tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46755332009143661632024-03-15T18:09:58.646-07:00The Fangirl InitiativeSky Destrianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06289179177143134323noreply@blogger.comBlogger1268125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4675533200914366163.post-25673835638214615612019-04-30T13:46:00.000-07:002019-04-30T14:14:59.022-07:00'Gotham' Recap: "The Beginning" (5x12)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://twitter.com/GothamHub/status/1120061966863585280/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1120061966863585280&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fheroichollywood.com%2Fgotham-lili-simmons-selina-kyle%2F">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Welcome back to the final recap of <i>Gotham</i>—or, as I like to call it, the show that sparked a Batman obsession that has slowly been consuming my life over the past three years.<br />
<br />
Just kidding.<br />
<br />
Mostly.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://gfycat.com/babyishdeliciousdormouse">Source</a></span></div>
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The show's 100th and final episode, "The Beginning," is a glimpse into the future of Gotham City and the first days of its caped crusader as he strikes terror into the hearts of some of the city's deadliest villains.<br />
<br />
Warning: this episode contains some heavy violence and an on-screen suicide. This episode also contains some big <b>SPOILERS</b>. So if you want to go into the episode with no expectations or preconceived notions, it might be best to turn away now.<br />
<br />
<b><strike>Plot A: Batman Begins.</strike></b><br />
<b><br />
</b> <b><strike>Plot A: Batman Returns.</strike></b><br />
<b><br />
</b> <b>Plot A: Holy Finale, Batman!</b><br />
<b><br />
</b> The episode opens with a young, teenage Bruce staring out the icy window of a ship. On a nearby table sits a passport and a letter to Alfred.<br />
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As Bruce steps out of the ship and onto the docks, we hear the contents of said letter in a voice-over. Bruce tells Alfred that he's doing all right. He promises that, although Alfred won't hear from him for a while, Bruce will return when he's capable of protecting the people he loves—and when the city needs him.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://oharamiguel.tumblr.com/post/184455626001/gotham-season-5-episode-twelve-the-beginning">Source</a></span></div>
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Bruce then looks up at a snowy mountain in the distance. The location resembles the unnamed locale where the Shaman took him to train in season 3 (which may possibly have been Nanda Parbat, home of the League of Shadows).<br />
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The scene then shifts to Gotham—ten years after Bruce left. At City Hall, Harvey Bullock and a mustached Commissioner Gordon inform Mayor Aubrey James about a mysterious figure who's been terrorizing Gotham's criminals but hasn't killed anyone yet. (Sidenote: I can't believe that Mayor James is still alive and that the people of Gotham elected him as mayor <i>again. </i>Will they never learn?)<br />
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Harvey tells Mayor James that while no one gave a description for the figure, they mentioned a "growling," though Gordon says this is merely a rumor. Gordon then tells Mayor James that Penguin gets out of Blackgate Penitentiary soon, so some cops have theorized that he's hired someone to strike fear into rival gangs.<br />
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Mayor James complains that, given all of this information, it's not a great time for Gordon to resign. Gordon points out that he turned in his resignation months ago. Mayor James insists that Gordon can't quit, especially since Bruce Wayne is returning to Gotham. He adds that the newly-finished Wayne Tower represents hope, as does Gordon. Gordon replies that his promise—to stay until the Wayne Tower opening—remains unchanged.<br />
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After the mayor leaves, Gordon tells Harvey that he's tried running the police department for ten years; now it's time to give someone else a chance with it. Harvey remarks that it's an interesting coincidence that Gordon plans to leave the job just as Bruce returns.<br />
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Gordon changes the subject by saying that he's late for a meeting with Barbara (who is now a real estate tycoon, thanks to her decision to buy up about half of Gotham's real estate after reunification, when it was still cheap). Harvey tells Gordon to give his kid a kiss from her Uncle Harv.<br />
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Gordon meets Barbara Kean (who now has red hair) and his ten-year-old daughter (hereafter referred to as Barbara Lee) in a tall building with a nice view of Wayne Tower.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://lankybrunettepartdeux.tumblr.com/post/184448141670/father-and-daughter">Source</a></span></div>
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Barbara Kean asks if Gordon has heard from Bruce yet. When he replies that he hasn't, she remarks that it's weird that Bruce went ten years without saying a word to Gordon. She wonders if, at the gala, Bruce will recognize Gordon with the "caterpillar" above his lip and laughs. She then leaves Barbara Lee with Gordon after giving him instructions to take good care of her and make sure she doesn't stay up too late.<br />
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Over in Arkham, a messy-haired Riddler reads the newspaper over a guard's shoulder. He sees that Bruce is coming back to Gotham.<br />
<br />
"Big deal," he mutters. "I knew him, back in the day. We helped save the city together." (You also made him play a quiz show in season 2 where you threatened to kill him with poison gas, Ed. So don't act like it was all buddy-buddy.)<br />
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Riddler then sees an article about Penguin being freed. When he expresses his surprise aloud, the guard rattles his baton against the bars. Riddler yells that after being in Arkham for 10 years, he deserves to read the newspaper.<br />
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Before he can argue this point further, however, Riddler sees an inmate approach Jeremiah Valeska and start to dab paint on his head.<br />
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(Side note: falling into a vat of acid and being stuck in Arkham for ten years has NOT treated Jeremiah well. He sits in a wheelchair, seemingly unresponsive to everything around him. His face is deformed from the chemicals, and his head is mostly bald, except for a few pathetic wisps of hair.)<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://endiness.tumblr.com/post/184377301252/jeremiah-valeska-in-gothams-series-finale">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Riddler stops the other inmate. He asks if he knows who he's dealing with and replies that Jeremiah Valeska is a legend.<br />
<br />
"And if you're gonna screw with a legend," Riddler says, stabbing Jeremiah in the leg, "do it properly." Jeremiah does not respond or react at all. Riddler laughs and remarks that messing with him never gets old.<br />
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Suddenly, an alarm rings. Guards rush in, grab Riddler, and shove a bag over his head. At the same time, a nurse wearing a red, black, and white outfit rolls Jeremiah's wheelchair away (real subtle, <i>Gotham</i>).<br />
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Meanwhile, Gordon goes home to his and Lee's apartment. Lee notices that his mustache is gone. He replies that he was trying something new, but it didn't work.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://tenor.com/view/holt-it-didnt-work-brooklyn99-gif-11818573">Source</a></span></div>
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Lee claims to have liked the 'stache but says that now, at least, Bruce will be able to recognize Gordon. As they wonder how much Bruce has changed over the past decade, Lee remarks that the two of them haven't; they're still both a doctor and a cop. Gordon remarks that he won't be a cop for much longer.<br />
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Lee asks if he's having second thoughts about leaving Gotham. She says that while she's all for leaving, she knows how much the job means to him and how much the city looks to him for leadership.<br />
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"Well, that's just it," Gordon says. "I was hoping Gotham would outgrow me. But it hasn't exactly happened." When he adds that no one stepped in to lead, Lee says that maybe someone will when he steps down.<br />
<br />
"Ten years," she muses. "I wonder what Bruce will think of Selina. She's become quite the 'it girl' around town."<br />
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Elsewhere, a security guard locks up some kind of vault room. After he leaves, a masked woman in a leather bodysuit enters. She rolls a gadget across the floor, and it sprays smoke, revealing red lasers all over the room. She flips over and under them with dexterity, before approaching a glass case that holds a blue diamond. She then (for no apparent reason) removes her mask, revealing herself to be an older Selina Kyle.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://whitefluffyyeti.tumblr.com/post/184452723211/gotham-the-beginning">Source</a></span></div>
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(Side note: While most of the show's actors reprised their roles for the finale, <i>Gotham </i>cast an older actress, Lili Simmons, to play Selina Kyle in the finale. Camren Bicondova played her in previous seasons. Both are fantastic.)<br />
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Selina then uses the claws on her gloves to open a hole in the glass. As she reaches in to grab the jewel, the lights flicker briefly. She turns her head and frowns. Then she pockets the diamond and goes back the way she came.<br />
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However, someone watches her from the window, and we hear a cape whirl as this mysterious and unseen figure turns away.<br />
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Over at the GCPD bullpen, Harvey asks Harper if Arkham has any idea how the Riddler escaped. She replies that no one knows how he did it or when, but they gave her the address of a guard who didn't show up for work the day he disappeared.<br />
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Harvey goes to the address (alone, unfortunately). When he enters, the guard (who looks visibly frightened and agitated) punches him and pulls a gun out. He hands Harvey a phone and tells him to talk to the caller.<br />
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Harvey answers the phone. Though we can't hear who he's talking to, we see Harvey become terrified and shocked. The guard then says that Harvey knows what he has to do, as does the guard himself. The guard shoots himself in the head and blood splatters against a nearby wall.<br />
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Back at the GCPD, Harvey sits in an interrogation room. Gordon enters and asks what happened. Harvey says he went to check out the guard's address and shot him after he entered. A skeptical Gordon states that Harvey is confessing to cold-blooded murder of an unarmed suspect. Harvey tells Gordon that it's the truth and that he needs to let it go.<br />
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Gordon says that, no matter who Harvey is trying to protect, he'll end up in Blackgate if he doesn't change his story. He reminds Harvey that they both know what happens to cops who end up in prison (Gordon, of course, has firsthand experience from season 2). Harvey again tells Gordon to let it go.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://thedag.co.vu/post/147327319458/lovingyourworkcowbxy-this-is-the-best-joke">Source</a></span></div>
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After Gordon exits the interrogation room, he sees the other cops looking at him. He tells them that anyone who thinks Harvey's guilty can leave. No one does. Harper asks if the Riddler might be behind the murder. Gordon says it's possible, but the Riddler would've needed help to escape Arkham, so he isn't working alone.<br />
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When a cop mentions Penguin's imminent release from Blackgate, Gordon agrees that he's likely behind Riddler's escape. He orders his officers to put a tail on Penguin while everyone else looks for the Riddler.<br />
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Harper then tells Gordon that the dead Arkham guard used to be associated with a gang and that she's found an address for said gang.<br />
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Elsewhere, Riddler pulls the bag off of his head and stands up. He's in a room we haven't seen before. On the floor sits a crate with an envelope on top. Riddler opens it and reads a letter from Penguin.<br />
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The letter says that half of Gotham thinks the Riddler is a madman and the other half has forgotten him; now it's time to remind them of who the Riddler is. It also says that the crate has everything Riddler needs; he just has to follow the instructions.<br />
<br />
Riddler opens the case and finds stacks of C-4 explosives. He laughs aloud and wonders what his old friend is planning.<br />
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Over at Blackgate Penitentiary, Penguin gets dressed for his release. He puts on leather gloves and a top hat over a fancy suit with a purple jacket. He also sets a monocle over a new blue eye where his old one used to be. (This is a nice visual callback to Fish Mooney's odd, unmatching eyes after she also lost one and got a replacement in season 1. Well, "lost" is a misleading term. She <i>pulled</i> it out with a spoon.)<br />
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Penguin then exits the prison, looking a bit plumper than he used to. Reporters swarm him as he steps outside. One reporter asks what he'll do first; he replies that he plans to lay flowers on his mother's grave. Another asks if he has any plans for revenge against Gordon for putting him in Blackgate.<br />
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"The best revenge against Jim Gordon will be a life spent serving the city I love," Penguin says.<br />
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He then spots two men watching him from across the street. He turns to a young reporter and asks if he wants an exclusive. The man agrees and enters Penguin's limo. Once they're inside, Penguin orders the reporter to give up his jacket and hat.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://lankybrunettepartdeux.tumblr.com/post/184437172820/what-do-you-say-young-man-howd-you-like-an">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Elsewhere, someone looks down at building schematics in an abandoned warehouse. We don't see his face but simply hands and arms clad in black leather.<br />
<br />
Suddenly, Gordon and Harper enter the building, and the figure goes into the shadows. The two cops then spot several dead bodies on the ground, which Harper's source <i>didn't </i>mention. Gordon says that someone must be trying to cover their tracks. He recalls Mayor James mentioning that someone broke into a government facility last week and points out that nearby crates have army markings.<br />
<br />
The conversation is interrupted when the two of them hear a noise. Gordon orders Harper to go up the back stairs while he takes the front. As he does so, gun drawn, he orders whoever's in the warehouse to come out.<br />
<br />
The unseen figure replies in a distorted, modulated voice (with a bit of Bruce in it) that he's not Gordon's enemy. As Gordon and Harper reach the top floor, the figure tells them <i>not </i>to touch the dead bodies.<br />
<br />
The figure then throws a smoke grenade and uses it as cover to jump out a nearby window. As he does so, we see the back of a cape and a pointy-eared cowl.<br />
<br />
After the smoke clears, Gordon rushes over to the window and stares at the ground, only to see that the figure has vanished.<br />
<br />
A little bit later, other cops examine the warehouse. Harper tells Gordon that the corpses were rigged with C-4, so the figure they saw saved their lives and probably wasn't behind the murders. Gordon agrees and says the person is probably hunting the same culprit as the GCPD and <i>might </i>be on their side.<br />
<br />
He then tells Harper that a lot of C-4 was recently stolen from a government facility. While some of it was on the bodies, most is still missing.<br />
<br />
The bad news piles on when a cop tells Gordon that the mayor has disappeared and their tail has lost sight of penguin. Gordon, though frustrated, says they need to keep it simple. He remembers how much C-4 is missing and asks Harper to think about what the biggest target in Gotham is. They both look out the window and see Wayne Tower in the distance. Gordon tells Harper to double security for the gala while he tries to get in touch with Bruce and Alfred.<br />
<br />
However, when Gordon enters his car, he sees an unwelcome surprise: Penguin in the back seat with a gun. He tells Gordon to drive and keep quiet. But where does Penguin want to go?<br />
<br />
The pier. The pier where so many people have been taken to die, right from the first episode when Gordon faked Penguin's demise.<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://gothamate.tumblr.com/post/182663489540/gotham-meme-18-scenes-jim-spares-oswalds">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Penguin reminds Gordon of this and says the cop probably wishes he'd shot him back when he had the chance. Gordon points out that everyone will know Penguin killed him, but Penguin says he doesn't care and that Gordon's death "has been a long time coming."<br />
<br />
Gordon says Penguin can kill him, but he doesn't need to attack the Wayne Gala. When Penguin asks what he's talking about, Gordon mentions Nygma's breakout and the attacks on gang members.<br />
<br />
Penguin replies that he wasn't involved with any of that and returns to his regularly scheduled monologue. He says that even though he and Gordon stood together, ready to die for Gotham, the cop locked him up in Blackgate six months after reunification.<br />
<br />
"This begins and ends with you and me," Penguin says. "Goodbye, Jim." He forces Gordon to turn around.<br />
<br />
Gordon replies that it was a mistake to bring him to the pier—and promptly jumps into the water before Penguin can get a clean shot at him.<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://stabbybabz.tumblr.com/post/184463050316/we-both-know-that-this-has-been-a-long-time">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Some time later, the Wayne Gala is in full swing. One section of the party features a scale model of plans to rebuild and renovate different parts of Gotham.<br />
<br />
"So this is Bruce's new Gotham," Selina says to Alfred. "I like the old one."<br />
<br />
Alfred greets her warmly and says it's been too long since they last saw each other. Selina, however, isn't in the mood for niceties. She asks where Bruce is. Alfred replies that Bruce's travels have "not increased his respect for punctuality."<br />
<br />
Selina says that Alfred needs to tell Bruce to stop spying on her. She says that when she was out the other night, she felt someone watching her and she knows it was him. Alfred snarkily replies that Selina's approach makes perfect sense; she showed up to the gala, dressed to the nines, for the sole purpose of telling Bruce she wants nothing to do with him.<br />
<br />
Selina retorts that Bruce left her, after everything they went through together.<br />
<br />
"He doesn't get to come back after ten years and act like nothing's happened," she says. Alfred agrees but says she needs to tell him that herself. Selina replies that Bruce needs to stay away from her.<br />
<br />
As she walks off, she sees Riddler (in a bowler hat, green glasses, and a green suit and coat with question marks on it) walk down a hallway. Selina then runs into Barbara Kean and tells her old friend to follow her.<br />
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://hexmurphy.tumblr.com/post/184470056772">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
In the kitchens of Wayne Tower, Riddler watches the event from a television while the mayor sits next to him, tied-up and rigged with C-4. Riddler says that once Bruce arrives, he can get started.<br />
<br />
Inside the gala, Lee runs into Lucius. He says he heard about what's going on with Harvey and asks how Gordon and his old partner are holding up (which seems to imply that Lucius left the GCPD and returned to working at Wayne Enterprises). Lee replies that she isn't sure and that she expected Gordon to be at the gala.<br />
<br />
Before the conversation can continue, Alfred takes the stage. He introduces himself and welcomes everyone, on behalf of Bruce Wayne and his company, "to the future of Gotham."<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://aminoapps.com/c/gravity-falls/page/blog/the-best-memes/j07l_LGZcKu1a1Ymb2B4G7bjkB6pXRLYD8">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
As the Riddler watches Alfred's speech on the TV and waits for Bruce to arrive, Barbara appears. Riddler pulls a gun on her. He asks if she's here to stop him and laments at how much she's changed.<br />
<br />
"Do you even remember how amazing you used to be?" he asks.<br />
<br />
"Honey, I'm still amazing," she fires back. "I just made a choice."<br />
<br />
Riddler replies that not everyone gets to make choices and adds that, after he blows up Mayor James, Gotham will remember who the Riddler is.<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://captainchilly.tumblr.com/post/184376817951/mariadluca-i-am-the-riddler-and-tonight-gotham">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
He says that he was waiting for Bruce to arrive so that he could interrupt and toss out a riddle or two. But since Bruce is a no-show, he'll have to come up with a plan. Before he can do this, however, Selina knocks him out from behind.<br />
<br />
At the same time, Gordon and the GCPD enter the gala and give the order to evacuate the building. Barbara and Selina then enter with the mayor and Riddler. Gordon tells his men to take away Mayor James and disarm the C-4. He then turns to the Riddler and says that four crates of C-4 were stolen, so there's more left.<br />
<br />
Riddler replies that it's all Penguin gave him, but Gordon says that Penguin isn't the mastermind here. The police then drag Riddler away. Gordon says that since Nygma wasn't the real threat, there must be something else going on. He sees the scale model of a redesigned Gotham and looks under the table, only to see a C-4 bomb counting down from five minutes.<br />
<br />
Gordon tells the others that if the bomb goes off, the tower will fall and destroy other buildings and people. He says they need to leave, but Lee doesn't want to, and Barbara points out that they don't have time to get far enough away.<br />
<br />
Lucius tells Gordon how to defuse the bomb. They need to find the detonator wiring of the bomb, which seems to run through one of the model buildings. Gordon remembers the building schematics from the warehouse and says that one was of the Gotham clock tower, which is part of the scale model.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, two cops take Riddler into the elevator. As soon as the door shuts, one of the cops punches out the other.<br />
<br />
Back in the main room, Gordon lifts up the tower and finds the bomb's wiring. Lucius says that the core has to be held steady while someone detaches the wires from below. Lee volunteers to work with the wires, as she has "doctor's hands." Gordon reluctantly agrees, and Lucius tells her to cut the green wire. However, there are two green wires, and the first one she cuts accelerates the countdown. (Which just goes to show that even with 13 years to learn, Lucius's bomb-defusing skills are still super rough).<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsszyXi5GuMLfopsZGkpockYfMtpUAWJjwdZkab8xuqg3SpTG4dqmkuDigRAAERm4GmAr_xC7vQYuBMBqgFLyHfOyRQUydK1_eQh5QD23Iai0Qb_xy0sVnAzJzhHJvRDhLgmB8mo2uhBc/s1600/bebbc95dbb3b664212dc0a1bc3d74e01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="699" data-original-width="433" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsszyXi5GuMLfopsZGkpockYfMtpUAWJjwdZkab8xuqg3SpTG4dqmkuDigRAAERm4GmAr_xC7vQYuBMBqgFLyHfOyRQUydK1_eQh5QD23Iai0Qb_xy0sVnAzJzhHJvRDhLgmB8mo2uhBc/s400/bebbc95dbb3b664212dc0a1bc3d74e01.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/72339137743433204/?lp=true">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
After she cuts the second green wire, the clock stops, and the day is saved.<br />
<br />
Lucius then remarks that something doesn't make sense; he and Bruce designed a new clock tower, but this is the old one. Gordon then realizes that the tower is a clue to the culprit but says that the person he's thinking of can't have done it.<br />
<br />
(And while he doesn't say the man's name right away, you might recall someone blowing up the old Gotham clock tower in season 4.)<br />
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://justgotham.tumblr.com/post/176635083951">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Harper then tells Gordon that the Riddler has disappeared and that the Mayor has ordered Harvey to be sent to Blackgate.<br />
<br />
Gordon rushes to stop the transfer. He asks Harvey if the person he's thinking of is the one behind the murder and the bombs. He asks if this person has been "faking it." Harvey begs Gordon not to say the name aloud.<br />
<br />
"Is it Jeremiah Valeska?" Gordon asks. The cop carrying Harvey immediately draws his gun, but Harvey knocks him out and tells Gordon to check him for explosives.<br />
<br />
Gordon unbuttons the man's shirt. The good news? The cop isn't rigged with C-4. The bad news? He's had a mic under his clothes the whole time. Harvey says that now Jeremiah knows Gordon is on to him, there's no telling what he'll do.<br />
<br />
Back in Arkham, the nurse from earlier knifes two prisoners in a cell with Jeremiah. She tells him that their cover is blown. Jeremiah laughs and grabs her by the throat. We then see the nurse's face—and, of course, it's Ecco.<br />
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://daily-joker.tumblr.com/post/184376930295/ecco-visits-mr-j-at-arkham-asylum">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Elsewhere, Riddler is thrown into a limo. Sitting next to him is Penguin. The two friends greet each other. Penguin says that while he wasn't behind the breakout or the C-4, he thought Riddler could use a hand getting away from the GCPD.<br />
<br />
But before they can celebrate their freedom, something (or, rather, someone) crashes onto the roof of the limo, leaving a large dent. The chauffeur freaks out and crashes into a nearby wall. The figure who jumped onto the limo flips away.<br />
<br />
When Penguin and Riddler exit the car, they scream in terror as the figure (still unseen to the audience) dives toward them from above.<br />
<br />
A little bit later, Alfred and Lucius walk through the street together. Lucius says that when Bruce returned to Gotham and told him what he was planning, Lucius didn't hesitate to aid his efforts. He says that he believes in what Bruce is doing, but the man will need more help. He asks Alfred if Bruce has thought about confiding in Gordon. Alfred replies that telling Gordon is Bruce's decision; their job is to serve.<br />
<br />
The two men then smile as they see Riddler and Penguin hanging, tied up, from a lamppost.<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://baskervilleshund.tumblr.com/post/184448080555/bonus">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
At the (closed and empty) Sirens' Club, Barbara Lee asks her mother what happened at the gala and why she won't talk about it. Barbara Kean replies that everything turned out fine and she just needs to get something from her old club. She grabs a gun from her old desk.<br />
<br />
Suddenly, music sounds from inside the bar. Barbara Kean tells her daughter to wait at her desk. She then enters the bar alone and sees Ecco from the back. Barbara Kean tells Ecco to turn around. Suddenly, Jeremiah approaches BK from behind and forces her backward towards Ecco, who puts a knife to BK's throat.<br />
<br />
Jeremiah says he's just throwing a "surprise party" for the queen of Gotham. He then recalls that Barbara was another person once, as was he.<br />
<br />
Before he can expound on this, Barbara Lee throws something at Ecco, making her lose grip on Barbara Kean. Barbara Kean then hurts Ecco with her own knife, while Barbara Lee tries to hit Jeremiah (with little success). Jeremiah, in turn, shoots Barbara Kean.<br />
<br />
"Cute," Jeremiah mutters. "She has your eyes, for now."<br />
<br />
Ecco then looks down at her bloody wound and says it looks like she might be done for.<br />
<br />
"Oh dear me, my sweet Ecco, no longer my Ecco," he tells her. "There will never be another one like you."<br />
<br />
"Really?" Ecco asks. He responds by shooting her, and she dies with a bloody grin on her face. Jeremiah then says that there are other fish in the sea.<br />
<br />
(This is likely a reference to a scene in <i>Batman: Death of the Family, </i>where Joker tells Harley Quinn, "You thought you were the first one? I can tell you this: you won't even be the last."<br />
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.it/pin/554435404121305197/">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
He then hits Barbara Kean and grabs her daughter. He tells BK that when Gordon arrives, she has to give him Jeremiah's message.<br />
<br />
Some time later, Gordon and Harvey enter the club and find Barbara Kean, still hurt from the fight and on the floor. Harvey goes to get an ambulance for her. Barbara says that Jeremiah took their daughter and that if Gordon doesn't go to him, he'll kill her. Gordon asks where he went. Barbara replies that Jeremiah said he was going back to "the place where he was born again."<br />
<br />
Gordon says he must mean Ace Chemicals (which is fair, but I was kind of hoping that maybe Jeremiah meant his underground maze, since that's where he got sprayed with insanity gas). He promises to bring Barbara Lee back and heads to the factory.<br />
<br />
When Gordon reaches said factory, he finds that Jeremiah is holding a rope. Attached to the rope is Barbara Lee, who hangs over a vat of green chemicals. Jeremiah says that it's funny being back at Ace Chemicals and that he can still feel his flesh burn and melt.<br />
<br />
"What do you want, Jeremiah?" Gordon asks.<br />
<br />
"There a Jeremiah here?" he replies.<br />
<br />
"So what do I call you?" Gordon says.<br />
<br />
"I don't know. Call me . . . Jack? Mmm, no, no, that's not right. Joseph? John? J?" Jeremiah replies. " "I don't know, I just . . . I feel something new crawling from the primordial ooze that was me. Something beautiful."<br />
<br />
(I now feel justified in hereafter referring to Jeremiah Valeska as the Joker, even if the show <a href="https://dccomicsnews.com/2018/05/15/gotham-not-allowed-to-use-the-joker/">isn't allowed to do it</a>.)<br />
<br />
Gordon asks why Joker pretended to be a vegetable for so long.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlxygmTVF091-4G-y1XpTz4dLg0zvRf53y298np4shQf3icPUKX1zJBu4UetgLjrgzI80_-tgH4jrD5tyhd9u7-U2CBU9Wi5nTJV_kBHYeU5oFu3MUmh43XpnkRxa58oj1gLntsKqlI0U/s1600/tumblr_pqmtjaefN21rnkqsoo1_540.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="336" data-original-width="540" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlxygmTVF091-4G-y1XpTz4dLg0zvRf53y298np4shQf3icPUKX1zJBu4UetgLjrgzI80_-tgH4jrD5tyhd9u7-U2CBU9Wi5nTJV_kBHYeU5oFu3MUmh43XpnkRxa58oj1gLntsKqlI0U/s1600/tumblr_pqmtjaefN21rnkqsoo1_540.gif" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://stuart-townsend.tumblr.com/post/184485675065">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Joker replies that he was waiting for "him [Bruce] to come home." He says that the two of them are bound together.<br />
<br />
"And then he just abandoned us," Joker says. "Do you know how it feels to have the one, the <i>only</i> thing you love ripped away from you? It feels like this." He then lets go of the rope. Gordon jumps and grabs it before his daughter can fall into the chemicals.<br />
<br />
Joker then tackles Gordon and stabs him. Before he can kill the cop, however, something comes flying through the air and knocks the knife out of Jeremiah's hand. What is it? A sharp, black batarang.<br />
<br />
Joker gets up and yells for his attacker to show himself. A mysterious figure watches Joker from above. Joker spots this person and simply says, "You?", which implies that he knows exactly who's behind the mask.<br />
<br />
Another batarang flies through the air, lodging itself in Joker's hand and knocking the gun from his grasp.<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://daily-joker.tumblr.com/post/184377010620/jeremiah-valeska-aka-mr-j-in-the-gotham-series">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Joker laughs in delight. A final batarang lands in his head, and he falls to the ground.<br />
<br />
Gordon pulls Barbara Lee to safety as the mysterious figure watches from above. As the father and daughter embrace, Gordon looks up at the ceiling, trying to see if his rescuer is still there.<br />
<br />
A little bit later, Gordon and Harvey stand on the roof of the GCPD. Harvey asks if Gordon thinks the person who attacked Joker and saved Gordon is on their side. Gordon replies that it seems to be true.<br />
<br />
The two of them look at the old searchlight which is covered up by a cloth. Harvey says he thought they packed it away after reunification, and Gordon says he got it out for old time's sake and sent a note to Wayne Manor so that Bruce could be there to see it lit.<br />
<br />
Bruce, however, doesn't come. Alfred arrives in his stead, apologizing for his master's absence and saying that Bruce is "otherwise engaged." Gordon observes that Bruce has been busy since he returned to Gotham.<br />
<br />
Alfred asks if Gordon's retiring. Gordon replies that he might stick around a little bit longer and pulls the cover off of the searchlight.<br />
<br />
Elsewhere, Selina stands on a rooftop, unmasked and in a black leather suit. Someone else stands behind her, also dressed in black.<br />
<br />
"You're there, aren't you?" she asks. "Do you have any idea what you did, just leaving? You were all I had. And I know you wanted to protect me, but I didn't want to be protected. I wanted you. Say something. Say <i>something.</i>"<br />
<br />
Bruce replies (in a deep but unmodulated voice) that there was no other way.<br />
<br />
"So what happens now?" she asks.<br />
<br />
"I don't know," he replies. "But I'll never leave Gotham again. Return the diamond."<br />
<br />
Selina turns around, only to see that Bruce is gone, and smiles in spite of herself as their game continues.<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://whitefluffyyeti.tumblr.com/post/184476260526/gotham-s05e12">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Meanwhile, inside a prison transport van, Penguin rants about the figure who attacked them and how he said, "Gotham is mine."<br />
<br />
"I was there, Oswald," Riddler replies wearily.<br />
<br />
The two of them then manage to get free of their restraints and jump out the back of the van. Penguin tells Riddler that they need to find out who this person is and show him that the city belongs to them. Riddler agrees.<br />
<br />
However, when the two men see a familiar figure jumping across rooftops, they quickly decide to call it a night and deal with him later.<br />
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://mymycorrhizae.tumblr.com/post/184448330329/tomorrow">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Back at the GCPD, Gordon turns on the searchlight. Alfred reminds him of how he once told Bruce that in the darkness, there would be light. He says that Gordon saved Bruce and gave him hope.<br />
<br />
Suddenly, Harvey sees something and points it out to the others. They turn and see a dark figure looking down at them from a nearby building.<br />
<br />
"Who is he?" Harvey asks.<br />
<br />
"A friend," Gordon replies.<br />
<br />
And then, in the final shot of the series, we finally see Batman.<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://lankybrunettepartdeux.tumblr.com/post/184448822650">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
(Note: while the face is David Mazouz, the person wearing the suit is actually a body double, <a href="https://heroichollywood.com/gotham-david-mazouz-batman/">Mikhail Mudrik</a>. This way, David finally gets to be Batman, but the overall effect is that Bruce is all grown up, since David himself is only 18.)<br />
<br />
We then see the Gotham logo one final time, with the symbol of a bat behind it.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Verdict</b></span><br />
<br />
In some ways, the end of <i>Gotham </i>always seemed inevitable. Predictable, even. The show was always meant to end with the rise of Batman. And that's a lot of expectation to carry into a final episode, especially after parts of this season have been somewhat rushed. So part of me wondered if "The Beginning" could ever measure up to all the endings I'd written in my head.<br />
<br />
<b>It. Absolutely. Did.</b><br />
<b><br />
</b> There's so much in this episode that I could write about it for days. Weeks, even.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://tenor.com/view/john-mulaney-kid-gorgeous-dont-have-time-to-unpack-gif-13114839">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
I'll try to focus on the highlights.<br />
<br />
First of all, I want to applaud <i>Gotham </i>on an excellent casting choice of Lili Simmons. She not only resembles Camren Bicondova, but she's also fantastic in the role of Selina. She's so compelling in the role that the final scene between her and Batman is just . . . beautiful. In the hands of a different actress, the dialogue could have come off cliche or stilted, but it <i>didn't</i>.<br />
<br />
It felt heartbreakingly real, and it was a harsh reminder of Selina's tragic arc. She tried to shut other people out and act like she only cared about herself for five seasons. Then, when she finally became vulnerable enough to admit how much she needed Bruce (and how much she cared about him), he left her without saying goodbye. And the pain of that is evident in Simmons's performance.<br />
<br />
Another interesting aspect of the episode is Bruce himself. We never see the adult Bruce unmasked and only see him as Batman in the final scene, but he was present throughout the episode, lurking in the shadows. And while I would've liked to see an older Bruce unmasked, or have had more Batman screen time, I think the writers and directors for this episode made the right choice.<br />
<br />
Seeing Batman is the natural endpoint of <i>Gotham</i>'s story. So if they'd shown him onscreen near the beginning of the episode, it might have felt unearned or too early. There's something satisfying and climactic about having Batman be the final image of the show.<br />
<br />
And, as I said last week, Bruce isn't the main character of <i>Gotham</i> (although he is my favorite). If this were the pilot to a Batman series or the conclusion to a series more centered on Bruce, it would be natural to spend more time on him in this episode. But since <i>Gotham </i>is more of an ensemble show, it made sense that Batman's presence should be seen and felt throughout "The Beginning" while other characters were given more focus (so we could see how far they'd come over the past ten years).<br />
<br />
I'd also be remiss if I didn't touch on Gordon's final words: "A friend." To me, this line is perfect. It hints that Gordon <i>might </i>know who Batman is but leaves room for interpretation.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.tvguide.com/news/gotham-series-finale-john-stephens-interview/">When asked what the words meant</a>, executive producer John Stephens replied, "I'm going to leave that up to the audience. In my mind, however, the answer is clear."<br />
<br />
I think Gordon A) is smart enough to put two and two together about Bruce being conspicuously busy over the past few days and B) knows Bruce well enough to guess that he's Batman. And if that's the case, I don't mind it. I think it would be out of character for Gordon <i>not </i>to know.<br />
<br />
But that's just my interpretation. Either way, the line is great.<br />
<br />
Also, a shout-out to my new favorite Gordon: little Barbara Lee. She might not be Batgirl yet, but I enjoyed the spunk that she brought to the episode. Kudos to her for trying to stop Jeremiah and Ecco from hurting her mother, even if her efforts didn't do much.<br />
<br />
Moving on to the episode's villains, I enjoyed them. They all had great costumes and great scenes. The Joker, in particular, had a fantastically creepy character design, and it was <i>perfect. </i>Falling into a vat of acid and/or chemicals? Yeah, that'll mess you up. And, once again, Cameron Monaghan gave a fantastic performance as the clown prince of crime (and kudos to <i>Gotham</i>'s hair and makeup team for making him look not only deformed but also a <i>lot </i>older).<br />
<br />
In general, I appreciated how action-packed this finale was. There weren't really any scenes where I was bored. And honestly? "The Beginning" is, I would argue, a great example of why <i>Gotham </i>is the best live-action adaptation of Batman in terms of tone, style, and genre.<br />
<br />
In spite of all its changes to comic book mythology, <i>Gotham </i>feels like a classic Batman comic book (like <i>The Long Halloween</i>). It's a mix of menacing and wacky and dramatic and funny and clever and retro and new all at once. And all of this is on display in "The Beginning."<br />
<br />
Penguin and Riddler hanging from a lamppost? Classic Batman. Joker threatening to dunk Barbara Gordon in acid? Classic Batman. Bruce not showing up for his own party? Classic Batman.<br />
<br />
In conclusion, I loved "The Beginning." I think one of the reasons I appreciate it so much is this: I just saw a sort of ending to another series (which shall remain unnamed). And that ending didn't feel right. It felt convoluted. Overstuffed. Confusing. And the tone of it didn't match the rest of the series at all. It just . . . overloaded me.<br />
<br />
Seeing that series end at the same time as <i>Gotham </i>made me appreciate "The Beginning." It feels right. It's an episode with some twists and turns, but it doesn't come off confusing or overly complicated. In the end, it feels simple and elegant. It feels like a fitting end to a series that I love.<br />
<br />
While I'll miss the show, I don't feel sad. I feel happy, because I know what comes next. I know that there are 80 years' worth of Batman stories out there and many more to come.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
So this <i>isn't</i> the end. It's the beginning. It's a triumphant note for <i>Gotham </i>to go out on.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Mghsu0dz4o8" width="560"></iframe><br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4675533200914366163.post-87188589573997730082019-04-24T05:00:00.000-07:002019-04-24T05:00:01.243-07:00'Gotham' Recap: "They Did What?" (5x11)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.farfarawaysite.com/section/batman/gallery11/gallery27/gallery11/gallery.htm">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Welcome back to another recap of <i>Gotham</i>—or, as I like to call it, my weekly ritual of shouting, screaming, and laughing at my computer screen for an hour.<br />
<br />
This week's episode (and the penultimate episode of <i>Gotham </i>overall) is called "They Did What?" It focuses on the fight for Gotham City between Nyssa al Ghul's forces and our beloved heroes (and villains, in the case of Penguin and Riddler). Once again, this week's plot can't really be separated by character or storyline, so it'll all go under Plot A.<br />
<br />
Warning: this episode contains heavy violence and one on-screen suicide, and the following recap contains heavy <b>SPOILERS</b>.<br />
<br />
<b>Plot A: Domino Effects</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Gotham City's remaining citizens flood the streets as they make their way to the GCPD. Inside of the precinct, Gordon tells Lucius and Harvey they need to get ahold of Barbara so they can make sure that she, Lee, and the baby are safe.<br />
<br />
Lucius replies that they have their hands full with the refugees pouring into the GCPD. Harvey remarks that Nyssa has them outgunned and suggests that it might be time to surrender. Gordon, however, says the GCPD and its allies are the only ones standing between Nyssa and the city, so they have to keep fighting. He tells Harvey to gather up the refugees and get them to safety below ground.<br />
<br />
Over at the clinic, Bruce and Selina watch over a bloodied, unconscious Alfred. Selina tells Bruce that the doctors did everything they did to stabilize him; now all they can do is wait.<br />
<br />
Bruce says that Alfred's condition is his fault, since he sent him on the mission to stop Bane. Selina retorts that both she and Alfred knew what they were getting into, but Bruce says that Nyssa is still hell-bent on destroying him, Barbara, and the city because of Ra's' death. Selina replies that Bruce stopped Ra's twice and tells him that they'll stop Nyssa together.<br />
<b><br /></b>
Meanwhile, at City Hall, Nyssa shows Barbara that she has the same infamous dagger from last season—you know, the one that turned Ra's into a pile of ash.<br />
<br />
This actually raises a few interesting questions, such as:<br />
<ul>
<li>Where did Nyssa get the dagger? Did Barbara just leave it lying around after she used it at the end of season 4? (If so, that was pretty careless on Barbara and Bruce's part, considering all the trouble that knife caused.) Did one of the league members find it and pass it off to Nyssa?</li>
<li>Did Nyssa bring the dagger because she specifically needed it to kill Barbara? (In episode <a href="http://www.thefangirlinitiative.com/2017/10/gotham-recap-blades-path-4x05.html">4x05</a>, Bruce theorized that the knife could be used to kill anyone raised to life by the Lazarus pit.)</li>
<li>Or does the dagger only work on the current Demon's Head (as implied in episode <a href="http://www.thefangirlinitiative.com/2017/10/gotham-recap-demons-head-4x04.html">4x04</a>)? </li>
<li>And, in that case, would it be able to kill both Bruce and Barbara (since he treated them both like heirs, and they both helped kill him)?</li>
</ul>
<div>
But I digress. Nyssa cradles Barbara's daughter in her arms. Barbara tells her that if she hurts the baby at all, she'll kill Nyssa. Nyssa replies that it's not fair for the child to get attached to her mother when Barbara won't be alive for much longer. Nyssa says that once the city and Gordon's Green Zone are destroyed, Barbara and Bruce will die. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Barbara tells Nyssa about the submarine and the treasure onboard and begs her to take it and leave. Nyssa refuses and says she plans to raise Barbara's daughter as her own.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/london-hugh-laurie-rachel-green-3HAYjfh7WMbP5HoMPAs">Source</a></span></div>
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<div>
Then General Wade (still mind-controlled) walks in and tells Nyssa that the army has landed and is awaiting his orders. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Sure enough, army tanks and copters have entered Gotham. One commander questions Wade's orders to destroy the Green Zone, saying they can't just go around killing civilians. Bane responds by relieving the man of his command and snapping his neck. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Bane then introduces himself to the soldiers as their new commander and orders them to get to work.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Over at the docks, Penguin and Riddler prepare to enter the sub. Before they get onboard, however, Penguin asks if they can really be so cavalier about the city's destruction. </div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://lankybrunettepartdeux.tumblr.com/post/184046868735/e-d">Source</a></span></div>
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<div>
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<div>
Riddler is fine with letting Gotham burn, but Penguin says he can't let someone else take over his city. He says that Riddler should want to help stop Nyssa and Bane, especially since they used him to kill innocent people. Riddler, however, is unmoved by this argument.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Penguin replies that he's going to follow his heart and make a stand. Riddler retorts that following his heart has never worked out for Penguin.</div>
<div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://tenor.com/view/its-true-but-he-shouldnt-say-it-marge-simpson-the-simpsons-should-not-say-it-gif-12163476">Source</a></span></div>
<div>
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<div>
Penguin replies that this might be true, but the Riddler should try thinking with his heart for a change. He then tearfully says, "I'm gonna miss you, Edward." Riddler replies that he'll miss him too . . . but it turns out that Penguin was talking to Edward the Bulldog. </div>
<div>
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<div>
Penguin hands his leash to the Riddler, tells the bulldog to go with Riddler on the submarine, and walks off. Riddler yells that he's going to take both the submarine and the treasure if Penguin doesn't come back. Penguin, however, keeps walking. </div>
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Back at the GCPD, Gordon tells Harvey where he plans to make their last stand. He says the GCPD needs to slow down the army long enough for someone to find Wade and free him from Nyssa's control so that he can reverse the order to destroy Gotham. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Detective Alvarez tells Gordon that he hasn't had any luck reaching anyone at the Sirens' Club. Gordon wants to go there himself to look for Barbara, Lee, and the baby, but Harvey replies that the GCPD needs a leader. Selina volunteers to search the club in his stead.</div>
<br />
Elsewhere, Lucius asks Bruce if he's sure about fighting alongside the GCPD. Bruce replies that he is. Lucius then equips Bruce with an EMP, smoke bombs and signal jammers. Bruce spots one leftover item and asks what it is. Lucius says the tech is from Wayne Enterprises' old "Nightwing" project.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://gifer.com/en/GYXl">Source</a></span></div>
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(Nightwing, you say?)</div>
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"Portable, next-gen stealth tech," Bruce says, remembering the project. Lucius explains that the technology could make aircrafts invisible to radar, but also had an unintended side effect in that it served as a beacon to certain animals. (Gee, I wonder what those could be?)<br />
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Bruce takes the Nightwing beacon, saying that it might prove to be useful later on.<br />
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Meanwhile, Penguin enters Gordon's office.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXaQuMZinYY2O3tPdYc7OugteFmz78lAXCKv7wtb2r7i0UfXP_EtiKWDkWCKsGwfZJLsBpCAJdPFhWhtbkTFcX9QOCHZoBpdff-kpeti34frENm6cfsOeznC-Gvf3UfJCXIEvdiWi_fPE/s1600/tumblr_pq7m1q9hw41xgxtyyo5_400.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="180" data-original-width="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXaQuMZinYY2O3tPdYc7OugteFmz78lAXCKv7wtb2r7i0UfXP_EtiKWDkWCKsGwfZJLsBpCAJdPFhWhtbkTFcX9QOCHZoBpdff-kpeti34frENm6cfsOeznC-Gvf3UfJCXIEvdiWi_fPE/s1600/tumblr_pq7m1q9hw41xgxtyyo5_400.gif" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://benmckee.tumblr.com/post/184294265370">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Gordon says he's surprised that Penguin is still in the city. He says that the storm Penguin warned him about has finally come to pass. (Which is a nice callback to Penguin's pleas to Gordon in the very first episode.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs5s11CMfkNhSaMP0HMWFxVe_WnA7D5DMJwaHuGbWibfI9UxbqJxvI9KhdD4UDcaWXHfKOZbu5j-B-Xq8CDrgV_YsOUz3KUqIKMk_jXsaq0Y4eEHfAaBPLrQa1GhLpoOhetxsMQ_zyaEE/s1600/tumblr_pk1vi91PmV1qmk4edo4_540.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="540" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs5s11CMfkNhSaMP0HMWFxVe_WnA7D5DMJwaHuGbWibfI9UxbqJxvI9KhdD4UDcaWXHfKOZbu5j-B-Xq8CDrgV_YsOUz3KUqIKMk_jXsaq0Y4eEHfAaBPLrQa1GhLpoOhetxsMQ_zyaEE/s400/tumblr_pk1vi91PmV1qmk4edo4_540.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3fmoEn5XECqCdZy1k3fROhmhvi5RGCUDb6-lFD-f3flYUhKzHtafkWdf97OE4RHq31lwblEWLbbuEaprXBuHZG7ZLg9_jO8_CL_fFaKSK4aFUcGJQBT9UFvBgdQ2hASSEkKjuCdcpjPg/s1600/tumblr_pk1vi91PmV1qmk4edo1_540.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="540" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3fmoEn5XECqCdZy1k3fROhmhvi5RGCUDb6-lFD-f3flYUhKzHtafkWdf97OE4RHq31lwblEWLbbuEaprXBuHZG7ZLg9_jO8_CL_fFaKSK4aFUcGJQBT9UFvBgdQ2hASSEkKjuCdcpjPg/s400/tumblr_pk1vi91PmV1qmk4edo1_540.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE-oFOmKuAo5iON8FMOqS9Nm_WJ4_kx7CVuba5lG9wi7v1SC3R9npBYoqMtolpWpkLH-okoLNb4QNCnW90BDiGHzNEVNZfAq9GBHk3ezF5ltEu0P6vrUwj88ab5b_QRW7NlIxdKqOpEJg/s1600/tumblr_pk1vi91PmV1qmk4edo3_540.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="540" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE-oFOmKuAo5iON8FMOqS9Nm_WJ4_kx7CVuba5lG9wi7v1SC3R9npBYoqMtolpWpkLH-okoLNb4QNCnW90BDiGHzNEVNZfAq9GBHk3ezF5ltEu0P6vrUwj88ab5b_QRW7NlIxdKqOpEJg/s400/tumblr_pk1vi91PmV1qmk4edo3_540.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://captainchilly.tumblr.com/post/181275922234/see-im-clever-that-way-and-i-can-help-you">Source</a></span></div>
