Watch Gotham

Gotham is a television show on FOX that tells the story of the iconic comic book city before the rise of Bruce Wayne as Batman. The show premiered in 2014 and ran for five seasons, bringing together an ensemble cast featuring Ben McKenzie, Morena Baccarin, Robin Lord Taylor, David Mazouz, Camren Bicondova, Donal Logue, Erin Richards, Zabryna Guevara, Sean Pertwee, Nicholas D'Agosto, Chris Chalk, Victoria Cartagena, Cory Michael Smith, Jada Pinkett Smith, John Doman, Andrew Stewart-Jones, Drew Powell, Crystal Reed, Clare Foley, Maggie Geha, Peyton List, and Cameron Monaghan.

McKenzie stars as Jim Gordon, the show's protagonist who begins as a detective in the Gotham City Police Department before becoming the city's police commissioner. Baccarin plays Leslie Thompkins, a medical examiner and love interest of Gordon's. Taylor plays Oswald Cobblepot, also known as The Penguin, a major villain in the Batman universe who rises to power in the criminal underworld of Gotham. Mazouz plays a young Bruce Wayne, who witnesses the murder of his parents and begins his journey to becoming Batman. Bicondova plays Selina Kyle, also known as Catwoman, a street thief who becomes involved in Wayne's life. Logue plays Harvey Bullock, Gordon's partner in the police department.

Throughout the show's five seasons, viewers watch as the city of Gotham is overrun by corruption, violence, and crime. The show features a wide array of characters from the Batman universe, including the Joker, the Riddler, Poison Ivy, and Scarecrow. As the series progresses, Gordon and his allies fight to bring law and order to the city, eventually setting the stage for the rise of Batman.

One of the show's strengths is its casting, with each actor bringing a unique take on their character. McKenzie's Gordon is stoic and determined, Baccarin's Thompkins is intelligent and caring, and Taylor's Cobblepot is cunning and ruthless. Mazouz's portrayal of a young Bruce Wayne brings a vulnerability and determination to the character, and Bicondova's Selina Kyle has a fierce independence that sets her apart.

The show's setting is also a highlight, with the dark and gritty streets of Gotham serving as the backdrop for the characters' struggles. The city is portrayed as a place of danger and despair, where the police department is corrupt and the wealthy elite hold all the power. The show's production design and cinematography create a moody atmosphere, particularly in scenes set at night or in abandoned buildings.

Another strength of the show is its handling of its villains. Rather than simply being one-dimensional evildoers, the show's villains are given complex backstories and motivations. Viewers watch as Edward Nygma transforms into the Riddler, as the Joker emerges from chaos and madness, and as Ivy Pepper becomes Poison Ivy. All of the villains have their own personal agendas and desires, making them more compelling characters.

Despite its many strengths, the show does have some flaws. Some of the storylines drag on for too long, particularly during the later seasons. Certain characters, such as Maggie Geha's Poison Ivy and Peyton List's Barbara Kean, don't get as much development as they deserve. Additionally, some of the show's tonal shifts can be jarring, particularly when it switches between serious drama and campy humor.

Overall, Gotham is a thrilling and entertaining show that offers a unique take on the Batman universe. The show's strong cast and production design make it a must-watch for fans of superhero stories, particularly those interested in the origins of the Batman mythos. With its complex characters and dark setting, Gotham stands out as a standout entry in the genre. For those who missed out on the show's original run, there's no need to worry - you can Watch Gotham Online to catch up on all the twists and turns of this thrilling series.

Gotham is a series that ran for 5 seasons (100 episodes) between September 22, 2014 and on FOX