Gotham
General Info
| Genres | Drama, Crime, Sci-Fi & Fantasy |
|---|---|
| Tagline | Before Batman, there was Gotham. |
| Starring | Ben McKenzie, Donal Logue, David Mazouz, Sean Pertwee, Robin Lord Taylor, Erin Richards, Camren Bicondova, Cory Michael Smith |
| Languages | en |
| Produced By | Alex R. Wagner, Diego Garzon, Adam Wolenski |
| Release Date | 2014-09-22 |
| Running Time | 43 |
| TV Series Name | Gotham |
| Content Rating | 7.6 |
| Distributed By | FOX |
| Original Title | Gotham |
| Country of Origin | US |
| Number of Seasons | 5 |
| Number of Episodes | 100 |
| World Premiere Date | 2014-09-22 |
| Production Company Name | DC Entertainment, Primrose Hill Productions, Warner Bros. Television |
| Production Company Website URL | http://www.fox.com/gotham/ |
Trailer
Episodes
Overview
Plot
The plot initially follows a crime-ridden urban dystopia following the brutal murder of one of the famous billionaires, Thomas and Martha Wayne. The spectacle of this devastating event unfolds through the eyes of their young son Bruce Wayne (David Mazouz), allowing viewers to witness the psychoanalysis of the future crime fighter.
As the series progresses, viewers are immersed in the dark waters of Gotham City's underworld, where famous super villains thrive. In the vast rogues gallery, the main subjects are the psychopathic but charming Joker, the cunning and seductive Catwoman, the unreliable Riddler and the ruthless Penguin. Each episode provides insight into their complex origins, their rise to power in the underworld, and their transformation into the iconic characters depicted in DC Comics.
Later in the series, Gotham offers its own unique stratosphere to explore, from the opulent Wayne Manor and the creepy Arkham Asylum to the seedy streets of Gotham. This depiction of Gotham not only creates a background for the characters, but is a living, breathing character that shapes the story of the show.
Gotham isn't just about Batman's origin stories, his allies, and the city's rogues gallery. It is about the constant struggle between good and evil, hope and despair, and above all, between what is right and what is easy. As the series progresses, it becomes clear that these are not just tales of heroes and villains in comic town, but also reflections on society, morality and humanity itself.
Production
This series, which aired from 2014 to 2019, was mostly filmed in New York and recreated the dark and gloomy atmosphere of the fictional city of Gotham. The production team worked diligently to create a haunting and enchanting atmosphere, immersing the audience in the world of corruption, crime and justice.
Gotham required an elaborate production plan to convincingly portray a city rife with corruption. The city's timeless aesthetic has been achieved through a combination of architectural influences ranging from late Victorian to Art Deco. Aspects such as the Gotham Police Department and Wayne Manor have been meticulously designed, showcasing the perfect fusion of old world charm and modern day devastation.
The show's story needed a strong cast to bring it to life, and the production did not disappoint. From Ben McKenzie's perfect portrayal of detective James Gordon to David Mazouz's evolution into a young Bruce Wayne, each character contributed to the show's gritty realism.
But the real star of the show was the city of Gotham itself, with its sinister atmosphere and gothic charm. It was the commendable work of the production team that brought this complex cityscape to life on the small screen. The atmospheric design and production details with which Gotham was created really set it apart from other comic book adaptations.
The creation of Gotham was a huge effort by a dedicated team, resulting in a unique TV series that is still celebrated by Batman fans around the world. It was a masterpiece of narrative design, character development, and set design.
Release
The series delves into the tumultuous rise of Commissioner James Gordon during his early years at the Gotham City Police Department. It also highlights the treacherous villains who made Gotham City famous, as well as the untold story of Bruce Wayne's transformation into Batman.
An extraordinary cast, including Ben McKenzie as Gordon, David Mazouz as Bruce Wayne, and Robin Taylor as the Penguin, give brilliant performances that bring these iconic characters to life. Gotham spans five compelling seasons, each more compelling than the last. The final season, which ended in 2019, provides a fitting end to this dark and intense journey, whetting your appetite for further explorations of the Batman universe.
The series has received rave reviews for its atmospheric setting, complex characters and multi-layered narrative. Tons of fans around the world eagerly watched every episode, proving that Gotham is definitely a fantastic addition to the Batman franchise. Overall, the legacy of the Gotham TV series lives on and is a celebrated part of Batman's storied history.
Reception
However, the series has also been criticized for its treatment of the Batman mythology, with some fans expressing disappointment that Bruce Wayne's journey to becoming Batman was not given much attention. Initially, critics believed that the series struggled to balance an ongoing coherent story with the need to introduce and develop many characters from the Batman universe. Over time, Gotham found its footing, moving more toward a serialized narrative and delving deeper into the mythology of the Batman universe. Later seasons received more consistent praise and the show gained a devoted fan base. Compelling storylines, intriguing character arcs, and a greater focus on Bruce Wayne's transformation into Batman have fueled admiration for the series.
In short, Gotham has had more hits than misses. Despite some rough spots early on, it will be remembered for its unique take on the Batman mythology and great performances from its lead actors.
Cultural impact
Portraying Gotham City as an autonomous character speaks to society and reflects real-world fears of distrust of the state, corruption, and social inequality. It deals with the philosophical question of order and chaos as epitomized by the struggle between the Gotham City Police Department and a growing gang of criminals.
Gotham also shaped the public's understanding of heroes and villains. By chronicling Bruce Wayne's childhood and adolescence, the series reveals a more human side of Batman, showing that he was once a vulnerable young man who had to learn to overcome his fears and pain. On the other hand, it makes the villains seem more relatable, giving their own backstories, showing that they weren't born evil, but shaped by their circumstances.
In addition, Gotham redefined several Batman characters. For example, it featured a much younger version of the Penguin, played by Robin Lord Taylor, who became one of the show's standout characters due to his nuanced role that deviated from the usual portrayal of the stereotypical character.
The series also encourages the imagination, allowing for fan theories and debates about Gotham City's dark streets and its eclectic cast of characters. As a staple of the Batman franchise, Gotham has expanded the cultural importance and impact of the Batman universe in its own unique way.