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<i>Penguin: "Listen to me. There is a war coming. A terrible war. Falcone is losing his grip and his rivals are hungry. There will be chaos, rivers of blood in the streets! I know it. I can see it coming."</i></div>
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Penguin says that when Gordon spared his life and ordered him never to come back to Gotham, it was the most lost he'd ever been, because he was away from the city. Penguin says that the city is a part of him and a part of Gordon as well.</div>
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Penguin adds that he could escape, but then afterward he'd have to watch the city burn to the ground, only to be rebuilt by politicians and industrialists. He insists that his life and blood are a part of the city and says he intends to stay and fight for his legacy.</div>
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Harvey then enters. He tells Gordon that the army has busted through a checkpoint and is headed toward the GCPD barricades with 600-700 men—and the GCPD has only 30.</div>
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"Make that 31," replies the Riddler, who enters with an assault rifle in hand. He tells Penguin that piloting the sub is a two-man job and adds that he also wants to keep this city the way it is. </div>
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With everyone suited up, Gordon, Harvey, Penguin, Riddler and Bruce roll out with the rest of the GCPD.</div>
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When they arrive at the barricade, Gordon tells everyone which flanks to take. From the ground, Bane remarks that Gordon has a "crusader complex." Gordon points out that, once upon a time, Bane would've been fighting for the same side as Gordon, but Bane replies that he's found his "true purpose." Bane then tells his men to fire on his command.</div>
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Gordon then orders his men to begin shooting at the army, and the army (and Bane) return the fire (in a scene that finally shows the full context of the flash-forward from <a href="http://www.thefangirlinitiative.com/2019/01/gotham-recap-year-zero-5x01.html">5x01</a>). </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8e4AytH1Lgjh9dUWdxMojZhmb-WncrLfUrJESa9pEJzMSkXGUa-7lJYJbHTrME0281fAQVeeiiiSQlFmZztG_DFlMZJQJCkJ2fIUOGH2wm_boVVfV15x2arT3HW3HK8bAYuRpFUtTlX4/s1600/tumblr_pkutdbhs7U1sqk7opo1_540.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="303" data-original-width="540" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8e4AytH1Lgjh9dUWdxMojZhmb-WncrLfUrJESa9pEJzMSkXGUa-7lJYJbHTrME0281fAQVeeiiiSQlFmZztG_DFlMZJQJCkJ2fIUOGH2wm_boVVfV15x2arT3HW3HK8bAYuRpFUtTlX4/s320/tumblr_pkutdbhs7U1sqk7opo1_540.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://ohmyolicity.tumblr.com/post/181735537541/gotham-5x01-year-zero-for-gotham">Source</a></span></div>
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Over at Sirens, Selina finds Lee, who regains consciousness. Selina asks where Barbara and the baby are. Lee replies that Nyssa took them. Lee then sees, from a window, that the Narrows are burning. Selina tells her that the city "never stood a chance" and that any refugees who survived went to the GCPD. </div>
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"Then that's where I'm needed," Lee replies.</div>
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Back at the barricade, Bruce throws smoke grenades while the army and GCPD exchange fire. One of the soldiers throws an actual grenade over the barricade. As it lands, Riddler freezes. Penguin gets in front of him, and when the grenade goes off, debris from the explosion flies into his right eye. He clutches it in pain.</div>
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Bane then pulls out a humongous RPG and uses it to blow a hole in the barricade. Soldiers go through the hole, and Bane orders them to bring him Gordon and Bruce.</div>
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Gordon says they need a way to stop the army. Bruce replies that he has a plan, and Gordon orders his men to fall back. As they retreat, Riddler calls the whole thing a disaster, and Penguin frets that there's nowhere they can hide from the army.</div>
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Gordon then gets a radio call from Lucius, who informs him that he was able to track the general's chip to City Hall. Selina adds that Nyssa took Barbara and the baby. Gordon surmises that they're probably at City Hall as well. Lucius tells Gordon how to disable the chip, and Gordon says he'll go to City Hall alone.<br />
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After Gordon leaves, Riddler apologizes to Penguin for not reacting to the grenade quickly enough. Penguin replies that saving his friend was "the least he could do." He then asks Riddler if the injury looks bad and pulls off his bandage to reveal a bloody, grotesque wound over his right eye. The Riddler tries to tell him it looks fine but gags before he can finish the lie.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPfZxb922tGBHb3r0pSbpOBQkIKHTnqjUpPP0b7kAtE8aVvym_BWCr31HBAhSUgni-RrD2vSj2Ld_PEw_mEMePgE2Rygn09DDOF7Rhh1IpP0tNO9o99uV-dLeKe3psc1FYqoGKGd5luOI/s1600/tumblr_mx1k9dOZtT1qeeqito6_250.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="150" data-original-width="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPfZxb922tGBHb3r0pSbpOBQkIKHTnqjUpPP0b7kAtE8aVvym_BWCr31HBAhSUgni-RrD2vSj2Ld_PEw_mEMePgE2Rygn09DDOF7Rhh1IpP0tNO9o99uV-dLeKe3psc1FYqoGKGd5luOI/s1600/tumblr_mx1k9dOZtT1qeeqito6_250.gif" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://fancysomedisneymagic.tumblr.com/post/69304643747/this-made-me-laugh-the-hardest-you-hesitated">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Meanwhile, Bruce re-enters the GCPD and tells Lee that Gordon's okay. He then tells Lucius that they need to get out Jeremiah's old generator, which the GCPD has been using since the bridges blew.<br />
<br />
"We need to make it a bomb again," Bruce says. Lucius gets out the Riddler's diagram from season 4 of which buildings Jeremiah originally planned to destroy so that he could build his maze. Bruce's plan? Make the maze and use the buildings as dominoes to cut off the army.<br />
<br />
Lucius says that ground zero has to be Wayne Enterprises headquarters, and Bruce agrees that there's no other way. Once WE falls, it will knock down the other buildings and finish the job for them. Lucius then adds that they only need the core and activator to set off the bomb and hands both to Bruce. As he does so, the generator shuts down, and GCPD's lights go out.<br />
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Selina says that she'll go with Bruce, and the two of them leave with the bomb. Lee then remarks that she can't believe she and Lucius are letting Bruce and Selina do this.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://stevesharington.tumblr.com/post/184297781841">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Over at City Hall, Gordon enters. Barbara distracts one of her guards and kicks him, while Gordon takes out another. He then uncuffs her and asks where the baby is. Barbara replies that she's with Nyssa and the general.<br />
<br />
On cue, Nyssa enters, bringing the baby with her, as well as several armed men. Gordon orders her to hand his daughter over, but Nyssa refuses. She then says that he and Barbara should drop their weapons unless they want to risk hurting their child in the crossfire. They comply.<br />
<br />
Nyssa gloats that the army is almost inside the Green Zone and that Bane is going after Bruce. She then wonders aloud what she should do with Gordon and Barbara.<br />
<br />
At the same time, Bruce and Selina enter Wayne Enterprises. Bruce sets up the bomb and says that it will weaken the support column on top of the building and cause the whole thing to collapse and knock down the other buildings. Selina remarks that it's a little crazy that they're fulfilling Jeremiah's old plan.<br />
<br />
Bruce remarks that there's no other way but pauses when he sees a portrait of his parents looking down at him. Selina asks if he's sure he wants to go through with this and points out that he's already lost Wayne Manor.<br />
<br />
Bruce replies that he has a lot of memories of this building (especially from before his parents died) but adds that his parents built it to make the city a better place.<br />
<br />
"They would have sacrificed everything for this city," he says. "They <i>did </i>sacrifice everything. If that's what it takes, so will I."<br />
<br />
This is not only a tearjerking line but also a callback to season 2, when Bruce told Hugo Strange, "My father fought and died for what he believed was right. And if necessary, so will I."<br />
<br />
As the light turns red and flashes, Bruce tells Selina that it's time to run. They do, just barely escaping before the bomb goes off and the building falls.<br />
<br />
The army runs from it, but some of the soldiers are crushed by the debris.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinAmqtu_7gV1x95mrJqjfPFgfiu1ICjUMLy3T_VRsXuLDDaala3CRQuIBXtMDsZ6xUDLmLi7O1RDRlmK-JkPGNTFRI0kG6eyJoDU-Sq-87bJrNghGZz7vHPmDIJ3DcuXmnSk609usfFkQ/s1600/tumblr_n6trw0TWLB1qbhk3no5_r1_250.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="104" data-original-width="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinAmqtu_7gV1x95mrJqjfPFgfiu1ICjUMLy3T_VRsXuLDDaala3CRQuIBXtMDsZ6xUDLmLi7O1RDRlmK-JkPGNTFRI0kG6eyJoDU-Sq-87bJrNghGZz7vHPmDIJ3DcuXmnSk609usfFkQ/s1600/tumblr_n6trw0TWLB1qbhk3no5_r1_250.gif" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://fponthedl.tumblr.com/post/88131018552/ras-al-ghul-do-you-still-feel-responsible-for">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Back at City Hall, Nyssa decides to kill Gordon herself. She hands the baby off to General Wade and remarks that she'll kill Barbara after the city is destroyed.<br />
<br />
She then proceeds to fight Gordon and pretty thoroughly kicks his butt with her League of Assassins training. The fight is briefly interrupted when one of her men gets a radio message from Bane's lieutenant.<br />
<br />
<b>"They did what?!"</b> Nyssa yells, apparently after hearing about Bruce and Selina's handiwork. She orders the lieutenant to blast through the wreckage and find another way to the Green Zone.<br />
<br />
She then tells Gordon that while his allies bought him time, the Green Zone will still be destroyed. She adds that it's time for him to meet his fate.<br />
<br />
"Let's meet it together," he replies, snapping a handcuff around her wrist so that the two of them are chained together.<br />
<br />
(Sidenote: This might be a reference to the animated film adaptation of <i>Gotham By Gaslight</i>. The movie features a battle where two characters are fighting each other, and one of them uses the same move to chain his opponent to himself. I don't want to give too much away, but if you've got 75 minutes to spare, happen to enjoy murder mysteries, and don't mind the horror/thriller aspects that come with an R-rated showdown between Batman and Jack the Ripper, I'd definitely recommend this film. It's beautifully animated, the voice actors are wonderful, the plot is brilliant, and the writers do a great job of adapting beloved characters into the Victorian setting.)<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtGjregy-16CdX3Vt2ecXttZ8HPbbMv32cnYdWdPF3G-XbGID5befHeivRKBTEJtxvTcuW7zrqKCbPx5hkUG4xTN77yZlagK1_3NkoT8mWK9RTWiULojuhbO40zNHEKzjYD98E6x8_Cqs/s1600/tumblr_p96iq9do7N1v6w3juo1_500.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="260" data-original-width="480" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtGjregy-16CdX3Vt2ecXttZ8HPbbMv32cnYdWdPF3G-XbGID5befHeivRKBTEJtxvTcuW7zrqKCbPx5hkUG4xTN77yZlagK1_3NkoT8mWK9RTWiULojuhbO40zNHEKzjYD98E6x8_Cqs/s320/tumblr_p96iq9do7N1v6w3juo1_500.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://fuforthought.tumblr.com/post/174175795032">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
A-HEM. Once again, I'm digressing. Perhaps overly long references to past Batman mythology is my coping mechanism for dealing with the approaching end of <i>Gotham</i>.<br />
<br />
Gordon then slides the dagger over to Barbara, who joins the fight and takes down Nyssa's guards. Barbara then attacks Nyssa. Nyssa says that Barbara can't defeat her. She insists that she is Ra's al Ghul's daughter and his one true heir. Barbara responds by stabbing her in the chest with the dagger.<br />
<br />
Wounded but not defeated, Nyssa commands Wade to "execute the failsafe." He then shoots himself in the head, distracting Gordon and Barbara long enough for Nyssa to get loose. She gloats that once she watches the city's destruction, her legacy will be complete. She then runs off without further ado.<br />
<br />
Elsewhere in Gotham, Bane attacks Bruce (though how he found Bruce and Selina is unclear).<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjetop1ILJqOUq-T0APcoJPdnrKAYnUIoemYXiqDaMXsdS5fjAVuGDWabXPAd9Bks1zrJa9suNB_NeJ5LMoW20Ztpfdahk5WYMfa4kECo1yFM69RJSqmwcKKlEGr2-6kS6cMWEBU3_Rl1k/s1600/JollyAcceptableCatbird-size_restricted.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="281" data-original-width="500" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjetop1ILJqOUq-T0APcoJPdnrKAYnUIoemYXiqDaMXsdS5fjAVuGDWabXPAd9Bks1zrJa9suNB_NeJ5LMoW20Ztpfdahk5WYMfa4kECo1yFM69RJSqmwcKKlEGr2-6kS6cMWEBU3_Rl1k/s320/JollyAcceptableCatbird-size_restricted.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://gfycat.com/jollyacceptablecatbird">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
(I suppose he just followed the property damage left in their wake.)<br />
<br />
Bruce tells Selina to warn the GCPD about Bane, but she refuses, and the two of them fight Bane together. They give it their best, but none of their attacks land successfully and he tosses them both aside with ease.<br />
<br />
Bruce says that Bane hurt Alfred. Bane replies that collateral damage is a fact of war. Selina then attacks him, but he grabs her in a chokehold. Bruce begs Bane to let her go, but he replies that "There are no attachments in war." He prepares to kill her, telling Bruce that "an ounce of pressure" is all it will take.<br />
<br />
Suddenly, Selina grabs one of the knives from Bane's holsters and uses it to stab him and get loose. Bruce then attaches the Nightwing beacon to Bane's chest and activates it, summoning an army of bats that swarm and blind Bane.<br />
<br />
As they fly around him, Bruce looks up at the winged creatures, seemingly inspired by them.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYdMNmkb5rGsiCZ7wDkC1tfSHwj9aiqLLIQQnPa8jrP0oNcgUbdZRbq0n2FBIbTaLO62T6zBa0iCO_-OiEleVg0QKJKFZQZNeBPOaHvK-iue_Q6Wk3zi9UVE40jzmr82Dz34w8pJexp_A/s1600/tumblr_pq7jjaXUz11sl8qsdo2_540.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="255" data-original-width="540" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYdMNmkb5rGsiCZ7wDkC1tfSHwj9aiqLLIQQnPa8jrP0oNcgUbdZRbq0n2FBIbTaLO62T6zBa0iCO_-OiEleVg0QKJKFZQZNeBPOaHvK-iue_Q6Wk3zi9UVE40jzmr82Dz34w8pJexp_A/s400/tumblr_pq7jjaXUz11sl8qsdo2_540.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUP9BjzhvLFZGO5SCVDMzaGwgKccB-fuGAso9kizJ4WdP4HEW1q-X2TXok_MTrhxWbO-YmD-2WOTWEH-MulsyBLfIOPC9-HjKquc4Ui-VMXu5q_-s7tnyhrTbvk4XuT16_kPb6RTTY81Y/s1600/tumblr_pq7jjaXUz11sl8qsdo4_540.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="255" data-original-width="540" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUP9BjzhvLFZGO5SCVDMzaGwgKccB-fuGAso9kizJ4WdP4HEW1q-X2TXok_MTrhxWbO-YmD-2WOTWEH-MulsyBLfIOPC9-HjKquc4Ui-VMXu5q_-s7tnyhrTbvk4XuT16_kPb6RTTY81Y/s400/tumblr_pq7jjaXUz11sl8qsdo4_540.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://garfiledlogan.tumblr.com/post/184293445508/its-a-beacon-for-certain-winged-mammals-what">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
It's not only a classic Batman shot—if I had a nickel for every time bats swarmed Bruce or one of his enemies in a comic book, movie or TV show, I'd be a billionaire too—but also an interesting contrast to last season, when Bruce was terrified of the dark creatures that swarmed him in his toxin-induced hallucination.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUvf8mWbpO6Lf9IOvmQYccD1dkhHSMcZvfnF61E7qV8L8m8pwmTDn2ktGA4B68_-B6TD2oHkqZGDnV48gQjjTRSdb-GgdTNTE3oTIYncAl9blVNj33H6ei5RRB8AQKkbutpi4ljqcVjlE/s1600/tumblr_plt8l0hrxX1xsnu2uo4_500.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="286" data-original-width="500" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUvf8mWbpO6Lf9IOvmQYccD1dkhHSMcZvfnF61E7qV8L8m8pwmTDn2ktGA4B68_-B6TD2oHkqZGDnV48gQjjTRSdb-GgdTNTE3oTIYncAl9blVNj33H6ei5RRB8AQKkbutpi4ljqcVjlE/s400/tumblr_plt8l0hrxX1xsnu2uo4_500.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://justgotham.tumblr.com/post/182272861888/gordonjims-who-are-you">Source</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Meanwhile, Gordon tells Barbara that with Wade dead, there's no way to reverse the invasion order. Barbara, who holds her reclaimed daughter, introduces the child to Gordon and lets him hold her for the first time with her.<br />
<br />
Elsewhere, troops led by a (recovered and bat-less) Bane march through the streets, getting closer to the Green Zone.<br />
<br />
Inside the zone itself, Gordon and Barbara enter the GCPD. Barbara assures Lee that the baby is fine, though she needs to be fed. Gordon fills his friends in on what happened with Nyssa and Wade.<br />
<br />
Harvey asks what they're supposed to do next. Cops then tell Gordon that the GCPD is surrounded by Bane's forces. Barbara says she needs to get the baby to safety. Gordon agrees and tells her to use the underground tunnels to get their daughter and the refugees to safety while the GCPD holds the army off to buy time. <br />
<br />
Lee says she wants to stay with Gordon, but he points out that many of the refugees are from the Narrows and will follow Lee's orders because they know and trust her. She agrees and begins to lead them to the tunnels.<br />
<br />
Back at the clinic, Bruce is all suited up for a fight. As Alfred comes to, Bruce tells him to rest. Alfred remarks that he spent a long time trying to protect Bruce, and now the boy has become "a soldier for good."<br />
<br />
Bruce replies that it's his turn to protect both Alfred and Gotham, "even if there's nothing left to defend."<br />
<br />
At the same time, Barbara and Lee lead the refugees into the tunnels. Lee gives them directions on where to go but says that rather than join them, she's going back above ground to stand by Gordon. The two women share a surprisingly heartfelt goodbye, with Barbara thanking Lee for everything she's done.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://millicentcordelia.tumblr.com/post/184286549143/gotham-5x11-barbara-and-leslie">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Lee tells Barbara to lead the refugees to safety. Barbara starts to walk toward them but then stops and looks back at the GCPD thoughtfully.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, Gordon, Bruce, Selina, Penguin, Riddler, Alvarez, Harvey and Harper meet Bane's army in the street. Gordon tells Bane that all wars come to an end. Bane remarks that this isn't a war but a firing squad.<br />
<br />
Suddenly, Lee joins Gordon's line. Bane prepares to open fire, when Gordon hears something: more people. Gotham's citizens flood the streets, led by Barbara. It's Bruce who realizes that they've come to back up Gordon's final stand.<br />
<br />
Bane orders the soldiers to fire, but they're clearly having second thoughts about killing so many civilians at once. He orders them again. Gordon tells the soldiers that they have a choice to stand with the people of Gotham or with Bane.<br />
<br />
Bane raises his gun to shoot, but several soldiers aim their guns at him. After a few seconds, he surrenders and the crowd cheers.<br />
<br />
All's not well that ends well, however. Over at the docks, Nyssa boards the submarine and leaves Gotham with Penguin's treasure (and Edward the Bulldog).<br />
<br />
Don't worry, though—according to Tze Chun (writer and producer on <i>Gotham</i>) Nyssa didn't hurt the pooch.<br />
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://thankyougotham.tumblr.com/post/184287531596/edward-the-dog-is-ok">Source</a></span></div>
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<br /></div>
At the GCPD, Lucius tells Gordon that news of what happened has reached the mainland. Now that the truth of is out, the army is going to help rebuild Gotham City with humanitarian aid, supplies and crisis relief.<br />
<br />
Gordon takes Lee aside and asks her if the "not listening" thing is going to be a habit.<br />
<br />
"You're welcome," she replies. (Gordon, you should know by now that Lee's not big on taking orders.)<br />
<br />
Barbara remarks that the day's events will make for "an interesting bedtime story" and lets Gordon hold the baby. Gordon asks if Barbara's settled on a name yet.<br />
<br />
"Barbara," she replies. "Barbara Lee Gordon. In this city, it's important that she know who she can rely on." (Which is arguably the sweetest reason EVER to name your daughter after yourself, your ex-fiance, and the woman you've tried to kill a couple of times.)<br />
<br />
But not everyone's caught up in the joy of victory. Bruce sits alone on a stairwell at the GCPD, looking somber. Selina sits next to him and asks what's wrong. He replies that Nyssa's still at large and that she and Bane were right: everything that happened to Gotham has been because of him—including Bane almost killing Selina while Bruce was powerless to stop it.<br />
<br />
Selina replies that she'll be there for Bruce whenever he needs her. He quietly replies that his parents used to tell him the same thing.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://stevesharington.tumblr.com/post/184285689616/nyssa-al-ghul-is-still-out-there-and-she-and-bane">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Elsewhere, Penguin furiously rants about how Nyssa escaped with everything he had. Riddler agrees that they're back to square one. Penguin adds that they didn't get any reward for helping save the city (a bit generous, considering their small role in the fight) or any credit.<br />
<br />
Riddler replies that he doesn't want any thanks or respect from the citizens of Gotham. He then proceeds to give an absolutely <i>bone-chilling </i>speech about how he felt nothing for those "drab and boring" people and how he used to be one of them back when he was simply the awkward and submissive Edward Nygma working at the GCPD. He briefly glances in a mirror—but only sees himself, with no hallucinations or alter egos (which, as <a href="https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/NightmareFuel/GothamSeasonFive">TV Tropes</a> points out, is a devastating sign that every trace of the old Ed is gone).<br />
<br />
Riddler adds that he has no intention of being a "common criminal" and that Gotham will bow to him. Penguin agrees, saying that the city has underrated both of them and that if he were still in charge, it wouldn't be in ruins. Riddler says that Gordon will only ever see Penguin as Fish Mooney's umbrella boy. He adds that the only reason he fought for the city is so that he could take it for himself.<br />
<br />
Penguin says the two of them would be stronger together and says they should make a pact.<br />
<br />
"We take what we want, from who we want, and we suffer no fools," he says.<br />
<br />
"Together," Riddler says. He says they should shake on it. Penguin, who holds a knife behind his back, says that they're "brothers" and should hug instead. As they hug, Riddler also holds a knife. Both men point the blades at each other's back, but neither attacks.<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://captainchilly.tumblr.com/post/184284988439/life-begins-anew">Source</a></span></div>
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<br /></div>
As they let go, both men put their knives away.<br />
<br />
"Life begins anew," Penguin remarks.<br />
<br />
"Shall we get to work?" the Riddler replies.<br />
<br />
A little bit later, Gotham's new mayor is introduced as the reunification process begins. The mayor gives Gordon the title of commissioner, and his friends applaud him.<br />
<br />
Afterward, Harvey says he'll miss having Gordon around at the GCPD bullpen. Gordon replies that he won't be too far, and their mission is still the same. Harvey remarks that Gordon is "swimming with the sharks now" and tells him to call if he needs anything. Harvey then says he's going to get a drink before Gordon starts to crying (though he himself sniffs a little as he walks off).<br />
<br />
In the midst of the celebration, Bruce tells Gordon he's leaving the city.<br />
<br />
"My life here is too public," he says. He adds that his mind is made up and that he knows the city's in good hands with Gordon as commissioner. Gordon thanks Bruce for everything he's done for both him and the city. The two of them hug, and Gordon remarks that the city will always be Bruce's home.<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://stevenrogered.tumblr.com/post/184284460332/bruce-saying-goodbye-to-both-of-his-father-figures">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Bruce simply nods but says nothing. After he leaves, Lee remarks that Bruce is "all grown-up" and that Gordon has another child to look after now. (Yet <i>another</i> child that will end up fighting crime dressed up as a bat, whether he knows it or not.)<br />
<b><br /></b>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/dccomics-selfie-batgirl-26BkNWkYnDCsbHX0Y">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Meanwhile, Selina goes looking for Bruce at the GCPD, but he's not there. Harper hands her a letter that Bruce left for her, and she reads it. Though we (the audience) don't know what it says, it's likely nothing good.<br />
<br />
In an airplane hanger at Gotham Airport, Bruce says goodbye to Alfred. He says that the butler knows how to reach him if he needs anything. Alfred remarks that he'll be "self-sufficient" and the reconstruction of both Wayne Enterprises and the manor will keep him busy. He tells Bruce to remember everything Alfred taught him, and Bruce promises that he will.<br />
<br />
Alfred then says that while he never tried to replace Bruce's parents, Bruce is the "only son [he'll] ever have" and that he could not be more proud of who the boy has become. The two of them hug, and Bruce boards a Wayne Enterprises private jet.<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://stevenrogered.tumblr.com/post/184284460332/bruce-saying-goodbye-to-both-of-his-father-figures">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
As the plane takes off, Selina runs out of Gotham's airport and watches it take off. She's visibly distraught at the sight.<br />
<br />
From above, Bruce looks down at the city of Gotham—the city where he born in, the city that has shaped him, and the city he will one day protect.<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://stevesharington.tumblr.com/post/184286482096/wheres-bruce">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Verdict</b></span><br />
<br />
The more I reflect on this episode, the more I love it.<br />
<br />
One reason is because it makes a point to focus on legacies. Nyssa thinks that destroying Gotham is her legacy. Penguin is obsessed with leaving a lasting legacy on the city and only defends it to protect said legacy. The same is true of the Riddler.<br />
<br />
But Bruce? Bruce has never cared about creating or preserving his own legacy in Gotham. And in this episode, he destroys the last physical vestiges of his life as Bruce Wayne (before and after his parents' death). What's more, he destroys the last physical reminder of his parent's legacy.<br />
<br />
In a lot of ways, Bruce has been shorted by this shortened season. There hasn't been much time to focus on his arc, growth, or role as Gotham's defender (as was hinted at at the end of season 4). But this episode summed up one of Bruce's final steps to becoming Batman (apart from traveling the world and training with masters of different subjects).<br />
<br />
See, the way I see it, each season is about Bruce acquiring a different trait that will aid him in his future role as Batman:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Season 1 was about Bruce becoming a detective.</li>
<li>Season 2 was about Bruce learning to think like a criminal.</li>
<li>Season 3 was about Bruce becoming a vigilante.</li>
<li>Season 4 was about Bruce becoming an actor and stepping into different roles (particularly the guise of Bruce Wayne, billionaire playboy).</li>
</ul>
Season 5 is about Bruce accepting and making the sacrifices that come with being Batman. Batman has been portrayed and written in various ways throughout the years, but one thing is always the same: being Batman requires sacrifice.<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://positivelycrippled.tumblr.com/post/162508312276">Source</a></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Robin (in Young Justice season 1): "You can't tell Batman. I always wanted, I always expected to grow up and become him. And the hero bit? I'm still all in. But that thing inside of him, the thing that drives him to sacrifice everything for the sake of his mission? That's not me. I don't want to be the Batman anymore."</i></div>
<br />
For 99 episodes, Bruce has grappled with who he is. Over and over again, he's tried to hold onto a relationship with Selina while still pursuing his mission and training—and every time, either the relationship or the mission fell apart.<br />
<br />
His decision to leave without saying goodbye to Selina in person was, in essence, a sacrifice. It was him finally accepting that, no matter how much he loves her, the mission comes first.<br />
<br />
In this episode, Bruce sacrifices both his relationship with Selina and his parents' legacy.<br />
<br />
And that's the beautiful irony of it: Penguin, Riddler and Nyssa are all obsessed with cementing their legacies in Gotham, but Bruce isn't.<br />
<br />
<b>And yet, his legacy as Batman will outlive them all.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
On an unrelated note, I would be remiss if I didn't discuss the episode's climax. Now, I'm sure some critics are probably going to say that having the army simply stand down, when faced by Gotham's citizens, was anticlimactic.<br />
<br />
I disagree. If you think that scene was anticlimactic, then you don't understand <i>Gotham.</i><br />
<br />
The show's name is not a mere stylistic choice or imitation of <i>Smallville. </i>It is a reflection of the show itself: a show anchored by the living, breathing landscape of a chaotic and ever-changing city. Gordon, Bruce, and Penguin may be the central figures in the story, but the show isn't really about any of them.<br />
<br />
The show about Gotham itself. There are some video essayists that explain it better than I can (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZGVLoaT6kA">BrownTable</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lk66SMoz7MU">HiTop Films</a>, for instance), but suffice it to say that the show has given Gotham City a certain personality and life of its own. A certain insanity, really.<br />
<br />
An assassin who carves tally marks into his skin? That's just Gotham. People coming back from the dead? That's just Gotham. Clown cult based around a resurrected maniac? That's just Gotham. An ecoterrorist who's really a teenager trapped in a thirty-year-old's body? That's just Gotham. A man whose dominant personality manifests itself in the form of a gangster puppet? That's just Gotham.<br />
<br />
All that to say, the city itself is the underlying main character of the show. So it's fitting, really, that the final showdown is won by the city itself—or rather, its citizens. All of the unnamed citizens that we (the audience) take for granted. We don't know their lives. We don't know whether they're bad guys, good guys, or somewhere in between.<br />
<br />
But whoever they are, whatever they've done, they stand up for Gotham. They stand in line with our heroes and villains, shaken out of apathy and fear, and bound together by one common thread: the city.<br />
<br />
That's not an anticlimax. That's Gotham defending itself and taking a united stand for once.<br />
<br />
If you ask me, that's the perfect way to end the show's penultimate episode.<br />
<br />
So honestly? "They Did What?" gets an A+ in my book. Season 5 hasn't been perfect, and it was definitely hurt by Fox's initial order to only do 10 episodes (it later got extended to 12, but that's still only about half of the show's usual 22 episode run). However, episodes like this one remind me of the care, dedication and love that <i>Gotham</i>'s creators have put into the show. This isn't some cash-cow prequel series made to sell merchandise; it's a narrative they've put their blood, sweat and tears into. And it shows.<br />
<br />
I'll be back next week with my final recap for <i>Gotham's</i> final episode: "The Beginning."<br />
<br />
Until then, have a good week, enjoy seeing <i>Avengers: Endgame</i>, and remember: "However how dark and scary the world might be right now, there will be light."<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://gifer.com/en/8dz7">Source</a></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4675533200914366163.post-77799838020878591842019-03-27T21:00:00.000-07:002019-03-27T21:00:12.893-07:00'Gotham' Recap: "I Am Bane" (5x10)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://what2vue.com/2019/03/11/promotional-photos-of-gotham-episode-10-i-am-bane/">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Welcome back to another recap of <i>Gotham </i>season 5—or, as I like to call it, the Suffering Game (but with 90% less <a href="https://theadventurezone.fandom.com/wiki/Story_6:_The_Suffering_Game">M</a><a href="https://theadventurezone.fandom.com/wiki/Story_6:_The_Suffering_Game">cElroy shenanigans</a>).<br />
<br />
This week's episode, "I Am Bane," focuses on three storylines: Gordon and Bruce's painful encounter with Walker and a much-transformed Eduardo, Riddler and Penguin's attempt to leave Gotham, and Barbara's laborious (forgive the pun) childbirth. However, since all of these storylines converge with each other and are difficult to separate, I won't be separating them in the recap.<br />
<br />
Warning: This recap contains SPOILERS, and the episode (if you haven't seen it yet) contains some fairly heavy violence.<br />
<br />
<b>Plots A, B, and C: Demons from the Past</b><br />
<br />
The episode opens with Dr. Strange examining a bandaged Eduardo, who lies on an operating table with his glowing respirator still on. Walker enters and tells Eduardo to rest. She says that she intends to fulfill the promise she made when she found Eduardo in Peña Dura—to give him a purpose and the strength to see it through.<br />
<br />
Strange tells Eduardo that he's about to undergo a long and agonizing process. He then starts to infuse Eduardo with some mysterious greenish-blue liquid (gee, wonder what that could be). Eduardo starts to breath more heavily and shake. As this happens, Walker tells him that he's going to be reborn as the bane of the unjust, the corrupt, and anyone who stands in their way. Eduardo's eyes then turn red, and he screams.<br />
<br />
Over at GCPD headquarters, Bullock tells Gordon that General Wade has arrived in Gotham with a convoy on its way to the GCPD, which means today is reunification day. Gordon says that's good news but points out that things aren't going to instantly improve just because the army arrived. Bullock says that even though Gordon is worried about the future, they have to believe that it will be better—for the sake of Gordon's kid, if for no other reason.<br />
<br />
After Gordon steps out of his office, Bruce informs him that, for the past seven days, the river has had a .07 water toxicity level. Gordon says that he hopes Lucius's hard work won't be for nothing.<br />
<br />
Bullock then (presumably in an effort to cheer Gordon up) tells the other cops in the precinct that they're all here because of Gordon.<br />
<br />
"And you're gonna be a father," he adds. "That's a future I'll take."<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://procrastinationcomics.tumblr.com/post/150439911504/jim-gordon-my-dad-he-is-my-inspiration">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
(You and me both, Harvey. You and me both.)<br />
<br />
The other cops clap, and Bruce joins in. Gordon then tells them that while they've done good work over the past year, they're not out of the woods yet. He reminds them that, no matter what General Wade says, their work continues.<br />
<br />
"Give yourselves one more round of applause," he says. "And get back to work."<br />
<br />
Bullock, Gordon and Bruce then walk out of the GCPD and meet General Wade's convoy. Wade greets Gordon and commends him for establishing some kind of law and order in the chaotic city, noting that Gordon's green zone now "stretches to every corner of the island." Bruce then informs Wade about the low water toxicity levels. Wade replies that he'll have to have his own people check the water to see if that's true.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, Barbara arrives at the docks with luggage and a pretty big baby bump. Penguin and Riddler, who are standing next to the completed submarine, inform her that she's late. Riddler then asks if her belongings are less than 27 pounds and 11 ounces. He claims that anything heavier could cause the sub to sink. Barbara replies that Penguin can get rid of some of his things, but he heartily refuses.<br />
<br />
Before the argument can continue, Barbara starts to breathe heavily. Realizing that she's going into labor, Penguin hastily tells her that she should go to the clinic and have her baby. Barbara says that if she does, they'll leave without her, but Penguin replies that they'll just finish the preparations and be ready to go the second she comes back with her child. He offers to drive her due to her "delicate condition," but Barbara refuses his help.<br />
<br />
After she leaves, Penguin says that he knew she'd never accept his offer to drive her. Riddler asks if he should start the engine. Penguin agrees.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://air-ship-pirate.tumblr.com/post/183630288716">Source</a></span></div>
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Elsewhere, Selina looks through dusty shelves before pulling out a massive book. She hands it to Alfred, and he opens it to a page with a building plan of Wayne Manor. He tells her that once the city is reunified, they'll need to build a new manor.<br />
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Selina asks if it's going to be just like the old one, and Alfred says that nothing is ever quite the same. She then asks why they're looking at the old plans, if that's the case. He replies that he might not be ready to let go of the past just yet.<br />
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"If it makes you feel better, I wish I could blow up my past," she replies. Alfred replies that when you build something new, the past is always part of it—which is interesting to me, as it contrasts with Jeremiah's philosophy in season 4, as he said that "<span style="text-align: center;">to truly build something, you must first tear down what is already there."</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://justgotham.tumblr.com/post/173685972110/aliceforsythe-2x04-4x20">Source</a></span></div>
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Alfred tells Selina that now that Bruce is grown, recreating Wayne Manor may be his last service to the young man. Selina asks if he's planning to retire after that. </div>
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"I will stand guard," he replies, "as I've always done."</div>
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Back at the convoy, Bullock grows frustrated with waiting and wonders if Wade's going to call off reunification at the last second and whether or not he could be working with Walker. Gordon tells him to calm down.</div>
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He then gets a radio message from Lee, who informs him that Barbara's in labor and says he needs to come quick. He replies that he'll try to get there as soon as he can and tells Lee that he loves her.</div>
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Wade then tells Gordon that they're all clear for reunification to begin. Gordon happily replies "that's just the second-best news I've gotten today."</div>
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However, before anyone can celebrate, someone throws smoke grenades at the convoy, a truck pulls up, and gunfire begins to sound. Eduardo emerges from the truck with the mask still on his face. Soldiers try to fight him, but he throws them to the ground effortlessly. Gordon recognizes Eduardo, but barely has time to process it before he, Bruce, and Wade are all shot by knockout darts and thrown into the back of the truck.</div>
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A little bit later, Bullock returns to the GCPD and sends out squads to look for the kidnapped trio. Alfred and Selina enter, and Bullock quickly fills them in on the situation. Alfred says they'll search an area as well, and Selina notes that Alfred's not done protecting Bruce yet.</div>
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Somewhere else in Gotham, Eduardo has Gordon tied up in a dimly lit room. Gordon asks what Walker did to him. Instead of answering the question, however, Eduardo responds by telling Gordon a story about his time in Peña Dura. The guards in that prison had a game where they would bury prisoners and take bets on whether or not they'd dig their way out. But once a prisoner got out, the guards would bury them deeper and play again. Eduardo tells Gordon that he was the champion of that game.</div>
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"To survive that, I had to stop being human," he says. "I had to become something else."</div>
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(Hmm, where have I heard that before?)</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://jbuffyangel.tumblr.com/post/179602897283/the-greater-good-arrow-7x03-review-crossing">Source</a></span></div>
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"I had to become Bane," he continues. "Only I didn't know it yet." Bane says that Walker showed him that the way to defeat monsters is by becoming one. Gordon says he's sorry for what happened to Eduardo, but Bane tells Gordon not to pity him. He tells Gordon that he and Gordon are building a future.</div>
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"A new world is coming," Bane says. "Strong, merciless, unyielding."</div>
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Gordon replies that he's heard the same spiel before, but it won't happen. He points out that Bane has kidnapped the leader of the GCPD, a billionaire, and a U.S. general. He says that Eduardo might be talking about the future, but he doesn't have one.</div>
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Bane tells Gordon that Eduardo is dead; only Bane is left. Walker then enters, and Bane forces Gordon to stand. Walker tells Bane to "get the other one," and he exits.</div>
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Gordon says he recognizes Walker's voice and asks who she really is. She says that it's a good question that Bruce can help answer. Bane then re-enters with Bruce. </div>
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Gordon tells Walker that since she already has two hostages, she should let Bruce go since "this has nothing to do with him." Walker replies that Gordon doesn't understand what's really going on and adds that everything she's done has been to punish Gotham "for the sins of Bruce Wayne." </div>
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Walker then instructs Bane to begin beating Gordon. Next, she turns to Bruce and says there's a name he needs to guess. When Bruce says, "What?", she says that's the wrong answer and instructs Bane to kick Gordon. She then tells Bruce to guess again.</div>
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Over at the docks, Penguin says a melodramatic goodbye to the city of Gotham and says its where his heart will always be.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://lankybrunettepartdeux.tumblr.com/post/183621240095/i-do-so-hate-goodbyes">Source</a></span></div>
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"You're in luck," Riddler replies, stepping out of the sub. "It won't start." He explains that the pressure regulator valve is missing, and the two of them conclude that Barbara must have stolen it.</div>
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Back at the clinic, Barbara asks Lee how long the process is going to take. Lee asks if Barbara has somewhere to be. Barbara lies and says no, it's just that Lee's been great about the whole pregnancy and that Barbara just wants to get out of her hair as soon as possible. Lee replies that the health of the baby comes first; whether it takes a long or a short time to deliver, the two of them are staying at the clinic until the child comes.</div>
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Meanwhile, Walker insists that Bruce give her a name, a name that explains everything that's going on. Every time he says he doesn't know, Bane beats Gordon. Bruce tells Walker that if she wants to punish him, she should hurt him instead of Gordon. </div>
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Walker replies that she <i>is </i>hurting him, as watching a friend suffer is always painful. She then adds that Gordon has been more than a friend to Bruce, he's almost been like a father to him.</div>
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"How awful it must be to watch another father die," she comments. She then asks Bruce to guess who she's doing everything for. She tells him that losing someone you love is like losing a part of yourself. </div>
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"So why do I hate you so much?" she asks. "Who was cut away from me?" She tells him it's his last chance to answer the question and Bane prepares to give Gordon a killing blow. </div>
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And Bruce finally answers the question: Ra's al Ghul. That's who she's seeking revenge for. </div>
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"And who am I?" Walker asks.</div>
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"You're his daughter," he replies. She then reintroduces herself as Nyssa al Ghul and says that, "Revenge is just the beginning of what I want."</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://kendrasaunders.tumblr.com/post/183631924009/nyssa-al-ghul-being-the-most-across-the">Source</a></span></div>
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Nyssa tells Bruce that the League of Shadows is everywhere and says that her father's mission, to purge the weaknesses of humankind, will be completed. </div>
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"I'm just starting with you and yours," she adds.</div>
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Bruce replies that she's right; he did kill Ra's, so he should be the only one punished for his death. Walker replies that Bruce isn't the only one responsible and points out that someone else "quite literally gave [him] a helping hand." </div>
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Bruce then remembers how, in episode <a href="http://www.thefangirlinitiative.com/2018/05/gotham-recap-no-mans-land-4x22.html">4x22</a>, Barbara put the knife in his hands and threw him at Ra's in order to kill the man. Walker then orders Bane to go after Barbara. Gordon tells Bane that Barbara is with child, but Bane replies that weighing the life of one child against the future of the world "seems petty" and leaves.</div>
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Gordon tells Walker that if Bane hurts his child, Gordon will destroy everything she has. Nyssa replies that she has nothing left but her father's mission and adds that Bane wants Gordon to join the mission and see the world the way they do. Gordon refuses but passes out after Strange injects him with a drug. Strange then takes Gordon away, and Nyssa asks Bruce how it feels to know that everything going on is his fault. </div>
<br />
Back at the clinic, Riddler walks in on Barbara. When he notices Lee, there's an awkward moment of silence where he tells her that he's not there for her—but adds that, for the record, she did stab him first (at the end of season 4).<br />
<br />
Penguin then barges in and says that they want the valve Barbara stole from them. Lee says that they need to leave because Barbara's in the middle of trying to have her baby, but Penguin insists that they can't leave Gotham without the valve, so they need it ASAP. Lee then realizes that Barbara was planning on skipping town after having her baby.<br />
<br />
Annoyed, Penguin pulls his gun on Barbara, though he pulls it back when Lee chastises him for pointing it at the baby.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://captainchilly.tumblr.com/post/183652030406/now-give-us-what-we-want">Sources</a></span></div>
<br />
Barbara tells Penguin that she doesn't have the valve with her; she stashed it somewhere safe. She then adds that they can try to torture her, but it probably won't be as painful as going into labor.<br />
<br />
Elsewhere in the clinic, Bane enters the hospital, punching out anyone in his way. He walks up to the intercom and announces that there is nowhere for Barbara Kean to hide from her sins.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, Bruce asks Walker what she wants from him. She tells him that there's a military secret called Special Order 386, which states that if Gotham is "irretrievably lost," there's a contingency plan to destroy the city. Bruce tells her that there innocent people in the city, but she replies that she wants him to suffer before he dies. She then leaves.<br />
<br />
In the clinic, Lee pushes Barbara through the clinic in a wheelchair with Penguin and Riddler close behind. Lee asks who spoke on the intercom, and Barbara replies that she has no clue.<br />
<br />
Lee then comes up with a plan: they can cut through the abandoned wing, but they need to buy some time. Barbara points out that Penguin and Riddler can distract the attacker. Penguin is reluctant to help, but she reminds him that if she dies, he'll likely never find the valve. He and Riddler agree to the deal and say they'll meet her at the sub after they escape.<br />
<br />
After splitting up, Penguin tells Riddler that he doesn't have enough ammo on him for a shootout, but Riddler spots some nearby gasoline cans and says they can use those instead.<br />
<br />
Back in Strange's lab, Gordon lies on an operating table. From where he is, he can also see General Wade tied up with duct tape over his mouth. Gordon says that Strange picked the wrong side and reminds him that the army has come to Gotham.<br />
<br />
Strange replies that he's more confident in Nyssa's chances of victory over the army (with Strange's help, of course). He adds that, with a few modifications, Gordon will become a soldier in her ranks, just like Bane. Gordon replies that he'll pass on that opportunity, but Strange replies that he doesn't need permission to begin the process. He adds that after he improves Gordon's physical abilities, he's going to make some mental adjustments (i.e., putting a control chip in his brain).<br />
<br />
Back at the clinic, Penguin and Riddler send a fiery, explosive cart of gasoline cans at Bane—only for him to walk right through the flames unscathed. When he spots them, they frantically run away.<br />
<br />
Elsewhere in the clinic, Lee notes that Barbara's contractions are a minute apart and that they need to get her out ASAP. As Lee pushes Barbara down the hall, Barbara fires at Bane's men with two guns in her hand.<br />
<br />
Over at Walker's hideout, Bruce sees a candle on top of a table behind him. He scoots his chair back and raises his tied-up hands towards the flame, using it to burn the ropes.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, Penguin and Riddler sneak through the clinic.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://bosswaldcobblepot.tumblr.com/post/183633348394">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Penguin asks what their plan is now that they seem to have lost Bane. Riddler replies that they've got a sub to catch and pulls the pressure regulator valve out of his pocket. Penguin asks how long he's had the valve on him.<br />
<br />
"Long enough to know she'd never let it out of her sight," Riddler replies.<br />
<br />
Penguin laughs but then asks why Riddler decided to stay around and risk their lives to save Barbara . . . unless he was actually trying to protect Lee. Riddler replies that he could answer that question, or they could focus on skipping town.<br />
<br />
"Bon voyage," Penguin replies.<br />
<br />
Outside the clinic, Lee asks Barbara if her plan was really just to leave Gotham and become a fugitive. She tells Barbara that she can stay in raise the baby in Gotham; Gordon's not going to take it away from her. Barbara seems skeptical that he'd let a criminal raise his child. She then adds that since people have already started shooting at her kid, she needs to be strong to protect him/her.<br />
<br />
Lee replies that being strong doesn't necessarily mean being a criminal and adds that both Gordon and she will help Barbara raise the kid, if she allows them to. Barbara remarks that it's a little weird to think about.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://jaasontodds.tumblr.com/post/183631374836/people-are-already-shooting-at-my-baby-i-have-to">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Suddenly, Barbara begins to feel something happening and says it seems like the baby's about to come. Lee quickly moves her onto a nearby gurney and prepares for the next steps.<br />
