet to show off his fighting skills like Pertwee has. More impressively, Gotham's favorite butler doesn't take nonsense from anyone, either. He's handed down beatings to the series' villains on more than one occasion. It's Got The Look For all its faults, it's hard to call this show ugly. Every episode features breathtaking cinematography and gorgeous backdrops. Unlike The CW's Arrowverse, which does look like it's running out of funding at times, Gotham never fails to be visually appealing. The costumes and getups, in specific, deserve specific praise for being practical as well as outstanding. Even though Galavan's turn as Azrael was a horrible writing decision, his outfit was sensational and comic book-accurate - that you cannot deny. Considering the style and look of all the characters on the show, you'll struggle to find a snazzier program on TV. The creators have also been smart in working with what they have. While other comic book series tend to rely heavily on special effects, Gotham stays routed in crime drama, rather than delving too much into the fantastical. In doing so, the story's been driven more by characters and location, instead of crazy effects and green screens. Hugo Strange's Asylum Of Horrors Up until B.D. Wong's Hugo Strange appeared on the show, Robin Lord Taylor's Penguin would've taken this spot on the list. However, after seeing Wong's turn as Arkham Asylum's deranged psychiatrist, it's difficult to ignore his faithful adaptation of the character back in season 2. Unfortunately, Strange's Project Chimera arc did go south towards the end, especially with the whole clone saga, so that's a bummer. That said, we'd prefer to remember the good moments when he tortured both Jim Gordon and young Bruce, while manipulating everyone else around him. It was a long time coming, but we finally got to see Strange in a live-action version of Batman. On a side note: if you're a fan of Gotham's Strange, you should read Jason Starr's prequel novel titled Gotham: Dawn of Darkness, which explores the villain's history with Thomas Wayne. There are some interesting twists and turns there that the series' fans will appreciate. Matches Malone Killing The Waynes One of the series' most controversial decisions was changing Thomas and Martha Wayne's murderer from Joe Chill to Patrick "Matches" Malone. Malone, if you're unfamiliar with the name, is a deceased criminal, whose identity is used by Bruce when he needs to go undercover in the underworld. While many will disagree with this choice, it makes sense from a closing-the-loop point of view. It provides Bruce with a stronger reason to use that specific identity, as well as simultaneously hate it. There's a powerful emotional connection and reaction here, which cannot be ignored in him using that name. Additionally, the confrontation between Malone and Bruce in season 2 is a defining one for the young Wayne. It's a crossroads moment that ultimately shapes him on his path to becoming Gotham's protector. If he'd made a different decision and crossed the line, he might never have become Batman. David Mazouz's Performance As Bruce Wayne David Mazouz turned 16 earlier this year. Think about that for a second. What were you doing at the age of 16? For the past three years, we've not only seen Mazouz physically grow up as a teenager, but also develop his chops as an actor. In the beginning, his Bruce Wayne was afraid - a child hurt and traumatized by his parents' death. More recently, however, he's transformed into a young man looking for justice and to make a difference in Gotham City. He's gotten into fights, fallen in love, and found his moral compass. It's safe to say that the boy is finally becoming a man. It's far too early for Mazouz to don the cape and cowl on the show, and no one knows if that'll even happen, but he's certainly earned the honor. Even if he never becomes Batman though, he's been an excellent Bruce Wayne. It's Unafraid Of Having Fun The first season of Gotham suffered from tonal inconsistencies. It took itself too seriously at times, while it delved into an overload of campiness as well. By season 2, the show stabilized and embraced what it was, becoming unafraid of having fun. There's an underlying serious story here, but it never forgets that it's still meant to entertain the viewers every week. Whether it be through Harvey Bullock's quips or the over-the-top villains, there's a lightheartedness that keeps the show grounded from going full-on procedural TV. When it doesn't try to be everything - only what it is - Gotham is one of the most enjoyable comic book shows around. It's not a perfect ten by any means, but it's certainly far from boring or joyless. The Evolution Of Harvey Bullock While the lead of the series is undoubtedly Ben McKenzie's Jim Gordon, it's Donal Logue's Harvey Bullock who's become the GCPD's favorite cop. His character may have a dark side and questionable past, but Harvey stands firm as a straight shooter and loyal partner to Jim. As Jim broods and whines his way through each episode, Harvey is the one who gets things done. He'll break the rules when he has to and looks for solutions when there are none. Also, it helps that he provides a little levity to the proceedings, since Jim is a bit of a wet rag. In terms of character development, Harvey has grown tremendously to become an extremely popular figure. He's deeply flawed and not quite hero material, but he's one of the shining lights of the show, week in and week out. The Falcone-Maroni War Fans of Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight trilogy are likely to appreciate the turf war between Carmine Falcone and Sal Maroni that took place in season 1. At the end of the day, Gotham is a crime-ridden city, so what better way to explore this filthy world than through the battle of two of its biggest mob bosses? Not only did it give us a glimpse of all the issues that the GCPD had in nailing the crime lords, but it also introduced us to the Penguin as the great manipulator of the show. The amount of backstabbing and double-crossing that took place kept us all on our toes, and we never quite knew who was playing who right until the end. It was exciting stuff. In terms of crime drama, this arc still stands out as the freshest and best executed one on the show. If Gotham could get back to this type of riveting storytelling, it would be a step in the right direction to keeping it alive. Redeeming The Live-Action Mr. Freeze The last time we experienced Mr. Freeze in a live-action event, we received icy puns and Arnold Schwarzenegger having too much fun with the role. It's disappointing, too, because Victor Fries has one of the most tragic origins of Batman's rogues' gallery - and he's become the butt of jokes since Batman & Robin. Thankfully, Gotham has redeemed the character and restored balance to the Bat universe. Over a few episodes, the character's heartbreaking circumstances and transformation into the villainous Freeze are revisited, while we're able to learn and sympathize with his motivations. Sure, there's a twist that doesn't quite follow canonical history, but the integrity of the character is maintained throughout. Allowing us to meet Nora also proves to be a masterstroke. When the inevitable happens to her, it breaks our hearts and makes us mourn the loss of a genuinely good character. Jerome Valeska On a tour bus, somewhere deep in the heart of America, Jared Leto weeps whenever he sees Cameron Monaghan's name. He might've never put on the famous makeup or rocked the green hair, but Monaghan's Jerome Valeska was a much better Joker than Leto's Ace Ventura-inspired gangbanger in Suicide Squad. From the moment he broke out into a maniacal laugh to his brawl with Bruce in the funhouse, Valeska has stolen the show each time he's popped up on our screens. His appearance in "The Gentle Art of Making Enemies" remains Gotham's best episode to date and cements him as an unforgettable villain. Don't believe us? Just ask his legion of fans on Tumblr what they think of his performance. What's made Monaghan's performance even more fascinating is that he's never referred to, or confirmed, as the Joker - we just presume that he must be the Clown Prince of Crime. Make no mistake about it, it's still highly possible that it's all been a swerve and the real Mr. J could be someone else out there. That does it for our list, but as always, if you disagree with us about Gotham or feel we failed to mention something important, please let us know in the comments section below.