<br />
At the same time, Bruce continues to the burn the ropes around his hands. When he screams in pain, guards rush in, but he breaks loose and beats them both. He then grabs a walkie-talkie and asks if anyone at the GCPD can read him. Alfred and Selina quickly answer the call and ask where Bruce is. He says he's in an abandoned mansion in North Side Park but tells them that he can get out on his own.<br />
<br />
Bruce then fills Alfred and Selina in on how Nyssa al Ghul is trying to punish both him and Barbara Kean and tells them to go to the clinic to protect Barbara.<br />
<br />
Over in the lab, Strange prepares to start his work, but Gordon gets loose and throws Strange against the wall. Strange quickly decides to leave and sounds the alarm on his way out. After detaching himself from Strange's equipment completely, Gordon gets up and walks over to General Wade. After checking his head for a chip and finding no signs of one, he frees Wade.<br />
<br />
Just as the alarm sounds, Bruce enters and fills them in on the situation at the clinic. Gordon asks where Nyssa is, and Bruce replies that while he's not sure where she went, her plan is to use the military to destroy Gotham.<br />
<br />
Wade assures them that he can give an order for the military to stand down, but as the three of them move out with Wade bringing up the rear, his eyes roll back in his head—a sure sign he's been chipped after all.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.reactiongifs.com/dont-know-expected/">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Back at the clinic, Barbara holds her newly-born daughter in her arms. Lee congratulates her, and Barbara remarks that she still needs to come up with a name. Before she can brainstorm one, however, Bane comes toward them—and is promptly hit by a car.<br />
<br />
Alfred exits the vehicle, tells Barbara and Lee to get in, and promises to hold Bane off. Selina joins him, though he tells her to leave with them. Alfred then approaches Bane and punches him, with little effect. Selina joins in, but Bane quickly knocks her down and then punches Alfred repeatedly. He then lifts Alfred and throws him against a nearby pole and drops him to the ground.<br />
<br />
As Bane leaves, Selina crawls over to Alfred and cries for help.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, Bruce, Gordon and Wade arrive at the military convoy. Wade orders his men to get him a line to the mainland. Upon seeing Gordon, Bullock informs him that his daughter has just been born and that Lee and Barbara are heading to Sirens for the time being. Gordon is ecstatic at the news and says he can't believe they've won the day. Bullock remarks that Gordon's daughter will have a better world because of what they've done, and Gordon agrees. Bruce asks if Alfred was with Lee and Barbara, but Bullock says they didn't say.<br />
<br />
Suddenly, they hear Wade authorize special order 386 over the phone.<br />
<br />
"Gotham City is lost," he says, and then instructs them to begin bombing. When Gordon and Bruce try to stop Wade, he orders his men to arrest them.<br />
<br />
Over at Sirens, Lee and Barbara enter the club and see the dead bodies of women strewn across the floor. Nyssa enters and knocks Lee to the ground. She then introduces herself to Barbara, who looks visibly terrified, both for herself and her child.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, soldiers take Bruce, Bullock and Gordon out of the convoy. Bruce wonders aloud how Wade could've been chipped since they didn't see the scar on his neck. Bullock says that Strange must've hidden it. Bruce then remarks that Nyssa probably <i>let </i>them escape so that they could "rescue" Wade, leaving him free to authorize special order 386.<br />
<br />
Gordon then turns to the soldiers who are guarding them and tells one that he's holding his gun incorrectly. This distracts him long enough for Gordon to get close, grab the gun, and knock the soldiers out.<br />
<br />
He, Bruce and Bullock run away from the convoy. As they do so, they see helicopters overhead, which begin dropping bombs on the city.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://poisonygma.tumblr.com/post/183312571922/preview-i-am-bane-gotham">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Verdict</b></span><br />
<br />
Where to begin, where to begin? I suppose I should start with the titular character: Bane (or, at least, <i>Gotham</i>'s version of him).<br />
<br />
I'm a little frustrated that, once again, Bane is taking orders from someone else and being regulated to the role of second-in-command (just like in <i>The Dark Knight Rises </i>or <i>Batman and Robin</i>). In the original <i>Knightfall </i>comic, Bane was a mastermind who came up with a brilliant plan to break Bruce Wayne in every sense of the word (not just physically), but a lot of Batman media overlooks his genius and focuses only on his physical strength, and <i>Gotham </i>is no exception.<br />
<br />
However, <i>Gotham </i>did highlight one important aspect of Bane from the comics: his determination. Bane is a character who will do whatever it takes to survive and meet his goals. This was seen vividly in his story about being buried alive over and over in Peña Dura and also (to a lesser extent) in his pursuit of Barbara. I'm hoping his determination will be further highlighted before the character's run is through.<br />
<br />
As for <i>Gotham</i>'s choice to create a new version of Bane for its final season, I'm . . . indifferent. I understand why they didn't use the classic version of Bane (who becomes obsessed with breaking Batman and taking over Gotham), it would be weird to introduce, in the final season, either A) a teenage version of Bane we've never met before who's obsessed with breaking Bruce Wayne, or B) an adult Bane we've never met before who's obsessed with breaking Bruce Wayne. At least with Eduardo, his connection to Gordon makes more sense. And, similarly, Nyssa's grudge against Bruce makes sense.<br />
<br />
Which brings me to Nyssa al Ghul. If you watch CW's superhero shows, you're probably familiar with the more heroic version of Nyssa portrayed on <i>Arrow. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://kendrasaunders.tumblr.com/post/183631924009/nyssa-al-ghul-being-the-most-across-the">Source</a></span></div>
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Though Nyssa is initially a loyal member of the League of Assassins in <i>Arrow</i>, she later turns against her father when he A) denies her the chance to properly avenge her dead ex-girlfriend, B) decides to make someone else his heir instead of her, and C) forces her to marry Oliver Queen. </div>
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From that point on, Nyssa helps Team Arrow defeat Ra's and later acts as an ally when called upon. This includes the battle against Prometheus and Nyssa's own sister, Talia al Ghul, in <i>Arrow </i>season 5.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Talia appears to be the older sister in <i>Arrow</i>, though if she exists in <i>Gotham</i>, she is likely the younger sister for one big reason: in comics, she and Bruce Wayne have a son named Damian Wayne, aka Robin. </div>
<i><br /></i>
While <i>Gotham</i>'s version of Nyssa is decidedly <i>not </i>a love interest for Bruce (thankfully), she does share some of Talia's other traits; such as being ruthless, ambitious, and hellbent on avenging her father's murder, as she was in both <i>Arrow </i>season 5 and <i>The Dark Knight Rises. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
While I'm somewhat indifferent to <i>Gotham</i>'s version of Bane, I'm somewhat intrigued by its version of Nyssa—especially since her plans mirror Bane's story about prison. He said that every time a prisoner broke free from being buried alive, the guards would start again and dig the whole deeper. In the same way, Nyssa kept raising the other characters' hopes only to crush them.<br />
<br />
Think about it:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>She let Bruce's supply helicopter enter the city, only to have it shot down.</li>
<li>She let Gordon build Haven into a budding community, only to have it bombed.</li>
<li>She sent in Eduardo to give Gordon hope of saving the city, only for Eduardo to take over Gordon's control of the city.</li>
<li>She let Gordon think Eduardo was dead, only to revive him and give him extraordinary power.</li>
<li>She let Bruce escape and rescue the others, only for Wade to execute Special Order 386 and doom the city.</li>
</ul>
<div>
Every time, she let her enemies dig their way out a little bit, and then she dug them in deeper.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Also, if you think about it, Nyssa probably chose Eduardo <b>solely </b>for his connection to Gordon. If her plan, all along, was to make Bruce suffer, then she likely chose Eduardo as a pawn to gain Gordon's trust before betraying him and attempting to kill him. If Eduardo had succeeded in the latter part of that mission, Bruce would have been devastated.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Also, since one of Wayne Enterprises' shady subsidiaries created a prototype version of Venom (the chemical that empowers Bane in the comics) in season 1, it makes sense that Nyssa could've gotten her hands on an improved version, since the Court of Owls controlled Wayne Enterprises from the inside, and her father ran the Court of Owls by proxy. (Man, this show's mythology is complicated.) This also explains why Nyssa went to Strange for help; since he worked for the Court of Owls, he would've already been on her radar. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As for Nyssa's motivations, I'll buy it. It's possible Ra's never told her that he <i>wanted </i>to die, or that he considered Bruce his heir, or that he gave Barbara the demon's-head powers. (Ra's was never <i>great </i>at sharing information with anyone; he mainly just said cryptic stuff to Bruce and Barbara before disappearing when he felt like it.) So, yeah, I can understand why she'd be ticked about his death. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Speaking of Barbara, I'm thinking she might be a goner in the next episode, though I could be wrong. My bet is that she'll make some heroic sacrifice to protect her daughter, which will cause Gordon to name the baby after her. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For now, it was sweet to see her and Lee come to an understanding about the child and actually start to see each other as friends rather than rivals.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Speaking of friends and rivals, I was also touched by how the Riddler helped the two of them escape. While he likely knows he and Lee will never get together, the two of them <b>were </b>friends once, and it's nice to see him do his best to protect her again (even if he won't admit it outright). </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Also, speaking of heartwarming moments, I enjoyed watching Alfred and Selina interact in this episode. It was a nice reminder of how far they've come since seasons 1 and 2, when the two characters could barely stand each other. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://gifer.com/en/C0Ts">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Alfred: How do we know that you're not working with Galavan now?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Selina: How do I know you're not a martian in a rubber suit?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Season 2)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It was nice to see Selina and Alfred talking like friends for a change as they discussed the rebuilding of Wayne Manor—and to see them have each other's backs in the fight, even though neither of them could defeat Bane. </div>
<br />
Overall, I enjoyed the episode's twists and turns. I'll be honest: I'm ready to be done with the whole Bane storyline, because I'm pretty sure the final episode is a big time-skip where we get to actually see Batman and I'm SUPER hyped for that. However, this was still a good episode. I'd give it a 7 or 8, and I'm excited to see what happens next.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, the next episode, "They Did What?", won't drop until April 18. But until then, have a good few weeks, and remember: Lee stabbed first.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://blakelivey.tumblr.com/post/183655364718/dont-worry-im-not-here-for-you">Source</a></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4675533200914366163.post-66867887101593355912019-03-16T05:00:00.000-07:002019-03-16T05:00:01.663-07:00'Gotham' Recap: "The Trial of James Gordon" (5x09)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://wegotthiscovered.com/tv/poison-ivy-returns-gotham-photos-2/#gallery-4">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Welcome back to another recap of <i>Gotham</i>—or, as I like to call it, the worst years of Jim Gordon's life.<br />
<br />
This week's episode, "The Trial of James Gordon," focuses on a fight for the life of Jim Gordon, Barbara's efforts to redeem herself, and Poison Ivy's quest to rid Gotham City of all human life. However, since all of these plots are a little more interconnected than usual, I will not be breaking them up into separate parts for the recap.<br />
<br />
Be warned: the episode contains somewhat suicidal themes and intense scenes, and this recap contains spoilers.<br />
<br />
<b>Plots A, B, and C: "</b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jr87uGnVEDU&app=desktop">Somewhere That's Green</a>"<br />
<br />
The episode opens with Gordon, Bullock and other members of the GCPD arming themselves for some sort of confrontation. Lee tells Gordon that his plan is "unnecessary and reckless." Gordon, however, says that while Lucius's filtration system is purifying water from the polluted river, the Green Zone's supply of drinking water is getting dangerously low and the gangs are getting more aggressive. He tells her that if he can get a ceasefire, there will still be people left to save when the city is eventually reunified.<br />
<br />
Lee replies that he needs to think about his unborn child. She says that Gordon is so focused on taking care of the city that he forgets to focus on other things. She accuses him of being constantly ready to sacrifice himself and asks if that's how their life is going to be from now on: will she and Barbara raise the child together while Gordon goes off risking his life every day?<br />
<br />
Gordon insists that things will be different after the city is reunified, but Lee says that nothing will change unless Gordon stops being—<br />
<br />
"Me?" he asks. Before Lee can respond, Bullock tells Gordon that it's time to go. Gordon tells Lee that they'll talk after he returns.<br />
<br />
"If there is an after," she retorts.<br />
<br />
As it turns out, the ceasefire negotiations are being held at Penguin's headquarters in City Hall. Penguin watches as gangs dressed with various motifs and armed with various weapons crowd the lobby. Barbara approaches him and asks why she, Penguin and Riddler haven't skipped town already. Penguin replies that "building a submarine from scratch takes time," but Barbara insists that they need to hurry up.<br />
<br />
She then asks why Penguin is hosting Gordon's ceasefire negotiations. Penguin replies that if the three of them are going to leave town, they need to keep Gordon happy in the meantime. He jokes that Barbara knows "all about that." She replies that her one-night stand with Gordon was "a momentary slip" that took place while "the world was on fire."<br />
<br />
As if on cue, Gordon and the GCPD enter City Hall, and Penguin turns the floor over to Gordon. As some fans have pointed out, Penguin's exact words—"Mi casa, su casa"—are a nice call-back to Fish saying the same thing in the show's pilot.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://tampire.tumblr.com/post/183318006544/like-mother-like-son">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Gordon tells the gangs that the city's supply of clean water will only last a few more months. He says that they can keep killing each other over what's left of the supply until they're all dead, or they can agree to an immediate ceasefire. He adds that "the government will not annex a war zone" and will only send more supplies if the people of Gotham show that they deserved to be saved. He tells them that the choice is theirs: life or death.<br />
<br />
After talking amongst themselves, the gangs agree to a ceasefire, but before Gordon can revel in his victory, a gunshot is heard. As everyone tries to find the source of the sound, Gordon falls to the ground, shot in the side.<br />
<br />
Bullock tells Detective Harper that the clinic is too far away, so they'll have to take Gordon back to the GCPD for treatment. As they carry him away, the gangs begin to squabble amongst themselves again.<br />
<br />
Elsewhere, Selina and Bruce enter a swanky-looking building. Selina asks why Bruce chose this spot for a scavenging mansion. He simply tells her to trust him and leads her into a dining room, where he turns on a gramophone and asks her to sit at a dining table. He sits across from her and lights a row of candles.<br />
<br />
"If I didn't know any better, I'd say this was a date," Selina says.<br />
<br />
"Maybe it is," he replies. "That okay with you?"<br />
<br />
"Maybe," she says.<br />
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://tenor.com/view/clint-barton-entertained-fangirling-gif-8824146">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
They smile at each other and sit down to eat, oblivious to a person watching them from the hallway.<br />
<br />
Back at the GCPD, Bullock tells Lee that Gordon has lost a lot of blood and asks if she can save him. She doesn't reply and hurriedly takes Gordon away to the morgue/medical office for treatment.<br />
<br />
Bullock then turns to the rest of the cops and lies, saying that the doc says Gordon will be okay. He then says that he's acting captain until Gordon recovers. He adds that the gangs will be running wild after what happened to Gordon, so the GCPD needs to take to the streets and show force. Bullock then tells Harper to organize patrol teams and says that he's going to focus on finding out who shot Gordon.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, Lee notices that the bullet shattered against a rib. As she pulls out the fragments, she spots an exit wound and moves on to sewing Gordon up. She tells him to fight.<br />
<br />
Suddenly, Gordon opens his eyes, but he's not in the morgue with Lee. He's in a dream version of the GCPD bullpen, which is covered in darkness. He hears a gavel banging and sees a judge in front of him. The judge says that Gordon (who is now handcuffed to a witness stand) is going to be tried for his many crimes and that his life hangs in the balance.<br />
<br />
When he asks if Gordon understands, Gordon tries to say that he doesn't, but the judge announces that, "The defendant understands and waives his right to an appeal."<br />
<br />
Back in the real world, Selina says that she's just had the best canned meal ever and jokes that if this was a date, she's not sure how Bruce will top it when "everything goes back to normal." Bruce soberly replies that he doesn't think things will ever be normal—at least, not for him.<br />
<br />
Selina asks what he's talking about, and he replies that he's lost Wayne Manor. He tells her that he's aware that other people lost a lot more, but part of him wonders if it was fate that he lost his home. He says that maybe it's time for him to move on.<br />
<br />
Selina asks if he's talking about leaving Gotham and insists that the city is his home. He replies that a lot of terrible things have happened to the city <i>because </i>of him and cites the crimes of Theo Gallivan and Ra's al Ghul as examples.<br />
<br />
"If this city really is my home," he says, "then maybe the best thing I can do for it is leave."<br />
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://gfycat.com/passionatebeneficialdegu">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
(C'mon Bruce, don't beat yourself up about the villains and/or cult leaders who have killed people to get to you.)<br />
<br />
Suddenly, Poison Ivy enters and says that she agrees with Bruce.<br />
<br />
Over in City Hall, Penguin tells Barbara that Gordon getting shot could be good for both of them. He says that the only way she'll get custody of the child is if Gordon's dead.<br />
<br />
Before she can reply, Bullock barges in and punches Penguin. He demands to know who shot Gordon. Penguin insists that it wasn't him and says that Gordon himself is to blame for knowingly walking into a room full of criminals. Bullock punches him again before turning to Barbara. He asks when she and Penguin became friends and suggests that maybe she helped plan Gordon's death so she could keep her child.<br />
<br />
Barbara replies that, whatever else she's done, she wouldn't kill her child's father. Bullock, however, says he's not leaving until he finds out who tried to kill Gordon. Penguin points out that whoever did it couldn't have been in the room, as the bullet came through the window and left a hole in the glass.<br />
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://tenor.com/view/justin-timberlake-really-stare-gif-10731314">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
You'd think that, given their track record of mayors being murdered, the city of Gotham would invest in bulletproof glass for City Hall.<br />
<br />
Bullock examines the window, estimates the trajectory of the bullet, places Penguin in the spot Gordon was standing in when he got shot, and uses all of this information to find out where the bullet went. He digs a large fragment of it out of a chair and says that when he finds out who shot Gordon, "there'll be hell to pay."<br />
<br />
Barbara asks if there's anything she can do, and he replies that she can "keep the gangs from tearing the city apart."<br />
<br />
Elsewhere in Gotham, Selina asks what Ivy wants. Ivy replies that she'll deal with Selina later and that she needs Bruce to come with her.<br />
<br />
Selina tells Ivy to leave Bruce alone, but Ivy says that Selina has other things to worry about. Ivy then calls in the mutant gang leader (the one that Selina almost beat to death in <a href="http://www.thefangirlinitiative.com/2019/01/gotham-recap-penguin-our-hero-5x03.html">5x03</a>), who's apparently under her spell.<br />
<br />
Bruce tries to attack Ivy, but she grabs him and says that the future of Gotham will be a green world of her design. She then sprays him with her hypnotic perfume. Before taking Bruce away, she says that Selina wouldn't be walking if it weren't for Ivy's plants and tells Selina to think about that while the mutant leader is killing her.<br />
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://tenor.com/view/thanks-thank-you-thanksfornothing-gif-9078404">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Back in the morgue, Lee tells an unconscious Gordon that there are so many things she wishes she could tell him and things she wishes they could do. She tells him to talk to her, but he says nothing out loud.<br />
<br />
Inside his dream, however, Gordon tries to tell the judge that he shouldn't be on trial, but the judge silences him so that they can hear remarks from the prosecution. Suddenly, another Gordon steps forward (who will henceforth be designated as Gordon-2). Gordon-2 says that Gordon's crimes are "a matter of public record" and accuses him of "failing Gotham at every turn," both in his efforts to eradicate the city's corruption and to stop the destruction of the bridges and of Haven.<br />
<br />
Gordon-1 says that he tried to help the city as best he could, but the judge silences him and says that if Gordon-1 speaks out of turn again, he'll be held in contempt of court. Gordon-1 then looks down and sees blood spreading over his shirt where the bullet entered his body in real life. He says that he's hurt and needs help, but the judge doesn't listen.<br />
<br />
Gordon-2 continues his case, saying that "the issue is not how many people have died because of Gordon, but how many more must die to satisfy his need to be a hero." He adds that the ultimate question is this: would the people in Gordon's life be better off if he were dead?<br />
<br />
"I think I'm dying," Gordon-1 whispers, looking at the blood on his shirt.<br />
<br />
Gordon-2 then calls his first witness to the stand: Dr. Leslie Tompkins.<br />
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://witchunters.tumblr.com/post/183357049734">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
In real life, Bullock asks Lee how Gordon's doing. She says that she removed the bullet fragments from his wound, but "something else keeps pulling him down." Bullock examines the fragments and sets them against the one he found. When he places the pieces together, he sees two initials on the bullet: V. Z. for Victor Zsasz.<br />
<br />
Victor himself is actually outside of the GCPD and in the middle of a shootout with several cops. He tells them that he's only there for Gordon and that they need to stay out of his way. However, before Victor can enter the precinct, Alfred sneaks up on him and knocks him out.<br />
<br />
Elsewhere, Selina asks the mutant leader if they can just "let bygones be bygones." He refuses and says that Selina hurt both him and Ivy. After a brief fight, Selina gets him in a chokehold.<br />
<br />
"Ivy didn't make me strong," she says. "I made me strong." She then orders him to tell her where Ivy took Bruce.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, over in the GCPD's interrogation room, Bullock asks why Victor would try to kill Gordon after Gordon saved his life (in <a href="http://www.thefangirlinitiative.com/2019/01/gotham-recap-ruin-5x04.html">5x04</a>) and points out that it would've made more sense for Victor to go after Penguin. Victor says that he might do that later, but it's not up to him.<br />
<br />
Bullock realizes that Victor is working for someone and asks who it is. Victor mimes locking his lips and throwing away the key. Bullock punches him and demands that Victor give him a name. Oddly enough, Victor replies by quoting Shakespeare ("What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet") and rambling about roses.<br />
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.nonprofitmarketingguide.com/blog/2018/08/06/whats-name-everything/">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Bullock asks if Victor is high.<br />
<br />
"Only on love," he replies. This is enough to make Bullock realize what's going on: Ivy Pepper hypnotized Victor and ordered him to kill Gordon.<br />
<br />
Over in the morgue, Alfred brings Lee a cup of tea. He says that he heard about her argument with Gordon and asks if she's having misgiving about the arrival of Barbara's child. Lee says she doesn't know what she's getting into or how she can raise a child alongside Barbara Kean. She adds that there's another problem: if Lee and Gordon are going to raise the child, they'll need to do it together, but she doesn't always know what's going on in his head.<br />
<br />
Alfred replies that Gordon needs Lee more than he lets on, but she says that she needs to hear it from Gordon himself. Alfred then changes the subject back to parenting. He says that he originally had no interest in being a father and used to think he was unfit to be one, but everything changed when Bruce's parents died. He says that while and Bruce aren't related by blood, "the most ecstatic moments" of Alfred's life have been all the moments he shares with Bruce.<br />
<br />
Alfred tells Lee that nothing can prepare her for that kind of joy and that she'll figure out how to be a parent as she goes. He then promises that Lee will be an amazing mother and that the child will be better for having her in his/her life.<br />
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://jimandleslie.tumblr.com/post/183315814218/you-have-misgivings-about-the-arrival-of-this">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Lee thanks him and goes back to tending Gordon. She asks if he can hear her.<br />
<br />
Gordon, however, is still caught up in his dream. Gordon-2 (the prosecutor) says that while Gordon has hurt Lee more than anyone else, she's still with him. Lee replies that she loves Gordon. Regardless, Gordon-2 asks if her life would be better off without him. When she stays quiet, he rephrases the question: would Lee be better off if Gordon were dead? Lee tells Gordon-1 that she's sorry, but everything he touches ends up dead.<br />
<br />
Gordon-2 rests his case. Gordon-1 says that the prosecution made Lee say what he wanted her to say, but Gordon-2 says that he didn't force her to say anything. He then tells Gordon that if he wants a second opinion, he should "ask them." Gordon then looks out and sees the burning, half-dead souls of all the people who died in the Haven explosion (all the people that he failed to protect, Gordon-2 says).<br />
<br />
"I think I'm dying," Gordon-1 says faintly.<br />
<br />
"Isn't it about time?" Gordon-2 asks, opening his jacket to show the same wound as Gordon-1. He then tells Gordon-1 that the verdict is in: Gordon's guilty.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, in the real world, Victor is chatting with his guard when, suddenly, another cop enters and shoots the guard in the head.<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://m0oranshi.tumblr.com/post/183309064412/whats-in-a-name-a-rose-by-any-other-name-would">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
The cop begins to uncuff Victor, and Ivy enters the room. She says that all she asked Victor to do was kill Gordon, and he hurriedly offers to finish the job. Ivy, however, says that she'll kill Gordon herself while Victor keeps the cops busy. She then gives him several guns for his part of the job and remarks that the other part of her plan is working nicely.<br />
<br />
The other plan, as it turns out, involves a hypnotized Bruce entering Lucius's water filtration plant. He tells Lucius that he wanted to check out the plant's progress. Lucius replies that the toxicity levels in the river are decreasing and that they'll be under the government-mandated threshold soon. He adds that the work will save thousands of people.<br />
<br />
"People, ugh," Bruce remarks.<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://hexmurphy.tumblr.com/post/183304537442/bonus-for-your-eye-rolling-needs">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Lucius notices that Bruce is acting weird, but before he can do anything about it, Bruce sprays Lucius with Ivy's perfume and tells him to shut down the plant. Lucius agrees, saying that he'd do anything for Ivy.<br />
<br />
Over at the Sirens' Club, Barbara serves drinks to Gotham's various gangs. She proposes a toast to Gordon's imminent death and says that he can't hound them anymore. While the gangs eagerly drink up, Penguin asks what Barbara's up to. She replies that she's "trying to keep the city from ripping itself apart."<br />
<br />
Penguin suggests that this plan might have more to do with Barbara's feelings for Gordon than she lets on, but Barbara insists that it doesn't. She says that if the three of them aren't able to make it out of town, they need a backup plan that keeps them in Gordon's favor.<br />
<br />
Barbara then calls for everyone's attention. She says that the real reason she called them to the club is so that they could agree to an immediate truce. One of the gang members asks what's to stop them from killing Barbara and taking her club instead.<br />
<br />
She replies that everyone's drinks were poisoned and the man she's talking to had two shots before everyone else arrived. He then drops to the floor, clutches his throat, foams at the mouth, and falls dead. Barbara says that everyone else has 48 hours to take the antidote, which she'll deliver if they go back to their territories, "play nice," and send her all of their guns. They agree and quickly leave.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/keeping-up-with-the-kardashians-kris-jenner-l3JDFJncJHteKIYzm">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Back at the filtration plant, Lucius tells Bruce that once he reverses the system, the toxins from the river will be re-released, overload the filters, and shut down the facility altogether. He then starts the process.<br />
<br />
Suddenly, an alarm goes off. Lucius and Bruce check the security cameras and see Selina skulking around the plant. Bruce decides to take care of it while Lucius oversees the plant's destruction.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, Bullock tells his fellow officers that Ivy's on the loose again and that they need to take her down. Before he can give any more orders, however, Victor enters and announces that she's already arrived. He then begins to shoot at them while babbling about Ivy, which leads to him accidentally letting it slip that he's the distraction while she goes to kill Gordon.<br />
<br />
Gordon, at the moment, is still unconscious. Alfred hears gunfire and leaves the morgue to help the GCPD fight Victor, and Lee continues to anxiously watch over Gordon.<br />
<br />
Gordon, however, is still stuck in dreamland. Now he's in a cell. Bullock is on the other side of the bars, and behind him is a crowded party. Bullock offers Gordon a drink. When Gordon asks what's going on, Bullock replies that it's Gordon's wake.<br />
<br />
Gordon looks around the room and sees Riddler and Penguin at the piano, while other villains (Kathryn from the Court of Owls, Scarecrow, Professor Pyg, etc.) and cops join in a chorus of "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow."<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://tampire.tumblr.com/post/183318007674/for-hes-a-jolly-good-fellow-which-nobody">Source</a></span></div>
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<br /></div>
Gordon realizes he's still alive, and Bullock replies that it'd be a bummer to have the wake <i>after </i>Gordon had died. Gordon then wonders aloud how he's going to protect his child when everything around him dies. Bullock shrugs and walks off.<br />
<br />
"That's a good question," someone says from behind Gordon. He turns and sees a bloodied, half-dead Will (the kid who was friends with Gordon and later died in Haven). Will says that Gordon said he'd be safe. Gordon again says that he did his best to keep Will safe, but Will says that Gordon's best "never seems to be good enough."<br />
<br />
He then tells Gordon that it's time to go and opens the cell door. As Gordon follows Will, he begins to flatline in real-life. Lee quickly grabs a syringe filled with adrenaline, but before she can inject it, Ivy enters. Upon seeing Gordon's failing state, she remarks that Victor must have "succeeded after all" and decides to kill Lee instead of Gordon.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, Victor keeps shooting at the GCPD. Bullock says that he's tired of getting shot at in his precinct and tells Alfred and the other cops to give him cover so that he can get something out of the storeroom.<br />
<br />
Over in the morgue, Ivy and Lee fight. Lee asks why Ivy cares about killing Gordon, and Ivy replies that "Gotham has a chance to be born anew." She says she wants to return the city to a place filled with nature and says that Gordon's quest to reunify with the mainland would only lead to a return to filth and pollution.<br />
<br />
Lee tries to stab Ivy with the syringe, but Ivy grabs her arm and stops her. Lee asks if Ivy's plan is simply to kill Gordon and let plants take over the city. She replies that killing him is only the first step and that Bruce Wayne is taking care of everything else. Lee then apologizes to Ivy—before grabbing a gun off of a nearby table and shooting her in the stomach.<br />
<br />
Ivy says that the pain of being shot is nothing compared to the pain Lee's about to feel. Ivy knocks the adrenaline syringe to the ground, destroying Lee's last hope of reviving Gordon. She then exits.<br />
<br />
Back at the filtration plant, Bruce and Selina fight. Selina tries to convince Bruce to snap out of Ivy's control, but he doesn't listen to her and says that Ivy's given him a purpose. As they fight, Selina asks if he really wants to kill everything in Gotham. Bruce replies that the toxins will only kill the people and the plants will adapt and overcome. He then punches her repeatedly.<br />
<br />
Selina says that she's not actually that surprised and adds that if Bruce really cared about Gotham, he wouldn't be leaving. She knocks him to the ground and begins to punch him over and over while asking what'll happen to everyone Bruce leaves behind in Gotham.<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://stevesharington.tumblr.com/post/183320935071/i-guess-i-shouldnt-be-surprised-you-dont-care">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
The punching is enough to break the spell. Bruce tells Selina that he's okay, and she apologizes for hurting him. He tells her that they need to stop Lucius, and she helps him get back on his feet.<br />
<br />
The two of them run over to Lucius. Bruce tells him that they need to stop the shutdown, but Lucius says that if they did that, Ivy would get mad. Bruce tries to tell Lucius that he's been hypnotized to obey Ivy, but Lucius doesn't buy it. Selina decides to cut the Gordian knot by simply kicking Lucius in the head, which is enough to snap him out of the spell. Bruce then switches the shutdown off.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, at the GCPD, Bullock enters in the bomb-proof suit that Riddler wore a few episodes ago. Victor shoots at him. The impact knocks Bullock to the ground, but he quickly gets back up and tackles Victor.<br />
<br />
In the morgue, Lee gives Gordon CPR and begs him to fight for himself as fiercely as he's always fought for everyone else.<br />
<br />
In Gordon's hallucination, Will leads him into a room with an electric chair. Gordon gets strapped in and closes his eyes. Suddenly, he hears Lee say his name and opens his eyes. He sees her in his dream, holding a baby. She asks if he wants to hold it. Gordon says that he doesn't know if he can.<br />
<br />
"Oh, I see," Lee replies, and she drops the child.<br />
<br />
"No!" Gordon shouts. "I want to live!" Will tells him that it's too late and flips the switch. Gordon screams as electricity shoots through him.<br />
<br />
Suddenly, he wakes up in the real world. Lee tells him not to move and asks how he feels.<br />
<br />
"Like I almost died," he says. She replies that he didn't give in; he fought and came back to her. Gordon says it's because he needs Lee. He begins to mention the child, and she tells him that it's okay to be scared about being a parent. He replies that "the only thing scarier than doing this is doing it without you." He then says he has something to ask her. He whispers it in her ear, and she replies by kissing him.<br />
<br />
The episode then skips ahead by a month. The GCPD is now decorated with lanterns, candles and lovely greenery, and Gordon is wearing a suit.<br />
<br />
Bruce remarks that Gordon looks nervous. Selina replies that he should be thrilled to be "marrying a woman who's smarter and better-looking than him" and laughs. Bruce then tries to talk to her about what she said when they were fighting, but she shushes him as Lee walks down the stairs in a beautiful white dress.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://lankybrunettepartdeux.tumblr.com/post/183304252615">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Bullock, who's apparently officiating the wedding, tells the attendees to sit. He says a bit about Gordon (who he says is not just his best friend, but his only friend) and a little bit about Lee as well. He says that Lee has always had Gordon's back, except for the time that she was injected with the Tetch virus and almost killed him.<br />
<br />
"But hey, that's love," Bullock says, and everyone laughs it off. He adds that if there's one beautiful thing that's happened in the past few years of craziness, it's that Gordon and Lee met each other. Afterward, they say their "I do's."<br />
<br />
"By the power invested in me, <i>by absolutely no one</i>," Bullock says, "I now pronounce you man and wife."<br />
<br />
(To be fair, they could've gotten a marriage license from city hall, but that would probably have meant inviting Penguin to the wedding.)<br />
<br />
Gordon and Lee kiss. As they do, Bruce looks at Selina briefly before kissing her as well.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://kendrasaunders.tumblr.com/post/183305231854">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Elsewhere, Penguin remarks that Lee and Gordon have tied the knot. He jokingly thanks Barbara for holding the city together long enough for the wonderful event to take place. He then says that her push for a ceasefire wasn't a back-up plan; it was her last-ditch effort to show Gordon that she'd changed.<br />
<br />
"But he will never see you as anything but a dangerous woman trying to keep his child from him," Penguin says. Barbara replies that it's time to get out of town before Gordon can stop her. Penguin points out that Gordon will do his best to track her down. Barbara says he's welcome to try.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Verdict</b></span><br />
<br />
I enjoyed this episode, because it took the time to slow down and focus on the characters' emotions and relationships in spite of all the action.<br />
<br />
In particular, I was fascinated by Gordon's trial. The dream itself isn't about Gordon trying to atone for his past failures and mistakes or prove his innocence; the whole point is that he <b>can't.</b> He can't change the past. The more he dwells on the guilt of what he's done, the more he makes self-destructive choices in an effort to atone for what he's done.<br />
<br />
This episode isn't an attempt to excuse Gordon's sins; it's an acknowledgment that he's more aware of them than anyone else, that the reason he keeps jumping into danger is because he wants to make things right. And as noble as this might sound, it's a self-destructive cycle.<br />
<br />
Killing Theo Galavan, leaving the GCPD in season 2, working with Sofia Falcone—these are all things Gordon did. And while none of them was the right thing to do, each one was a reaction to Gordon's past failures (a sort of over-correction, if you will).<br />
<br />
Gordon killed Galavan because he didn't want to hesitate and risk Galavan escaping to kill someone else (as had happened with an assassin Gordon arrested a couple of episodes earlier). Gordon left the GCPD in season 2 because he thought that working outside of the law would allow him to catch the mastermind behind the Wayne murders (after he'd been unable to solve the case for almost two years). Gordon let Sofia take over the criminal underground because he thought Penguin (the man he'd saved from the show's beginning) was becoming too powerful.<br />
<br />
In short, Gordon's guilt was his biggest obstacle before this episode. He could only move forward, both as the GCPD's leader and as a partner for Lee, when he confronted that guilt. That's what the dream is about: Gordon choosing to overcome his guilt in order to be there for the people that he cares about and who care about him in return. It's about him realizing that he can't do everything himself and that the more he tries to do so, the more he fails. It's about him forgiving himself so that he can be the father that his child needs.<br />
<br />
Without Gordon's defeat of his own guilt and shame, the ending of this episode wouldn't be possible. He couldn't enter a legitimate relationship and partnership with Lee until he confronted his own guilt (especially about how he's hurt her in the past) and acknowledged that he needs her strength as much as she needs his. Because he was able to do that, the wedding felt earned. It felt like a relief to see those two characters, after all the strife they've gone through, finally get a happy ending.<br />
<br />
Was it cheesy? Sure, but I loved every second of it. And the fact that the actors for Gordon and Lee (Ben McKenzie and Morena Baccarin) are married in real life just makes the whole episode more heartwarming and more real, especially since McKenzie <i>wrote </i>this episode.<br />
<br />
Speaking of heartwarming, I'd be remiss if I didn't touch on the Bat-Cat aspect of this episode. Needless to say, I thought it was well done. Having Bruce be hypnotized by Ivy was a good was to pit him against Selina without having the two characters suffer another falling-out. The fight was also a great way to physically show Selina's anger and distress over the thought of Bruce leaving town (and proves that, no matter how cool and collected she acts, she doesn't really want to lose him for good).<br />
<br />
If Bruce does leave Gotham, I suspect it will only be to train and that his departure will only come after reunification. But at the moment, I think he's planning to stick around.<br />
<br />
As for Barbara's subplot, I don't have much to comment on, except that it's sad to see her agonize over the prospect of losing Gordon and possibly the custody of her child.<br />
<br />
<b>Overall, </b>I'd give the episode a 7 or 8 out of 10. I'm anxious to get back to the main storyline with Eduardo and Walker, but I enjoyed "The Trial of James Gordon" nonetheless.<br />
<br />
The next episode, "I Am Bane," comes out on March 21. The recap should be up by March 27. Until then, have a good few weeks, and remember: a good canned meal is a surefire way to charm your date every time.<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://stevesharington.tumblr.com/post/183297755436/i-dont-think-things-are-ever-gonna-be-normal">Source</a></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4675533200914366163.post-77165184443852224232019-03-07T05:00:00.000-08:002019-03-07T05:00:00.617-08:00'Gotham' Recap: "Nothing's Shocking" (5x08)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://batman-news.com/2019/02/28/gotham-s05e08-nothings-shocking-synopsis-photos-and-discussion/">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Welcome back to another recap of <i>Gotham</i>—or, as I like to call it, a TV show combined with a Russian nesting doll that contains a never-ending stream of Batman villains.<br />
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://gfycat.com/embarrassedpleasingfawn">Sources</a></span></div>
<br />
This week's episode, "Nothing's Shocking," revolves around three plots: a killer targeting ex-cops from the GCPD, Bruce and Alfred's search for missing people in the sewers, and Penguin's run-in with an old friend and a new foe.<br />
<br />
So, without further ado, let's get started.<br />
<br />
<b>Plot A: Facing the Past</b><br />
<b><br /></b>The episode begins in the Sirens' Club. Two old men enter, and Barbara tells them that if they want to keep coming to her bar, they need better intel. They tell her that they've heard about a black market with heating oil, and she says it's enough for them to get one drink to share before they clear out.<br />
<br />
The guys go to the bar. As they wait for their order, another man walks up to them. It's Dix, an ex-cop and Bullock's former partner who we saw once in season 1 ("Spirit of the Goat").<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://justgotham.tumblr.com/post/167906544115/charlietahan-1x06-3x14">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Dix is noticeably <i>not </i>in a wheelchair. He tells the two men that he's been looking for them and asks if they ever think about their past and what they did to "the girl."<br />
<br />
Barbara notices Dix and is annoyed that another man came into her club unannounced. She walks over to confront him, but before she reaches him, Dix stabs the other two men and leaves.<br />
<br />
A little bit later, Gordon and Bullock arrive at Sirens. Barbara explains that she wouldn't normally call them about a dead body but says that, in this case, she did it as a courtesy. Bullock examines the bodies and identifies them as Boggs and Lewis, two ex-cops that were on the GCPD before Gordon joined.<br />
<br />
Barbara explains what happened and notes that the bartender heard one of the men call the killer (who also looked like an old cop) something like "mix or hicks." Gordon remembers Dix, Bullock's old partner, but Bullock says that Dix wouldn't have killed Boggs and Lewis, and even if he had, he wouldn't be able to make a quick getaway in his wheelchair (which he's been in for 15 years). Barbara replies that the killer wasn't in a wheelchair.<br />
<br />
Gordon asks if Dix evacuated. Bullock replies that he heard something about Dix moving into an apartment about a year ago. He says that Dix can't be the killer. Gordon replies that he understands how Bullock feels but they should still follow up on the lead and see if he knows anything. Bullock walks out.<br />
<br />
Gordon then asks Barbara how things are going work with her pregnancy and says that he's going to be part of the kid's life. He tells her that reunification <i>will </i>happen and that she should think about who she wants to be when it does. He says that Barbara can have a fresh start, but she replies that she likes who she already is.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://tenor.com/view/ally-sheedy-the-breakfast-club-touche-you-win-fair-enough-gif-4645057">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Let's be real: I would also feel satisfied with myself if I was the owner of a successful business and had a league of assassins at my beck and call.<br />
<br />
A little later on, Gordon and Bullock go to Dix's apartment. Before they go in, Bullock admits to Gordon that he feels bad for not checking in with Dix earlier, since the ex-cop doesn't have a lot of friends or family.<br />
<br />
Bullock then knocks on the door. He's met by a blast from a bazooka that blows a hole in the door but leaves Bullock and Gordon unscathed, since they got out of the way in time. Once Dix realizes that Bullock is on the other side of the door, however, he lets them in and apologizes.<br />
<br />
Dix (who's in a wheelchair) says that you can't be too careful in Gotham these days.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/reaction-the-big-bang-theory-true-KzyMcEfDh4Jiw">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
He says that he wasn't expecting Bullock, since he'd assumed the cop had forgotten about him.<br />
<br />
As Bullock talks with Dix, Gordon notices a suitcase on a nearby bed. He asks if Dix is planning a trip, and Dix replies that he likes to keep a bag packed just in case. Gordon asks where he was the previous night. Dix says that he was in his apartment. When Gordon asks if anyone can back up that claim, Dix asks if Gordon thinks he killed Boggs and Lewis (though it's unclear how Dix would've heard about their deaths).<br />
<br />
Dix tells Gordon that if he would do anything to get out of his wheelchair, even confess to Gordon on the spot, but that doesn't change the fact that he <i>can't. </i>Gordon points out that Dix used to be a detective and asks what he would assume if he was on the other side of the case. Dix replies that he'd either assume he (Dix) had done it or that he (Dix) is the next target.<br />
<br />
Gordon asks what connection Dix would have to Boggs and Lewis that would make him assume he's the next victim in the killer's vendetta. Bullock silently shakes his head at Dix, telling his old partner not to say the truth. Dix replies that he merely worked with the other two cops.<br />
<br />
Bullock adds that the four of them worked on a case together, back when Bullock was a rookie and before he and Dix were partners. He tells Gordon that it was an "open-and-shut case" about a woman who killed her husband—before adding that, regardless of his connection to them, Dix didn't kill Boggs and Lewis. Gordon seems hesitant to assume that, given Barbara's account of the scene and the fact that Dix is leaving town.<br />
<br />
Suddenly, someone knocks on the apartment door. They open it, only to see another Dix staring back at them and on his feet. Bullock manages to pull a realistic, bloodied mask off of the fake-Dix's face in a fight before the intruder runs off.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/yikes-10j5rIRn1U0il2">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Back at the GCPD, Gordon says that the mask is made out of human skin. Harper then hands him a file on Victoria Cartwright. Gordon says that he had her cross-reference every case Boggs, Lewis, Bullock and Dix worked with any cases involving a woman who killed her husband.<br />
<br />
Bullock tells Gordon that Victoria Cartwright was "a banker who led a boring life." Dix says she went crazy and then killed her husband. Gordon points out that Victoria was only convicted on the statement of her daughter, Jane, and not any actual physical evidence. Gordon adds that Jane would be about 27 and asks where she is.<br />
<br />
Bullock says that it doesn't matter; what matters is finding the killer. He points out that the killer could switch faces, like Basil from Indian Hill (aka Clayface), but Gordon seems convinced that this isn't the same person. He asks if they have an address for Jane. Harper says that they don't, but the family's old house is in the green zone. Gordon decides to go with Harper and another cop but tells Bullock to stay at the GCPD with Dix.<br />
<br />
Once Jim leaves, Dix remarks that Boggs and Lewis must've been complete idiots to think it was Dix in the club. Bullock wonders if "the Cartwright girl" said something to someone. Dix isn't sure but says that the Cartwright girl is dead. A friend of his, who worked at Arkham, said she was an inmate who died a few years ago, so she can't be the killer.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/teamcoco-fnHxVS8gD2Z0SBFuYn">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Elsewhere, Gordon and co. enter the old Cartwright house. The place is messy and covered in dust webs, causing Harper to remark that it was likely abandoned long before the bridges blew. Gordon notices a framed family picture with the father's face scratched out.<br />
<br />
One cop goes to search the attic while Gordon and Harper take the first floor. He finds a pile of bloody skin masks, but before he can investigate further, a woman in a white (non-skin) mask knocks him out from behind. She touches his face, and her skin begins to glow and transform. Seconds later, she looks identical to the cop.<br />
<br />
Downstairs, Harper finds food, which means that someone must be still living in the house. She and Gordon then go upstairs and see the pile of masks. The fake-cop tells them that no one is in the house and that everything is fine, but Gordon spots the real cop lying on the ground and tackles the fake cop. He pulls the mask off, and the woman's face and hair reemerge. She quickly covers her face with her hands and begs him not to look at her.<br />
<br />
They take the woman back to the GCPD, and Gordon puts her in the interrogation room while Bullock watches from behind the two-way glass. Gordon attempts to remove her mask, but she flinches and moves away from him. Gordon tells her that she can only keep the mask if she tells them what's going on.<br />
<br />
Gordon asks who the woman is. She replies that she's "nobody." He then asks if she's Jane Cartwright. He points out that this mystery woman was in Jane's old home and is the right age. He asks what happened to the woman. When she replies, "nothing," he asks what happened to Jane.<br />
<br />
The woman tells him that Jane was taken from Arkham, down into Indian Hill, where Hugo Strange experimented on her. She says that Strange as obsessed with creating a way for humans, like chameleons, to change their skin and outward appearance.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/reactiongifs/comments/4brg5m/mrw_my_mind_is_blown/">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
And now that I think about it, this woman right. Hugo Strange is obsessed with imitation. He created not only Clayface but Bruce's clone and possibly others—Isabella, for instance, may have been a clone of Kristin Kringle, though we'll likely never know. It's interesting that so many of his test subjects were designed to mimic other people. I wonder if that was his idea, or if the Court of Owls was planning to replace multiple people, not just Bruce, with duplicates who would serve the Court.<br />
<br />
But I digress. The woman says that Strange made it so that Jane could change her entire body with a single touch and that after she's done being someone, she sheds their skin (hence the bloody masks). She then reminds Gordon that she's already touched him.<br />
<br />
"We can help you, Cartwright," he says. But the woman insists that Jane Cartwright died in Arkham; now she's Jane Doe. Gordon asks why Jane killed the cops, and she replies that he should ask Bullock.<br />
<br />
After Gordon leaves the interrogation room and Bullock steps out of the hallway, Jane stretches and manipulates one of her hands so that it slips out of the cuff.<br />
<br />
A little bit later, Bullock and Dix meet in the locker room. Bullock says that they needed somewhere quiet to talk because the two of them "did a bad thing." Dix refutes this, saying that Victoria Cartwright was guilty and got what she deserved. Bullock replies that Dix didn't get what he deserved and says that he made Jane into a murderer.<br />
<br />
"I'm gonna make sure you never do that again," Bullock says, as he begins to choke Dix.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/snl-saturday-night-live-season-43-1ZmUryNLcZDRhNUmhk">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Meanwhile, Barbara enters the GCPD to talk to Gordon. She tells him that the bartender heard the killer say something before he stabbed Boggs and Lewis—"The kid's guilty too." Barbara says that she's been thinking about what Gordon said about her being a known criminal and adds that she heard about Eduardo's list of people that he was supposed to arrest and/or execute. She asks if the government will arrest her if and when they step in to fix Gotham.<br />
<br />
Gordon says that he's not sure, but Barbara points out that it would work out for him if she had to go to jail and he got to keep the baby. He says that he doesn't want that to happen. Barbara, in turns, asks if that's a promise on his part—and if she goes straight from now on, will she get to stay out of jail?<br />
<br />
Before Gordon can answer her, Bullock walks in. Gordon asks where he took Dix, but Bullock replies that he didn't take Dix anywhere. They then search the GCPD and find Dix's body in the locker room. Gordon realizes that Jane must've disguised herself as Harvey and killed him.<br />
<br />
With that in mind, Gordon puts the GCPD on lockdown, though Harper anxiously points out that Jane could look like anyone now. Suddenly, Barbara re-enters, wearing the same coat as earlier. She says that she's been attacked and sounds a little more hysterical than usual. Gordon asks how we know that she's the real Barbara.<br />
<br />
Suddenly, another Barbara (Barbara 2) walks in. Barbara 1 says to shoot Barbara 2, but Barbara 2 tells them that she's the real one.<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://gifer.com/en/5xBi">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Gordon asks the two Barbaras to tell him where he and Barbara first met. Unable to give the real answer, Barbara 1 (aka Jane) holds Barbara 2 at gunpoint. Jane says that if anyone tries to follow her out, she'll shoot Barbara. Barbara says that they should just shoot Jane, but Gordon says they can't risk hitting her.<br />
<br />
Barbara, however, manages to escape from Jane's grip with only a minor graze from a bullet. Jane then runs away.<br />
<br />
Bullock finds Jane, some time later, back in her old house. He says that he's sorry, that it was his job to protect her and he let her down. Jane says that Bullock and his friends made her into a murderer and have to face the consequences of what they did. <br />
<br />
As they draw guns on each other, Jane says that he might as well shoot her, since he killed Jane years ago anyway. Bullock puts his gun down and asks to see her real face. Jane replies that she's a monster now; Strange destroyed her face and Bullock destroyed her soul. He asks a second time.<br />
<br />
Jane then removes her white mask to reveal . . . an ordinary face, though she seems to think it was deformed or ruined in Arkham.<br />
<br />
Bullock tells her that they can work things out, but Jane replies that the only way this confrontation can end is with one of them dead. She raises her gun to shoot him, but he draws his and kills her first. Afterward his hands shake, and it's clear that he's been traumatized by the experience.<br />
<br />
After returning to the GCPD, Bullock tells Gordon the truth: Victoria Cartwright killed her husband, confessed, and later recanted. Bullock wanted to make detective, so he pressed Jane to make a statement. Bullock later found out that the husband had beaten both Victoria and Jane. He says that he knew something was wrong about the situation, but he listened to the others and kept quiet to close the case. After a while, he stopped feeling guilty, and he became more callous.<br />
<br />
But once Bullock met Gordon, he began to change. Despite that, however, he can't change the past or what happened to Jane. Gordon asks if Bullock's asking for forgiveness and says he can't give it. Bullock replies that he just wanted Gordon to know the truth.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://media.giphy.com/media/2ROSG9dnHbqyA/giphy.gif">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
<b>Plot B: Don't You Know That You're Toxic?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
At the clinic in the Green Zone, Alfred and Bruce meet with a badly wounded woman. Alfred asks her to repeat her story for Bruce. The woman explains that she lives in a crowded shelter with close-knit people who have come together since the river was poisoned by Jeremiah.<br />
<br />
She then says that, a few weeks ago, she heard rumors about something living underneath the building where it connects to the sewers. Not long after, people started to go missing, so she and her husband, Hank, went to look for them. That's when something attacked them in the darkness. The woman hit her head and was knocked unconscious. When she woke up, Hank was gone, and she was alone. The woman begs them to find Hank, and Bruce promises that he and Alfred will do whatever they can.<br />
<br />
He and Alfred then step out in the hallway to talk. Bruce thinks that they should call Gordon.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://tenor.com/view/friends-chandler-bing-chandler-really-gif-8328080">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
(Batman? Calling the police? It's more like you than think, apparently.)<br />
<br />
Alfred says that the GCPD are stretched thin already. Bruce replies out that they don't even know what the threat is, but Alfred points out that Hank is in danger and that the woman came to them for help. He asks what <i>Bruce</i> thinks they should do, and Bruce admits that they should go find Hank.<br />
<br />
A little later, Bruce and Alfred explore the basements that run along the sewers. Bruce notes that toxic chemicals in the river have the potential to cause a lot of damage to the city, and Alfred tells him not to touch anything.<br />
<br />
As they walk on, they find a detached, bloody arm on the ground. Alfred spots bite marks on it and says that they don't look human. The two of them then spot a bloody trail from where the supposed creature must have dragged its victim away.<br />
<br />
They follow the trail and begin to hear growling in the sewers. Just as the battery on Bruce's flashlight starts to die, someone tackles the two of them. It's a hysterical man who says someone ("he") is coming to kill him and that he just barely escaped from his attacker.<br />
<br />
This man is Hank. Alfred asks if there's anyone else alive in the sewers, but Hank says that all the other victims are dead.<br />
<br />
Suddenly, they begin to hear growling again and a large, somewhat deformed, and rabid man knocks Bruce down and drags Hank away. Bruce and Alfred chase after him.<br />
<br />
Bruce deduces that the toxins must have damaged the wild man's body and driven him mad. He and Alfred fight the wild man. Just as their opponent gets the upper hand over Alfred, Bruce begins to throw blades at his back. Once the wild man is distracted by the pain, Alfred begins to beat him relentlessly. Bruce actually has to pull Alfred off and tell him to stop, which is a reversal of how things usually go with these two.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://gifimage.net/how-the-turntables-gif-3/">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Back at the clinic, Hank reunites with his wife. Bruce tells Alfred that, according to one of the nurses, the man who attacked them suffered brain damage due to the toxic chemicals in the river—damage that is likely irreparable. Alfred regrets that they weren't able to save the other victims, and Bruce says they were reckless not to go to Gordon from the beginning.<br />
<br />
Alfred argues that they "took decisive action" and saved Hank. He tells Bruce that Gotham's citizens are suffering and needs a protector. Bruce agrees but tells Alfred that "there are better ways to find absolution." He says that Alfred has been blaming himself for what happened to Wayne Manor when it wasn't his fault that their home was destroyed.<br />
<br />
Alfred replies that he feels responsible for its destruction because he wasn't strong enough to fight off Mad Hatter or Jeremiah. He then says that he's worried that Bruce lost his "last tie to the past" when the manor blew. And in a way, he's right. Wayne Manor was the last physical reminder of what Bruce's life was like back before his parents died, before he began the path to becoming Batman. The house was a symbol of who Bruce used to be, and it's sad to see it all go up in smoke.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://thekylosource.tumblr.com/post/172313510812/1-week-of-kylo-ren-day-2-of-7-favorite-kylo-ren">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
"I must never be that weak again," Alfred says. <br />
<br />
"Part of being a family is that we can be strong for each other," Bruce replies.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://stevenrogered.tumblr.com/post/183130243907/i-must-never-be-that-weak-again">Source</a></span></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Plot C: I'm Not the Dummy, You Are.</b><br />
<br />
Elsewhere, the Riddler works with tools and looks over the submarine schematics. Suddenly, a line of bells goes off, tripped by someone's entrance into the room. Riddler turns and raises a gun, only to see that the "intruder" is Penguin. He says that Penguin should've been back hours ago. Penguin replies that he meant to come back sooner, but he had to get the lunch—and, on the way, he hired Dale (a large man standing next to him).<br />
<br />
Riddler angrily tells Penguin that their escape plan is supposed to be secret. Penguin replies that Dale is not only trustworthy but also mute. Riddler says that he put up the "alarm system" to alert them of intruders, but Penguin says that he thought they needed muscle.<br />
<br />
"At least you're doing something," Riddler mutters.<br />
<br />
Penguin then asks how the Riddler's work on the submarine ("the S.S. Gertrude") is going. The Riddler replies that it's fine, but says that the sonar is more complicated than he'd previously thought. Penguin says that he's sure Riddler will figure it out. Riddler replies that of course he'll figure it out, just like he did with every other step in building the submarine, because he's the only one putting in any work.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://tenor.com/view/fierce-sas-sassy-finger-snap-gif-5523807">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Penguin says that he already did his share of the work when he stole everything in Gotham, but Riddler points out that Penguin's thieves did the actual stealing and that he killed them afterward.<br />
<br />
Suddenly, someone trips the alarm bells. It's a very-much-alive Mr. Penn, who enters with a suitcase in his hand. Penguin is initially happy and shocked to see him, before switching to anger that Penn has only just <i>now </i>returned to him after being presumed dead for a month or so.<br />
<br />
Penn says he wanted to return to Penguin but that someone wouldn't let him. He then opens his suitcase to reveal a manakin dressed like a gangster and sets it on his shoulder. He introduces the dummy as "Mr. Scarface."<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://baskervilleshund.tumblr.com/post/183125466625">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Penguin is incredulous and doesn't believe that Scarface could make Penn do anything. Penn replies that Scarface is "persuasive" and made Penn tell him about Penguin's treasure. Penguin laughs and says that Penn needs to rest and see a psychiatrist. He adds that once Penn has done both of those things, they can talk about him resuming his position (though he won't get any pay for the time he was gone).<br />
<br />
As soon as Penguin turns his back on Penn, Scarface yells at him to shut up (though, if you look closely in this episode, you can see Penn's mouth moving slightly). He asks if Penguin is the punk "who thinks he's in charge." Penn confirms this. Riddler tells Penguin to make Penn leave, but Scarface says that no one's going anywhere and orders Penn to show Penguin that he's serious. Penn responds by pulling out a gun and shooting Dale.<br />
<br />
Scarface orders Penguin and Riddler to hand over their guns, and they do, albeit reluctantly. Penguin asks what happened to Penn after Haven was destroyed. Penn replies that after he was shot, he woke up alone in the GCPD morgue, patched his wounds, and crawled out. He then hid in an abandoned magic shop where Scarface found him.<br />
<br />
Scarface interjects that that was when Penn told him all about how Penguin used him and treated him poorly. Penguin says that's not true, but Riddler replies, "That is what you do."<br />
<br />
Penguin asks what Penn wants. Penn replies that he doesn't want anything, but Scarface wants the treasure and to "be the boss." Penguin asks why he should give Scarface the key to his treasure room if he's probably just going to kill Penguin afterward. He then groans in frustration, realizing that he's talking to a doll.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://captainchilly.tumblr.com/post/183132378406/the-dummy-wants-to-be-the-boss-of-gotham">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Riddler says that Penguin deserves this comeuppance.<br />
<br />
"You're opportunistic," he says, "your loyalty is shaky at best, and you will hurt anyone, <i>anyone</i>, to get what you want." Penguin, however, replies that the Riddler might as well be the pot calling the kettle black.<br />
<br />
Riddler then asks Scarface what he'll do after he gets the treasure and becomes the boss. He says that people will come after Scarface and try to take his wealth and power. He then adds that Scarface wouldn't have to fight anyone off if he had a way to get off the island and begins to tell him about the submarine.<br />
<br />
A little bit later, Riddler and Penguin bicker while Penn and Scarface discuss Riddler's suggestion. Penguin is furious that Riddler would tell Scarface about the sub <i>and </i>"play along with his psychosis." Riddler replies that Scarface was about to kill Penguin and that telling him about the sub bought time. He adds that he has an idea and tells Penguin to wait for his signal.<br />
<br />
Scarface tells the two of them to shut up. Penn says that they've decided that the sub is a good plan. Scarface, however, adds that while they need the Riddler to build it, they don't need Penguin (which means that he's dead meat).<br />
<br />
Penn raises his gun, all the while apologizing to Penguin. Penguin replies that while Scarface accused him of manipulating and using Penn, Penguin never asked him to kill anyone. He tells Penn to think of everything they've been through, from the fight against Sofia Falcone to starving after the bridges blew. Scarface replies that Penn starved while Penguin and his dog ate steak (which is true).<br />
<br />
Penguin admits that he hasn't been a good friend to Penn and anyone else.<br />
<br />
"It's why I'm alone," he says.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://lankybrunettepartdeux.tumblr.com/post/183130582910">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Penguin then adds that in spite of this, he saw Penn for who he was and valued that person, which must be worth something. Scarface replies that Penguin is a liar and a thief, and Penn agrees that all Penguin does is take from people without giving back. He says that Penguin worked him too hard and made Penn his puppet.<br />
<br />
Riddler then uses his machinery to produce a loud sonar ping, which distracts Penn long enough for Penguin to lunge at him. Penn and Scarface fight back, but Penguin manages to shoot Scarface down. Penn then thanks Penguin for freeing him, and Penguin seems happy to have the old Penn back. However, before he can rejoice, the Riddler shoots Penn in the head, seemingly killing him for good this time.<br />
<br />
Penguin asks why the Riddler would do that when the dummy was the real threat. The Riddler replies that he accepts Penguin for he is and vice versa.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://baskervilleshund.tumblr.com/post/183130612865">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
"And, as friends, I think we can both agree that that lunatic had to be stopped," Riddler says.<br />
<br />
Penguin laughs and replies, "Perhaps, Edward, we really are meant for each other." The Riddler joins him in laughing.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Verdict</b></span><br />
<br />
<b>Plot A: </b>I'm not sure how to feel about Plot A. On the one hand, it was a breather episode focusing on Harvey's past, and not much of it (save the parts with Barbara) will probably be important in later episodes. On the other hand, it was an emotional and intense episode that delved into Bullock's past, reminded us of the mistakes he's made, and introduced a tragic villain (albeit one who died early and probably won't return).<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://gothamstreetcat.tumblr.com/post/183138640018/jane-cartwright-is-dead-its-just-jane-doe">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
In general, most of the "twists" with Jane felt predictable, and this part of the episode wasn't engaging. I know it was probably supposed to be a break from the weightier episodes with Eduardo and Jeremiah, but it still felt like a waste of time to focus on a one-off villain. And the episode didn't tell us anything about Bullock we don't already know. We know he used to be immoral, we know he used to be corrupt, we know he's changed since he and Gordon became partners.<br />
<br />
So I'd probably give this plot 2 stars out of 5.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Plot B: </b>Not much to report on this plot, honestly. I was kind of hoping that it was going to be Man-Bat killing people in the sewers and that Bruce would have a moment where he realizes how much he really hates bats.<br />
<br />
As it is, Plot B mainly felt like filler. It's nice to see Bruce trying to help people, but I'm ready for him to put on a mask and beat up big criminals. Also, in a 12-episode season, it doesn't really sense to waste time on a plot the revolves around Bruce saving some unimportant minor characters who we'll probably never see again. It's dead weight, and it's the weakest part of the episode.<br />
<br />
<b>Plot C: </b>Plot C is interesting in that it shouldn't really work as well as it does. It shouldn't work for <i>Gotham </i>to introduce its version of the Batman villain Ventriloquist halfway through its final season only to kill him off in the same episode before he can accomplish anything.<br />
<br />
It shouldn't work. And yet, it does. It works for few reasons:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>This is <i>Gotham. </i>In a show with super-powered criminals, mystic cults, mind control chips and trippy hallucinatory sequences, having the Ventriloquist show up is hardly the weirdest thing to happen in five seasons. It fits the wacky, surreal tone the show has built up. By the way, if you want to learn more about Mr. Penn, Scarface, and <i>Gotham</i>'s fifth season, you can click<a href="https://gothamtvpodcast.com/exclusive-gotham-scarface-interview-andrew-sellon-part-2-ventriloquist-and-mr-penn-from-gotham/"> here</a> to listen to a podcast interview with Andrew Sellon (the actor for Penn).</li>
<li>This is <i>Gotham'</i>s final season and therefore the writers' last hurrah. This is their final chance to introduce new villains and develop the ones that they already have. It's possible that they had a slower burn planned for Penn, but the 12-episode structure forced them to lessen his role in season 5. As it is, I enjoy seeing the character brought to life in live-action.</li>
<li>The plot itself isn't about Penn or Scarface: it's about Penguin and Riddler's partnership. It's about how they come to terms with how they can still work together after being enemies for so long. It's about Penguin apologizing for his manipulative and selfish behavior and Riddler forgiving him. It's about the two characters coming to an understanding of who the other is. It's about returning the friendly yet argumentative banter of an odd friendship that started three seasons ago.</li>
</ol>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://justgotham.tumblr.com/post/155687113277/colfernygma-can-we-point-out-that-edward-was-the">Source</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
That's what it comes down to, for me: I care about Riddler and Penguin's friendship, and it's more important to me than Bullock's shady past or Bruce and Alfred searching for a man in the sewers. That's why Plot C was my favorite part of the episode.</div>
<br />
<b>Overall, </b>I'd probably give the episode a 6 or 7 out of 10. I agree that viewers probably needed a break from the more intense Eduardo and Jeremiah-centric episodes, but a breather episode doesn't need to be as irrelevant to the rest of the season as this one felt.<br />
<br />
(Side note: if you want an example of a good breather episode, take a look at <i>Daredevil</i>'s "<a href="http://www.thefangirlinitiative.com/2015/10/daredevil-recap-nelson-v-murdock-1x10.html">Nelson v. Murdock</a>." It sidelines the action sequences and main plot to focus on the previously-unknown past between Matt Murdock and Foggy Nelson while also exploring the new tension and distrust in their friendship. "Nelson v. Murdock" is a good example of how to give the audience a rest from the action while still exploring emotional aspects of characters that will have an impact on the rest of the season.)<br />
<br />
Come back next week for a recap of episode 5x09, "The Trial of James Gordon." Until then, have a good week, and try to stay out of abandoned magic shops.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4675533200914366163.post-63738266885104377372019-02-27T19:00:00.000-08:002019-02-27T19:00:00.702-08:00'Gotham' Recap: "Ace Chemicals" (5x07)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.flickeringmyth.com/2019/02/promo-and-images-for-gotham-season-5-episode-7-ace-chemicals-teases-a-classic-batman-and-joker-moment/gotham-507-8/">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Welcome back to another episode of <i>Gotham, </i>or, as I like to call it: "The show where the Joker is just several Cameron Monaghans stacked on top of each other wearing a trench coat" (a bit wordy to be the official title, I know).<br />
<br />
This week's episode, "Ace Chemicals," features a few different plots: Jeremiah's re-enactment of the Wayne murders, Gordon and Lee reconnecting while also trying to solve a mystery, and Penguin and Selina's search for a way out of Gotham. However, as these plots are extremely interwoven and overlap with each other, I've decided not to split them up this week. Instead, I'll just be telling the whole story in order.<br />
<br />
So, without further ado, here we go.<br />
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<b>Plots A-C: Dinner and a Show</b><br />
<b><br />
</b> The episode opens with several men in lab coats (who have the letter "Z" carved into their chest) running from a garage. Someone in a silver hazmat suit follows them out while carrying a bunch of green and purple fireworks. This person lights the fireworks which rain down green gas and smoke. As the gas disperses, the men begin to foam at the mouth and collapse.<br />
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Over at the GCPD, Gordon talks on the radio with a man called General Wade. Gordon is frustrated to learn that Walker hasn't been captured by the military and asks if they know what her motives are yet. Walker replies that they don't.<br />
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Gordon then says that since Eduardo and Walker are out of the way (or so he thinks) and asks Wade what stands in the way of reunifying Gotham and connecting it with the mainland. Wade replies that there's nothing in the way anymore and adds that he's going to recommend that the military move forward with the process . . . unless something happens to destabilize Gotham.<br />
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Gordon tells Bullock the news but adds that he won't believe Wade until the process actually starts. He then asks Bullock if the search parties have found Alfred, who went missing five days ago. Bullock replies that they haven't. Gordon asks how Bruce is doing. Bullock replies that the kid is running himself ragged to find Alfred and barely resting at all.<br />
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Gordon walks over to Bruce, who's examining a map. Bruce shows Gordon where he wants to search next, and Gordon agrees to send out a squad but tells Bruce he needs to stay behind. Bruce initially resists, but Gordon says that he needs Bruce to be sharp. He adds that Bruce will be a liability if he doesn't get some rest.<br />
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(Side note: It's interesting to hear Gordon talk to Bruce in that way, as if he's another officer at the GCPD. It really shows how far Bruce has come and how Gordon almost thinks of him as an equal. Back in season 1 or even in season 4, this conversation would've gone very differently.)<br />
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<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vg2MfF9IDEc" width="560"></iframe><br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vg2MfF9IDEc">Source</a></span></div>
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(The above clip is from episode 4x04, "<a href="http://www.thefangirlinitiative.com/2017/10/gotham-recap-demons-head-4x04.html">The Demon's Head</a>.")</div>
<br />
Bruce agrees to stay at the GCPD but says he's worried that they have no leads on Alfred and no way of knowing what happened. Gordon replies that no matter what's going on, Alfred's not someone to go down easily. He tells Bruce that he'll let him know if the search party finds anything.<br />
<br />
Bullock then tells Gordon that Harper's squad found something weird as they were searching the city.<br />
<br />
Gordon and Bullock meet Harper at the scene of the crime. She shows him four dead men who breathed in an airborne chemical agent and notes that the Z's on their chest were carved before the time of death. Gordon also notices a fake mustache on one of the bodies.<br />
<br />
Harper shows them the building that the men were running from. It's a film set, oddly enough. Bullock wonders if the "Z" stands for Zsasz, but Gordon points out that chemicals aren't usually his M.O. Gordon adds that, whatever's going on here, they need to stop it before it interferes with reunification.<br />
<br />
Gordon then bends down to examine a tattoo on one of the corpses. It's a chess piece, which is the sign of a gang called "the Chessmen" from the Narrows. He wonders what they're doing in this part of town. Bullock replies that there's one person who might know.<br />
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Elsewhere, Bruce walks through the streets alone. He comes across a newspaper on the ground and is surprised to see that the front page story is about his parents' deaths. He then finds a wall covered in the same old papers. He hears a woman's laugh and sees a couple that, from the back, looks like his parents.<br />
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He follows them down the street and into a subway but loses sight of them as it gets darker. He then finds a dimly lit tunnel at the bottom of the subway and notices a single pearl at the entrance. He decides to enter the tunnel, though it's clearly a set-up.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://knowyourmeme.com/photos/1297055-its-a-trap">Source</a></span></div>
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Back in the green zone, Barbara enters the clinic where Lee is now working as a doctor. Lee tells her to go away, but Barbara says she needs medical assistance for her child. Lee points out that Barbara tried to kill her twice and reminds her that there are other doctors. Barbara retorts that she wants the best care for her innocent child and that means getting Lee's help.<br />
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Lee asks if Gordon knows that Barbara came to the clinic. She replies that it's none of his business.<br />
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As if on cue, Gordon enters the room. Barbara says he's interrupting a doctor-patient conversation and tells him to leave. Gordon asks if Lee's actually her doctor and Lee replies that she's not sure yet. She asks why he's at the clinic, and he says the GCPD found dead men with a connection to the Narrows.<br />
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Lee says that before she addresses that, Barbara and Gordon need to talk. Barbara doesn't want to speak to him, but Lee insists that if she's going to be Barbara's doctor, then Barbara needs to talk to the child's father. She adds that Barbara's first appointment is in a week and a nurse will give her vitamins on her way out. She then leaves Gordon and Barbara so they can talk alone.<br />
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Gordon asks if Lee's really the only doctor Barbara could find. She replies that Lee is the best doctor in Gotham and says that she didn't pick her to spite Gordon. She then adds that she only told him about the baby because he had a right to know. Now that he knows, his involvement in the situation is over. When he seems skeptical, she asks if he doesn't think she's fit to be a mother.<br />
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"What do you think?" Gordon asks. Barbara leaves, furious.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://nerdherdgifs.tumblr.com/post/29664324379">Source</a></span></div>
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Meanwhile, Bruce follows the tunnel to where it lets out: his father's study in Wayne Manor. He sees a couple that looks just like his parents. They're laughing and smiling like nothing's wrong. He stares and asks who they are. "Martha Wayne" replies that they're his parents.<br />
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Alfred arrives, also cheery and off-putting, and says that Bruce needs to get "spruced up" because they have a guest. He points to a corner, where Jeremiah raises a glass and smiles.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://endiness.tumblr.com/post/182946648752">Source</a></span></div>
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Bruce is shocked to see that he's still alive. Jeremiah replies that he just had to fake his death to throw Bruce off the scent while he finished his "project." Bruce lunges to attack Jeremiah, but Alfred holds him back, saying he shouldn't be rude to their guest.<br />
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Jeremiah agrees and lifts a tarp to reveal a large bomb.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://stabbybabz.tumblr.com/post/182984595741">Source</a></span></div>
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He tells Bruce that he's placed about a dozen bombs all over the house. If Bruce tries to attack Jeremiah, he'll blow up the entire manor.<br />
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Bruce asks what Jeremiah did to Alfred and who his fake parents are. Jeremiah replies that they're an "innocent couple I kidnapped based on bone structure and build" and says that plastic surgery turned them into Thomas and Martha Wayne. He adds that he captured Alfred in the Green Zone.<br />
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Bruce surmises that both Alfred and the couple are hypnotized. Jeremiah confirms this suspicion, saying that he can't afford for them to improvise, since it's an important day for everyone.<br />
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"Just look at how they're dressed," he says. Bruce looks them over and realizes that the couple are wearing the same clothes his parents were when they were murdered.<br />
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Jeremiah says he's giving Bruce "the chance to experience it all over again." When Bruce asks why Jeremiah's doing this, he replies that it was the most important day of Bruce's life—and <i>Jeremiah</i> didn't get to be a part of it. He says they need to fix that and tells Alfred that it's time for dinner.<br />
<b><br />
</b> Elsewhere, on a Gotham pier, Penguin watches a ship get blown up on the river. Selina says it's the third one to go down, and he notes that the government was thorough about placing explosive mines in the river. Selina is frustrated that Penguin doesn't have a plan and points out that the government will also shoot down anything that tries to fly out of the city.<br />
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She then remembers the underground tunnels that Jeremiah and his followers were digging the night she (seemingly) killed him.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://rebloggy.com/post/mine-aang-sokka-a-tla-atla-avatar-the-last-airbender-avatar-the-last-airbender/21677402225">Source</a></span></div>
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Penguin's skeptical but agrees to give it a try, as the tunnels are their only option. Selina tells him that the tunnels are in the Dark Zone and adds that they should wait until it gets dark to use them.<br />
<br />
Over in the Narrows, Gordon and Lee look for the Chessmen. She sadly remarks that it looks like all of her efforts to improve the neighborhood were in vain, as it seems to be as bad as ever. Gordon tries to talk to Lee about what happened with Barbara, but the conversation is drawn short when Lee spots graffiti directions left for members of the Chessmen that lead to their secret base.<br />
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Back at Wayne Manor, Alfred serves dinner. Jeremiah notes that Alfred told him all about Bruce's childhood, right down to his favorite food. Bruce isn't interested in chatting and says that since he's playing Jeremiah's game, Alfred and the couple should be allowed to go free. Jeremiah replies that it's important that every detail, including his parents, is in place—and with that, "Thomas" puts the pearl necklace on "Martha."<br />
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Jeremiah asks what it was like when Bruce's parents died. Jeremiah says that he lost his family as well and still hurts over it. Bruce, however, tells Jeremiah that this whole scenario is fake and that even though he's trying to manipulate Bruce into reliving that night, it won't work. Jeremiah replies that while his re-enactment might not be identical to the actual night, all he needs is for Bruce to be thinking about those memories, even if he's not reliving them.<br />
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He then says that he just wants to be connected to Bruce, and adds that if Bruce isn't going to be his best friend, there are other ways that they can be connected.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://endiness.tumblr.com/post/182987944462">Source</a></span></div>
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He says that Bruce will understand in time. Jeremiah then says that it's time for him and Bruce's parents to leave because they "have an important date with destiny," and advises Bruce that he'd better find Alfred and get out. He starts the countdown on the bomb and exits, leaving Bruce to find the butler.<br />
<br />
In the Narrows, Gordon and Lee follow the directions to the Chessmen's hideout and find an Ace Chemicals factory with smoke coming out of it. As they enter the factory, they see several men working with glowing green liquid stored inside vats and bottles. Gordon grabs one of the men and tries to question him, but the man simply replies that "the chemical stock will soon give Gotham an aftershock" and all of the henchmen around him echo the rhyme.<br />
<br />
Lee and Gordon quickly realize that the rhymes and the dazed expression in the men's eyes can only mean one thing: they've been hypnotized by Jervis Tetch, the Mad Hatter. And, as if on cue, Hatter shows up and orders his hypnotized henchmen to attack Gordon and Lee. The couple does a decent job of fending them off until Ecco shows up on roller skates, knocks Gordon down with a crowbar, and begins to beat him.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://gothamstreetcat.tumblr.com/post/182980894293/bang-bang-bang-on-the-head">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Meanwhile, Selina goes to the Sirens' Club and fills Barbara in on Penguin's plan. She says that she's only been pretending to help Penguin; in actuality, she wants revenge on him for Tabitha's death and will be happy to either kill him or steal all of his loot. She adds that once she finds a way out of the city, she and Barbara can kill Penguin and escape.<br />
<br />
Barbara agrees, happy to get revenge on Penguin and get away from Gordon. She then remarks, "Well, aren't we just two ladies and a baby about to kill our sworn enemy?" This causes Selina to give her a weird look.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://edngyma.tumblr.com/post/182991337692">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
In Wayne Manor, Bruce tricks the hypnotized Alfred into leaving by claiming that there's a gas leak in the kitchen and saying that the whole place is about to blow. The two of them run into the tunnel just in time to escape the flames as all of Wayne Manor goes up in smoke.<br />
<br />
It's a sad moment, to see Bruce's home utterly destroyed, though I'm sure it'll be rebuilt in the long run. It reminds me of the ending of <i>Batman Begins. </i>In that film, after the manor is burned down, Alfred remarks, "I thought this might be a good opportunity for improving the foundations" (which is his way of implying that he and Bruce can expand the Bat-Cave while also pointing to Bruce's growth as a character).<br />
<br />
But I digress. As they run through the tunnel, Alfred gets knocked down by a piece of debris and hits his head. When Bruce picks him up, Alfred is back to his lucid self and promises to beat the Mad Hatter the next time he sees him. Bruce notices that Alfred's leg is hurt, but the butler says it's not broken. Bruce then hugs him, saying that he was worried he'd lost Alfred for good this time.<br />
<br />
Alfred then tells Bruce that he'd better get going, since he knows where Jeremiah is headed next, and the two go their separate ways.<br />
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Back at Ace Chemicals, Gordon and Lee are now handcuffed to a pole. Gordon surmises that since Ecco's around, Jeremiah's probably still alive. Ecco notes that Gordon must've come here because he found the corpses of test subjects. He asks her what's going on and she simply replies that it's a "real killer surprise."<br />
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Tetch asks Ecco if he should hypnotize Gordon and Lee and command them to kill each other. Ecco replies that she'd better check with Jeremiah and leaves to send him a call on the radio.<br />
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As this is happening, Gordon apologizes for getting Lee into danger again. He says there's something he needs to tell her, but she says to save it for later. Gordon then decides to see if he can find out more about Jeremiah's plan by goading Hatter. He calls him an "errand boy" and Lee adds that he's a "second-rater with a really silly hat."<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://mrwgifs.com/key-peele-teacher-thanks-the-class-for-using-proper-names-for-once/">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
(It's true, and she<i> should </i>say it.)<br />
<br />
Ecco then walks up to Hatter and whispers something in his ear. Whatever it is that she's said, he seems delighted by the idea and takes out his pocket watch and begins to hypnotize Gordon and Lee.<br />
<br />
Elsewhere in the Dark Zone, Selina leads Penguin to one of the tunnel entrances. She then stops, hearing footsteps. These belong to Alfred, who emerges from the mouth of the tunnel.<br />
<br />
Penguin asks where the tunnel let out, and Alfred replies that the exit is where Wayne Manor used to be until Jeremiah blew it up. Selina is shocked and says that she saw him die, but Alfred replies that she was mistaken and adds that he's trying to reenact the Wayne murders and that Bruce is chasing after him.<br />
<br />
Selina's about to leave when Penguin orders her to stay. She then draws a knife and presses it against his throat, saying that even though she didn't manage to kill Jeremiah, she's still ready and willing to kill Penguin to avenge Tabitha. Alfred, however, tells her to put the knife down and says that Bruce needs her. Selina obliges and leaves to go after him.<br />
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Penguin then thanks Alfred for his help and leaves Alfred to find his way back to the Green Zone alone.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://lankybrunettepartdeux.tumblr.com/post/182971289605/o-s-w-a-l-d">Source</a></span></div>
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Meanwhile, Bruce arrives at the theatre (where he went with his parents the night of their murder) and yells for Jeremiah to show himself. A movie projector turns on, illuminating his "parents" as they stare blankly at the screen.<br />
<br />
The movie title card says "Mark of Zorro" by Douglas Fairbanks (which, in several Batman comic books including <i>The Dark Knight Returns</i>, is the movie Bruce saw with his parents). However, instead of showing the actual movie, the projector plays a recorded black-and-white message from Jeremiah, who's dressed up as Zorro.<br />
<br />
Jeremiah notes that they're back where Bruce's parents took him to see "The Mark of Zorro" and adds that he heard (presumably, from a hypnotized Alfred) that Bruce was obsessed with Zorro as a child. (Another nod to Batman mythology, as the persona of Batman is inspired by Zorro in and out of universe.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3-glp7oMeEzcXAb0O-V1U3ENgsG-mHt9qEdvpoBrxBl9TTbVLE1Duy5y4BpnPVzCOifDkoo24nmYZ93nL2LPr-rzF_D3xhGYU0WvPrI5LoHsIEo3z0F0nApcw_GlfqdaBDcYp357y7Jc/s1600/8818504ac84810cee264a21837dae1973351bed1_hq.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="656" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3-glp7oMeEzcXAb0O-V1U3ENgsG-mHt9qEdvpoBrxBl9TTbVLE1Duy5y4BpnPVzCOifDkoo24nmYZ93nL2LPr-rzF_D3xhGYU0WvPrI5LoHsIEo3z0F0nApcw_GlfqdaBDcYp357y7Jc/s640/8818504ac84810cee264a21837dae1973351bed1_hq.jpg" width="409" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://aminoapps.com/c/comics/page/blog/batman-ego-darwyn-cookes-masterpiece-look-at-batman/vEin_uNB18RPRrl7JkDmML07gWBvRY">Source</a></span></div>
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(The above comic is from Darwyn Cooke's story, <i>Batman: Ego, </i>where a hallucinated version of Batman reminds Bruce Wayne of how they came to be one and the same. He says that Batman and Bruce Wayne first "met" when Bruce received a Zorro action figure for Christmas.)</div>
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On-screen, Jeremiah wonders if Bruce was obsessed with Zorro because the hero struck fear into his enemies. Jeremiah then "fences" with two men who are tied down and can't fight back. He begins to slice at their chests and remarks that this is the part of the movie where Bruce asked his parents to leave because he was scared. Jeremiah taunts Bruce, saying that if he hadn't been afraid that night, maybe his parents wouldn't have died.</div>
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Suddenly, the "Waynes" get out and leave the theatre. Bruce runs after them and into the alleyway, where Jeremiah, who's dressed in a snazzy indigo suit and holding a gun, tells him not to come any closer. (At this point, Bruce is at a distance from his "parents" and can only see the dim outline of their backs, as the alley is barely lit.) </div>
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Bruce tells Jeremiah that he doesn't have to kill them. Jeremiah replies, his voice breaking, that he <i>does </i>have to do it. He tells Bruce that he realized something: no matter how Jeremiah tried to bond himself with Bruce, his parents' murderer would be the man he was most tied to.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyphenhyphenIuIG6MWKRyoPdS3sVMIXeu37KFzHwNl8yrn9vqm_PgpGvjppiUu_KJXiLY6hHIoD4jHtx_kI7A-Fyznv8dW7QUgSLD4n_e22sZ79GMVfplW7MQb6Dov339DLQUdVLwQ5qggj9z1LA0/s1600/tumblr_pn3mv3VmN41rrkahjo1_540.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="397" data-original-width="540" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyphenhyphenIuIG6MWKRyoPdS3sVMIXeu37KFzHwNl8yrn9vqm_PgpGvjppiUu_KJXiLY6hHIoD4jHtx_kI7A-Fyznv8dW7QUgSLD4n_e22sZ79GMVfplW7MQb6Dov339DLQUdVLwQ5qggj9z1LA0/s320/tumblr_pn3mv3VmN41rrkahjo1_540.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://kane52630.tumblr.com/post/182881464764/ace-chemicals-gotham-s05e07">Source</a></span></div>
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He tells Bruce that if they can't be bonded as brothers, they'll just have to be bonded as enemies by hatred. Bruce says that killing two people who merely look like his parents won't be enough to do that. Jeremiah replies that he figured that out—which is why he already shot the lookalikes. He then tells "Thomas" and "Martha" to turn around. As they do, the lights switch on, revealing none other than Jim Gordon and Lee Thompkins.</div>
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Jeremiah laughs and explains that "fate" brought Gordon and Lee to him, and when Ecco told him that they'd been captured, he thought "Why not?" </div>
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"Why not kill the man that you think of as a second father figure?" he asks. "And your dear, dear, dear friend Lee Thompkins?" Jeremiah says that once he kills them, he'll be bonded to Bruce as planned.</div>
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Ecco then drives up in a green truck with more of the chemical fireworks in tow. Jeremiah explains that if and when the fireworks go off and spread toxic chemicals all over the city, the government will cut Gotham off for good and end all plans of reunification. </div>
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As he's saying this, Selina creeps onto the fire escape, unseen to all. </div>
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Jeremiah then tells Bruce about the finishing touch to his plan: Hatter has hypnotized Gordon and Lee so that they'll wake up once the pearls on Lee's neck shatter and hit the ground, right as the couple dies. As he says this, he loops the pearls around his gun. (Which is an homage to the Wayne murders in <i>The Dark Knight Returns</i>, a scene also referenced in <i>Batman v. Superman.</i>)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQLOEVjit1sqUTsGnl5Jkdj-F83lbPQsH4dHixo_zIHHizDFJj0u3gPEY9whyphenhyphenHfg3cC1Zqhwp6DuDXy8JskRvpCTFuBxNSfvf4W4shwUkKbD8ZvLVSXjrVm7UsRa1vsXUr3GE3_f-54oo/s1600/tumblr_pnbztyBfnz1wnhmglo1_540.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="540" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQLOEVjit1sqUTsGnl5Jkdj-F83lbPQsH4dHixo_zIHHizDFJj0u3gPEY9whyphenhyphenHfg3cC1Zqhwp6DuDXy8JskRvpCTFuBxNSfvf4W4shwUkKbD8ZvLVSXjrVm7UsRa1vsXUr3GE3_f-54oo/s320/tumblr_pnbztyBfnz1wnhmglo1_540.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://daily-joker.tumblr.com/post/182980588480/one-last-thing-i-had-jervis-tetch-hypnotize-them">Source</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3HS4mFkn5rMqZN9-tEJ-HeIUe21cm6UPCG_-swhc41PQ5vXTM-7rTJJRelC2BO0YdMtmkFj6hP2yY3Gjg6Y8Rq4TD6ycYLwx47K5vknpcld-2584aOI3LwYqIrXlO8T_xYR62NivH0nU/s1600/E33ZT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="487" data-original-width="613" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3HS4mFkn5rMqZN9-tEJ-HeIUe21cm6UPCG_-swhc41PQ5vXTM-7rTJJRelC2BO0YdMtmkFj6hP2yY3Gjg6Y8Rq4TD6ycYLwx47K5vknpcld-2584aOI3LwYqIrXlO8T_xYR62NivH0nU/s320/E33ZT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://scifi.stackexchange.com/questions/129396/does-every-version-of-batmans-parents-death-feature-marthas-pearl-necklace-fa">Source</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpC8LlD3Kkkqd4zFX_pv1M910mIgTsjDKiZGozOWEavcQbdysc308CwZk-Zd25q6cyXWdTBNpzEa08VZJ4tHdQRvH5dtdcCKkvG1WzOHgY_oRNN9g1QIfWhDt2vogaTGowe-JTxufFzgo/s1600/ReasonableGreatArcticwolf-size_restricted.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="324" data-original-width="780" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpC8LlD3Kkkqd4zFX_pv1M910mIgTsjDKiZGozOWEavcQbdysc308CwZk-Zd25q6cyXWdTBNpzEa08VZJ4tHdQRvH5dtdcCKkvG1WzOHgY_oRNN9g1QIfWhDt2vogaTGowe-JTxufFzgo/s320/ReasonableGreatArcticwolf-size_restricted.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://thumbs.gfycat.com/ReasonableGreatArcticwolf-size_restricted.gif">Source</a></span></div>
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He tells Bruce that he's doing all of this <i>for </i>him and prepares to pull the trigger. Suddenly, Selina whips the gun out of his hand. Bruce tells her about the pearls and she pulls them off Lee to wake up the couple. Jeremiah then stabs Bruce and runs off. Ecco starts a timer on the fireworks and flees as well.</div>
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Bruce says that they need to stop the fireworks. Gordon replies that he'll handle it and tells Bruce to go after Jeremiah. He also says that since there's no way to defuse all the fireworks, Lee will need to tell Harvey about the danger so that everyone in the Green Zone can take cover.</div>
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Gordon then drives the truck full speed at the pier (with nineteen seconds left on the fireworks' timer) and bails at the last minute before it plunges into the water.</div>
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Bruce runs after Jeremiah and follows him into the Ace Chemicals factory. They begin to fight on the railing that overlooks the vats of green chemicals. As Bruce gets the upper hand and begins to punch Jeremiah over and over, Jeremiah gleefully replies that Bruce has to feel the connection between the two of them now. </div>
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"You mean nothing to me," Bruce replies. (Which, in keeping with our homage tracker, is a reference to <i>The Lego Batman Movie.</i>)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ymh0627SRkeX8TKtWBlCRlTor1ah7g5ntQx43Sa9pgRX3tqFlLMywoMjSlNea3K31xm_NFe3NJRmLpDf4dOeZerOhqlZlacXv8npzi4Xr_3POu71R8Ld7J8BSCavG-iiaxvY5vn5fRg/s1600/tumblr_pk7lpz4oOy1qb4op4o1_540.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="540" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ymh0627SRkeX8TKtWBlCRlTor1ah7g5ntQx43Sa9pgRX3tqFlLMywoMjSlNea3K31xm_NFe3NJRmLpDf4dOeZerOhqlZlacXv8npzi4Xr_3POu71R8Ld7J8BSCavG-iiaxvY5vn5fRg/s400/tumblr_pk7lpz4oOy1qb4op4o1_540.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOG_ON3xY-RKlH34bzERqe7inqrzkOSiEA1CJB-6Ayx7wWYoZpz0YagtYXATHbAMO_LPFaHrCVPel10opfznuRYDnNrVWXb_PJi9ShlNrbJfBDtnohEkoarPxMpUPB7wMhdvQPSh5e3aw/s1600/tumblr_pk7lpz4oOy1qb4op4o2_540.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="540" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOG_ON3xY-RKlH34bzERqe7inqrzkOSiEA1CJB-6Ayx7wWYoZpz0YagtYXATHbAMO_LPFaHrCVPel10opfznuRYDnNrVWXb_PJi9ShlNrbJfBDtnohEkoarPxMpUPB7wMhdvQPSh5e3aw/s400/tumblr_pk7lpz4oOy1qb4op4o2_540.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://poisonygma.tumblr.com/post/181944039602/endiness-the-lego-batman-movie-gotham">Source</a></span></div>
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Jeremiah responds by headbutting Bruce and getting back up. As they fight, Jeremiah grabs Bruce and presses him against the rail.</div>
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"You need me," he insists. "I'm the answer to your life's question. Without me, you're just a joke without a punchline!" </div>
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Jeremiah then tries to punch Bruce, but Bruce ducks out of the way. As Jeremiah tumbles forward, the rail breaks and he plunges over the side and into the vat of green chemicals. (Which is an homage to <i>The Killing Joke</i> and several other Batman stories, TV series and movies that use the same Joker backstory.) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXdKRT6ulNH6gZdVljV1IlYw3hfV58Fjj_PA3Flub2zH6L5Z2rMfia2ATN_21eAvNra2dwkODw3tk_M8h-Q-6ieGG9-C6nXyv4kRiT3NsGmC0yljAfEjz4dgqsfG23Oy3_ixuxdPm2oDo/s1600/tumblr_pnce7bpnwR1wnhmglo1_540.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="540" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXdKRT6ulNH6gZdVljV1IlYw3hfV58Fjj_PA3Flub2zH6L5Z2rMfia2ATN_21eAvNra2dwkODw3tk_M8h-Q-6ieGG9-C6nXyv4kRiT3NsGmC0yljAfEjz4dgqsfG23Oy3_ixuxdPm2oDo/s400/tumblr_pnce7bpnwR1wnhmglo1_540.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAQ1IlzVVLqs9v9UQH0hTMraOPf0o9U6Xz8COMc-744NLCfDdbWj385U_dB9v5AOQ4qhDVztEvT2joWThHYJpU7re-HEB8kQ8WIYGmusgjeMHFhpV3yTvhbOqWGD-bUmEQY8Fw54mfQzI/s1600/tumblr_pnce7bpnwR1wnhmglo2_540.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="540" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAQ1IlzVVLqs9v9UQH0hTMraOPf0o9U6Xz8COMc-744NLCfDdbWj385U_dB9v5AOQ4qhDVztEvT2joWThHYJpU7re-HEB8kQ8WIYGmusgjeMHFhpV3yTvhbOqWGD-bUmEQY8Fw54mfQzI/s400/tumblr_pnce7bpnwR1wnhmglo2_540.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://daily-joker.tumblr.com/post/182986078665/iconic">Source</a></span></div>
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As Bruce looks down at the green liquid, the scene switches to a similar shot of green chemicals filling the river as Gordon looks down from the pier. </div>
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Elsewhere in Gotham, Penguin meets with the Riddler. The Riddler asks why he should help Penguin after he let Hugo Strange put a chip in his brain, tried to sell him out to Gordon, and named a dog after him.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbc41eFpbabII19tswc3ioxFfik5U0WR1wH0Qazzxxsf3ghfVq8m8J68Ac41o3ZdQedJbW4QeODjdWgQAC8ZcIT-q22y1SZYQmvqmBtVNS1nCI4IIY8iO0yjGIaUbZlM4IsiwovxNwloo/s1600/tumblr_pncalyUPFW1x7tswyo5_540.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="540" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbc41eFpbabII19tswc3ioxFfik5U0WR1wH0Qazzxxsf3ghfVq8m8J68Ac41o3ZdQedJbW4QeODjdWgQAC8ZcIT-q22y1SZYQmvqmBtVNS1nCI4IIY8iO0yjGIaUbZlM4IsiwovxNwloo/s320/tumblr_pncalyUPFW1x7tswyo5_540.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://notquitefurioso.tumblr.com/post/182984229705/ive-tried-to-kill-you-youve-tried-to-kill-me">Source</a></span></div>
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Penguin points out that he had Strange save the Riddler's life and claims that he had a plan to save Riddler from Gordon after turning him over. Riddler laughs derisively, noting that Penguin always has "an answer for everything."</div>
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"We have been through all of this before," Penguin replies. "Where I've tried to kill you, you've tried to kill me. But here we are in this room together. It means fate has different plans for us."</div>
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(Which, as some fans have pointed out online, is a nice callback to when the Riddler asked Penguin in season 2 if he believed in fate after the two men ran into each other in the woods.)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizz_2baiehgQIEZkb0Xx_RbeSmHdL3mtxM8WOWJRjclhM5zUazQVuvwziVEsFvz98QMmX7w-W3ZjVk7PuWA4M9rNjz91ztYQWzMFUL8C0KKPwtj0fRbgpKuynjSNKBlNE0_CMxAlcUouk/s1600/tumblr_pnc1ylzGx01r1u2w8o1_540.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="540" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizz_2baiehgQIEZkb0Xx_RbeSmHdL3mtxM8WOWJRjclhM5zUazQVuvwziVEsFvz98QMmX7w-W3ZjVk7PuWA4M9rNjz91ztYQWzMFUL8C0KKPwtj0fRbgpKuynjSNKBlNE0_CMxAlcUouk/s400/tumblr_pnc1ylzGx01r1u2w8o1_540.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://timelordsfallnomore.tumblr.com/post/182981233170/but-here-we-are-in-this-room-together">Source</a></span></div>
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Riddler asks what "plans" Penguin is talking about. Penguin replies that Gotham has become more of a prison than a city and says that it's time to escape. </div>
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Meanwhile, Gordon returns to the GCPD. Lee says that she heard that reunification isn't happening. Gordon replies that word of the chemical spill reached the mainland and now it'll take at least a few months for the government to consider starting the process. </div>
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Lee says that things could've gone worse, but Gordon says that every time he thinks he's turned things around, "it's back to square one." Lee then asks Gordon what he was going to say to her when they were captured by Hatter. Gordon says he's not exactly sure, but it probably would've been the same thing he said the last time they saw each other, before the bridges blew, which is that he wishes he could change what happened between the two of them.</div>
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He says that nothing's changed since they were together, but Lee replies that it has. Gordon says that what happened with Barbara was a mistake, but Lee says that he needs to think about how she (Lee feels). Lee says that the more Gordon talks about wanting to do things differently, the more she wonders what would've happened if they hadn't lost their child to a miscarriage (in season 2). </div>
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She says that she wants to be understanding, given everything that Gordon's dealing with, but he's let her down. He says he's sorry and asks what this means for them. She says they can't change the past and have to live with it. She turns to leave, and he grabs her wrist. She responds by slapping him . . . and then they kiss.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://tenor.com/view/bartok-anastasia-canonlyendintears-gif-5375238">Source</a></span></div>
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(Yeesh, Gordon. Try to exercise a little impulse control, would ya? I don't care if you love Lee, she's also your baby's mother's doctor.)</div>
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Over at the clinic, Selina and Bruce stare down at a badly burned and bandaged body lying in a hospital bed. Selina says she can't believe that after everything that happened, Jeremiah's still alive. Bruce replies that the doctor's scans show no brain activity from his body, which means he's no longer a threat. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://wifflegif.com/gifs/195294-student-problems-supernatural-gif">Source</a></span></div>
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Bruce then thanks Selina for coming to his rescue. She says that she should've done something the night his parents were murdered, but he sincerely replies that she's done enough. </div>
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The last scene takes place at Penguin's fortress in city hall. He and Riddler enter, only to see Barbara sitting behind his desk and holding a gun. She says she's seen the treasures he's been storing up and explains that while Selina had planned for them to kill Penguin together, she'll just have to do it herself. </div>
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Suddenly and hilariously, the Riddler exclaims that she's pregnant and says it's obvious because she's "glowing."</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://ltfrankcastle.tumblr.com/post/182980082392">Source</a></span></div>
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Barbara then prepares to kill Penguin, but he stops her by saying that she could come with them when they leave Gotham. He adds that while she clearly wants revenge, she wouldn't want to raise a child in a "toxic war zone." </div>
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Barbara asks if they've really found a way out of Gotham. Penguin replies that the Riddler thought of one: if they use a submarine with sonar radar, they can track the mines and avoid them. The only problem? They have to build the actual sub. </div>
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Frustrated at this setback, Barbara almost decides to shoot Penguin but can't bring herself to do it. She says that she won't kill him, for the sake of her child, but won't forgive him. She then tells him to call her when the sub is finished. </div>
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As she leaves, Penguin cheerily asks who the baby's father is, and she yells at him to shut up.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://cmssmith.tumblr.com/post/182976602512">Source</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Verdict</b></span></div>
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I really enjoyed this episode. It's definitely my favorite one from season 5 and ranks in my favorite Joker-centric <i>Gotham </i>episodes. </div>
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One of the things I loved is that while I knew most of Jeremiah's plot to recreate the night of the Wayne murders (thanks to the episode's extended trailer), there were still twists that I didn't expect. Like the part where he reveals that he's swapped the lookalikes with Gordon and Lee? That was fantastic, and I didn't see it coming until a split second before they turned around. </div>
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I also like that while <i>Gotham </i>went for a realistic approach to someone falling in a vat of toxic chemicals (in that it would burn a person horribly and leave them with little-to-no brain function), the show also left room for Jeremiah to reappear, as he's still technically alive.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://tenor.com/view/miracle-max-princess-bride-mostly-dead-all-dead-oygente-gif-12754873">Source</a></span></div>
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In a show where dead people are constantly resurrected, it's definitely feasible that someone (probably Ecco) could find a way to revive Jeremiah in the long run. But for now, it's nice to see that Bruce and Selina have a break from worrying about him.</div>
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That's another great thing about this episode: Selina's decision to help Bruce (and their subsequent reconciliation) didn't feel rushed or forced; it felt earned. It felt like a natural build-up of her lingering guilt over not doing anything to stop his parents' murders (as voiced in <a href="http://www.thefangirlinitiative.com/2019/02/gotham-recap-pena-dura-5x05.html">episode 5x05</a>). Also, given how significant her role as a witness to the murders was in season 1, it wouldn't have felt right for her to be absent from the reenactment in this episode. </div>
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Furthermore, her rescue of Bruce served as a slap in the face to Jeremiah: despite his best efforts to keep Selina out of Bruce's life, she not only recovered from being shot but also got a second chance to help Bruce when he most needed it (a second chance that Jeremiah inadvertently provided by setting up the recreation). In spite of Jeremiah's best efforts to bond himself with Bruce, Bruce's bond with Selina (a bond that was formed <i>because</i> she witnessed his parents' death) is stronger than ever.</div>
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As for Gordon and Lee, I don't have much to say on that front. I've never been too interested in all of the love triangles Gordon gets mixed up in, so his scenes with Lee were probably the low point of the episode for me. While I liked the couple in season 1 and season 2 back when they were both kinder and happier people, I haven't enjoyed the angst that has plagued their relationship since then.</div>
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As far as Barbara goes, it's interesting to see how she's reacted to finding out about her pregnancy. She's still as violent and sassy as ever, but she's also beginning to think a lot more about her child's needs than her own, which is nice. (I have to agree with Selina, though: it's a little weird to see a female criminal kingpin casually talk about both revenge and pregnancy over the course of a conversation.)</div>
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I also was happy to see Riddler and Penguin working together again and burying the hatchet (hopefully for good). It'll be interesting to see how they try to find the parts for that submarine, as I imagine they'll be hard to find in a city as wrecked as Gotham. I doubt they'll make it out (and doubt that Barbara will keep her promise about not trying to kill Penguin), but I'm still curious to see how their attempt goes. I think the most compelling way to end this story is if they get everything they need and are all ready to go but make the decision to stay in Gotham for some reason. </div>
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Overall, I'd give the episode a 9 out of 10. It was a thrill to watch and, as always, I'm excited to see what happens next. I am a little apprehensive about Jeremiah's defeat, as it likely means that Eduardo and Walker will be the big villains for most of the season, but I'm trying to keep an open mind while I wait for their plan to unfold.</div>
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Come back next Wednesday for a recap of episode 5x08, "Nothing's Shocking." Until then, have a good week, and remember: Batman doesn't do ships.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://deadpoolian.tumblr.com/post/157198920923">Source</a></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4675533200914366163.post-51886800497012270162019-02-20T05:00:00.000-08:002019-02-20T05:00:11.613-08:00'Gotham' Recap: "13 Stitches" (5x06)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.comicbookmovie.com/tv/dc/gotham/gotham-bane-is-here-to-clean-house-in-the-new-promo-photos-for-season-5-episode-6-13-stitches-a166171">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
It's Wednesday, and you know what that means: it's time to reevaluate how much time you wasted on Monday and Tuesday before cramming as much work as possible into Thursday and Friday so you can enjoy the weekend.<br />
<br />
Oh, and it's time for another <i>Gotham </i>recap, naturally.<br />
<br />
This week's episode, "13 Stitches," focuses on two plotlines: the efforts of Gordon and his allies to fight Eduardo's takeover of the GCPD, and Penguin's unlikely team-up with Selina Kyle to stop a jewel thief.<br />
<br />
<b>Plot A: Expecting the Unexpected</b><br />
<b><br />
</b> The episode opens with shaky cam footage of Gordon running through the city while being chased by the (chip-controlled) Riddler. The Riddler shoots at Gordon, who ducks behind a car. A spray of glass from the window pierces Gordon's skin, but he keeps running, leaving a blood trail behind him.<br />
<br />
The Riddler follows Gordon into an RV, where they fight. Riddler almost gets the best of Gordon with a chokehold, but Gordon manages to grab a nearby defibrillator and shock the Riddler, knocking him unconscious.<br />
<br />
When the Riddler wakes up, he asks Gordon what happened this time. Gordon replies that he tried to kill him.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://hardyfern.tumblr.com/post/182829463680">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Gordon asks what Walker's planning next, but Riddler explains that he doesn't remember anything from his blackouts. He tells Gordon to let him go, but Gordon says the chip in his head is evidence against Walker and Eduardo, so unless he wants Gordon to rip it out by force, they need to stick together.<br />
<br />
Over at the GCPD, Alfred asks Bruce how things went with Selina. Bruce says nothing, but his face is enough to tell Alfred that it didn't go well. Alfred says that it might be for the best. Bruce then changes the subject, saying that he called Alfred to the GCPD because of Eduardo's soldiers (who are practically swarming the place).<br />
<br />
Alfred says that Gordon might've finally gotten the help the city needs, but Bruce points out that the people need food and medicine, not just more guns.<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://tenor.com/view/robert-downey-jr-praise-the-lord-preach-amen-gif-4445019">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
As he glances over the soldiers, Alfred spots a tattoo on one of them and tells Bruce that the motto of this unit is "Born of Blood." They have a reputation for carrying out military coups and assassinations, not humanitarian relief.<br />
<br />
Bruce goes up to one of the soldiers and asks when a supply shipment is coming. When he presses him, the soldier tells Bruce that supplies are on the way (but he doesn't sound that convincing). Bruce asks where Gordon is. The soldier says they lost sight of him, so Eduardo's searching for him right now. The soldier asks if Bruce knows where Gordon is.<br />
<br />
"Logically, he'd come here," Bruce says. "Unless there's a reason he can't."<br />
<br />
The soldier decides to have him and Alfred taken to a "quiet place in the back" where they can wait for Gordon. Other soldiers take Bruce and Alfred away, but the second they go down the hallway, the dynamic duo beat up the soldiers and run off to find Gordon.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile at the Sirens' Bar, Gordon catches Barbara up on everything that happened with Eduardo. Barbara replies that Bruce called her over the radio with a message that things are getting worse at the GCPD. Gordon says he'll reach out to Bruce to see if there's anywhere safe they can meet and make a plan. He asks if she can spare any people to help out. Barbara replies that they're all guarding her turf, but she'll go with Gordon.<br />
<br />
The Riddler says he also wants to help, but Gordon says he doesn't trust him, even without the chip.<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://boards.na.leagueoflegends.com/en/c/general-discussion/E5lAERib-victorious-graves-it-could-be-jhin-and-heres-why">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Riddler points out that he wants revenge for being used as a pawn and adds that Gordon shorted out the chip when he shocked him.<br />
<br />
Barbara then notices the wounds on Gordon's neck from the glass and says he needs stitches. She says she can fix it up with her first aid kit, but Gordon says he needs to keep moving and that she should just name her price. Barbara says she just wants to help, but Gordon says that he's already been betrayed by Eduardo and doesn't want to give anyone else an opportunity to stab him in the back.<br />
<br />
Babs points out that she led him to the arms dealer and let him hide out at her place.<br />
<br />
"If I wanted to betray you, I'd have done it earlier," she concludes.<br />
<br />
Noticing the tension between Gordon and Barbara, Riddler leaves to find the first aid kit. Barbara asks what it's going to take for Gordon to trust her. He replies that he doesn't know.<br />
<br />
The conversation is interrupted by Eduardo showing up and saying that Gordon should listen to her, as "trust is in short supply." He says that when someone's in trouble, they always go to a familiar place (like their ex-fiance's club).<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://gayvaleska.tumblr.com/post/182816468100">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Eduardo tells Gordon that they could've been on the same side, "making the world a better place." Gordon points out that Eduardo had the Riddler kill innocent people, but Eduardo retorts that Gotham is a city full of criminals, and "sometimes you just have to clean house." Gordon says he won't let that happen, but Eduardo says he doesn't have a say in the matter.<br />
<br />
The Riddler then enters, holding a large knife and robotically saying that he's been ordered to kill Gordon. He swipes at Gordon with the knife but winks to show that he's just putting on a show. Gordon plays along and stalls Eduardo by claiming that he has evidence that he and Walker were behind Haven, and if he (Gordon) dies, they'll never find it, and it'll get leaked out to the press.<br />
<br />
Eduardo doesn't believe Gordon and orders Riddler to kill him. The Riddler lowers his blade and then spins around, throwing it into the head of a soldier. Riddler and Gordon then dive behind the bar and escape with Barbara after a brief shootout.<br />
<br />
Eduardo then returns to the GCPD and says that they need every soldier searching for Gordon. One of his men, however, says that the holding cells are full and they might need men to stay and control the overflow. Eduardo replies that they're moving to "phase two." His men respond by taking prisoners out of the cells.<br />
<br />
Bullock asks what's going on. Eduardo says that he's not "here to play nice or hold anyone's hand," but is instead in Gotham on a mission. He then shoots down the prisoners.<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://gifer.com/en/53D9">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Eduardo asks if anyone has any questions about his mission. Bullock is shocked and says that he can't just go around killing people whenever he wants. Eduardo responds by having soldiers take Bullock away and saying that anyone who doesn't agree with his mission will be locked up.<br />
<br />
Eduardo then gets a radio call from Walker. He fills her in on what's going on with Gordon, and she says that they can't have Riddler run free, given that the evidence is literally inside his head. She then tells Eduardo that she knows how to catch both Gordon and the Riddler.<br />
<br />
Elsewhere, in what seems to be some sort of apartment or safe house, Gordon thanks Bruce for bringing everyone together and bringing supplies from Wayne Enterprises' research and development division. Bruce asks if Gordon's sure they should be working with Barbara and the Riddler. Gordon replies that "war makes for strange bedfellows" and says that it's good to have Bruce nearby, at least.<br />
<br />
In the same room, Lucius manages to get the chip out of Riddler's head and Riddler thanks him. Lucius then plugs the chip into a computer and asks what he should be looking for. Gordon says they need to find anything that can tie Walker and Eduardo to the destruction of Haven. Lucius discovers that the chip has an audio log of every command sent to the Riddler and that he can trace the signal back to the computer it originated from.<br />
<br />
The conversation is interrupted by a radio call from Eduardo. He tells Gordon that there's someone at the GCPD who wants to say hello. Eduardo then pushes a woman towards the radio—and the woman is none other than Leslie Thompkins, who seems terrified and asks Gordon what's going on.<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://laurenseewrites.wordpress.com/2018/10/11/writing-wednesday-yes-i-cut-the-words/">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
(Look, Lee might not be my favorite character, but I cannot believe it took LITERALLY HALF OF THIS SEASON for her to show up.)<br />
<br />
Eduardo says he found her in a "run-down hidey-hole on the north side." Gordon says that he needs to leave Lee out of this, but Eduardo points out that she's a criminal now, and all criminals are under a death sentence. Eduardo then offers to trade Lee for the Riddler. Gordon agrees and insists that they meet at Haven, so Eduardo can see the destruction he caused. Eduardo agrees, and the conversation ends.<br />
<br />
Barbara points out that Eduardo won't let Gordon walk away alive, and Riddler yells at Gordon for agreeing to trade him. Gordon replies that he's going to give them what they really want: the chip, not the Riddler. Gordon then asks Lucius what it would take to broadcast the information from the chip to Bruce's contacts from the mainland newspapers. Lucius says that he already has a transmitter, but they'd also need a large antenna, which he doesn't have. Gordon says he knows where to find one: on the roof of the GCPD.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile at the GCPD, Bullock is sitting in a holding cell and spots Lee. He asks where she's been for the past three months. She says she can't remember anything and doesn't know what happened to her.<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/544372673700490766/?lp=true">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Bullock promises that they'll figure it out, but before he can comfort Lee further, Eduardo takes her away.<br />
<br />
A little bit later, Gordon approaches Haven and radios the rest of his team that Eduardo brought backup with him. Bruce tells the others that it's time to move out, and they leave the hideout.<br />
<br />
Lee asks Gordon who the soldiers are. Gordon doesn't respond, but says he'll get her out of danger. Eduardo points out that Gordon didn't bring the Riddler as promised, but Gordon shows him the chip and says that the evidence is what Eduardo really wanted. Gordon then snaps the chip in half, but Eduardo surmises that it was probably a decoy anyway.<br />
<br />
Gordon then taunts Eduardo, saying that three soldiers against one unarmed man is excessive and asks if Eduardo brought enough backup. Eduardo replies that he doesn't need backup, but Gordon points out that Eduardo used the Riddler as backup "to pick up your slack, like I used to."<br />
<br />
He tells Eduardo that his recklessness got people killed and begins to name soldiers who died following his lead. Eduardo says their deaths aren't on him and points his gun at Gordon. Gordon asks if he's going to shut him up with a bullet. Eduardo replies that he won't do it with a bullet and tosses the gun aside to face Gordon hand-to-hand.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, Bullock and Alvarez try to figure out how to get out of the GCPD holding cells. The Riddler then enters the GCPD dressed in a padded suit with a helmet and carrying a suitcase. He announces that the kevlar on his suit can not only withstand bullets but also blasts that could level a building. The soldiers ask what's in his suitcase. He loudly announces that it's a bomb and says it's time to play a game.<br />
<br />
The Riddler tells them that if anyone tries to leave, he'll set off the bomb. Bullock curses at him, but Riddler ignores the cop and tells the soldiers that the only way to deactivate the bomb is with a four-digit code. He then gives them a complex math problem to solve that involves calculating how many pallid beach mice will be left at the end of one year based off certain facts, including their reproductive cycle. He says that the answer to his math riddle is the shutdown code for the bomb, and they have two minutes to figure it out. He "activates" the bomb and the case starts beeping.<br />
<br />
As this is going on, Bruce uses a grappling hook to get on top of the GCPD roof.<br />
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.ch/pin/359091770268081361/">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Lucius gives him instructions on how to transmit the signal. As Bruce works, a soldier comes up behind him and attacks him.<br />
<br />
Barbara, who's waiting in a room with Lucius and Alfred, points out that the Riddler's ploy won't work for long, but Lucius says they just need to wait until the exhaust fans come to a stop and then they'll use the knockout gas.<br />
<br />
Over in Haven, Eduardo and Gordon fight. Eduardo taunts Gordon, saying that he's really the one responsible for the destruction of Haven. He tells Gordon that Walker spent months trying to convince her superiors that Gotham was overrun by criminals and had nearly succeeded. But when Gordon set up Haven practically overnight, the powers-that-be decided that the criminal element of Gotham must not be that dangerous. Eduardo tells Gordon that Walker's superiors were almost ready to send in relief, which is why Haven had to be destroyed.<br />
<br />
Gordon asks what Walker wants and yells that innocent people are dead because of her. Eduardo calls it an "acceptable loss for the mission." Gordon asks what the mission is and begins to beat Eduardo, but one of the soldiers steps in and begins to kick and beat Gordon. Eduardo then tells both soldiers to take Lee away and shoot her. He says that it's a merciful gift for Gordon, since he won't have to watch her die.<br />
<br />
Still on the ground, Gordon grabs the gun that Eduardo tossed aside and shoots one of the soldiers. The other runs off with Lee. Eduardo grabs a metal stick from the rubble and knocks Gordon down with it.<br />
<br />
Elsewhere, Lucius and the others are still waiting for the exhaust fans to slow down. He says that if they throw the canisters now, the gas will blow outside instead of inside. Lucius then asks Bruce for his status.<br />
<br />
Bruce, who's in the middle of fighting the soldier and wrecking him <i>hard</i>, tells Lucius to give him a moment.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiroYS-jOgHtKSVaS3OXER9ZxgtQOKZHoBJy_U31h23q2mmMylBEgK8nXgGfMmwTv1fPWVfhIF0jOmTvY-Nm34IFPCch5Lsek3sHfJyNN3-t5eRI4NfXJ_KagmiXJSk6P9WlGDE7KhXkGo/s1600/tumblr_pmyz3ar1yS1v08u1wo1_540.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="258" data-original-width="540" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiroYS-jOgHtKSVaS3OXER9ZxgtQOKZHoBJy_U31h23q2mmMylBEgK8nXgGfMmwTv1fPWVfhIF0jOmTvY-Nm34IFPCch5Lsek3sHfJyNN3-t5eRI4NfXJ_KagmiXJSk6P9WlGDE7KhXkGo/s320/tumblr_pmyz3ar1yS1v08u1wo1_540.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://gotham-daily.tumblr.com/post/182824274143/bruce-wayne-fight-scene-in-506">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Once the soldier is down for the count, Bruce goes back to the electrical box, completes Lucius's instructions, and finishes broadcasting the signal.<br />
<br />
Inside the GCPD, there's a minute left on the Riddler's "bomb." Bullock says he knows the answer. The Riddler tries to get him to stop talking, but Bullock insists that he remembers learning about pallid beach mice in a high school zoology class when he got in trouble and had to write an essay about the species—which has been extinct for several years, which means the answer to the riddle is zero.<br />
<br />
A soldier types in the number and the case stops beeping. The soldiers then try to shoot down the Riddler. His suit stands up to the bullets, but the impact knocks him down. Luckily, that's when the gas comes through the vents. Riddler holds his breath long enough to grab a gas mask from the suitcase and slip it over his head while the gas knocks out the soldiers.<br />
<br />
Over in Haven, Eduardo tells Gordon that the reason the soldiers he mentioned earlier (Ramirez, Johnson and Bolton) didn't make it out is because they were sent behind enemy lines and ended up in a hellish prison called Peña Duro. Gordon says he didn't know that, and Eduardo replies that no one did, because the government left them to die. He says that he was the only one who survived, and that prison is where Walker found Eduardo, rescued him, and gave him new purpose.<br />
<br />
Gordon replies that all she did was make him her killer. Eduardo replies that Walker is the real killer and stabs Gordon in the chest with the metal stick. Gordon, however, keeps fighting and throw Eduardo back onto the rubble, where he's impaled by another sharp metal stick. Gordon then hears a gunshot and runs toward the sound. He sees Lee, standing over the soldier with a gun in her hand.<br />
<br />
Some time later, Gordon returns to the GCPD and tells Alvarez to take Lee to his office. Bruce tells Gordon that he transmitted the audio logs, but until he hears back from his contacts, he won't know if they received the transmission. Gordon says that if the press get the messages, they'll certainly have questions. (Uh, yeah. Like how someone even invented a mind control chip to begin with.)<br />
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/gravityfalls/comments/18wzfh/legitimate_questions/">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Bruce tells Gordon that he and Alfred will stick around for the night to help out. He then sends Alfred back to their apartment to grab what he can.<br />
<br />
Elsewhere in the precinct, Barbara wonders where Lee's been for the past three months. The Riddler replies that he doesn't know and he's not sticking around to watch her "tearful reunion" with Gordon.<br />
<br />
Said reunion takes place in Gordon's office. Lee asks what's going on and Gordon says he doesn't know. He says that he assumed she'd left Gotham. Lee replies that the last thing she remembers is Jeremiah destroying the bridges and she doesn't know why she didn't leave.<br />
<br />
Gordon fills her in on the general state of Gotham, saying that they're cut off from the outside world without aid. He adds that while he's been trying to put on a brave face, he still feels lost and out of his depth. Lee says that it'll be okay and says that now that they're together, they can "put the pieces back together" and help each other.<br />
<br />
She then tries to remember what happened the night the bridges blew. She begins to remember fighting with the Riddler and how they stabbed each other. She then remembers being taken somewhere that might've been a hospital.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgduS9BgtFncrryUH5Uh5MmxgGihvsI2FROFreEJC-17noviBTbAJGnRSPOwALkYiQyZ6o70LYwVxowwlB9QMStayjFopDnVQHAqgJYXVikbRvBSVsHUpfZcRzHAxAOxqfBgOdoTbpA0Ig/s1600/tenor+copy+10.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="274" data-original-width="498" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgduS9BgtFncrryUH5Uh5MmxgGihvsI2FROFreEJC-17noviBTbAJGnRSPOwALkYiQyZ6o70LYwVxowwlB9QMStayjFopDnVQHAqgJYXVikbRvBSVsHUpfZcRzHAxAOxqfBgOdoTbpA0Ig/s320/tenor+copy+10.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://tenor.com/view/well-doctor-who-10th-gif-5990785">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
(Not exactly a hospital, but close enough.)<br />
<br />
Back in Haven, a homeless guy comes across Eduardo but is shot down by a woman who carries a gun and a briefcase. She comments that Eduardo had "so much potential" but wasn't up to the task she'd given him. Eduardo addresses her as Walker and asks what she's doing in Gotham. She replies that the press have recordings of her orders to the Riddler, so she had to come to Gotham to continue her work.<br />
<br />
She then says that it's not yet time for Eduardo to die and she'll have Strange fix him in no time. She attaches some sort of glowing breathing mask to his face. Eduardo says "Jim Gordon" in a very distorted voice, and Walker replies that he's being taken care of.<br />
<br />
"Nygma was never alone," she says. "There was a second operative." She then takes out another control device.<br />
<br />
Back in the GCPD, Lee freezes up. Gordon asks if she's cold and turns around to find her a coat. When his back is turned, Lee's eyes roll back into her head in a very creepy way and then return to normal.<br />
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://lightgamble.tumblr.com/post/182847336664/gotham-506-nygma-was-never-alone-there-was-a">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
She then grabs a knife off of his desk and attacks Gordon, but he grabs a taser and shocks Lee, knocking her out.<br />
<br />
Elsewhere in Gotham, Alfred steps out of the apartment and down the steps. He looks around, feeling as if something's off. He grabs his gun, but not in time to stop Jeremiah, who sneaks up behind Alfred and stabs him with a sedative-filled syringe.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, Gordon tells Bullock about Lee's chip and how she must've been Walker's back up plan. He adds that anyone who would play this kind of long game probably has other tricks up her sleeve. Lee asks what's wrong with her and Gordon says he can explain.<br />
<br />
Before he can, however, Barbara enters the office and says she needs to talk to Gordon. He says it's not a good time. She responds by reminding him of the "good time" they had in this very room a few nights ago.<br />
<br />
Gordon tells her to leave. Barbara responds with two words: "I'm pregnant." She then leaves.<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://captainchilly.tumblr.com/post/182818430257/you-remember-the-good-time-we-had-the-other">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
The final scene is in a place that appears to be Wayne Manor. Jeremiah pulls a bag off of Alfred's head. Alfred says that he's supposed to be dead.<br />
<br />
"Sorry to disappoint," Jeremiah replies.<br />
<br />
Alfred says that if Jeremiah hurts Bruce, Alfred will "bite his face off." Jeremiah replies that Bruce will "be along shortly." He then wipes some dust off of a nearby table and says that the house is in "desperate need of some good, old-fashioned butlering." Alfred asks how he escaped, and Jeremiah replies that he dug a tunnel under the river.<br />
<br />
Jeremiah then smiles and says that "Today is the big day."<br />
<b><br />
</b> <b>Plot B: To Catch a Thief . . .</b><br />
<b><br />
</b> Over in city hall, Penguin notices that someone has opened the hatch to his underground bunker/vault. When he enters, he finds an oddly-dressed young woman searching through his jewels and valuables and talking to herself about what she'll take. Penguin cocks his gun at her. She responds by gracefully flipping over his head.<br />
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://gayvaleska.tumblr.com/post/182835113235">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Penguin asks how she found out about his vault. She replies that she was on a different job when another thief hit the mark before her, so she followed the thief back to Penguin's turf, where she found the vault.<br />
<br />
Penguin spots a rather large, blue-ish diamond in her hand (one that belongs to him). He then asks what's in her other hand. She reveals another, identical diamond and throws it at him. It burns his hand and he drops it. The decoy diamond then goes up in an explosion of smoke, giving the woman time to get away.<br />
<br />
Some time later, Penguin enters a dark building. On his way down the hall, two terrified figures run past him. He steps into a room where Selina Kyle is eating cereal. He notices two bloody, severed fingers on the table beside her.<br />
<br />
Selina asks what Penguin wants. He warily asks what the other guys wanted before they lost a couple of fingers. Selina replies that they were trying to kill her and that they're not the only ones. Ever since she killed Jeremiah Valeska, every killer on the street has been trying to kill her to make a name for themselves, so she needs to find a new place to hide out.<br />
<br />
Side note: in an interesting way, this scenario is a reverse of one episode of <i>Batman: The Animated Series </i>called "The Man Who Killed Batman." In the episode, a small-time criminal named Sid seemingly kills Batman (completely by accident, in fact) and has to deal with the fallout of his actions. At first, every criminal in Gotham treats him like a king, until they start to realize that if they kill the man who killed Batman, they'll be seen as the toughest guy in Gotham. The Joker is also particularly angry that <i>he </i>wasn't the one to kill his arch-nemesis and tries to kill Sid in retaliation.<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://gameraboy1.tumblr.com/post/170639029330/batman-the-animated-series-1992-the-man-who">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
All that to say, killing either Batman or the Joker usually leads to more trouble than it's worth.<br />
<br />
But I digress; back to the episode. Penguin tells Selina that if she can help him find someone he's looking for, he can let her stay in his fortress at City Hall. He explains that a thief tried to replace one of his jewels with an exact replica that was a bomb and asks if it rings any bells. Selina asks if the woman had white hair, a feathered collar, and resembled a "goth chicken."<br />
<br />
She explains that the thief's name is Magpie and then asks why she should help Penguin find her after he murdered Tabitha. Penguin replies that Selina believes in "an eye for an eye" and points out that Tabitha "made her bed" when she killed his mother. Selina considers this, and then agrees to help him, on one condition: she gets the diamond.<br />
<br />
Penguin laughs and refuses her request, but Selina says that without her help, he'll never find Magpie, and then everyone in Gotham will think it's okay to steal from Penguin. Penguin sighs and agrees to the deal.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://cvriouskyle.tumblr.com/post/182827062273/then-youll-never-find-her-and-every-person-in">Source</a></span></div>
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Selina leads Penguin to Magpie's hideout, a room covered in messy piles of shiny trinkets. Magpie sees the two of them and then tries to run away, but Selina catches her leg with her whip. Magpie notes that she's heard of Selina and how she's famous for killing Jeremiah. Magpie then mutters that it's not a big deal and that she could be famous too, if she wanted.<br />
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Penguin says she won't have the opportunity and points his gun at her. Magpie says he should be careful, since this workshop is where she makes her bombs, meaning that anything in the room could be an explosive replica. Penguin says she's bluffing. Magpie responds by throwing a ticking watch at him. When it hits the ground, nothing happens; it's just a regular watch that she stole. Magpie then runs out of the room and locks them in.<br />
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As they stand in the room, trapped, Selina says that Penguin was stupid to seek out revenge on Magpie, especially since diamonds are worthless in Gotham. She then realizes that Penguin's not trying to sell his jewels in Gotham; instead, he's stockpiling them because he's planning to go to the mainland. She asks why he's leaving. Penguin replies that there's nothing left for him to conquer in Gotham.<br />
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"I've done all I can here," he says. "Some things, twice. There's nothing left for me here anymore."<br />
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Selina says she wants to go with him so that she can get away from the people who want to kill her. She says that she doesn't want to be the killer of Jeremiah Valeska; she just wants to be herself, and she "can't do that in Gotham anymore." Penguin, however, doesn't want to take her with him.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://notquitefurioso.tumblr.com/post/182829510985">Source</a></span></div>
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Selina asks if he'd let her come with him if she could get them out of Magpie's workshop. Penguin agrees, and she asks for half of the money when he fences his jewels. He tells her that she's only getting 10% and a promise that he won't kill her when they get to the mainland. She says it's a deal.<br />
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Selina then goes running at the door and kicks it open. She tells Penguin that Magpie said anything in the room could be a bomb, but not the room itself. The two of them then leave to track down Magpie.<br />
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They find her back in Penguin's vault, lying on the ground after triggering one of Penguin's boobytraps, which shot her in the gut. She tries to beg for mercy, but Penguin kills her with two shots from his gun. Selina says the "buckshot in her gut" should've been enough for him, but Penguin says that he just wanted to remind Selina what happens when people try to steal from him.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Verdict</b></span><br />
<br />
<b>Plot A: </b>While the action in Plot A was good and the plot developments will likely return in future episodes (since Eduardo is <i>clearly </i>the show's version of Bane and Jeremiah is clearly up to no good), neither of those topics are the main thing I want to discuss about this part of the episode.<br />
<br />
No, I'm interested in one thing only: Barbara's pregnancy.<br />
<br />
Personally, I love this twist. It's a way to hint at the birth of Batgirl (or James Gordon Jr., depending on the child's gender), and while it was a bit of a shock, it felt earned. Barbara's concern for Gordon and her loyalty to him throughout the episode completely pay off at the end, when we learn that she's carrying his child.<br />
<br />
While I can't say whether the baby will bring the couple back together (especially now that Lee's back in the mix), it'll be interesting to see how they handle this development and how Barbara might change as a character if she decides to raise the kid. Hopefully she'll at least lay off the drinks and try to stay safe for the time being.<br />
<br />
As for the stuff with Eduardo, it was fine. I don't really care too much about him and Walker at the moment, but I might change my mind when I find out what their big mission is all about. For now, they're just another pair of big bads trying to take control of the city away from Gordon.<br />
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One last note: the scenes with Jeremiah were so short that I decided to include them with Plot A rather than make them a separate section. There's not a lot to discuss on that front, but I've included the trailer for next week's episode if you're excited to see what he's up to.<br />
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<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WoUum2Z-tZk" width="560"></iframe><br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WoUum2Z-tZk&t=5s">Source</a></span></div>
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<b>Plot B: </b>While this plot was mostly more filler comic relief than Plot A, I still really enjoyed it. Selina and Penguin have interacted a couple of times over the seasons, but I think this is the first episode where they've gotten to play off of each other one-on-one, and it was a blast (pun completely intended). It's funny to watch Selina's casual, cocky demeanor get under Penguin's skin as the two work together. I wouldn't mind if we saw more of this duo in the future.<br />
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That being said, I doubt they'll make it to the mainland. Even if they do, the flash-forward from "Year Zero" makes it clear that Penguin will end up in Gotham again, sooner or later. Still, I wonder if the characters will try to say their goodbyes to their former friends, allies, and enemies before they leave town. It'd make for a few good scenes, even though I suspect something or someone (Walker and Eduardo, perhaps) will keep them from leaving the city.<br />
<br />
<b>Overall, </b>I enjoyed the episode. It was one where I kept screaming and laughing and yelling at the characters every other minute, which is exactly what I want out of a good comic book show. This season's been a rollercoaster so far and I'm loving it. I know I've said it before, but I'll say it again: I can't wait to see what happens next.<br />
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Next week's episode is called "Ace Chemicals." Until the next recap goes up, stay away from acid pits in chemical factories. And remember, kids: handrails are there for a reason.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://makeagif.com/gif/jack-napier-joker-falls-into-a-vat-of-chemicals-xA0tr9">Source</a></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4675533200914366163.post-4756983501095562112019-02-06T05:00:00.000-08:002019-02-06T17:58:49.824-08:00'Gotham' Recap: "Pena Dura" (5x05)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://live24show.com/2019/01/30/gotham-episode-5-05-pena-dura-promotional-photos/nggallery/image/gotham-episode-505-pena-dura-04_full/">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Welcome back to another recap of <i>Gotham: Legend of the Dark Knight</i>—or, as I like to call it, <i>Gotham: How Many Plot Twists Can We Fit in Twelve Episodes? </i><br />
<i><br />
</i> This week's episode is "Pena Dura," which is likely a reference to <a href="https://dc.fandom.com/wiki/Pe%C3%B1a_Duro">Peña Duro</a>, a prison from DC Comics that ties into the backstory of a <i>certain </i>Batman villain (fun fact: both phrases are Spanish for "hard sentence").<br />
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The episode "Pena Dura" revolves around two plots: Gordon's attempt to capture Edward Nygma with the help of an old friend, and Bruce's growing concern about the change in Selina.<br />
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<b>Plot A: With Friends Like These . . .</b><br />
<b><br />
</b> The episode opens with an old man watching a black and white film on a projector. Gordon and Bullock enter the room, guns drawn, and tell him to turn around. The man asks if there's a problem, and Gordon replies that they want to know about the RPG he sold to the Haven bomber. The RPG dealer then calls in his goons, who are heavily armed, and asks who told Gordon about his business.<br />
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Before Gordon can answer, a SWAT team crashes in through the ceiling and takes down the RPG dealer's goons. Gordon tackles the dealer, who almost stabs him. But before he can take Gordon down, the dealer is promptly shot by a man with a helmet and a scarf over his face. The man steps forward pulls the scarf down.<br />
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Gordon recognizes the man as Eduardo Dorrance, an old friend from his days in the army. Eduardo tells his team to stand down. When Gordon thanks him for saving his life, Eduardo replies that it's the least he could do after Gordon saved his life in the army.<br />
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Back at the GCPD, Eduardo tells Gordon that Walker (the army woman that Gordon spoke to over the radio <a href="http://www.thefangirlinitiative.com/2019/01/gotham-recap-ruin-5x04.html">last episode</a>) sent him and his team to do flash sweeps across the city. Gordon points out that the refugees still need relief and supplies, but Eduardo says his orders are to "Restore order, then take the next steps."<br />
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Eduardo's sergeant brings him a ledger that belonged to the RPG dealer. Gordon spots the name "Edward Nygma" under an order for two RPGs. Eduardo notes that Nygma's name is on a list Walker gave to him (presumably a list of threats). Gordon decides to take Eduardo with him to confront Nygma and tells Bullock to stay at the GCPD and help some of the army guys get integrated into the precinct. When Bullock retorts that he's not a desk jockey, Gordon replies that he needs Bullock to stay at the GCPD and take over if things go sideways.<br />
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Elsewhere, the Riddler listens to the old tapes he left for himself after blacking out. As he listens, he becomes frustrated and begins to yell at himself in the mirror, shouting that the situation doesn't make sense. The only people "Ed" ever killed were Kristen Kringle and Dougherty, people he had a personal connection to. It doesn't make sense that he would kill all of those innocent people and children. Riddler then tells himself that <i>Ed </i>is the one responsible, not him.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/BikiniBottomTwitter/comments/6rpzp1/when_youre_the_last_person_that_you_would_have/">Source</a></span></div>
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Riddler is then distracted by the sound of someone coming in. He tries to run, but Gordon and Eduardo have already entered the room. Gordon says the Riddler's under arrest, but Riddler says he can explain what happened and prove his innocence if he just has more time. He reminds Gordon that he only kills people who hurt him first (which is mostly true, if you don't count the cop he killed in season 2 to frame Gordon for murder). Eduardo tells Gordon that it's his call whether they take in Riddler or not.<br />
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Gordon says they'll take him and have him stand trial. The Riddler isn't a fan of this idea (which is fair, considering what happened to Zsasz). He then pulls a book out of the bookshelf, which triggers a ticking noise. He reveals that Eduardo is standing on a tile connected to an IED (improvised explosive device), which is connected to a heart monitor on the Riddler. If Eduardo moves, or if Riddler's heartbeat goes up or down suddenly, the IED will detonate. Riddler adds that since the IED can be triggered from a mile away, they won't shoot him down when he leaves the building.<br />
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Gordon says that when people find out the Riddler blew up Haven, everyone will be after him, but Riddler says he'll take his chances and exits.<br />
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"A heart rate monitor bomb?" Eduardo says skeptically.<br />
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"Welcome to Gotham," Gordon replies.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/glee-gotham-wiki-f1TXrM0B5XhRe">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Gordon then decides that the key to neutralizing the IED must be in the bookcase. He steps across the furniture to avoid disturbing the tiles and sees that the book the Riddler pulled is about a knight's moves in chess. He then uses his knowledge of how a knight's move works to find another book on chess strategies and pulls it out. The beeping stops and Gordon steps carefully onto the floor. They're safe.<br />
<br />
Bullock then asks, over walkie-talkie, if they got the Riddler. Gordon replies that they didn't and tells him to spread the word that the Riddler is behind the Haven bombing and must be found.<br />
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Gordon himself announces the news over loudspeakers. At the same time, the Riddler sneaks around the streets, trying to avoid the mobs of people that are now out for his blood. Unfortunately, someone spots him and knocks him out.<br />
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Over at City Hall, Penguin gets the news about the Riddler bombing Haven and looks visibly distraught.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/glee-gotham-wiki-f1TXrM0B5XhRe">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Back at the GCPD, Eduardo says that his team is clearing the streets and will probably find the Riddler by nightfall (a nice little verbal easter egg if you've ever heard of or read <i><a href="https://dc.fandom.com/wiki/Batman:_Knightfall">Batman: Knightfall</a></i>). He asks Gordon to tell him about Scarecrow, who's also on Walker's list. Gordon explains that Scarecrow weaponizes a fear toxin and Eduardo's men will need gas masks if and when they face him. He says that taking down Scarecrow would be a "big win," and Eduardo replies, "That's why we're here."<br />
<br />
Elsewhere, the Riddler wakes up tied to a metal chair that's somehow connected to an old truck (a makeshift electrical chair, if you will). A middle-aged woman says she's gonna kill him and gives him a shock. She says it's just a taste of what's coming, as Riddler deserves to die slow and painfully for what he did to JoJo.<br />
<br />
Who's JoJo, you ask? Not a kid. Not an adult. <i>It's her DOG. </i><br />
<i><br />
</i> The Riddler asks if she's joking, since 300 actual people died in the explosion. He insults her for caring so much about her pet, and she shocks him again. This time, when the electricity hits him, he has a vision of Penguin leaning down over him and saying, "I'm gonna fix you, Ed."<br />
<br />
The woman and her sons (who are running the truck) continue to shock the Riddler, and he keeps seeing Penguin saying the same thing. Suddenly, the makeshift electrical chair stops working. The Riddler, in a plea worthy of Briar Rabbit, begs them not to electrocute him and says, "Thank God the fuel line's clogged." The woman takes the bait and tells her sons to unclog the line. As soon as they do, gasoline spills out, hits the sparks, and the car catches on fire—providing the Riddler a distraction to escape.<br />
<br />
Not long after this, Penguin's men tell him that the army is coming his way. He replies that it's just scouts and not a full-on invasion, so there's nothing for him to worry about. He then tells his men that they still need to find the Riddler and that the one who finds him "gets to live."<br />
<br />
After they leave, Penguin tells Edward the Bulldog that he's "surrounded by morons" and that if he didn't have an empire to run, he'd find the Riddler himself. He then notices an uncovered vent and turns around, just in time to see the Riddler standing over him with a gun. The Riddler, who's angry at Penguin (and also annoyed that the mob boss named the bulldog after him), says they need to talk.<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://lankybrunettepartdeux.tumblr.com/post/181299526525">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Meanwhile, Bullock tells Gordon that Harper saw the Riddler going into City Hall. Eduardo says that Penguin is at the top of his list from Walker and that catching both him and the Riddler would be a big victory. Gordon replies that Penguin is better fortified than anyone else and they'll need "shock and awe" to defeat him.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://shanewestcom.tumblr.com/post/182479711774/shane-west-in-gotham-season-5-episode-5-pena">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Gordon then tells Eduardo to take Bullock with him while Gordon holds down the fort at the GCPD (figuratively speaking).<br />
<br />
In City Hall, the Riddler asks what Penguin did to him and says that it's Penguin's fault he killed all of those people. He tells him about the blackouts and accuses Penguin of turning him into a "murderous puppet." Penguin replies that he has no clue what the Riddler's talking about. When Riddler says he remembers Penguin talking about "fixing him," Penguin explains that he took the Riddler to Professor Hugo Strange and told the doctor to save his life.<br />
<br />
Penguin then says that Strange is likely behind the Riddler's odd and violent behavior. Riddler asks why Penguin would pay Strange to save him. Penguin replies that, in spite of everything that happened between them, Riddler was the only friend he had left.<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://shanewestcom.tumblr.com/post/182479711774/shane-west-in-gotham-season-5-episode-5-pena">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
In an oddly heartwarming moment, Penguin says that if he wanted the Riddler to suffer, he wouldn't go behind his back to do it. He says that the next time they're in conflict with each other, the Riddler will know that Penguin is his enemy. Almost tearing up, Penguin steps forward, so that Riddler's gun touches his chest, and says that he promises this "as a friend."<br />
<br />
Riddler takes the gun away and promises the same—"I will stare you in the eye as I stab you in the heart," he says.<br />
<br />
Penguin smiles. He tells Riddler to look on the bright side: if Strange did something to the Riddler's mind, it means that the Riddler's not really the one responsible for bombing Haven. Riddler asks where Strange is. Before Penguin can reply, the building begins to shake, and one of his henchmen says that the army has blown the gates. Penguin, in a hilarious turnaround, tells the man to give the army what they want: the Riddler.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on your perspective), the Riddler has disappeared. Bullock and Eduardo's team enter City Hall, but rather than submit, Penguin merely asks if Bullock has enough bullets to last through a standoff this time around. Bullock tells him that they just want the Riddler, not the Penguin's territory. He tells them to leave if they don't want to be shot down on the count of three.<br />
<br />
"Count," Bullock says. Penguin says that he's not thinking clearly and should call Gordon. Bullock says he's good and again tells Penguin to count. Penguin says one, and his men are promptly shot down by snipers.<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://wifflegif.com/gifs/535437-what-goes-around-comes-around-gif">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Meanwhile, the Riddler is brought into the Sirens' Club by Barbara's minions. He says that he needs information, which is her specialty. She replies by bringing a knife to his throat and threatening to cut his face into a jigsaw puzzle for what he did to Haven. The Riddler then points out that he's never done anything as "idiotically brutal" as blow up 300 people with an RPG, and says that he didn't "exactly" kill all those people. He tells her his theory that Hugo Strange did something to his mind and now someone else is controlling him.<br />
<br />
Barbara asks why she would help him, even if she did believe his crazy story. He replies that he can give her more of what she deals in: information. If he is being controlled, then Hugo Strange (and anyone else he's working with), are responsible for Haven. Once the Riddler figures out the truth, he can give Barbara "the best intel she's ever had." Barbara replies that she doesn't know where Strange is, but she knows where to find his henchmen.<br />
<br />
Back at the GCPD, Eduardo beats the Penguin and demands to know where the Riddler is. Penguin says he'll talk to Gordon but not with Eduardo around. Gordon agrees, and Eduardo steps out.<br />
<b style="color: red;"><br />
</b> Penguin then tells Gordon that the Riddler was a patsy. Gordon asks who set him up, and Penguin agrees to tell Gordon as long as he (Penguin) goes free. Gordon points out that even if Penguin walks now, the army will come after him later. Penguin simply says that he'll "take his chances."<br />
<br />
Gordon agrees to the deal. After Penguin leaves, Eduardo says that he hopes Gordon didn't make a mistake.<br />
<br />
Elsewhere in Gotham, Strange's men bring him a body bag, presumably filled with a corpse to experiment on. However, as soon as they open the bag, the Riddler pops out.<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://tenor.com/view/miracle-max-princess-bride-mostly-dead-all-dead-oygente-gif-12754873">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
The Riddler asks Strange how he took control of the "Ed Nygma" half of his personality. Strange claims not to know anything about the Riddler's alter ego or personality disorder but admits that when he was putting the Riddler back together, he put a chip in his brain that "allows him to be controlled remotely." He says that he's not the one who controls the Riddler and says he'll write the name of the person who's doing the controlling.<br />
<br />
However, instead of grabbing a pen, Strange sprays the Riddler with a knockout drug and then remarks that he'll have to open the Riddler up to see how he learned he was being controlled and then reboot the control chip.<br />
<br />
Over in City Hall, Penguin opens a secret compartment to an underground bunker and climbs down into it (with Edward the Bulldog in tow). The bunker is filled with cases of various supplies. Penguin tells the dog that it's time for "a change of scenery."<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.chickensmoothie.com/Forum/viewtopic.php?f=39&t=1312683&start=5710">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Back at the lab, Strange sees the problem: the control chip was overloaded by electricity. He says he's updated the chip and will "pass the news along to [the Riddler's] handler."<br />
<br />
Gordon then arrives with Eduardo and a team of soldiers. Gordon points his gun at Strange and demands to know what's going on. He also notices that the Riddler's eyes are open. Strange explains that he gave the Riddler a "biomedical anesthesia." Gordon tells Strange to wake him up. Strange gives the Riddler another spritz from the same bottle.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
The Riddler, who seems to have been conscious for the entire operation, screams. He then tells Gordon about the control chip. Strange tells Gordon that he got a contract from someone to put the chip in the Riddler's mind.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Before Strange can tell Gordon who the contract is with, Eduardo pulls a gadget out of his pocket and uses it to stop the Riddler in his tracks.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/happy-time-smiling-HtBKcjpHfD7s4">Source</a></div>
<br />
He then tells his men to escort Strange out and tells Gordon that this is a "need-to-know" situation. He adds that Walker wants the Riddler taken out now.<br />
<br />
Gordon surmises that Walker's responsible to what happened to the Riddler and therefore responsible for the Haven bombing. Eduardo says they can't question orders and that Walker wants Gordon to shoot the Riddler. He claims that it'll be a "proof of loyalty before she can move forward with final relief plans."<br />
<br />
When Gordon keeps asking about whether or not Walker targeted Haven, Eduardo levels his gun at him and says that he'll shoot Gordon if Gordon doesn't shoot the Riddler. He says that the mission comes before their friendship.<br />
<br />
Gordon sets down his gun and says he "saved [Eduardo's] life one too many times." The comment distracts Eduardo long enough for Gordon to hit Eduardo and run off.<br />
<b style="color: red;"><br />
</b> Eduardo then tells the Riddler to find Gordon and kill him. The Riddler, still under the control of the chip, nods and sets off to find Gordon.<br />
<br />
<b>Plot B: Cat Among the Pigeons</b><br />
<b><br />
</b> Bruce meets Alfred in the GCPD. Alfred tells him that Gordon and Bullock have a solid lead on the bomber, but Bruce doesn't seem interested in hearing about it. He tells Alfred that he can't find Selina, and he's worried. Alfred says that Selina can take care of herself, but Bruce says that she's not acting like herself, especially not since she killed Jeremiah.<br />
<br />
Alfred replies that Jeremiah <i>did </i>deserve to die, but Bruce frustratedly retorts that Jeremiah <i>made </i>Selina into a murderer, just like Ra's made him into one. Alfred, however, argues that the two situations were different. While Ra's goaded Bruce into killing him and used him as an instrument, Selina knew what she was doing and made a choice—and Bruce needs to respect that.<br />
<br />
Later on, Bruce goes looking for Selina at the Sirens' Club. Barbara leads him to her and raises a toast "to the killer of Jeremiah Valeska." Everyone joins in except Bruce, who stares at Selina. She nursing takes a shot and stares back at him.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://witchunters.tumblr.com/post/182496924874">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
The scene is an interesting visual parallel to one in season 4, when Selina saw Bruce drinking with his friends in the Sirens' Club (in the wake of Bruce killing Ra's and trying to drown out the pain with partying and booze).<br />
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://witchunters.tumblr.com/post/182496924874">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Now their roles are reversed—with Selina being the aloof one and Bruce trying to get through to her.<br />
<br />
Selina says Bruce is being a buzzkill. He replies that he <i>knows </i>her and that she's not acting like herself. She refutes this in the most brutal way: by reminding Bruce that the night his parents were murdered, she was in that alley, watching from a fire escape, and she did nothing to stop it, not even scream or call for help. Bruce says it was because she was scared, but Selina replies that <i>he </i>was the scared kid that night: she just didn't do anything because she didn't want to stick her neck out for someone else and <i>because she didn't care. </i><br />
<i><br />
</i> "That's who I was then, and that's who I am now," she replies. She then gets up, leaving Bruce alone at the bar.<br />
<br />
A little bit later, Bruce goes to the GCPD looking for Gordon. He finds Bullock instead and notes that he noticed the soldiers downstairs. Bullock replies that the army finally decided to help and that Gordon's out working with some of them. He then notices that Bruce has tears in his eyes and asks if he's alright.<br />
<br />
Bruce replies that he doesn't know and tells Bullock that it seems like the people he (Bruce) loves "are losing their will to do good." He asks Bullock what will happen if Gotham and its people never recover.<br />
<br />
Bullock says that he's wondered the same thing. He tells Bruce that when he's worried about it, he goes through his old case files and gets to work. Bruce asks why he does it. Bullock replies that it keeps him going, because it reminds him that "the little things matter," even if no one notices what he does or cares about it. Bruce thanks him for the talk. Bullock replies that if Bruce wants to do him a favor, he should get him some coffee—but as soon as he looks up, he sees that Bruce has disappeared.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://jaasontodds.tumblr.com/post/182472842881/4x01-5x05">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Later in Gotham, somewhere deep underground, Jeremiah lies with his eyes closed. Ecco and his followers are nearby in some sort of tunnel. She tells him to wake up.<br />
<br />
"Ouch," he mutters, still sore from being stitched up after the last episode. Ecco says he wouldn't have needed the stitches if he'd worn the armor she made for him, but Jeremiah replies that he had to let Selina stab him so she and Bruce would think he was dead. He asks if Ecco has news and she replies that "all systems go." Jeremiah, frustrated and anxious to get to work, angrily tells her to lead the way.<br />
<br />
They walk out of the tunnel into a room that, if I'm not mistaken, appears to be Bruce's study in Wayne Manor. The tunnel entrance is right where the passage to the (proto) bat-cave used to be in season 2, and it seems as if Jeremiah's been expanding it to link to a network of tunnels.<br />
<br />
In the study are a doctor and two patients, the latter sitting in chairs with bandages covering their heads. Jeremiah asks the doctor to remove the bandages so he can see the results. The doctor complies, and we see Jeremiah looking down at the backs of two familiar adults.<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/gotham-jeremiah-valeska-2ysSYWMu9ncbYwjS6d">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Their faces aren't visible to the audience, but as someone who's rewatched the opening scene of the pilot several times, I know the back of those heads like the back of my hand. It's clear that these patients have been surgically remodeled to look like Thomas and Martha Wayne.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://comicbook.com/blog/2014/07/09/new-gotham-tv-spot-focuses-on-origin-story/">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
"I love family reunions, don't you?" Jeremiah says.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Verdict</b></span><br />
<b><br />
</b> <b>Plot A: </b>First off, let me just say that I'm glad that the Riddler <i>doesn't </i>have a third personality and <i>isn't </i>really responsible for what happened to Haven. Those were both things I was worried about.<br />
<br />
On a related note, it's an interesting twist that Walker ordered the attack on Haven and used it as an excuse to send Eduardo and his men into Gotham. I wonder what she stands to gain by taking over the city.<br />
<br />
As for the new character of Eduardo, I was a bit taken aback that he betrayed Gordon so quickly, given their (apparent) history and friendship. Still, I thought he was an interesting foil to Gordon. Both men will do whatever they can to complete their missions, but Gordon disobeys orders that go against his moral code (whereas Eduardo doesn't seem to have much of a moral code).<br />
<br />
I also have a bit of theorizing to do about Eduardo, so if you don't want to read it, skip this <b>SPOILER ZONE.</b><br />
<br />
If you've seen the teaser for the next episode, it's clear that Eduardo Dorrance is going to become <i>Gotham'</i>s version of Bane. I think, however, it might be best to think of him as a forerunner to the character. After all, as a mercenary with a questionable background, it's more than likely that Eduardo might not be Bane himself, but rather the father of the original Bane from comics. In that case, Eduardo may find himself in prison by the end of the season (though whether he makes it into a cell in Santa Prisca remains to be seen).<br />
<br />
Do I think <i>Gotham </i>should've brought in Bane? Personally, no. The Bane in the original <i>Knightfall </i>comic has a very compelling backstory that includes years of him growing up in prison (serving time for his father's crimes) and growing in strength, skill, intelligence and charisma until he becomes powerful enough to overthrow the people running the prison.<br />
<br />
Before his breakout, he dreams of conquering one of the greatest cities in the world (Gotham) and plots to overthrow its greatest champion (Batman). His single-minded determination and focus paired with his physical strength make him not only one of Batman's most powerful enemies but also an evil counterpart to Batman himself (who, like Bane, is an incredibly intelligent character who many people write off as just a jock).<br />
<br />
So it's hard to be as invested in this version of Bane when his backstory (an army guy who's involved in questionable missions) doesn't feel as compelling. Still, I'm trying to keep an open mind about Eduardo. And let's face it—if <i>Batman and Robin </i>and <i>The Dark Knight Rises </i>are anything to go by, Bane is a hard character to bring to live action. I appreciate that <i>Gotham'</i>s trying to take on that challenge. Even if they don't succeed, there's no way their Bane will be as badly executed as the version in <i>Batman and Robin.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://gfycat.com/greeninsistentalbertosaurus">Source</a></span></div>
<i><br /></i>
<b>SPOILER ZONE OVER.</b><br />
<b><br />
</b> I'd say my favorite part of Plot A was the scene between Penguin and Riddler. I don't ship the two, but I've always enjoyed seeing them interact as friends (and even as enemies). The actors (Robin Lord Taylor and Corey Michael Smith, respectively) have a certain chemistry that's really powerful.<br />
<br />
For instance, think about the dialogue where the Penguin and Riddler promise that if they kill each other, they'll be honest. In the hands of two lesser actors, it could come off really clunky and cheesy. But with Taylor and Smith at the helm, the dialogue is heartwarming (and funny, but not so funny that the humor outweighs the emotional impact of the scene).<br />
<br />
Oh! One last thing I almost forgot: I think everyone's overlooking Walker and Eduardo's real crime: using the chip to keep Riddler from getting a haircut (I have to believe he wouldn't keep that mop of his own accord).<br />
<b><br />
</b> <b>Plot B: </b><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://gifimage.net/i-knew-it-gif-18/">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
That's right, folks. Jeremiah Valeska is alive and kickin', just like I said. But what is his plan, you ask? Well, for that, I will refer you to the following paragraph—a.k.a. <b>THE SPOILER ZONE.</b><br />
<br />
Jeremiah's plan, according to a recently released synopsis, as seen in <i><a href="http://www.thefutoncritic.com/listings/20190131fox07/">The Futon Critic</a></i>, for "Ace Chemicals" (5x07) is to: "organize a twisted recreation of the murder of Bruce's parents."<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://gifimage.net/i-knew-it-gif-18/">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
While this is an incredibly morbid undertaking, I find it hilarious that this is probably the plan Jeremiah was arguing with himself about in 5x04.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://gifimage.net/i-knew-it-gif-18/">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
So his thought process was basically: <i>Hmm, do you think Bruce will appreciate it if I recreate one of the most traumatic experiences of his entire life? Absolutely! </i><br />
<i><br />
</i> It'll be interesting to see how Bruce responds to Jeremiah's plan. One thing's for sure, though—he won't be happy about it.<br />
<br />
<b>SPOILERS OVER.</b><br />
<b><br />
</b> Moving on from the subject of Jeremiah, I'm interested to see where things go with Selina this season. Camren Bicondova did a really great job in this episode, showing both the tender and callous parts of Selina.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://hexmurphy.tumblr.com/post/182489580142/i-didnt-do-anything-because-i-wasnt-willing-to">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
I'm also hoping that, following this schism between her and Bruce, the two characters will have separate plotlines for most of this season. While I'm always interested to see where their relationship goes next, that relationship <i>can't </i>be the main focus of Bruce's arc this season if he's going to become Batman in a satisfying way.<br />
<br />
He needs to focus on saving the city, not saving Selina. So, if and when they make up, I'd prefer it to be towards the end of the season. (Though I suppose they might run into each other before then, if Selina finds out that Jeremiah's still alive.)<br />
<br />
All in all, I enjoyed Plot B, even if it was a little short. It's been rare, in <i>Gotham</i>, for Selina to have her own arc that's not secondary to someone else's (such as Bruce, Ivy, or Bridgit). So I appreciate that her season 5 arc focuses mainly on her growth and development, not someone else's.<br />
<br />
<b>Overall, </b>the episode was alright. I'd probably give it a 7-8 out of 10. It's hard to judge for sure, because as soon as I saw Jeremiah on screen, the rest of the episode kind of paled in comparison. I can't wait to see him up and back at it with his evil schemes again.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, <i>Gotham'</i>s taking a brief break. The next episode, "13 Stitches," won't air until Valentine's Day, so my next recap will come out on the following Wednesday, Feb. 20. (Still, that gives us all plenty of time to photoshop character valentines with Comic Sans captions.)<br />
<br />
Until then, have a happy Valentine's Day! And remember, when in doubt, use those three little words everyone wants to hear:<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/gotham-foxtv-fox-broadcasting-xUPGcn0jeUxyD7Icne">Source</a></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4675533200914366163.post-51929526561688959552019-01-30T05:00:00.000-08:002019-01-30T05:00:02.634-08:00'Gotham' Recap: "Ruin" (5x04)<div style="text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.screenspy.com/articles/gotham-5x04-ruin-photos/nggallery/image/gotham-504_scn28_jn0059_f_webres/#gallery">Source</a></span></div>
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Welcome back to another recap of <i>Gotham</i>—or, as I like to call it, "Everything hurts, and I'm dying."<br />
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<a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/comedy-15ddqrBmBRwsg"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Source</span></a></div>
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Overdramatic? Maybe, but considering the thrills and chills in this week's episode, it feels pretty accurate. The episode, "Ruin," focuses on two plots: the GCPD's quest to figure out who bombed Haven, and Selina's ongoing quest to kill Jeremiah.<br />
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While you're probably used to my spoiler warnings by now, I feel the need to reiterate: <b>THERE ARE SPOILERS AHEAD. BIG, MIND-BLOWING, WORLD-BREAKING SPOILERS. IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN THIS EPISODE, STOP READING. </b>(You'll thank me later, I promise.) The episode also contains a fair amount of violence, so be advised on that front.<br />
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<b>Plot A: Unusual Suspects</b><br />
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</b> Picking up where the last episode left off, Haven is burning. We see toys in the fire and ashes in the air while refugees run from the flames. Penguin stands up and looks visibly shocked by the destruction.<br />
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Behind him, Barbara coughs in the smoke. She cocks her gun, but her hand's shaking, and she's clearly just as shell-shocked as he is. She sees the people crying around her and puts her gun down, deciding it's not the right time to kill Penguin.<br />
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At the same time, Gordon snaps into action, telling the GCPD to search for survivors and set up triage for the wounded. Gordon then turns to Penguin and blames him for the destruction, since he's the one who brought the gangs to Haven. Penguin protests, saying he's pretty sure none of the gangs had bombs with them.<br />
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Gordon then orders Bullock to have the officers get hoses to put out the flames. As the fire begins to die out, Bullock comes back to Jim and tells him what an officer found while searching for survivors: the badge that he'd given Will.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://tenor.com/view/startrek-bones-dead-hesdeadjim-gif-5919210">Source</a></span></div>
<span style="color: red;"><br />
</span> Later on, Gordon radios a female voice (credited in the captions as "Walker") and tells her that 311 people died in the bombing, 49 were injured, and 24 are missing. Walker says she's sorry about the tragedy and asks if he has any idea who the culprit is. Gordon replies that while a couple of gangs came to Haven recently, they can't be sure who did it.<br />
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Walker tells Gordon she's working on getting him help, but Gordon replies that he's been waiting for weeks and that people have died. Walker insists that she's doing all she can, but he turns the radio off and leaves his office.<br />
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Elsewhere in the GCPD precinct, people are demanding answers from the cops. Gordon replies that he knows their anger and grief and is feeling the same thing, but he adds that whoever bombed Haven can't destroy the hope its residents have built unless they let them destroy it. He ends by saying that he'll find out who did and justice will be done, but the crowd doesn't seem entirely convinced.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://tenor.com/view/scott-eastwood-sorry-buddy-gif-4718063">Source</a></span></div>
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Bullock says the speech was a good effort on Gordon's part, but Gordon says they'll need more than words to turn things around. He tells Lucius to look through whatever evidence he can find and learn as much as he can about the bombing and the culprit. Bullock then remarks that it's interesting that the buildings blew just when he and Barbara arrived but adds that she doesn't have a motive for bombing Haven. Gordon decides to see her anyway and decides to leave Harvey in charge while he's gone.<br />
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When Gordon arrives at the Sirens' Bar, Barbara surmises that he's either here for information or because he thinks she bombed Haven. Gordon points out that she could've done it to kill Penguin, but Barbara points out that she had a clear shot on him after the bombs blew and chose not to take it—because she knows that whoever bombed Haven needs to be stopped.<br />
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Gordon deduces that Barbara's worried about Sirens being targeted next. She tells him that she's been "putting out feelers" and heard about a "shady guy" who was hanging around Haven before it blew and is holed up in a building in the northeast corner of Harlow Park. Gordon asks what Barbara's price for the information is, but she tells him to do just do his job and catch the guy. She then asks him a quiet question: does he really think she could've killed so many people? Gordon admits that he doesn't know.<br />
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The conversation is abruptly ended by Bullock calling Gordon on his walkie-talkie to say that there's a problem in Haven. Gordon leaves Barbara to go check it out.<br />
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The problem, as you might not be surprised to find out, is Penguin, who's standing in the police precinct with several of his armed men. Gordon warily asks what he's doing at the GCPD. Penguin replies that it's clear that the GCPD is "outmanned, outgunned, and woefully out of options," so he's here to help.<br />
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He has his men bring in assault rifles and tells the GCPD to take what they can carry. Gordon asks if there are strings attached to Penguin's offer. Penguin replies that he's just interested in making sure the bomber is brought to justice and killed, since he also lost people in the explosion. He extends his hand, and Gordon shakes it.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://gfycat.com/hauntingcourageousbug">Source</a></span></div>
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Elsewhere, the Riddler wakes up in an apartment and sees a suitcase nearby. He opens it up and finds that it's empty. He then pulls out his recorder and remarks that he either just came back from a trip or had plans to go on one. He also spots a confusing message written in smudged green ink on his hand. It reads "IN A-T number 1512 knows." He decides that it must mean "Inmate number 1512 knows," and decides to check Gotham's prison records to figure out what this means.<br />
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Meanwhile, Gordon and Penguin roll out into Harlow Park with their combined forces. Bullock tells Gordon that what happened to Haven wasn't his fault, but Gordon replies that he told the people it was safe and unwittingly turned the place into a target. Bullock insists that Gordon's giving people hope, but Gordon doesn't want to hear it.<br />
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Gordon then turns to his men and orders them to go building-to-building and door-to-door until they find the bomber. Penguin, however, blows the element of surprise by grabbing a bullhorn and announcing that they're coming for the bomber, wherever he/she is. In response, an unknown person shoots directly at Penguin's bullhorn. The GCPD get down. As Gordon figures out which building the shot must've come from, the shooter fires again.<br />
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Gordon yells that they have the building surrounded and that whoever's up there should just come out. The shooter replies (in a familiar voice) that he'd rather not, since it's "pretty cozy up here." Penguin notes that he knows that voice, and his suspicions are confirmed when Victor Zsasz pops up in front of that far window with a gun and fires a shot at them from across the street.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://bosswaldcobblepot.tumblr.com/post/182295377089">Source</a></span></div>
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While this is going on, Riddler walks into the GCPD with a blanket over his head (because apparently that's all it takes to pass for a refugee in this city). He then sneaks into the filing room and begins searching through the files for Inmate #1512. Suddenly, Lucius Fox appears behind him and snatches the folder out of his hand. Lucius notes that he heard Riddler was dead and asks what he's looking for. <br />
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"I am given, and I am taken," Riddler says. "I am there from your first breath, and I will follow you until your death." Lucius replies that the answer is a name and asks what he wants with the file of a Blackgate prisoner. Riddler replies that it's a "personal matter." Lucius decides to make him a deal: if Riddler helps him figure out how the bomber attacked haven and who he is, he'll give him the folder.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://lankybrunettepartdeux.tumblr.com/post/182284288025/i-need-a-million-more-episodes-with-these-two-and">Source</a></span></div>
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The Riddler agrees to the deal.<br />
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Over in Harlow Park, Zsasz tells Gordon that he's not the one who blew up Haven and adds that he wouldn't take credit for someone else's work. Penguin retorts that Zsasz has no honor and asks why they should believe him. Zsasz asks if Penguin's referring to what happened with Sofia Falcone and tells him he needs to let it go.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://baskervilleshund.tumblr.com/post/182284713475">Source</a></span></div>
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Gordon tells Penguin to keep Zsasz occupied by firing at him nonstop while Gordon sneaks into the building and then ceasing fire after about two minutes. Penguin agrees to the plan, and it works. Gordon catches Zsasz unaware, tackles him to the ground, and cuffs him.<br />
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When they exit the building, Penguin tells Gordon to let him deal with Zsasz, but Gordon says that finding out if Zsasz is the bomber (and, if so, what his plan is) is more important than Penguin's vendetta against the assassin. Gordon then drives away with Zsasz. Zsasz, seemingly unbothered by the situation, waves at Penguin from the backseat of Gordon's cop car.<br />
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Back in Haven, Riddler and Lucius look at the destruction. Riddler says that since the building's superstructure is intact, they can rule out a few things. He theorizes that whatever the bomb was made of it, it was slow-burning (such as gunpowder or nitroglycerin), but adds that based on the scope of the destruction, a bomb made of such materials would be too big to sneak into a guarded building. When Riddler compares the situation to a locked-room mystery, Lucius says the bomb must've already been inside the building.<br />
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Riddler corrects him by saying that the bomb <i>was </i>the building. He then points out that there are 250 gallons of highly pressurized heating oil running through the building's pipes, which would combust when the bomb went off. Lucius agrees, but says it doesn't explain the shards of broken glass from a nearby window, which have fallen inward, meaning that the blast couldn't have come from inside the room. The two of them then realize that whoever blew up Haven must have thrown the bomb <i>through </i>the window and into that room.<br />
<br />
Back at the GCPD, Gordon and Bullock tell Zsasz that there are a dozen witnesses who saw him walk out of the building before it blew. Zsasz replies that he heard about the gangs taking over and decided to go in and look for supplies during the chaos.<br />
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://baskervilleshund.tumblr.com/post/182323867545">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Gordon asks why Zsasz would shoot at the GCPD if he was innocent, and Zsasz replies that A) they were cops, and B) they were shooting at him. He then reminds them that he cuts a tally mark into his skin for every person he kills (though we haven't seen him do this onscreen since season one). Therefore, if he had bombed Haven, he would have a <i>lot </i>of fresh scars. He adds that they're welcome to search him.<br />
<br />
Alvarez then enters and tells Gordon that Lucius is on the walkie-talkie and needs to speak with him. Gordon leaves the interrogation room and Lucius tells him that Haven was blown up by an RPG (much like the one that took down the chopper in episode 1) and that he's found pieces of it. Lucius adds that, based on the angle of entry, the RPG had to have been fired from a rooftop.<br />
<br />
The conversation is interrupted by Penguin barging into the precinct. Gordon tells him that the evidence shows that Zsasz is innocent. Penguin replies that he knew Gordon would go soft, so he didn't come alone. His armed men storm the precinct and go to collect Zsasz. Gordon says that torturing Zsasz won't bring justice, and Penguin replies that he's not going torture Zsasz; he's going to put him on trial and the people of Gotham will decide whether he's guilty or innocent.<br />
<br />
Elsewhere in Haven, Lucius and Riddler examine the rooftop from which the RPG was fired. Lucius spots the weapon's case still lying around and decides to take it back to examine, though Riddler notes that whoever used it was likely smart enough to wear gloves. Still, he wishes Lucius luck, and in a surprisingly heartwarming moment, Lucius thanks the Riddler for his help.<br />
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://baskervilleshund.tumblr.com/post/182284213205">Source</a></span></div>
<span style="color: red;"><br />
</span> Lucius hands over the folder and leaves. After he's gone, Riddler examines it, but finds that inmate #152, Frank McCann, is deceased. He throws the folder on the ground, frustrated that it's another dead end. He then spots something: in a nearby building, a lady in a wheelchair is watching him from her window. He decides to go to her apartment and see if she saw the bomber.<br />
<br />
Over in city hall, Bullock asks Gordon if they're really going to let Penguin try Zsasz. Gordon says that if they try to stop the trial, the people will turn their anger on the GCPD. He adds that maybe this trial is what the citizens need.<br />
<br />
Of course, Penguin's version of a trial is anything but fair. Zsasz has no lawyer and his mouth is taped shut to preserve his "right to remain silent." Penguin then asks for witnesses who saw Zsasz leave the building before it blew, and several people raise their hands. Penguin then turns the floor over to Gordon—right after implying that Gordon doesn't believe the witnesses' testimony.<br />
<br />
Gordon tells the people that the explosion wasn't caused by a bomb but an RPG shot by a rooftop, meaning that Zsasz couldn't have been the culprit. He tells the people that he knows they want justice and that they feel angry and scared. He also admits that, despite his reassurances that help is on the way, Gotham may be on its own.<br />
<br />
"If that's true," he says, "what we do now is more important than ever. This is not justice. This is not who we are."<br />
<br />
Penguin then asks the jury for their verdict. They reply, in true <i>Gotham </i>fashion, in the most insane manner: by declaring Zsasz guilty and sentencing him to death BY GUILLOTINE.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://doafhat.com/post/103393916427">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
However, when Zsasz is brought to the guillotine, Gordon interrupts by shooting his gun in the air. He manages to get Zsasz out in time, just before the blade drops. Gordon says he's trying to keep the people of Gotham from making a mistake, but Penguin replies that all he's doing is showing those people that he cares more about protecting a murderer than protecting them. He tells Gordon that he's lost the people of Gotham, and now those people are on Penguin's side. Gordon pushes Penguin aside and leaves with Bullock and Zsasz.<br />
<br />
He and Bullock drive Zsasz to a random spot in Gotham. Bullock says that Zsasz won't be safe from Penguin at the GCPD but adds that they can't just let him go either. Gordon says that if they don't let Zsasz go, he'll be killed for a crime he didn't commit. He uncuffs Zsasz, who says that Gotham City will never be what Gordon is trying to make it into: instead, it'll always belong to criminals.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://captainchilly.tumblr.com/post/182299088694/thank-you-jim">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Gordon responds by telling Bullock to hand Zsasz his gun. Bullock is hesitant, but Gordon repeats the order. Zsasz asks if they have a death wish. Gordon, who still has his own gun, replies that maybe he does, or maybe he's just tired of listening to Zsasz. Bullock reaches his gun out for Zsasz to grab. Zsasz considers it, but holds back.<br />
<br />
"You seem tired," Zsasz says. "Maybe another day, yeah?"<br />
<br />
Gordon tells Zsasz that criminals like him will always try to own this city, but they never will. Once Zsasz leaves, Bullock asks Gordon if he was seriously considering a shootout. Gordon says he could've taken Zsasz, but Bullock doesn't seem to buy it. He yells at Gordon not to make him do something like that again and tells him to pull himself together.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://wifflegif.com/gifs/587214-parks-and-recreation-get-it-together-gif">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Back in Haven, Riddler reaches the apartment he saw from the rooftop and notices that it's number 1215 (the same number as the note on his hand). When he opens the door, the old lady seems terrified and tells him to go away. Riddler says he just wants to know what she saw earlier.<br />
<br />
The lady replies that she saw the Riddler on the roof with a rocket. He says that's not possible, but she insists that he shot it at the building. She then knocks him over the head with a vase, and he begins to have flashbacks of blowing up the building and leaving a message for himself to find the old lady's apartment after she saw him do it. The old lady says she won't tell anybody, but rather than take her at her word, Riddler pushes her (wheelchair and all) out of the window.<br />
<br />
Back at the GCPD, Gordon drinks alone in his office. Barbara enters and notes that he didn't turn on the spotlight like usual. Gordon, tired and dejected, asks what she wants. Barbara replies that she wants to protect her people, just like he's trying to protect his. She gives him a new tip on a guy who sells RPGs, but Gordon doesn't seem excited about it.<br />
<br />
Barbara says she heard about how some of Gordon's people went over to Penguin's side and adds that Gordon "can't win 'em all."<br />
<br />
"Poor Jim, all alone again," she says. He tells her to leave, but she walks up to him and keeps talking. She says that no one knows what it's like to be Gordon and "carry the weight." He tells her to leave again. Instead of doing so, she leans in close, but stops just short of kissing Gordon. She then turns to leave, but he sets down his drink, pulls her in close, and kisses her.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://loganlermansboyfriend.tumblr.com/post/182323795310">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
<b>Plot B: Joke's On You</b><br />
<b><br />
</b> Like Plot A, Plot B picks up where the last episode left off—with Bruce Wayne having one of his hands handcuffed to a gate. Two of Jeremiah's masked followers approach him, but he manages to take them down single-handedly.<br />
<br />
A third follower rushes towards Bruce, but Alfred takes him out before he can do anything. Bruce is relieved and notes that he wasn't sure if his distress signal worked (as Lucius said its range was only a few miles).<br />
<br />
Alfred helps Bruce get loose and asks him what happened. Bruce says he let his guard down, but Alfred points out that if Jeremiah's followers had handcuffed him to the wall, they would've taken his transmitter and his weapons. Bruce admits that Selina cuffed him and then ran off to find Jeremiah. Alfred surmises that Bruce wants to go after her. Bruce agrees, saying that she's likely to get herself killed.<br />
<br />
Alfred tells Bruce that sooner or later he'll have to realize something: he can't save Selina from herself. He still agrees that they should find her, however, and the two of them begin their search.<br />
<br />
Elsewhere (and presumably in the same building or the same area of the Dark Zone), Ecco leads her new recruits around a dark, smoky underground lair. Selina follows them, taking care to stay in the shadows.<br />
<br />
In one part of the lair, several people are at work digging some sort of tunnel while Jeremiah, now wearing a slick new outfit, oversees the process.<br />
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://daily-joker.tumblr.com/post/182301272605/dig-a-little-deeper-jeremiah-valeska-in-gotham">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
One of workers, the former leader of the Soothsayers (<a href="http://www.thefangirlinitiative.com/2019/01/gotham-recap-trespassers-5x02.html">from 5x02</a>), says that Jeremiah's working them too hard and that there's no way they'll make it on schedule.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://gifimage.net/how-the-turntables-gif-7/">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Jeremiah responds by slitting the man's throat and replying "Not with that attitude." He then tells the rest of the workers to keep digging deeper and says it's the only way they'll "make it out of here" (though it's not clear whether "here" means the Dark Zone or Gotham itself.)<br />
<br />
A little bit later, Jeremiah continues to oversee the digging. He seems to be unsure about his plan and mutters, to himself, "It's a nice gift for him. He'll like it. No, he won't. Yes, he will. Come on, he's gonna love it." (I think it's reasonable to assume that "he" refers to Bruce, though it's not clear what the gift is and if it has something to do with the tunnel.)<br />
<br />
Ecco approaches Jeremiah with the new followers. He notes that she's only brought a few recruits, and she says he thought he'd want quality over quantity. When she adds that not everyone passed, he grabs her by the neck, before relenting and admitting that Ecco does "set a high bar for devotion." He then puts his hand on her waist and they began to waltz around while she fills him in on what happened with Selina and Bruce showing up in the dark zone. She finishes by saying that if she sees Selina, she'll be sure to give him a shout before killing her.<br />
<br />
Having finished her dance, Ecco tells the recruits to move out.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://epiome.tumblr.com/post/182294616891/504-gotham-lets-do-like-my-daddy-did-before-my">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
However, unbeknownst to Ecco, Selina (now wearing a hard hat and disguised to look like one of the workers) continues to follow her from the shadows.<br />
<br />
Some time later, Bruce and Alfred appear in the underground lair and take out several of Jeremiah's followers.<br />
<br />
While this is going on, Jeremiah tells the workers to keep digging deeper. Suddenly, a masked Ecco walks up and stabs him in the chest.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="giphy-embed" frameborder="0" height="359" src="https://giphy.com/embed/12ZXZv7aoviBgI" width="480"></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/stephen-colbert-scared-12ZXZv7aoviBgI">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
She then slips the mask off to reveal her true face: Selina Kyle. Selina continues to stab Jeremiah until Bruce pulls her back and tells her it's over and that they need to leave. He and Alfred fight off the followers before setting off a smoke bomb and fleeing the lair.<br />
<br />
As all of this happens, Jeremiah lies on the ground . . . seemingly dead.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Verdict:</b></span><br />
<br />
<b>Plot A: </b><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://tenor.com/view/talented-brilliant-incredible-gaga-amazing-gif-7229683">Source</a></span></div>
<span style="color: red;"><br />
</span> This episode was a spectacular reminder of why Jim Gordon is the main character of <i>Gotham. </i>It's not because he's the most important character in the Batman franchise, or because he's a perfect hero. It's because Gordon's failures show why the city needs Batman.<br />
<br />
Gordon's always relied on hope to inspire and motivate the people of Gotham<i>, </i>but this episode is a grim reminder that, in a place as twisted and immoral as Gotham, hope isn't enough to make people do the right thing.<br />
<br />
This version of Gotham City needs Batman more than ever, because Batman doesn't use hope to influence people; he uses fear. In a city overrun by criminals and more removed from law and order than it has ever been, fear is more effective than hope. People who have hope in Gordon will ultimately be let down because, for all of his good qualities, he's human. He's not invincible or infallible.<br />
<br />
Batman is another story. People listen to Batman because he invokes fear—fear of punishment and even death. When they look at him, they don't see a man or a hero; they see a demon. And that is what causes them to beware his wrath.<br />
<br />
What I'm saying is, I'm enjoying Gordon's arc this season because I believe it's leading to a point where Bruce will have to step in and embrace the darker, more fearsome aspects of himself in order to do what Gordon can't: save the city. And that's something I'm ready to see.<br />
<br />
I also enjoyed Plot A immensely because of the chemistry between the Riddler and Lucius. Those two characters play off of each other extremely well. It's an interesting dynamic, because Riddler thinks of Lucius as possibly the only person who's on his intellectual level. Because of that, he had a begrudging respect for Lucius despite their differences.<br />
<br />
Lucius, on the other hand, doesn't exactly think of Riddler as a friend but doesn't antagonize him or treat him like a criminal. Instead, he treats him with an incredible amount of empathy given the things that he's done. (This is best seen in the season 3 episode, "How the Riddler Got His Name."<br />
<br />
As for the reveal that the Riddler destroyed Haven, I honestly didn't see it coming until I saw the old lady react so badly to seeing him. I've got to applaud <i>Gotham</i>'s writers for doing a great job of misdirecting my suspicions.<br />
<br />
The only problem is that I'm not sure <i>why</i> the Riddler's new alter ego was so hellbent on destroying Haven and (presumably) shooting down the chopper in episode 1. Perhaps he meant to target Penguin or sow more conflict between Penguin and other players in Gotham (such as Gordon and Zsasz). I suppose I'll just have to wait and see how the Riddler's storyline unfolds.<br />
<br />
Before getting to Plot B, I suppose I should address that ending scene. To me, it felt right. Barbara and Gordon are both in extremely vulnerable positions right now. They've both lost people, and I think they both felt a need, of sorts, to be with someone. To not be alone. To find some sort of intimacy and companionship.<br />
<br />
That being said, I don't know how far this relationship will go. I don't know if it was just a spur of the moment kiss brought on by emotional turmoil and sexual tension. I don't know if Barbara's attempting to manipulate Gordon in some way. I don't know if either of them wants a relationship with the other.<br />
<br />
But I know one thing: wherever that kiss goes, I'm interested. I've never been opposed, per se, to Gordon and Lee's romance, but I always wondered if there was any scenario where Barbara would ever redeem herself enough for Gordon to put the past aside and love her again. They were so close in season 1 that seeing them go their separate ways over five seasons has been heartbreaking.<br />
<br />
They're not the same people that they used to be, but I think they can still find happiness with each other.<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://jimandleslie.tumblr.com/post/155738791348/good-luck-jim">Source</a></span></div>
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(<i>Gotham </i>3x07: "The Red Queen.")</div>
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Whether the show allows them to be happy, however, is another question entirely.<br />
<br />
On an unrelated note, I'd like to give a quick shoutout to Anthony Carrigan, the actor who plays Victor Zsasz. He always bring a fun, chaotic, and entertaining energy as Zsasz and it was a pleasure to see him return. (And, according to a <a href="https://twitter.com/jwcortes/status/1088620645259403264">tweet</a> by another <i>Gotham</i> actor, Carrigan actually improvised one of the funniest lines in this episode.) I hope we'll see more of him this season.<br />
<br />
<b>Plot B: </b>I'm going to preface this part of my recap with my opinion/theory on Jeremiah. So if you don't want to read <b>POTENTIAL SPOILERS</b>, please skip ahead to where it says "POTENTIAL SPOILERS OVER."<br />
<br />
Do I think Jeremiah's dead? No, I do not. And I'll give a few good reasons for why I'm so sure about it:<br />
<br />
1. There are clips of Cameron Monaghan from this season's trailers that we haven't seen yet in the show. While it's possible that he could be playing yet another character, there are signs that it's still Jeremiah in these trailers, as he talks about he connection between him and Bruce (a connection that a new character probably wouldn't have).<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://endiness.tumblr.com/post/182062642177">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
2. Jerome and Jeremiah are two of the most popular characters on this show. Killing Jerome off was a big risk both times, and I don't think the writers would be so quick to make the same risk with Jeremiah, especially because of the next reason on this list.<br />
<br />
3. Very little time is spent on Jeremiah's apparent death. Both times Jerome died, his last words were poignant, and the camera spent a fair amount of time focusing on his dead body. Not only that, but he was examined by the GCPD in both instances and they verified his death. In this episode, however, we only see a brief shot of Jeremiah's dead body, and he gets very little screen time beforehand. <i>Gotham </i>may be a show that kills off major characters, but it almost always builds up to doing so.<br />
<br />
(One good example is the slow burn build-up to Penguin's murder of Butch in season 4, where his reasons for doing so are very clear. On the other hand, there are some deaths that don't have a build-up. Take Fish's death at the end of season 3, where she's abruptly killed by Gordon in the midst of his Tetch-Virus-induced rage after only being in about four or five episodes of that season. But even then, she got to chew the scenery some in her final episode, and her last words were important to Penguin.)<br />
<br />
And with a character as big as the Joker, you can't kill him off without ceremony. To do so would be a waste.<br />
<br />
4. Jeremiah's a smart guy. I don't think he would ignore Ecco's warning that Selina wanted to kill him. Instead, he probably set up some sort of contingency to fake his death and cheat her out of her revenge.<br />
<br />
5. Killing off Jeremiah, in my opinion, would just be a sloppy move. The last one-third of season 4 was all about building him up, establishing his motivations, and showing his transformation into the latest incarnation of the Joker. To kill him off this early on would, as I said before, be a waste.<br />
<br />
All that to say, I don't think he's really dead. I'm not sure how he survived, though. Maybe he had someone (such as Clayface, last seen in season 3) pose as him, or maybe he was just playing possum and had on some sort of protective material under his suit. But one thing's for sure: even if we've seen the last of Jeremiah, we haven't seen the last of Cameron Monaghan. And I'm glad, 'cause he's one talented actor.<br />
<br />
<b>POTENTIAL SPOILERS OVER.</b><br />
<br />
Apart from my theories about Jeremiah, I don't have too much to say about Plot B (especially since it was pretty short in comparison to Plot A). It felt mostly like a build-up to more conflict between Bruce and Selina that we'll see next week (as well as a build-up to whatever Jeremiah was planning). It wasn't super interesting to watch, but I'll be happy if it sets up an interesting storyline.<br />
<br />
<b>Overall, </b>I really enjoyed this episode. It was a jolt of electricity, and it raised the stakes for this season yet again. I'd probably rate it a 9 on a scale of 1-10, honestly. It managed to be the right mix of funny, thrilling, and heart-wrenching. I can't wait to see what follows.<br />
<br />
Feel free to comment below with your opinions, theories, and thoughts about the episode.<br />
<br />
I'll be back soon with a recap of the next episode: "Pena Dura." Until then, have a good week and remember: jury duty doesn't count if the summons was sent out by a mob boss.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4675533200914366163.post-72923768130195712422019-01-25T05:00:00.000-08:002019-01-25T05:00:09.040-08:00'Gotham' Recap: "Penguin, Our Hero" (5x03)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.screenspy.com/articles/gotham-5x03-penguin-our-hero-photos/nggallery/image/gotham-503a_scn15_jn0132_f_webres/#gallery">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Welcome back to another recap of <i>Gotham: Legend of the Dark Knight</i>—or, as I like to call it, <i>Villains 'R' Us. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
This week's episode, "Penguin, Our Hero" focuses on two plots: Penguin's efforts to invade Gordon's territory in the Green Zone, and Selina and Bruce's efforts to track down Jeremiah Valeska.<br />
<br />
As usual, this recap contains a whole heap of SPOILERS. So if you haven't seen the episode yet and want it to be a surprise, quit reading while you're ahead.<br />
<br />
<b>Plot A: Every <strike>Dog</strike> Penguin Has His Day</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Penguin begins his day the way any crime boss should: by opening the doors to hear a choir singing a song of praise to him.<br />
<br />
No, I'm not joking.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZcHedn8VYVqsIyb6akB_cAejW-3YkE0zg8VJQxP9MbaLCSUxt2QWUSBPInl7PYuaqEK2DDM5f1iSYJyacNsUzMYFutlp21uh253WXrGEfB4qRkL-OhnsdmZNJZqKE_WlnSOP4irw__q8/s1600/tumblr_plify9dku91u7xkfso7_r1_400.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="213" data-original-width="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZcHedn8VYVqsIyb6akB_cAejW-3YkE0zg8VJQxP9MbaLCSUxt2QWUSBPInl7PYuaqEK2DDM5f1iSYJyacNsUzMYFutlp21uh253WXrGEfB4qRkL-OhnsdmZNJZqKE_WlnSOP4irw__q8/s1600/tumblr_plify9dku91u7xkfso7_r1_400.gif" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3FmeOGl3goOCpeTJtixHCXqMQh0v0hA2178rmGTvXwGLjb3u4ifxHPVE4H2gCMrrfQoRAyjafkCFSeqQoclcQOQ-ay5aQXIJbpElKPA2Xm4koDnM6FJrvoSKKXeO-aJZd4hvapsEzzus/s1600/tumblr_plify9dku91u7xkfso8_r1_400.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="213" data-original-width="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3FmeOGl3goOCpeTJtixHCXqMQh0v0hA2178rmGTvXwGLjb3u4ifxHPVE4H2gCMrrfQoRAyjafkCFSeqQoclcQOQ-ay5aQXIJbpElKPA2Xm4koDnM6FJrvoSKKXeO-aJZd4hvapsEzzus/s1600/tumblr_plify9dku91u7xkfso8_r1_400.gif" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://lankybrunettepartdeux.tumblr.com/post/182102586430/sing-along-everybody">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
A choir full of people stand at his staircase singing "Penguin, Our Hero." They follow him down the stairs and continue to sing. As they do so, Penguin feeds Edward the Bulldog and Penn briefs him on the factory's steady production and how much bread, water and bullets he has in store.<br />
<br />
The music and moment are abruptly cut off by the countertenor collapsing out of exhaustion. Penn explains that everyone had to work overnight at the factory because they've been shorthanded since workers began defecting to the up-and-running stretch of apartments (nicknamed "Haven") in Gordon's territory. Penguin is outraged that his people would flee into the arms of his enemy and asks about the bounty he set on Gordon's head. Penn replies that the gangs are too disorganized to take Gordon down and most ordinary people love the cop too much to kill him.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzMZhiBHBHmEXLg9hPnmdnRY6_BPKtg1PWf_7nEJ_RPedyzVgdhWaBjr39IaTLizfUCkWUE-JcLrbbQ5LPtR3TmdLarqgfyzsXZoF0aHX8JbgvxBSlFvmip-CaonNNr5fy9ueSFy7QRJg/s1600/tumblr_oqdp31hQZ11v9n68ko1_500.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="213" data-original-width="500" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzMZhiBHBHmEXLg9hPnmdnRY6_BPKtg1PWf_7nEJ_RPedyzVgdhWaBjr39IaTLizfUCkWUE-JcLrbbQ5LPtR3TmdLarqgfyzsXZoF0aHX8JbgvxBSlFvmip-CaonNNr5fy9ueSFy7QRJg/s400/tumblr_oqdp31hQZ11v9n68ko1_500.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://oldschoolteenflicks.tumblr.com/post/160965203825">Source</a></span></div>
<span style="color: red;"><b><br /></b></span>
Penguin protests, saying that the people should love him, since he keeps his territory civilized and everything would fall apart without him. Penn points out that it's not just Penguin's workers who are on Gordon's side—people all over Gotham are fleeing to Haven.<br />
<br />
Their conversation is broken off by Street Demonz gang members forcibly entering the room. They attempt to shoot down Penguin, but he and his men gun them down first. They claim that he hit their gang as well as the Undead and the Low Boys, citing the grafitti tag that read "Penguin Was Here."<br />
<br />
Penguin replies that if he wanted to start a gang war, he wouldn't have left any survivors or a note implicating himself. He then sends them away to be tortured and tells Penn to tighten borders, saying that if anyone gets in or out, it's on Penn's head.<br />
<br />
Over in Haven, Bullock notes the influx of refugees and worries that the gangs who enslaved some of said refugees will attack Haven—and both bullets and food are running low. Gordon says he's got a point but they can't turn people away from the only safe place in Gotham.<br />
<br />
Bullock asks if Gordon's been sleeping and says that he needs to share the load with the other officers; it won't be good for anyone if he runs himself ragged. Gordon says he's doing fine.<br />
<br />
The two of them walk up to Bruce Wayne, who says he's got a working water purification system repurposed from WayneTech.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://imgur.com/gallery/PaKpG">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Suddenly, a fight breaks out between two refugees over a can of beans. Gordon breaks it up, saying that while everyone is welcome in Haven, there are rules. The government already thinks the city doesn't deserve help and it's up to the people of Haven to prove otherwise.<br />
<br />
Bruce tells Gordon that his speech was effective, but Gordon is worried that people will lose hope once they realize the government's abandoned them. Bruce insists that Gordon's holding the community together and giving them hope, but Gordon says hope isn't enough.<br />
<br />
Bruce then tells Gordon that Will, the kid who ran away from the Soothsayers, had a nightmare, fell off the bunk bed, and broke his arm. He suggests that Gordon talk to Will and the two of them approach the boy.<br />
<br />
Gordon asks why Will doesn't want to join the other kids, but he remains silent. Bruce tells Will that while he can't imagine what he's been through, Bruce is sure that he's safe now. Gordon agrees and gives him some pineapple rations in an attempt to cheer him up.<br />
<br />
Outside of the Green Zone, Penguin wakes up to his housekeeper, Olga (who hasn't appeared since season 3) cleaning and singing loudly. Penguin (who's wearing nothing but an old-fashioned set of mens' underwear) demands to know where the rest of his staff are. She says they defected to Haven and took Edward the Bulldog with him. Penguin, furious, goes down to his prison and releases the gang members. He says that their interests have now aligned and tells them to round up what's left of the other gangs so that they can combine forces and attack Haven.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoacmhOR-oteuAIYJX-5EBkRfPzqR7qaq_kmCbSQZQfTrI-iK3uzJlv_p4V__ZPxV-5DhAF_5-YPPB58j1L3-GYDT5nbjb73vbYu6vH2IzUg0DWhxfhBqJPESgPzyScsMkO-JEMor5jgo/s1600/tumblr_plje5tr0AL1qmk4edo2_540.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="540" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoacmhOR-oteuAIYJX-5EBkRfPzqR7qaq_kmCbSQZQfTrI-iK3uzJlv_p4V__ZPxV-5DhAF_5-YPPB58j1L3-GYDT5nbjb73vbYu6vH2IzUg0DWhxfhBqJPESgPzyScsMkO-JEMor5jgo/s320/tumblr_plje5tr0AL1qmk4edo2_540.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUUzjB8mq0wQOrqAV06qIlJgdCieUE3uAz2v6Cu6jhimYgL9keTzk4i8ATx7cXqctW5Kie7qCqr5f0LY-bvEwu4U0K-d5lQerpzvTiJg1-GrEjXUoo4EtHzQPDx-OSwNSKNrQnEUYwIP4/s1600/tumblr_plje5tr0AL1qmk4edo1_540.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="540" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUUzjB8mq0wQOrqAV06qIlJgdCieUE3uAz2v6Cu6jhimYgL9keTzk4i8ATx7cXqctW5Kie7qCqr5f0LY-bvEwu4U0K-d5lQerpzvTiJg1-GrEjXUoo4EtHzQPDx-OSwNSKNrQnEUYwIP4/s320/tumblr_plje5tr0AL1qmk4edo1_540.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://captainchilly.tumblr.com/post/182114120671/you-have-men-vehicles-and-gas-i-have-the">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Not long after this, Bullock tells Gordon that Penguin and the gangs were spotted moving towards Haven. Since the GCPD only have a dozen bullets left, Gordon sends Bullock to get help from Barbara and stays behind to stall Penguin.<br />
<br />
Once Penguin and the gangs arrive, Gordon tells the citizens of Haven to go inside and tells his men to hold their fire. Penguin then notices and greets the recently-defected Penn and his singers (who are apparently named the Gertrude Kabelput Memorial Choir in a nod to Penguin's deceased mother).<br />
<br />
Gordon says Penguin shouldn't have come to Haven, but Penguin retorts that Gordon shouldn't have stolen his people or his dog. Gordon says they all came out of their own free will and are under the GCPD's protection. Penguin then calls for Edward the Bulldog to come to him, but Edward simply stares at him and doesn't move.<br />
<br />
Penguin tells Gordon to turn his people over and says he doesn't have the firepower to stop him. The GCPD then open fire, and Gordon says Penguin shouldn't test them.<br />
<br />
Penguin, however, calls his bluff by sending three gang members in. The GCPD shoot down two, but run out of bullets before they can get the third. Penguin taunts them and tells them to put down their weapons. Gordon and his men reluctantly comply.<br />
<br />
Penguin then locks Gordon up in a cell, saying that after he destroys Haven, he'll shoot Gordon and leave him for dead, just like Gordon did to him.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj61ffr4qHfZmXS_zUvkrdlXcHe6r90zdq7TnnKirS2owuawGckbnIhMmTHgiIF2_thEFeJcgRHqDsT-wcsn3UwjH1Oi1JWHBrPWP0jtOEELW-D0aLZgZes_Lvt3J3GVB2GnQ1jTik-7_g/s1600/tenor+copy+3.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="244" data-original-width="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj61ffr4qHfZmXS_zUvkrdlXcHe6r90zdq7TnnKirS2owuawGckbnIhMmTHgiIF2_thEFeJcgRHqDsT-wcsn3UwjH1Oi1JWHBrPWP0jtOEELW-D0aLZgZes_Lvt3J3GVB2GnQ1jTik-7_g/s1600/tenor+copy+3.gif" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://tenor.com/view/brooklyn99-cool-motive-murder-gif-5237865">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Gordon says that if the government liberates Gotham and finds out that Penguin destroyed Haven, they'll hunt him down. Penguin replies that the government has clearly abandoned the city, and the only law left is power, and power belongs to him.<br />
<br />
Gordon asks what will happen to the families in Haven. Penguin replies that they'll go back to being slaves, and his workers will go back to eating gruel and worshiping the ground he walks on. Gordon tells him to leave innocent people out of his revenge, but Penguin refuses.<br />
<br />
Penguin then wanders into another area of Haven where gang members have Mr. Penn chained up. He tells them to hand Penn over, since he belongs to Penguin. The gang members refuse, pointing out that he sacrificed their men to call Gordon's bluff. They then shoot Penn and say they'll also take Penguin's territory and bullet factory.<br />
<br />
Penguin calls Penn a fool and says this wouldn't have happened if he had stayed in Penguin's territory. He asks why he left, and Penn replies, with his dying breath, "Everyone hated you."<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiol-S1diFQRQSaSAvUaXor9vwFbEovUPkD9N23VPoPsnRxihhb1ShQwnMl7PQgwzQB4k3A59jzoiI0aq5iL9JqA4AsxB70Aasxbuvm72ycocYGPWPkwrwKHqlwH3FmjnWnfYzuhxWcv7M/s1600/LazyEssentialIberianmole-size_restricted.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="193" data-original-width="350" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiol-S1diFQRQSaSAvUaXor9vwFbEovUPkD9N23VPoPsnRxihhb1ShQwnMl7PQgwzQB4k3A59jzoiI0aq5iL9JqA4AsxB70Aasxbuvm72ycocYGPWPkwrwKHqlwH3FmjnWnfYzuhxWcv7M/s320/LazyEssentialIberianmole-size_restricted.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://gfycat.com/lazyessentialiberianmole">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Penguin says that the gang members will pay for this, but they knock him out and lock him up with Gordon, who surmises that Penguin's plan is in shambles.<br />
<br />
Over in Sirens' territory, Bullock arrives and searches for Barbara in her bar. She holds a knife to his throat and says no men are allowed on her turf past midnight. He tells her that Gordon needs her help, but she replies that he should save himself. She asks if Bullock gets tired of being his sidekick. Bullock replies that they're friends fighting for the same thing.<br />
<br />
Barbara scoffs and recalls how different the two men were when they met. Bullock was cynical and Gordon was an idealist. ("And you were sane," Bullock adds.) Barbara asks what would Bullock's life would be like if he hadn't met Gordon. Bullock loyally says that he'd either be dead or wishing he was. He adds that Gordon will die if Barbara doesn't save him from Penguin and the gangs. Babs says he should've led by mentioning Penguin and decides to head to Haven.<br />
<br />
Back in Haven, Penguin wonders aloud why his people would leave him to go to Haven.<br />
<br />
"For one thing," Gordon snarks, "It's far away from you."<br />
<br />
Gordon then notices Will leading some of the gang members to a stash of alcohol. Gordon tells Penguin to act natural and not draw any attention.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhycy6RVV8DoXU3cXolxA8zV-_4HxWokFqCBX4iUacAcrpqCro0s5C3oWJpJrHKv_W8Ap64JoHPggwfxG0xTexpFljhhQkbzX_w3aceiKc9XqaAxfjUzGGhVpNqVxgkRKc_LT6OXZxPb8/s1600/tumblr_plid9qXtad1vszc6ro3_400.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="268" data-original-width="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhycy6RVV8DoXU3cXolxA8zV-_4HxWokFqCBX4iUacAcrpqCro0s5C3oWJpJrHKv_W8Ap64JoHPggwfxG0xTexpFljhhQkbzX_w3aceiKc9XqaAxfjUzGGhVpNqVxgkRKc_LT6OXZxPb8/s1600/tumblr_plid9qXtad1vszc6ro3_400.gif" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwt_GxKYK0NH6jWiRqmKNrWt-GT-if4IY9PTshwY1vyHrdcpQGPTltC0KplKvbhHXCnxK0GH8LicEN-c6Pm87aGgtQGsTE7-WEoxHEsGOUg0cegVFopEszLPkX_M7bWGsb2NwnwIR3Vd0/s1600/tumblr_plid9qXtad1vszc6ro4_400.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="268" data-original-width="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwt_GxKYK0NH6jWiRqmKNrWt-GT-if4IY9PTshwY1vyHrdcpQGPTltC0KplKvbhHXCnxK0GH8LicEN-c6Pm87aGgtQGsTE7-WEoxHEsGOUg0cegVFopEszLPkX_M7bWGsb2NwnwIR3Vd0/s1600/tumblr_plid9qXtad1vszc6ro4_400.gif" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://gayvaleska.tumblr.com/post/182101405255/sis-snapped">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
As the gang members get the booze, Will sets the blade on the floor and discreetly slides it under the gate with his foot. Penguin grabs it first and whispers that he'll escape and watch the gangs destroy Haven, but Gordon points out that the gangs will just go after Penguin next. He says they need to team up to take them out. Penguin agrees, and the two of them resolve to break out together, hilariously bending down back-to-back to get the blade so that they can cut their bindings.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8H_mkSk79ZLzexQshqU4gUnLanrwvL2BFkccnV8zUm5iWBYg1qt_CgZnOKCg-w3I6H89TuUTAa1VsZh3kpwRrwwf3hFMHYZLpwJR0ZQD-tbB5w9k5Ko2B074lJsYXQg-2SQpnHBPvsy4/s1600/tumblr_plibb8cP6F1qmk4edo2_540.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="540" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8H_mkSk79ZLzexQshqU4gUnLanrwvL2BFkccnV8zUm5iWBYg1qt_CgZnOKCg-w3I6H89TuUTAa1VsZh3kpwRrwwf3hFMHYZLpwJR0ZQD-tbB5w9k5Ko2B074lJsYXQg-2SQpnHBPvsy4/s320/tumblr_plibb8cP6F1qmk4edo2_540.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://captainchilly.tumblr.com/post/182100574703/frenemies">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
As the gang members goof off and talk about what to do with the captured GCPD officers, Gordon enters and tells them that if they drop their guns he won't shoot. They say he's still bluffing, but Penguin emerges and assures the gang members that the two of them aren't bluffing in the slightest. He shoots them down in a manner of seconds.<br />
<br />
After he does so, Edward the Dog waddles back over to Penguin, who's happy to have his pet back. The people, realizing that Penguin killed their attackers, begin to chant his name.<br />
<br />
Later that night, refugees argue about whether or not they're safe in Haven. Gordon tells them that while there are going to be hard days, they survived this one.<br />
<br />
"As long as we survive," he says, "hope survives in Gotham. And I think that's worth fighting for."<br />
<br />
Will says that he agrees. Gordon then tells the people and the GCPD that there's work to be done, wounded to be cared for, and supplies to be handed out. As they disperse, Gordon tells Will that he needs people he can trust to watch over Haven. He says that Will could be a deputy (of sorts) and hands him a badge. Will agrees.<br />
<span style="color: red;"><b><br /></b></span>
Gordon steps outside, where Penguin and Edward the Bulldog are waiting to be escorted out. Penguin asks if the guard is really necessary, since he saved hundreds of people. Gordon points out that Penguin endangered them to begin with and Gordon thought it was best to be safe. Penguin asks if there are any hard feelings. Gordon replies that he's free to go as long as he doesn't make Gordon regret it.<br />
<br />
Suddenly, Barbara and Bullock arrive. (Better late than never, I suppose.) Barbara, seeing Penguin, prepares to shoot him. Gordon blocks her shot, saying that while Penguin is fair game outside of the Green Zone, she can't kill him inside of it. She tells him to move or take the first bullet. Gordon refuses to move.<br />
<br />
Before Barbara can make good on this threat, however, bombs go off in the apartment buildings and knock them all down. All the four of them can do is watch the destruction in horror.<br />
<br />
<b>Plot B: To Catch A Clown</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
As Selina lies in her bed, she begins to toss and turn. In her dreams, she's reliving the memory of getting shot by Jeremiah. As soon as she wakes up, she runs out of bed.<br />
<br />
We then see Selina on the roof of a building, wearing a sleek black cat burglar suit (completed with claw-tipped gloves). She barely hesitates before jumping off the edge in a shot nigh-identical to the opening scene of the show's first episode.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJCEA_CDwb6LX_L4Oc-_QoXxL966Ku6rnFwWc_Kic87s13Zk_AJwesRnhMLwIojQvTCPk24OKqgbuqh6ZNhglBhOhfhDwY1yCyE4HHCNfEWPgtgqA-03J7jAZrqrsqwhoh4boq8H18qoY/s1600/tumblr_olp3ljz9sc1uxw0iuo10_400.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="151" data-original-width="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJCEA_CDwb6LX_L4Oc-_QoXxL966Ku6rnFwWc_Kic87s13Zk_AJwesRnhMLwIojQvTCPk24OKqgbuqh6ZNhglBhOhfhDwY1yCyE4HHCNfEWPgtgqA-03J7jAZrqrsqwhoh4boq8H18qoY/s1600/tumblr_olp3ljz9sc1uxw0iuo10_400.gif" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://justgotham.tumblr.com/post/157502328437/edngyma-listen-to-me-there-is-a-war-coming">Source</a></span></div>
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<i>Gotham: </i>"Pilot"</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9XoKxXu-L0zfXbV5hBcbycdZ2VVRXve_LMf_14Gb1wCH45lsYMildNPyLeT3B0L6a7oba_k_Ovbgrh1H5G3uapgbHLGMYM0IUnqZEzVkx8-HB7ZL6eH34u_qawGMWT3_a8ESx_jU_GiE/s1600/tumblr_pljut2HvPj1xg50b5o7_540.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="241" data-original-width="540" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9XoKxXu-L0zfXbV5hBcbycdZ2VVRXve_LMf_14Gb1wCH45lsYMildNPyLeT3B0L6a7oba_k_Ovbgrh1H5G3uapgbHLGMYM0IUnqZEzVkx8-HB7ZL6eH34u_qawGMWT3_a8ESx_jU_GiE/s320/tumblr_pljut2HvPj1xg50b5o7_540.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://comicbookmultiverse.tumblr.com/post/182121168961/she-is-back">Source</a></span></div>
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<i>Gotham: </i>"Penguin, Our Hero."</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The next day, Bruce sees Selina walking around and tells her she should be resting, per the doctor's orders. She tells him that she doesn't need to; thanks to Ivy's cure, she's never felt better. And now that she's on her feet, she wants to find Jeremiah.<br />
<br />
Bruce says that he's been looking for him since the bridges blew and still hasn't found a lead. Selina points out that now that Haven's been flooded with refugees from all over the city, they're bound to find someone who knows something about his whereabouts. Bruce retorts that even if they find Jeremiah, he's had months to plan and get stronger. Selina asks if he's scared, and Bruce admits that he <i>is—</i>specifically, he's afraid of losing her again.<br />
<br />
Selina says that she's not his to lose and that he can't stop her from going after Jeremiah<i>—</i>but she is asking for his help. Bruce agrees but says if they take him down, they're going to do it properly and take him back to Haven so he can stand trial for everything he's done. Selina laughs and kisses Bruce, saying she figured she could count on him to help.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYQuFOI1naP8a3UgIOdfobnmNzI23YRvVuHT-JL5PhpHTjZzOnX-IX-E3q4YNkHY-awwIIdMho48u2AlCKsUiuke7gi4Wq-7LnpKoN8D6LXT5w2zMd4vSY76LmYYLfFazC7WuUtlp9dx0/s1600/tumblr_plg8c3TWbk1r492byo1_540.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="275" data-original-width="540" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYQuFOI1naP8a3UgIOdfobnmNzI23YRvVuHT-JL5PhpHTjZzOnX-IX-E3q4YNkHY-awwIIdMho48u2AlCKsUiuke7gi4Wq-7LnpKoN8D6LXT5w2zMd4vSY76LmYYLfFazC7WuUtlp9dx0/s320/tumblr_plg8c3TWbk1r492byo1_540.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYNZotJhy4gQ_0PxlwjN7U7bfd_38R_KIWxjUFmhJhKICYmz_lvui1CVBMuJHqrLjBIkyafsvb18unzM5z2ne3vBdne8trbKNwjfGKX7D5wqJa24-3n1v9IDVWT-ZFZkIGoshRPmwI_ew/s1600/tumblr_plg8c3TWbk1r492byo2_540.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="275" data-original-width="540" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYNZotJhy4gQ_0PxlwjN7U7bfd_38R_KIWxjUFmhJhKICYmz_lvui1CVBMuJHqrLjBIkyafsvb18unzM5z2ne3vBdne8trbKNwjfGKX7D5wqJa24-3n1v9IDVWT-ZFZkIGoshRPmwI_ew/s320/tumblr_plg8c3TWbk1r492byo2_540.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://brvceselina.tumblr.com/post/182070500014/heightdifference">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
A little bit later, one of the refugees tells them he heard rumors about Jeremiah gathering followers in the Dark Zone at the other end of Gotham. However, the refugee warns them against entering this territory, saying that Jeremiah is the least of their problems if they step into the Dark Zone. He says that everyone there is insane and backs up this statement by showing them a friend of his who had the word "KILL" carved onto his chest several times by one particularly bloodthirsty gang.<br />
<br />
Bruce and Selina decide it's worth the risk and enter the Dark Zone together. Selina remarks that she recognizes the area; it used to be the "posh" part of town. Bruce replies that everyone with money got out of the city. Selina points out that he <i>didn't </i>leave, causing Bruce to simply say that he had a "reason to stay." (It's a sweet moment, but we all know that reason wasn't Selina. He stayed because of his one true love: VIGILANTE JUSTICE.)<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLoCDVliUStesssnOJoviFBhGzvaphIPczhimwUajvuej9jaBz7nbzZ47arWYRDqASWhkMSSIfHUxgKOne2PNSBePScki4LUe9qN8TyKa4I_IRxN_KxEtGdRwZvIdE9ZGxtofAriQtqZY/s1600/tumblr_p8wmh6f3sa1wx0nflo1_540.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="304" data-original-width="540" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLoCDVliUStesssnOJoviFBhGzvaphIPczhimwUajvuej9jaBz7nbzZ47arWYRDqASWhkMSSIfHUxgKOne2PNSBePScki4LUe9qN8TyKa4I_IRxN_KxEtGdRwZvIdE9ZGxtofAriQtqZY/s320/tumblr_p8wmh6f3sa1wx0nflo1_540.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKlS_DoVD0cF3wxF-8WgCxrI_LXNbBhFJIfXvquXAxvOfg_H7Q-FsnuFonLSa8j5ONfVamGJ_q594dLQgrHih5DvMRB1BS1FZdtGNrMudpr07WaZKPOGwnGBOwcoXZgnArdejtmFL1PSI/s1600/tumblr_p8wmh6f3sa1wx0nflo2_540.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="304" data-original-width="540" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKlS_DoVD0cF3wxF-8WgCxrI_LXNbBhFJIfXvquXAxvOfg_H7Q-FsnuFonLSa8j5ONfVamGJ_q594dLQgrHih5DvMRB1BS1FZdtGNrMudpr07WaZKPOGwnGBOwcoXZgnArdejtmFL1PSI/s320/tumblr_p8wmh6f3sa1wx0nflo2_540.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://oswaldcoblepot.tumblr.com/post/174008636705">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Selina and Bruce's conversation is interrupted by someone screaming for help. A man runs down the street with a nail bomb strapped to his chest, and they quickly duck down behind a car to avoid getting hit by the blast.<br />
<br />
After the smoke clears, they see a gang laughing over the dead body. The gang is full of people wearing leather, spiky hair, and visors<i>—</i>which might be a familiar sight if you've ever read or watched <i>The Dark Knight Returns </i>by Frank Miller. The story focuses on an older Bruce Wayne coming out of retirement and donning the mantle of Batman once more.<br />
<br />
In the beginning of the book, Batman must face down the Mutant Leader and his gang. By the looks of things, this is clearly the same gang. While <i>The Dark Knight Returns </i>isn't one of my favorite stories, I appreciate this cameo of the Mutant Gang, since they have a distinctive aesthetic that really fits into the post-apocalyptic, "Purge"-esque world that <i>Gotham </i>has become.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Pqmm4NRfpAFKxGUO6QFviahM01zr4xGivIdFLhlRLAqoDiNaHaFTwnthtX3ld1w74QY9ijJXQT_mrAoUgiqc7pgBaTZd45v0kLvUEVK_ucIeEPOO14ah2T8CzhHDvBezeh6m8U9z9Tc/s1600/ParallelCompleteBubblefish-size_restricted.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="368" data-original-width="480" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Pqmm4NRfpAFKxGUO6QFviahM01zr4xGivIdFLhlRLAqoDiNaHaFTwnthtX3ld1w74QY9ijJXQT_mrAoUgiqc7pgBaTZd45v0kLvUEVK_ucIeEPOO14ah2T8CzhHDvBezeh6m8U9z9Tc/s320/ParallelCompleteBubblefish-size_restricted.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://gfycat.com/parallelcompletebubblefish">Source</a></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoc_wvL_Gv2ZS4syntz2CItwQa1Q3PgQlfnna0L4XFvJFi-panri4v33_evQQEbQ-_1uBjT0kWwPh3Uw9D7EQzPmg2TEIc3oqtd1cgkzNfi4-ldweWKE9GWXm4gy7PoefQv4t3OZedtnc/s1600/f1fdad3172597e656f6cf959a7075604.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="414" data-original-width="736" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoc_wvL_Gv2ZS4syntz2CItwQa1Q3PgQlfnna0L4XFvJFi-panri4v33_evQQEbQ-_1uBjT0kWwPh3Uw9D7EQzPmg2TEIc3oqtd1cgkzNfi4-ldweWKE9GWXm4gy7PoefQv4t3OZedtnc/s320/f1fdad3172597e656f6cf959a7075604.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/Gotham/comments/a8vuzo/quick_shot_of_the_mutants_from_the_newest_trailer/">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
But I digress. Bruce tells the gang that they don't want any trouble and are just looking for Jeremiah. The gang replies that after they kill Bruce and Selina, they'll kill him too. Bruce asks Selina what she wants to do; she replies that the answer is simple: "Find the schoolyard's biggest bully and kick his teeth in."<br />
<br />
Bruce and Selina begin to fight the mutants. Bruce takes on several at once, while Selina fights one who appears to be the Leader (based off his large stature and bare chest, similar to that of the comic book character). She trash talks him and asks if he knows where Jeremiah is. Despite his brawn, she quickly gains the upper hand, slitting his ankles and then laying him out on the ground. She gets on top and begins to beat him, stabbing her metal claws into his chest. She says that if he doesn't tell her what she wants to know, her face will be the last thing he ever sees. The Leader gives in and says Jeremiah is in Old Town North.<br />
<br />
This isn't enough for Selina and she asks if he's lying. She then continues to stab and beat him. When Bruce can't talk her down, he stops her by using a grappling hook to grab her arm. She then steps away (rather cheerfully for someone who's just stabbed and beaten a man half to death) and says it was easy enough to find out where to go.<br />
<br />
Later on that night, Bruce and Selina continue to move through the Dark Zone. Bruce asks what she was doing to the Mutant Leader. Selina says that he and the other mutants needed to know she was serious, but Bruce says she didn't have to keep hurting him. Selina, however, says he was trying to kill her just like Jeremiah tried. In her mind, he got off easy. She asks whose side Bruce is on, and he replies that he's always on hers.<br />
<br />
The two of them then spot a building with windows that display a stained glass image of Jeremiah. They see people dressed in identical button-down shirts and slacks entering the building. Bruce and Selina follow them inside, where a masked woman in a white robe with black and red stripes welcomes them to "the church of Jeremiah Valeska."<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzyc-cuObqZjQMRZfM5HiuWqDYHGzpsgYpvwkrmR-oJl8HJB_QqX-WzZEuAXIhgGO46PmdxhaM-1B8I_fvHfTlg8pRPhZHItWFa9pWv8bO9lTBPMDxgjkm2CB755ha8nWUdWKl0MEMQmk/s1600/tumblr_oqderyh0f51rytoqro1_640.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzyc-cuObqZjQMRZfM5HiuWqDYHGzpsgYpvwkrmR-oJl8HJB_QqX-WzZEuAXIhgGO46PmdxhaM-1B8I_fvHfTlg8pRPhZHItWFa9pWv8bO9lTBPMDxgjkm2CB755ha8nWUdWKl0MEMQmk/s320/tumblr_oqderyh0f51rytoqro1_640.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://plain-dealing-villain.tumblr.com/post/160958276172">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
The masked woman says that everyone here wants to meet Jeremiah, but he requires a sign of faith. A few people stand up and the woman says that after they follow her up the stairs they'll have a chance to prove themselves. She then tells everyone else to leave.<br />
<br />
Selina, however, approaches the woman and tells her she wants to meet Jeremiah as well. The woman says that Selina doesn't look like one of his followers, but Selina replies that she's "witnessed his work firsthand" and "will never forget it." The woman allows her to follow them but whispers something to another cult member. After Selina goes up the stairs, the woman takes off her mask, revealing the painted face of Ecco.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://bridgtpike.tumblr.com/post/182100392945">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Ecco leaves the scene. Bruce, who's been skulking in the back, leaves to search the rest of the building. He finds a dark room with several dead bodies of worshipers.<br />
<br />
Elsewhere, Ecco leads Selina and the other followers into a blood-stained room. It's worth noting, in my opinion, that she's changed from her robe and mask to a more modern, motorcycle-rider look, complete with red and black leather, white fringe, and a messy updo.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://jerepsychomiah.tumblr.com/post/181301736635/harley-quinn-ecco-in-gotham-season-5">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
(This version of Harley has gotten to wear a lot of unique outfits so far. I'm starting to think I should rank them at the end of the season.)<br />
<br />
Ecco rips a cloth off of a table, revealing several six-shooter guns. Each person gets one gun and one bullet. Selina asks what's going on, and Ecco replies that it's a show of faith. She mocks Selina for being scared. Selina replies by grabbing one of the guns and spinning it around. She and the other followers then get in a circle with Ecco watching from a distance. Each person places their gun on the head of another in an even more twisted version of Russian Roulette. Ecco counts to three and then the guns go off.<br />
<br />
Some of the followers die, but Selina manages to block the gun behind her. Ecco sighs and says she's disappointed in her. Selina replies that she's not a "mindless idiot" who's willing to get shot in the head. Ecco then tells the other followers that Selina must have come to judge Jeremiah and his methods. Ecco says that while his methods seem like madness, they'll be the path to salvation for his followers. The statement echoes (no pun intended) Jeremiah's own claim of his sanity in season 4.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://endiness.tumblr.com/post/177460247942">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Ecco then dismisses the remaining followers and tells them that since they passed the test, they may "proceed and be reborn." She then asks if Selina didn't want to meet Jeremiah after all. Selina replies that she just doesn't want to play crazy games, and says that if it's so much fun, Ecco should play. Ecco cocks the gun and replies that she <i>did </i>play. She then brushes away a bit of hair to reveal a bloody wound on the side of her head. She says that the bullet's still there, and she can feel it "rattling inside her brain."<br />
<br />
(I wonder if she played her round of Russian Roulette prior to aiding Jeremiah's scheme in "That Old Corpse" or if he made her do it between seasons. The latter might make more sense, as she's certainly become a lot more talkative and visibly unhinged since her mostly-silent and more serious appearances in season 4.)<br />
<br />
Selina says she's insane, but Ecco says she was merely willing to look death in the face and allow her old self to die. She says that Jerome gave the same gift to Jeremiah.<br />
<br />
"Don't you want this?" she asks. "I know you do . . . Selina."<br />
<br />
Selina realizes that Ecco knows who she is, and Ecco replies that she and Jeremiah know <i>everything </i>about Bruce Wayne's life.<br />
<br />
Ecco says that Bruce wasn't willing to embrace his true self and neither is Selina. Selina says that Ecco might be right, but Jeremiah made her realize one thing: she <i>hates </i>having a gun pointed at her face. The two of them fight and Selina gets the better of Ecco, grabbing the gun and cocking it. Ecco replies that she always knew Selina could do it, she just needed "a kick in the pants."<br />
<br />
Bruce arrives and tells Selina to drop the gun. Ecco taunts her, saying she doesn't have it in her, but Selina says Ecco <i>deserves </i>to die. Bruce tells her to stop again, which distracts Selina long enough for Ecco to get loose, stab her, and run away.<br />
<br />
As they leave the room, Bruce tells Selina that they need to get her patched up. Instead of following Bruce, however, she handcuffs him to a nearby gate and says they've tried doing things his way, so now she's going to do it her way. She then chases after Ecco, leaving Bruce to call out her name in the darkness.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Verdict</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<b>Plot A: </b>I wasn't particularly interested in Plot A this week. Since the whole enemies-or-allies, on-and-off shtick has always been a part of Gordon and Penguin's relationship, their team-up at the end of the episode (and, as we know from the flash-forward, their team-up at the end of the season) was kind of a foregone conclusion.<br />
<br />
However, I am curious about two points. The first is why these past two episodes have spent time focusing on Will, who doesn't appear to be a particularly important character. All I can say is that minor side characters in <i>Gotham </i>are usually the first casualties in any conflict. So it's possible he's going to get hurt or worse later in the season, and the ensuing anger will fuel Gordon's fight against a, as-yet-unknown enemy.<br />
<br />
The second point I'm curious about is the identity of that as-yet-unknown enemy. Is it the same person who shot down the chopper in "Year Zero," or someone else? In either case, was Jeremiah Valeska the culprit? Or was it someone we haven't seen yet? Perhaps the culprit is a character who, if you've watched the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUe79BSig_4">season 5 trailers</a>, promises to be a major player in the ensuing drama.<br />
<br />
If you haven't seen the trailers, I don't dare spoil the surprise. All I'll say is that, this season, Gotham City has been cast into shadow. What better time to introduce a man who thrives in the darkness?<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Plot B: </b>For me, this was the more interesting part of the episode because it did more to develop individual characters and their place in the Batman mythos. This was especially the case with Selina and Ecco.<br />
<br />
For Selina, Ivy's cure seems to have improved her strength and reflexes, while awakening a sort of bloodlust and thirst for vengeance. (Though, to be fair, Selina's always been one to hold a grudge. In season 3, for instance, her immediate response to recovering from being pushed out of a window was to get out of bed and attempt to murder the person who pushed her out.)<br />
<br />
These changes serve to distance her from Bruce, morally speaking. <i>Gotham</i>'s version of Bruce is someone who, despite having a strong desire for vengeance, has mostly resisted the urge to kill those who have wronged him. (There is the obvious exception of Ra's al Ghul, but killing him resulted in a downward spiral of guilt and shame that Bruce wouldn't want to repeat.)<br />
<br />
Selina, on the other hand, has always done whatever it took to survive and protect the people she cared about (as evidenced by her pushing Reggie out of a window in season 1 to keep Bruce safe). Murder wasn't her first resort in the past, but now something has changed—and I'm not just talking about the effects of that seed thing she swallowed.<br />
<br />
At the end of season 4, Selina came closer to death than ever before and had her mobility stripped away for months. She's now living in a war zone where the stakes are high and the law is practically non-existent. That's enough to make her rethink what it takes to survive—and thanks to her new enhanced abilities, she doesn't have to run from a fight. To Selina, killing is what it takes to survive in this new Gotham City, and she's well-equipped for that.<br />
<br />
In other words, I understand the change in Selina and think it makes sense. Catwoman will always have a different moral code than Batman, and it's important that the show establishes that. While their other quarrels in the past have often been petty, the divide between the two of them that emerges in this episode is important. It's not a personality clash or a misunderstanding; it's a major moral difference.<br />
<br />
Also, shout-out for Selina's actress, Camren Bicondova, for not only looking like a young version of Michelle Pfeiffer's Catwoman in <i>Batman Returns</i> but also mimicking her extremely well.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://thorodinson.tumblr.com/post/148206565809/michelle-pfeiffer-in-batman-returns-1992">Source</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://garfiledlogan.tumblr.com/post/182112967053/slice-and-dice-little-chicky">Source</a></span></div>
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<br /></div>
But enough about Selina. Let's move on to the harlequin herself: Ecco.<br />
<br />
Ecco probably says more words in this episode than in all of her other appearances put together. It's clear that joining Jeremiah's cause has brought out a more ostentatious, deranged, showy side of her. One thing hasn't changed, though: she's as devoted to Jeremiah as ever, to the point that one wonders if she even hesitated to stay with him after his transformation.<br />
<br />
Ecco's version of Harley Quinn is unique in that it's certainly less comedic than other takes (particularly the character's debut in <i>Batman: The Animated Series </i>or "<i>BTAS"</i>). This Harley might laugh it up, but she's certainly not joking around. She's willing to kill without mercy, and she's certainly not as amicable or goofy as her <i>BTAS </i>counterpart.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://wouldyouliketoseemymask.tumblr.com/post/174924847003/youll-never-know-how-this-heart-of-mine-is">Source</a></span></div>
<b style="color: red;"><br /></b>
While I prefer the more lighthearted, cartoonish version of Harley, that approach wouldn't work for Ecco, Jeremiah, or <i>Gotham </i>itself. For one thing, Ecco was introduced as a cold and efficient bodyguard to Jeremiah who was competent enough to single-handedly knock out and capture Jerome. It makes sense that her new alter ego would be just as ruthless. Turning her into a clown wouldn't make sense.<br />
<br />
As for Jeremiah, I've said it before: so far, he's been a cold, calculating version of the Joker. He's a harsh person who (most likely) wouldn't want to put up with the hijinks of a bubbly, comedic sidekick. His version of Harley has to be just as ruthless as he is.<br />
<br />
And let's be honest: <i>Gotham</i>, for all of its quirks, humor, and comic-book shenanigans, <i>is </i>a dark show. I might be wrong, but I don't think the comedic antihero version of Harley Quinn would gel with its mood.<br />
<br />
All this to say that I think the changes to both female characters are smart, interesting, and effective. Selina feels more like Catwoman than ever, and Ecco's starting to cement her own, unique take on the Harley Quinn character.<br />
<br />
<b>Overall: </b>I enjoyed this episode and it raised a lot of questions about the rest of the season. "Penguin, Our Hero" helped raise both the tension and stakes of this season after last week's lull. All in all, I'd probably give it an 8/10. If this episode is anything to go by, it'll be nigh-impossible to look away from every second of the nine remaining episodes.<br />
<br />
Come back next week for a recap of "Ruins" (5x04). Until then, feel free to comment below with your thoughts, opinions, and theories.<br />
<br />
I'll see you next week, Gothamites. Until then, stay sharp, and remember: cult worship and Russian Roulette are never the answer to your problems.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4675533200914366163.post-51692739809524180132019-01-16T05:00:00.000-08:002019-01-16T05:00:10.633-08:00'Gotham' Recap: "Trespassers" (5x02)<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8eX_KfxXNfEyqBnos2D780eRKNqGFXpEvh3xgVfL5iuodjbJNH67cY6T7nAxKhrS4__thp2OFYyjs7QslPCvfFSO2AnX-4vAiYhuSoCI0drBmwWMK9JMKdyrZ4Ow1iVfoJ1slr5JPOmw/s1600/Gotham-502-11.jpg"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8eX_KfxXNfEyqBnos2D780eRKNqGFXpEvh3xgVfL5iuodjbJNH67cY6T7nAxKhrS4__thp2OFYyjs7QslPCvfFSO2AnX-4vAiYhuSoCI0drBmwWMK9JMKdyrZ4Ow1iVfoJ1slr5JPOmw/s640/Gotham-502-11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.flickeringmyth.com/2019/01/promo-images-for-gotham-season-5-episode-2-trespassers/gotham-502-11/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Source</span></a></div>
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Well, you know what they say: Another week, another Wednesday, another <i>Gotham </i>recap. (Well, “they” as in me.) <br />
<br />
We’re two episodes into this season with ten to go. This week’s episode is called “Trespassers.” It focuses on three different plots: Gordon’s mission to save child slaves from a factory in a dangerous part of the city, Bruce’s quest to find the Witch who can supposedly cure Selina, and the Riddler’s ongoing attempts to figure out what he’s been doing in his sleep. <br />
<br />
<b>Warning:</b> the following recap contains SPOILERS, as per usual, and the episode contains some abuse towards children and mentions of suicide.<br />
<br />
<b>Plot A: Oliver, But With a Twist </b><br />
<br />
Gordon tells Harvey that the orphaned boy who came to them is named Will Thomas. Will’s parents were killed in a home invasion after the bridges blew and the killers (part of a group called the “Soothsayers”) took him to a factory in the Granton District where he and other stolen kids are chained together and forced to dig a tunnel. Will was able to break free and came to the GCPD for help. <br />
<br />
Will asks if Gordon can save his friends and adds that the Soothsayers are probably angry about his escape and will punish the other kids as a result. Gordon promises to help. <br />
<br />
Harvey, however, points out that there’s still a bounty on Gordon’s head and adds that if even if Gordon doesn’t get hurt, the people around him might get shot instead. <br />
<br />
Gordon puts the conversation on hold to answer a call from his radio. Someone from the outside (presumably the government again), says that in order to maintain peace, Gordon needs to avoid confrontation. Gordon insists that the GCPD is the only one who can rescue the enslaved kids, but the voice says he’s missing the bigger picture. If Gordon’s mission is successful but he dies in the process, then he has jeopardized everyone who depends on him in order to save only a few lives. The voice says that Gordon needs to stay in the green zone and protect everyone who’s already inside. <br />
<br />
Gordon says he needs supplies, not opinions, but the voice replies that neither the government nor Wayne Enterprises can send in any pilots until the airspace is declared safe. Gordon calls the voice out for hypocritically caring more about a couple of pilots than the thousands of people in Gotham (in other words, putting the needs of the few above the many, just as they told him <i>not </i>to do). <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/latenightseth-seth-meyers-lnsm-2kVjoedxzRhjcFtYui">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Gordon then tells Harvey that they need five men and transport for 20 kids or more. The two of them divvy up ammo for the mission, and Gordon says they’ll need to pass through Sirens territory to get to the Granton district, which will be four miles into the dark zone. Harvey’s not happy about this, as they have no idea what’s in the dark zone. He also points out that Barbara won’t be happy to see Jim after what happened to Tabitha. Gordon ignores this and tells Lucius that they’ll need housing for the kids when they return.<br />
<br />
After arriving in Barbara’s territory, Gordon enters the Sirens’ Club, which is pretty busy. She asks why he’s out in the open when there are people ready to kill him for Penguin’s bounty. He says it’s because he needs a favor. Barbara laughs sarcastically and says that he did nothing when Tabitha was killed. Gordon points out that he did shoot Penguin, but Barbara says the shot only restored Penguin’s limp. She yells that she wants Penguin dead and then screams for all of the club’s guests to leave.<br />
<br />
All the people clear the room, and Gordon asks if she’s planning revenge on Penguin. She says someone has to get rid of him. Gordon points out that attacking Penguin would be suicide, but Barbara says everyone in Gotham is slowly dying; there are just some people who get to choose how they die. <br />
<br />
Gordon says he’s sorry for her loss and says he’s trying to keep the city from falling apart. Barbara says it’s too late and asks what favor he needs. Gordon says that he needs transportation. When she asks what for, all he says is that it’s a police matter. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://captainchilly.tumblr.com/post/181912689276/theyre-downstairs-in-the-basement-lot-knock">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
She tells him where her trucks are and says “to knock himself out” but adds that he won’t last the night. As he leaves, she yells that all of Gotham is coming to kill Gordon, coming to kill its “most hated son,” and adds that no one deserves death more than he does. She then begins to cry and grabs a drink.<br />
<br />
Later, as the GCPD enters the dark zone, Harvey remarks that the Granton District was already a cesspit before the bridges blew. Gordon guesses that not many people stayed in the area but is soon proven wrong as gangs emerge and begin to throw things (including arrows and other projectiles) at his truck. One of the gangs that spots the GCPD is made up of people with their faces painted to look like skulls.<br />
<br />
Inside the factory that Will mentioned, a child collapses from exhaustion and one of the guards shocks him with a cattle prod. An older boy, Gabriel, rushes in and a masked guard, Sykes, asks if he’s making trouble again. Gabriel says that the kids needs water and food and adds that some haven’t slept in two days. Sykes says that Gabriel could’ve woken him up when Will ran away but chose not to.<br />
<br />
Sykes then removes his mask. He says that if Will inhales the smoke from the masks (which all the guards wear), it’ll give him energy and see the future. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.sharegif.com/i-sometimes-think-i-can-do-crystal-meth.html">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Sykes says that Gabriel doesn’t understand the importance of the work they’re doing. Once the tunnel is complete, the Soothsayers will have exclusive access to the mainland, and people will be force to do business with them.<br />
<br />
Gabriel points out that the kids have been digging for a month and have only made it 100 feet. The tunnel is also too narrow, and when the roof collapses, the whole thing will flood. Sykes yells at Gabriel for being too negative and pulls a gun on him. Before he can pull the trigger, another Soothsayer approaches and tells Sykes that he needs to step outside.<br />
<br />
Sykes and other Soothsayers meet the GCPD outside, and Gordon tells them to put their weapons down. Sykes says that this must be their lucky day; all they have to do is kill Gordon and they’ll be “bullet-rich.” The GCPD close in, and Gordon tells the Soothsayers again to lay down their guns. They do. <br />
<br />
Gordon says that if the Soothsayers give them the kids, they’ll leave. Sykes claims that he doesn’t know about any kids and says the cattle prods are just for “fun.” Gordon doesn’t believe it and grabs Sykes’ keys. He tells the other officers to stay outside and shoot Sykes if he moves. Gordon then steps inside and frees the kids.<br />
<br />
Outside, Sykes asks Harvey why anyone would choose to be a cop in Gotham. Harvey snarkily replies that the costume shop was out of gas masks, so "it was either this or sexy nurse."<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://lankybrunettepartdeux.tumblr.com/post/181912468180/five-seasons-in-and-harveys-still-the-best-damn">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
During this exchange, one of the Soothsayers sneaks up on Harvey. Sykes tells Harvey that they don’t have enough ammo to “shoot a duck.” Harvey says they do, thanks to Penguin. They don’t believe him, but Gordon emerges and quickly shoots down the man who tried to get Harvey. This starts a shootout. <br />
<br />
At the same time, the officers try to usher the kids into the truck safely. Gabriel helps the others in and spots two straggling girls. He goes over to help them, and the truck takes off, leaving Harvey and Gordon to cover the three kids and run away from Sykes’ gang.<br />
<br />
The five of them hide in an abandoned hotel to get out of the daylight. Harvey points out that the lit candle in the room means that someone else was there recently. Gordon says that in the old west, settlers used to leave candles burning to lead others to safety and speculates that maybe kind people left it. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/christine-taylor-jan-brady-38fblIIrHLMPe">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
(I appreciate the optimism, Gordon, but this ain’t the 1800s.)<br />
<br />
Gordon tells the kids to stay put while they look around. Gordon says he’ll take the next floor and tells Harvey to check the basement. Harvey (ever the genre-savvy cop) sarcastically asks, “What could go wrong?” but agrees to check it out. After the two of them go their separate ways, however, a masked woman in an old-fashioned dress appears behind the children.<br />
<br />
Upstairs, Gordon finds a little boy and tells him it’s okay to come out. <br />
<br />
Downstairs, however, Harvey finds a kitchen where glasses, watches, and teeth are set on platters—and the fireplace is full of bones. The woman appears and tries to attack him, and he runs to away while screaming for Jim.<br />
<br />
Gordon asks the kid what his name is, but he says he can’t remember. Gordon asks about his parents, and the boy says that a gang murdered them and after he ran away, a woman found him. He calls her “the Ghost” and says that while she was kind at first, she can be very cruel.<br />
<br />
Harvey joins them and says they need to leave because of the crazy lady. The kid agrees, saying that the Ghost hates strangers. Gordon says that there’s no such thing as ghosts and says they can protect him. The kid says they can’t and that the woman makes him call her “Mother.” He then closes the room’s doors and locks Gordon and Harvey inside.<br />
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<a href="http://rebloggy.com/post/my-stuff-parks-and-recreation-amy-poehler-angel-darling-babydoll/40854249304">Source</a></div>
<br />
The lights begin to flicker on and off and the boy says they’ll make the men fall dizzy and fall asleep. Harvey starts to collapse, and Gordon beats on the door. The kid says they can’t fight it and that they should just give in.<br />
<br />
Suddenly, “Mother” appears behind Jim and attacks him and Harvey. They fight back, and Harvey smashes a window to let in the light. They knock off her mask and ask who she is. She claims to be the only mother the boy knows and says she’s protecting him from people outside who would’ve “killed him or worse.” She adds that she taught him how to survive. She then gets loose and runs away.<br />
<br />
Harvey and Gordon go back to the kids and tell them they need to leave. As they exit, they go over ammo and Gordon notes that he only has two bullets left in his gun. They try to get in a car and escape, but the Soothsayers approach them before they can leave. <br />
<br />
Sykes says he’s gonna kill them all, but before he can, the skull gang emerges and their female leader says that she’s going to be the one to collect the bounty on Gordon. Sykes replies that he’ll take his head and she can have the rest. As they argue, Gordon shoots the skull woman down, meaning that he’s down to one bullet.<br />
<br />
Suddenly, Barbara shows up in a tank and shoots down both gangs before they can lay a finger on Gordon.<br />
<br />
She says she might’ve been “a little rash” during their last talk and asks if the kids were the “police matter” he mentioned. Sykes tries to attack Barbara from behind, but Gordon shoots him down. <br />
<br />
“Your last bullet just for me?” she snarks. “Must be love.”<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/aww-shrek-AJUB4zXLWDkZy"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="giphy-embed" frameborder="0" height="274" src="https://giphy.com/embed/AJUB4zXLWDkZy" width="480"></iframe></a></div>
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<a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/aww-shrek-AJUB4zXLWDkZy">Source</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
(Don’t do this, <i>Gotham.</i> Don’t make me hope that Jim and Barbara can be reconciled. Every time I hope for that, you pull the rug right under my feet and I look like an idiot.)<br />
<br />
Barbara says they’re still not quite even and says that Gordon’s going to help her kill Penguin. He says that they’ll discuss it after they get the kids to safety. <br />
<br />
Once they’re back in the green zone, Lucius shows them the new apartments he found at Gordon’s request, which have gas but no electricity (yet). He mentions that after the kids arrived, the word got out that there’s a safe place to live and several citizens came flooding in. He predicts that the area will be full by nightfall, but Gordon says they’ll find more places to house people. <br />
<br />
Barbara decides to leave, but tells Gordon that she’ll be back because the two of them have "unfinished business."<br />
<br />
<b>Plot B: Witch Hunts and Weird Herbs </b><br />
<br />
Bruce opens a vine-covered wrought-iron fence and enters into an abandoned, overgrown park in the dead of night. As he steps inside a nearby building, he finds several dead bodies that are covered in more vines.<br />
<br />
A group of three men approach him and ask if he’s with the witch. He says he’s not, but he needs her help. The men tell him that other people tried asking for help too, but she killed all of them, “took their souls,” and now they’re stuck in the vines. They add that they’ve managed to subdue the Witch by locking her in a storeroom, stripping it of all plants (because she can “talk” to them), depriving her of light and water, and placing salt on the floor. Once more men arrive, they plan to burn her for good.<br />
<br />
Bruce decides to lie and tells them that the Witch took his brother and he needs to find out what she did with him. He tells them that he only needs five minutes alone with her, and they reluctantly agree. He looks in at the storeroom through a window and sees Poison Ivy lying on the ground, looking pretty pathetic.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/PSxEa2x2PpQjK">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Bruce steps inside. Ivy recognizes him and asks for help. She claims that she didn’t kill the men, but he’s not so sure he believes her. Ivy insists that it wasn’t her; it was the park. The trees, the plants and the roots are all speaking to one another and protected her when the men came to kill her.<br />
<br />
Bruce says that he might be able to help her if she helps his “friend” who got shot (figuring that since Selina and Ivy had a falling-out, it might be best to leave her name out of it). He explains that the bullet severed his friend’s spinal cord and someone said Ivy could help.<br />
<br />
Ivy tells him that ever since Gotham was cut off from the mainland, the park started behaving differently and new plants started growing, plants even she didn’t recognize. One of these is a seed growing under the oaks. The seed, she claims, has magical qualities and can heal damaged tissue and bone. She says that if Bruce protects her from the men, she’ll help him find it. <br />
<br />
He agrees and lets her out of the cell. The men immediately tell him to lock the Witch back up, and he tries to talk them down, saying that he takes full responsibility for Ivy and will make sure that if she really did kill those men, she’ll pay for her crimes. But before he can convince the men, Ivy quickly slits their throats and gets the upper hand. <br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/smdh-VxmlM2Ui8iUyQ">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
She mocks Bruce for being naive (though, to be fair, he probably released her more out of desperation than anything else). He says she didn’t have to kill the men, but Ivy says she wanted to. She then asks why he came to her, and he explains that Selina was shot, became paralyzed, and lost the will to live. Ivy says that she doesn’t care, since Selina destroyed the last of the Lazarus Pit water and wouldn’t go along with Ivy’s plans (it’s a shame really; she could really use some of that water right now).<br />
<br />
Bruce, however, doesn’t believe that Ivy really wants Selina to suffer and points out that the two girls grew up together on the street and were once friends. Ivy changes the subject, saying that she was telling the truth about the park’s transformation. She’s been feeding the earth with men. The land consumes their bodies and flourishes as a result. Ivy says she’ll plant Bruce in the ground next and wonders what will grow from his corpse.<br />
<br />
Bruce tells her the men were right about Ivy; she is a murderous, callous witch. She asks if he’s trying to bait her, but Bruce says he wouldn’t waste his breath on that, since there’s clearly no good in her. He points out that if the park were really thriving, it would be full of beauty and color; instead, it’s a nightmare that smells of death. Ivy, taken aback by this accusation, asks if Bruce will leave her alone if she helps him. He doesn’t answer, but she takes it as a yes and tells him to follow her.<br />
<br />
Ivy leads him through the park until she reaches a tree. She touches it, bends down and sinks her hands into the dirt. She pulls out bloody, living seed of flesh attached to a root and hands it to Bruce. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://jaasontodds.tumblr.com/post/181926343441/gotham-season-5-episode-two-trespassers-here">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Ivy says that if Selina ingests the “seed,” it’ll go straight to the wound and fuse the nerves and cartilage together. He asks if it’ll cure her, and Ivy says maybe; it depends on how strong she is.<br />
<br />
Whether it cures her or not, Ivy adds, seed will change her forever. She says that some people (though it’s hard to say who these people are, since she’s a psychopathic plant-loving hermit) say the seed “unlocks the darker angels” of a person’s nature. She asks if Bruce and Selina are both willing to live with that consequence, and he replies that he doesn’t see any other way to cure her.<br />
<br />
When Bruce hesitates, Ivy asks if he trusts her. He replies that he doesn’t.<br />
<br />
“Good,” she says. “Then you’re finally becoming a man.” She tells him to leave soon, as the seed’s power will die if it’s left out in the open for too long.<br />
<br />
Bruce returns to the clinic and asks Alfred how Selina’s doing. He replies that she hasn’t said a word since Bruce left and asks if Bruce found the Witch. Bruce explains that it was Ivy and shows him the seed that will supposedly help Selina. Alfred asks if they can really trust it to work, since they both know that Ivy’s a killer.<br />
<br />
Selina, having overheard the conversation, tells them to give her the seed. She reminds them that she already tried to kill herself, so she doesn’t care whether Ivy’s trying to poison her or not. Bruce hands her the seed and she swallows it. She waits for a second, and at first nothing happens. <br />
<br />
Selina reflects on her friendship with Ivy, saying that even though Ivy’s clearly gone insane, she still thinks of her as a little girl that she looked after and took care of when she was sick (specifically in season 1, episode 11, “Rogues Gallery”). <br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://stabbybabz.tumblr.com/post/181924361876">Source</a></span></div>
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<br /></div>
This tearjerker of a moment is interrupted when Selina begins to shake and shutter. Alfred calls for a doctor and the clinic’s staff rushes in. Bruce, terrified, wonders what he’s done to her.<br />
<br />
Some time later, the doctor explains to Bruce and Alfred that after Selina swallowed the seed, her body went into shock. Her temperature and white blood cell count were high, but after a time, everything stabilized, though he has no idea why. Selina was still in a lot of pain, so they sedated her. He suggests that they come back in the morning and Alfred agrees.<br />
<br />
Bruce, however, looks back at the room and sees that Selina’s bed is empty. He rushes in and sees an empty window. Selina emerges from a shadowy corner of the room, walking upright with her eyes closed. Bruce says it’s a miracle and asks how she feels. <br />
<br />
She says she feels different, but she’s not in pain—in fact, she feels even better than she did before she was shot. She opens her wide green eyes and smiles, and Bruce hugs her. However, while they’re still embracing, Selina closes her eyes and reopens them again. As she does, her pupils transform from circles to cat-like slits.<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://jokerous.tumblr.com/post/181932305337/look-around-jim-were-all-slowly-dying-except">Source</a></span></div>
<b><br />
</b> <b>Plot C: Last Friday Night ft. the Riddler </b><br />
<br />
Elsewhere, the Riddler wakes up chained to a table. He laughs happily and says that his plan to stop himself from sleepwalking was a success. He then unlocks the chains and heads to the bathroom, telling himself that the whole thing must’ve been a random phenomenon brought on by stress. <br />
<br />
However, as the Riddler is in the bathroom, he hears someone groaning. He pulls back the shower curtain only to find a man tied up and gagged. He puts the curtain back and tries to tell himself it’s all in his head and there’s nothing there, but when he opens the shower again, the man’s still there.<br />
<br />
The Riddler rips off the guy’s gag and asks for his name. The guy is both confused and annoyed that the Riddler doesn’t remember but identifies himself as Tank, a member of the Street Demons’ gang. The Riddler asks what Tank is doing in his bathroom, and Tank says that the Riddler brought him here, tortured him, and tied him up.<br />
<br />
The Riddler asks why he would’ve done that, and Tank exasperatedly replies that he had information the Riddler wanted. Since Tank won’t say what the information was, the Riddler decides to go back to square one and torture Tank all over again.<br />
<br />
After a bit of off-screen torture, Tank gives up and tells Riddler that the last time he tortured him, it was to find out where the Street Demons’ base was and to make sure that the boss, Emmanuel Vasquez, would be there that night. The Riddler asks Tank about his mannerisms, trying to figure out if it was Ed that did the torturing and interrogation. <br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://lankybrunettepartdeux.tumblr.com/post/181911898755/ok-how-did-i-seem-was-i">Source</a></span></div>
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<br /></div>
Tank says that the last time when the Riddler captured him, he was stiff, quiet, and seemed to be in some sort of daze. The Riddler doesn’t know what to make of that and decides to go the base to figure out why he went there before. <br />
<br />
When Tank and Riddler arrive at the base, they find several dead bodies, one of which is Vasquez. Tank asks if Riddler did it, but he replies that he doesn’t remember. The two of them then spot a message spray-painted in white on the wall, which reads: PENGUIN WAS HERE. The Riddler, however, doubts that Penguin would’ve left the note. Tank says that whoever did just started a war. <br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></b> <b><span style="font-size: large;">The Verdict</span></b><br />
<br />
<b>Plot A:</b> As far as I can tell, Plot A had two main purposes: to introduce Mother and to establish Gordon and Barbara as uneasy allies.<br />
<br />
I have mixed feelings about Mother. On the one hand, I would be fine if her only cameo was in this episode. This is a 12-episode season, so it would be inefficient to spend time focused on a minor villain who probably won’t play a big role in the overall arc.<br />
<br />
On the other hand, it might be illogical for Gordon to just forget about the crazy female serial killer who’s got some kid in a truly loco version of <i>loco parentis</i>. So I might understand if he felt compelled to confront Mother again, even if I’d rather focus on other things. <br />
<br />
As for Barbara, I’m interested to see how her plan to kill Penguin goes, though I doubt that the <i>Gotham </i>writers kill him off, since he’s:<br />
<ol>
<li>A major Batman villain.</li>
<li>Arguably the show’s biggest breakout character, short of Jerome.</li>
<li>One of the three characters the show focuses on most (the other two being Gordon and Bruce)</li>
<li>An openly gay character (Since the writers have already killed the bisexual Tabitha; I doubt they’d risk alienating LGBTQ fans by killing Penguin as well.)</li>
<li>Already survived assassination attempts from Fish, Maroni, the Van Dahls, the Riddler, Sofia Falcone and several other baddies.</li>
</ol>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_2101559083"></span>Source<span id="goog_2101559084"></span></a></span></div>
<br />
Still, it’ll be interesting to see if Jim agrees to help with this revenge scheme and, if so, how he’ll fix things up with Penguin in time for the flash-forward team-up that we saw in episode one. <br />
<br />
Also, a part of me wonders if there’s any chance that the Barbara/Jim relationship will be touched on this season, if not re-established. I’m not saying it makes sense for him to get back together with her after all the crazy things she’s done, but I’d like to see them reach a sort of closure, you know?<br />
<br />
I think they might achieve that by working together this season. If I had to make an educated guess, here’s what I think might happen (POSSIBLE SPOILERS AHEAD):<br />
<br />
Barbara wasn’t in the flash-forward scene, which makes me think she might not live through the entire season. My theory is that she’ll make some sort of selfless sacrifice for Jim or the greater good, causing him to ultimately forgive her (and, perhaps, one day name <a href="http://batman.wikia.com/wiki/Barbara_Gordon">his daughter </a>after her).<br />
<br />
(END SPOILERS.)<br />
<br />
But I digress. While Plot A wasn’t boring, it felt a little pointless, since it’s unlikely we’ll see the Soothsayers or the skull gang again. <br />
<br />
<b>Plot B: </b>This might’ve been my favorite part of the episode. Even though it’s a little bit of a deus ex machine for Ivy to know about some magical healing seed, it was interesting to see Bruce having to work with her, persuade her, and trust her despite their differences. It was also a nice send-off to Ivy and Selina’s friendship and seems to hint that even though they’re estranged, maybe there’s hope for them in the future.<br />
<br />
Of course, if you want a classic Gotham City Sirens team-up, they might have a ways to go in recruiting the third member of that trio.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/98gSNb2dxF8" width="560"></iframe><br /></div>
<br />
By the looks of next week’s trailer, Selina’s quest to get revenge on Jeremiah will put her in the path of Ecco, who’s basically Harley Quinn in all but name (just as Jeremiah is the Joker in all but name).<br />
<br />
On the subject of Selina herself, I’m curious to see how the seed changed her. I’m hoping it didn’t give her any outlandish abilities, like in the TV show <i>Birds of Prey </i>(2002) or the film <i>Catwoman </i>(2004). I’d prefer it if it just improved her natural abilities to a slightly-above-human degree and maybe heightened her senses. But I don’t want her sprouting actual claws from her hands or sniffing catnip, ya know?<br />
<br />
Still, I guess time will tell.<br />
<br />
<b>Plot C</b>: Honestly, the Riddler’s subplot is still the least interesting part of the show, but I am curious to see where it goes. It almost sounds like he might be developing a third personality, one who’s trying to create trouble for Penguin. I’m not sure that I care for the idea of Nygma developing a third identity (he’s got enough trouble juggling Ed and the Riddler), but since I haven’t seen this possible identity onscreen yet, I’ll try to keep an open mind.<br />
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<b>Overall: </b>While “Trespassers” isn’t necessarily a bad episode, it certainly felt like less of a bombshell than “Year Zero.” It also moved a bit more slowly and focused on some (seemingly) unimportant characters, which is a bit annoying given that, as I said before, this season will only be 12 episodes long. That means that every second is precious. Does it really make sense to waste one of those episodes on fighting gangs we’ve never seen before and likely will never see again? Not really.<br />
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Handing out a letter grade would make me feel like <i>The A.V. Club</i>, though, so I’ll just rate this episode as a 7 out of 10.<br />
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I’ll be back next week with a recap of “Penguin, Our Hero.” Until then, have a good week and do your best to steer clear of witches! <br />
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<a href="https://imgur.com/gallery/SMM1c1z">Source</a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4675533200914366163.post-63989048078039391492019-01-09T05:00:00.000-08:002019-01-09T05:36:31.147-08:00'Gotham' Recap: "Year Zero" (5x01)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpE8VhRi1RmivyTLTWN5MM_KMNekYOlYEl3g4VKlzmKqAKM3XyDqhPh60H4uReFPXXMZMSnEI6_E8WcU8X9lFmvI0-wj5V9uv4kpGKTqr21QPOKlwTCEoddiDave_ot5GcLSsHyGUJMvw/s1600/Gotham-s5-premiere-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="620" data-original-width="963" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpE8VhRi1RmivyTLTWN5MM_KMNekYOlYEl3g4VKlzmKqAKM3XyDqhPh60H4uReFPXXMZMSnEI6_E8WcU8X9lFmvI0-wj5V9uv4kpGKTqr21QPOKlwTCEoddiDave_ot5GcLSsHyGUJMvw/s640/Gotham-s5-premiere-5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.flickeringmyth.com/2018/12/promo-images-for-gothams-season-5-premiere-year-zero/gotham-s5-premiere-5/">Source</a></span></div>
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Welcome back, Gothamites. It was a long hiatus between seasons—231 days to be exact—but the wait is over. Everyone's favorite (or, at least, <i>my </i>favorite) Batman prequel is back for its fifth and final season, <i>Gotham: Legend of the Dark Knight.</i></div>
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If you need a refresher on what happened at the end of season four, click <a href="http://www.thefangirlinitiative.com/2018/05/gotham-recap-no-mans-land-4x22.html">here</a> for my recap of "No Man's Land."</div>
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The season kicked off on Thursday with episode "Year Zero." It's worth nothing that the title is a reference to two famous Batman origin stories: <i>Year One</i> by Frank Miller<i> </i>and <i>Zero Year</i> by Scott Snyder (not to be confused with Zack Snyder, who directed <i>Batman v. Superman</i>). </div>
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While both comics tell about Batman's earliest days as a somewhat inexperience crime fighter, they are extremely different in tone and style. <i>Year One </i>is a gritty, realistic story that gives equal time to Bruce Wayne's development as a vigilante and Jim Gordon's moral dilemmas during his early days at the GCPD. </div>
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<i>Zero Year </i>is a story from the <a href="http://dc.wikia.com/wiki/The_New_52">New 52 reboot</a> that focuses on Bruce operating first as a faceless and anonymous vigilante against a high-tech Red Hood Gang and then becoming Batman and taking on the Riddler. The story features the usual Gotham City fare—threats to poison the water supply, cryptic riddles and conspiracies, and plenty of incredible gadgets—while still focusing on Bruce's character development and even paying homage to <i>Year One</i>. </div>
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Here's the funny thing, though: when you combine those two stories together, you get the recipe for <i>Gotham </i>itself: a mix of gritty realism, moral dilemmas, conspiracies and comic-book plots that focus on both Jim Gordon and Bruce Wayne as they grow into their respective roles. Thusly, "Year Zero" is one of the most fitting episode titles ever used by the show. </div>
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The episode itself focuses on two main plots: the competing efforts of Gordon, Penguin and Barbara to obtain supplies months after the bridge bombings, and the Riddler's latest mental breakdown. Warning: the following recap contains MASSIVE SPOILERS and a SUICIDAL TRIGGER. </div>
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<b>Plot A: The Purge - Gotham Edition</b></div>
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The episode opens with a flash-forward to day 391 since Jeremiah Valeska blew up Gotham's bridges and made the city into an island.</div>
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On day 391, the song "We'll Meet Again" plays on a record as the Riddler puts the finishing touches on his outfit . . . meaning that there will never be a better time to use this gifset:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfyGRY7_12lP9nFjY37XKgvGg-15NXvcDt1ougwoz9KFY38rJE1rYmP13uG1zBeHF3GKMmMv9vrjh_tfZ2_nuelwQJxP4zA-Q_UboZbnRmEP8bj03KoLX88HkcMWIHLck4FufWHNGV1G8/s1600/tumblr_o2m6lvRAgb1rz6w0do1_640.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="305" data-original-width="542" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfyGRY7_12lP9nFjY37XKgvGg-15NXvcDt1ougwoz9KFY38rJE1rYmP13uG1zBeHF3GKMmMv9vrjh_tfZ2_nuelwQJxP4zA-Q_UboZbnRmEP8bj03KoLX88HkcMWIHLck4FufWHNGV1G8/s320/tumblr_o2m6lvRAgb1rz6w0do1_640.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf3dLx7iZfKGmQTybNMDz09Er05HFMUsgeSRzm6v_8CcOZr8O_vKwQ61gtcXmyP_uY1PtXYaAEaLMQ6J-HMRfmnO1Y4b2ySipMWZ8lClzT6YOZgNmcLQ0ZrTWz44WNcW3j7-YkXjYbDsE/s1600/tumblr_o2m6lvRAgb1rz6w0do2_640.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="305" data-original-width="542" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf3dLx7iZfKGmQTybNMDz09Er05HFMUsgeSRzm6v_8CcOZr8O_vKwQ61gtcXmyP_uY1PtXYaAEaLMQ6J-HMRfmnO1Y4b2ySipMWZ8lClzT6YOZgNmcLQ0ZrTWz44WNcW3j7-YkXjYbDsE/s320/tumblr_o2m6lvRAgb1rz6w0do2_640.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://doafhat.com/post/139391579453/see-you-again-some-sunny-day-gravity-falls">Source</a></span></div>
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The Riddler wears a fancy green suit and sets a playing card (an ace with a question mark on it) in his jacket pocket. He then dons his bowler hat and grabs a machine gun. </div>
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Elsewhere, Penguin's minions finish up his makeup, give him red-tinted sunglasses, and hand him a knife and a machine gun (like he's starring in the world's most badass Maybelline commercial).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic3xQdEpsT2M-UI9SpYWj6w1RudQZ2nT1NZ8b7sISUezhKweM9wNZLgpgMBL1IhreSS0QMDJHZA0PzarzdjYy-x9uW_EmpJp4-hv5-Cw_U-gHaRKV4CYczp750Qxe7hRU054JUzI6fH3I/s1600/tumblr_pkshksu2TK1qb4op4o2_540.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="540" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic3xQdEpsT2M-UI9SpYWj6w1RudQZ2nT1NZ8b7sISUezhKweM9wNZLgpgMBL1IhreSS0QMDJHZA0PzarzdjYy-x9uW_EmpJp4-hv5-Cw_U-gHaRKV4CYczp750Qxe7hRU054JUzI6fH3I/s320/tumblr_pkshksu2TK1qb4op4o2_540.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqMvdarXAnXTdegMKEcz7nohMcwVtJHZmxbiAl6cbt7SxW85k6dpDb4iG9-thn_o2xoIaQblrUhl_VQCwTZTyt5vlv2ooGWbz4JEIY0UUITrE9YtxMyH8XUahwvUN2PQ3fifywwLbloho/s1600/tumblr_pkshksu2TK1qb4op4o4_540.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="540" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqMvdarXAnXTdegMKEcz7nohMcwVtJHZmxbiAl6cbt7SxW85k6dpDb4iG9-thn_o2xoIaQblrUhl_VQCwTZTyt5vlv2ooGWbz4JEIY0UUITrE9YtxMyH8XUahwvUN2PQ3fifywwLbloho/s320/tumblr_pkshksu2TK1qb4op4o4_540.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg63g67lqKZkSTFMe3i5y77LRF0fpVB7TUARiXPfPaJLOsy7nmwMANeL2gIUrTVGs8M3f3C_VI4wtM9M2e-Ot29WMYKG-XtPHsO7kLmrY88vXulbbzU1_7oerRQv4j9rbSsWqfx6xDzT1I/s1600/tumblr_pkshksu2TK1qb4op4o1_540.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="540" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg63g67lqKZkSTFMe3i5y77LRF0fpVB7TUARiXPfPaJLOsy7nmwMANeL2gIUrTVGs8M3f3C_VI4wtM9M2e-Ot29WMYKG-XtPHsO7kLmrY88vXulbbzU1_7oerRQv4j9rbSsWqfx6xDzT1I/s320/tumblr_pkshksu2TK1qb4op4o1_540.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://endiness.tumblr.com/post/181698166452">Source</a></div>
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Detective Harvey Bullock, however, is looking considerably less glam as he drinks alone at a bar before grabbing his own badge.</div>
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At the precinct, Captain Jim Gordon grabs his own badge along with a gun.</div>
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And then, all four men—Riddler, Penguin, Harvey and Gordon—fall into line and join the rest of the GCPD atop a wall, where Gordon orders them to fire on tanks and soldiers below. In the midst of this chaos, he offers a single battle cry: "For Gotham!"</div>
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The show then cuts back to <b>Day 87 since the bridges blew. </b></div>
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On day 87, Gordon is at a radio, arguing with someone from the government. The person on the other end says that his men disobeyed evacuation orders, but he says that the officers had to stay because powerful criminals are claiming territory and taking over the city.</div>
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He explains to the government official that the situation is as follows:</div>
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<ol>
<li>Penguin has taken over city hall, taken all the weapons from its armory, and repurposed a factory to create ammunition. He's practically untouchable.</li>
<li>Barbara and the Sirens control the area around her club, which is the only place in the city with a generous supply of food and alcohol. Barbara trades in information, and men are only allowed on her turf if they buy small windows of time.</li>
<li>Scarecrow is in the west.</li>
<li>Mr. Freeze is in the North and is at war with Firefly.</li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlXoR2HbLUPD9SdpyOpX_7UfeIe1OaYln7wLIhYV1ZTKFfAA0q-RNT_3itLq1fSFCBm43Eg3-4jRvYK7mhVHolKt1Ihexj-ekdtkOKrwGzh_rmP-4LhqbF_Zp3BFPVv3jsVMQNPDZdspk/s1600/231a4ac8f4540d065d04550f2c0af441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="633" data-original-width="640" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlXoR2HbLUPD9SdpyOpX_7UfeIe1OaYln7wLIhYV1ZTKFfAA0q-RNT_3itLq1fSFCBm43Eg3-4jRvYK7mhVHolKt1Ihexj-ekdtkOKrwGzh_rmP-4LhqbF_Zp3BFPVv3jsVMQNPDZdspk/s320/231a4ac8f4540d065d04550f2c0af441.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/341218109240390033/">Source</a></span></div>
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5. There have been no sightings of Jeremiah Valeska since the bridges blew.<br />
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6. The GCPD controls a 10-block area around the precinct where they feed and protect 150 </div>
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civilians, mainly poor and sick citizens who couldn't get out of the city in time. Several people </div>
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are still trapped in other parts of the city.</div>
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Gordon tells the official that the government has a duty to help, but the official insists that no one is allowed in or out of the city. Gordon insists that not everyone who stayed is a criminal, but the official retorts that those who remain are not the government's responsibility. </div>
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Gordon keeps asking for help and points out that not only is the GCPD surrounded by hostile forces, but they also have children to protect. The voice tells him that a committee is being formed regarding Gotham, but Gordon says it's not enough. He asks for more supplies, but the official won't budge, and he realizes that the people of Gotham are on their own.</div>
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Meanwhile, at a Gotham clinic, a doctor tells Bruce that he needs to operate on Selina (who's still paralyzed) before her spine collapses upon itself. The doctor says she should've been evacuated, but Alfred says that, while he tried, they couldn't make it out in time. </div>
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Bruce tells Selina that the doctors will have to operate here. She replies, "Fine, whatever," but a single tear rolls down her face and she fights to hold back more. Bruce then promises to stay at the clinic during the surgery.</div>
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Meanwhile, civilians yell at Harvey in the safe zone and claim that the cops are getting more to eat than anyone else. Lucius breaks up the fight and says that everyone gets the same ration amounts, but they don't believe him. Gordon steps in and tells the people that if they don't like the rules, they can always leave.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="giphy-embed" frameborder="0" height="480" src="https://giphy.com/embed/3og0IyEFBpqtxs8rwQ" width="480"></iframe><br /></div>
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The crowd backs down and Lucius tells Gordon that they have a month of supplies at best, and it'll be shorter if refugees keep coming in. Gordon replies that the government still won't send any help or supplies. The news is especially frustrating to Harvey.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://ltfrankcastle.tumblr.com/post/181710002002/harvey-bullock-in-gotham-5x01-year-zero">Source</a></span></div>
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Gordon says Lucius to tell the people that the government will eventually come to its senses and take back the city, but Lucius points out that, at the moment, they're on their own. Gordon replies that they still have a responsibility to keep the people of the city alive, but Harvey says that the GCPD has reached the last of its ammo and can't protect anyone for much longer. </div>
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That night, Gordon turns on the searchlight (to remind himself and the citizens of Gotham that there's still hope), and Bruce meets him on top of the GCPD roof.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://garfiledlogan.tumblr.com/post/181710496928/and-it-reminds-me">Source</a></span></div>
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Gordon tells Bruce about the government's refusal to help, and Bruce tells Gordon that he's given Lucius permission to raid Wayne Enterprises' R & D division for tech, which he's using to make night vision goggles for the GCPD. He then says that he has to leave because the doctor's about to operate on Selina since her condition is worsening. Gordon says to let him know how it goes and then asks Bruce a question: is he sorry he stayed? Bruce replies that he's not and asks Gordon the same query. "Hell no," Gordon replies.</div>
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Over at the Sirens Club, Mr. Penn barters with Barbara Kean on Penguin's behalf. (If you don't remember Penn, he ran Penguin's license program in season 4 but was working for Sofia Falcone all along. He was last seen in "<a href="http://www.thefangirlinitiative.com/2018/03/gotham-recap-sinking-ship-grand.html">The Sinking Ship, The Grand Applause</a>.") </div>
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Penn sets a bullet on her desk and says that Penguin is willing to trade ammunition for Grade-A steak. Barbara replies that Penguin just wants to get the good stuff for himself while his workers starve. Tabitha Galavan remarks that Penguin has been holed up in city hall since he killed Butch. </div>
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Barbara then tells Penn that she's changing the deal from 1,000 rounds of ammunition to 2,000, since Tabitha is still upset about Butch. Tabitha, however, says they shouldn't be making deals with Penguin at all, but Barbara points out that they need the ammo to protect the women who come to them for safety. Tabitha responds by grabbing the bullet that Penn left on the desk and loading it into her gun. Barbara then tells Penn that the deal is now 3,000 rounds.</div>
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Elsewhere, a couple of cops stand watch over a wall. Through a window in the wall, one cop sees something move, but the other laughs and says it was probably just a shadow. Then the first cop gets sprayed with fear toxin by Scarecrow, who says that if the cop wants the pain to stop, he'll open the door. Unfortunately, the cop obeys . . .</div>
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<a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/reactionseditor-3o7bugfnfUypgWzwrK/embed">Source</a></div>
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. . . And Scarecrow kills him with a scythe five seconds later. He storms in with henchmen (who mostly seem to be dressed in cloaks and plague masks) and tells them to get what they came for and kill anyone who gets in the way.</div>
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Back at the precinct, Gordon tells Detective Vanessa Harper to reinforce the barriers near Penguin's turf. As he does so, the lights flicker off. Gordon tells Harper to have Lucius meet him at the generator.</div>
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At the same time, the lights go off in the clinic during Selina's operation. The backup generator kicks in seconds later, but it's not enough to reassure Bruce's nerves. Sure enough, a nurse reports that there are men in the basement stealing medicine, so Bruce heads out to stop it.</div>
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And, in doing so, breaks his promise to stay at Selina's side.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG4ahlg7WuCyGQiCAGXVqIdE_305ssZ3iNIg0PaMt3fT-FJHJ7UBv97u-MFsNEi0EBEj75xfebxm7x5XSgyG-t8EPcylBSbPopbvZ15940nQ0hUVWJOuHyFXyrwojfokfjBS324ptrLuY/s1600/http___mashable.com_wp-content_uploads_2013_06_Vlogger.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="281" data-original-width="500" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG4ahlg7WuCyGQiCAGXVqIdE_305ssZ3iNIg0PaMt3fT-FJHJ7UBv97u-MFsNEi0EBEj75xfebxm7x5XSgyG-t8EPcylBSbPopbvZ15940nQ0hUVWJOuHyFXyrwojfokfjBS324ptrLuY/s320/http___mashable.com_wp-content_uploads_2013_06_Vlogger.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://mashable.com/2013/06/13/rage-gifs/#YgVKCZqTxZqA">Source</a></span></div>
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Over at the GCPD, Gordon sees that the generator (the same one Lucius repurposed in "<a href="http://www.thefangirlinitiative.com/2018/05/gotham-recap-no-mans-land-4x22.html">No Man's Land</a>") is out and turns around just in time to see Scarecrow attacking him. Scarecrow points out that Gordon's low on bullets, and Gordon agrees—before grabbing a lead pipe. Gordon surmises that Scarecrow's not there to steal the generator; he's there for the supplies. And, Scarecrow adds, he's there to kill Gordon.</div>
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You know, we've been missing the perfect show subtitle for five seasons. It should actually be:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOgLz28EgY3RdluenyefAcCPLbSLPHdEvfZpChyQGoJBaJ4vAep3wQCPSyRtqV-rULPW6DNu3kCsxSObN8nTypTYaLJfM_ScpaqntwVvh3ZOhA-62uY2LnYPF60NxAZhn6uupnnOQ1xiM/s1600/tumblr_ospgtreKfL1rgmrqxo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="500" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOgLz28EgY3RdluenyefAcCPLbSLPHdEvfZpChyQGoJBaJ4vAep3wQCPSyRtqV-rULPW6DNu3kCsxSObN8nTypTYaLJfM_ScpaqntwVvh3ZOhA-62uY2LnYPF60NxAZhn6uupnnOQ1xiM/s400/tumblr_ospgtreKfL1rgmrqxo1_500.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">"Gotham" AKA "Who Wants to Kill Jim Gordon This Week"--<a href="http://kirbily.tumblr.com/post/162708668439/gotham-s3-text-posts-more-bonus">Source</a></span></div>
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Gordon manages to break off another pipe, which blasts Scarecrow in the face with steam. Scarecrow runs away—and elsewhere at the GCPD, Harvey reports that the minions have stolen the beans.</div>
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Back at the clinic, Bruce attacks the other Scarecrow minions while wearing night vision goggles, courtesy of Lucius Fox. (It also probably helps that plague doctor masks don't seem to have great peripheral vision.) He takes down most of them, but one turns on the lights, which blinds Bruce long enough for all of the minions to get away.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge4u8iaZ_e0QaC7ebT1GaF8LUQoclzTBYKiP2W6gqc1wPl-xSdG4wIIDHOo3UytPZXXujrtaHG2htvAu7fhrtx7ShfmJqbNgdhXf4ebLpa8xMOD9Tbp9O6aZIqtIIEybdOUG81BMS5vfY/s1600/tenor.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="264" data-original-width="498" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge4u8iaZ_e0QaC7ebT1GaF8LUQoclzTBYKiP2W6gqc1wPl-xSdG4wIIDHOo3UytPZXXujrtaHG2htvAu7fhrtx7ShfmJqbNgdhXf4ebLpa8xMOD9Tbp9O6aZIqtIIEybdOUG81BMS5vfY/s320/tenor.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://tenor.com/view/pale-hannah-montana-miley-cyrus-it-burns-my-eyes-gif-5611937">Source</a></span></div>
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The GCPD is no better off, and Lucius tells Gordon that now they're down to a week of supplies. Gordon says to cut people down to half rations, but Lucius says they're already at half rations. Cutting them again only buys two weeks. Harvey insists that the government has to step in at this point, but Gordon isn't confident that they will. </div>
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However, Bruce appears and offers a solution: he can use Wayne Enterprises's resources to fly in supplies. Gordon says they won't get permission to take off, but Bruce says he's not asking for permission and the chopper is ready to go, so they can have a supply truck at the GCPD in a matter of hours. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0IY53f_ZXvz7GNqk5PBwa-TKMoZbQBldR5-WisbAas6n-VyB1IZmeUkQHhR7ipKAQwdKX5AUkUvhyZHRYRZKqHrCNwvDvnU-7-mZ9eqMyrlw5vl2LeHQTJATzUb_39SC-x69Qwfyj1Cw/s1600/tumblr_pktc6v47FY1upvr5ao8_400.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="155" data-original-width="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0IY53f_ZXvz7GNqk5PBwa-TKMoZbQBldR5-WisbAas6n-VyB1IZmeUkQHhR7ipKAQwdKX5AUkUvhyZHRYRZKqHrCNwvDvnU-7-mZ9eqMyrlw5vl2LeHQTJATzUb_39SC-x69Qwfyj1Cw/s1600/tumblr_pktc6v47FY1upvr5ao8_400.gif" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://ltfrankcastle.tumblr.com/post/181710002002/harvey-bullock-in-gotham-5x01-year-zero">Source</a></span></div>
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Gordon says that it's a one-time solution and the government will find out, but Bruce says it's worth the trouble because Scarecrow's men stole medicine and left people in pain. Gordon agrees to the plan and tells Harvey to let the people know that help is on the way. Gordon then asks about Selina's condition. When Bruce is silent, Gordon tells him that it'll be alright; Selina's strong and she can pull through.</div>
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Once Bruce returns to the clinic, Selina tells him that the surgery was a success and her spine won't cave in. However, she'll still never be able walk again, and dryly remarks that it's "a bummer." Bruce replies that even though the medical supplies in Gotham are limited, there'll be hope once they rejoin the mainland. Selina, however, doesn't seem to believe him and grimly remarks that it's ironic that after all the things she's done, what ruined her life was being Bruce's friend. She then adds that she wishes Jeremiah had killed her.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP48cBxoWZkZnbFJISYZv86SSpGH7FhMaJxlMJCelZE5h-EiWoFkIt67bmy_J1pMNm-Wdt8s49fQISuP4a2nVIc0xNtTyR6Lq_ybWfX2qkJ9m0NS4ouRousgPELE-mOmxj4NGbrgZedWQ/s1600/ugly-crying-gif-21.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="500" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP48cBxoWZkZnbFJISYZv86SSpGH7FhMaJxlMJCelZE5h-EiWoFkIt67bmy_J1pMNm-Wdt8s49fQISuP4a2nVIc0xNtTyR6Lq_ybWfX2qkJ9m0NS4ouRousgPELE-mOmxj4NGbrgZedWQ/s320/ugly-crying-gif-21.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://gifimage.net/ugly-crying-gif-21/">Source</a></span></div>
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WHY CAN'T BRUCE AND SELINA EVER HAVE A HAPPY RELATIONSHIP? (Looking at you, Tim Burton and <i>DC Rebirth</i>.)</div>
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As Bruce turns to leave, a nurse turns to him and says that regular doctors can't cure Selina; she needs to see "the Witch." </div>
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Who's the Witch, you ask? Answer: I have no idea. During the premiere, a friend of mine speculated that it might be Leslie Tompkins taking on the role of a "witch doctor." My other best guess would be Poison Ivy—after all, she <i>did </i>use her botanical genius to revive Selina with herbal remedies in season 3 after she was pushed out of a window. It's not unbelievable that she might be using her skills for profit in the aftermath of the bombings.</div>
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But I digress; back to the show. Over at city hall, Penguin gets a bracer fitted to his bad leg and fits a knife into it. Mr. Penn then tells Penguin that the factory is suffering another shutdown because a worker passed out from hunger and fell into a hydraulic press. Penn says that they need to increase the employees' food allowance, but Penguin says that while he sympathizes with them, he can't give what he doesn't have.</div>
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Of course, the reply would be more convincing if Penguin didn't give it while digging into a plateful of steak, mashed potatoes and green beans. But even that's not enough for him, apparently, as he yells that the meat isn't rare enough, and decides to feed it to his pet bulldog, Edward.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTc3e_TVKoHqZbIziSFL7kM5r89dEhYSlcyoRdmnB3f1FeOZK4sk-HUpqcoDZdDNRFXEUdZKjcXdwB1q7aJFH8ephiOMek_sbubYI_B8pZPsxnbv4zjqJWkv7s_ap2bbybO1EcQO9tc30/s1600/tumblr_pktm160YgA1vuvxf9o1_500.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="209" data-original-width="480" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTc3e_TVKoHqZbIziSFL7kM5r89dEhYSlcyoRdmnB3f1FeOZK4sk-HUpqcoDZdDNRFXEUdZKjcXdwB1q7aJFH8ephiOMek_sbubYI_B8pZPsxnbv4zjqJWkv7s_ap2bbybO1EcQO9tc30/s400/tumblr_pktm160YgA1vuvxf9o1_500.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://cmssmith.tumblr.com/post/181715077807">Source</a></span></div>
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Penn also reports that quality is down at the factory and there have been several misfires. Penguin doesn't believe him and fires in the air to prove Penn wrong. The first shot goes off fine, but the second one scorches Penguin's hand. Before the men can discuss the misfire, Penguin tells Penn to hush because he hears something from outside: the whirring of chopper blades.</div>
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Meanwhile at the Sirens Club, Barbara says it's suicide to go after Penguin when he has his own army and fortress. Tabitha insists that Butch is only dead because Penguin was targeting her, so it's her duty to make it right—even if she's not sure she'll make it out alive. Barbara insists that she needs Tabitha, but their conversation is broken off by the sound of the chopper blades outside. </div>
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Gordon and Bruce see the chopper approaching from the GCPD roof. Bruce radios the pilots and they agree to meet at the rendezvous point. But before the chopper can land, someone off-screen shoots it with an RPG.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.reactiongifs.com/dont-know-expected/">Source</a></span></div>
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It crashes in territory run by the "Lo Boyz Gang." On the ground, Gordon tells Harvey they'll have to fight their way in and out, despite their limited amount of ammo. Gordon then asks Alfred where Bruce went, since he'd figured that he would want to come with them. Alfred replies that Bruce must've thought Gordon wouldn't allow it (a reasonable assumption, given how badly Gordon freaked out in season 4 when Bruce tried to take on Jerome Valeska alone). Gordon then tells Alfred to keep an eye on the GCPD while he and the other officers go in.</div>
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The Lo Boyz are the first ones to arrive at the crash site, but Penguin quickly arrives behind them with armed men. When the Lo Boyz refuse to give over the chopper, he has them shot and orders his men to load all the supplies into his truck. </div>
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The GCPD arrive shortly after this, and Penguin greets Gordon. Both men are unaware that Bruce is also sneaking around the scene. Gordon tells Penguin to get away from the chopper, but Penguin insists that he has "mouths to feed" (though he most likely only means himself and Edward the bulldog). </div>
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Gordon says the GCPD needs the supplies to help families and children and adds that Penguin shouldn't have shot it down. Penguin, however, says he <i>didn't </i>shoot it down, because he had no idea it was coming. Gordon asks who else would have the necessary firepower to do the job. (For my money, the answer is Jeremiah Valeska. He's used RPGs before and would be smart enough to steal and/or build one.)</div>
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Penguin says that Gordon may be right about the weaponry, but if he'd shot the chopper down, he would just admit it, since there's no way Gordon can feasibly arrest him at this point. He tells Gordon to leave, and Harvey tells his partner that they might have to, since they're outgunned. Penguin agrees and says they should get out while they can.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiIQiYVuccQjXaj8rvIdy1WGDr4QJtHSg_Jc3uQjBxJLIf-qaauXYKT2_p38Pn-Bw4K6VWLf2kZS-NpPOUcXVhzddZuA3MPhZVlODyAT6mO61nyDr-VZhDp2AzgqFDQp7hj8RCxVuLIAE/s1600/tumblr_pksdtfvMmJ1qmk4edo1_540.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="540" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiIQiYVuccQjXaj8rvIdy1WGDr4QJtHSg_Jc3uQjBxJLIf-qaauXYKT2_p38Pn-Bw4K6VWLf2kZS-NpPOUcXVhzddZuA3MPhZVlODyAT6mO61nyDr-VZhDp2AzgqFDQp7hj8RCxVuLIAE/s400/tumblr_pksdtfvMmJ1qmk4edo1_540.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://captainchilly.tumblr.com/post/181696150756/now-as-nice-as-it-was-catching-up-its-time-you">Source</a></span></div>
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Before either side can attack, however, Tabitha appears and shoots Penguin's men with a crossbow. She then presses a gun to his head, prepared to kill him and avenge Butch. She's especially angry that Butch thought of Penguin as a friend, but Penguin says they <i>were </i>friends and claims that Tabitha is really the one responsible for Butch's death, since she killed Penguin's mother and started the whole cycle of vengeance. Tabitha retorts that she doesn't care whether she survives or not; she just wants Penguin dead.</div>
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Penguin begs Gordon to stop Tabitha, insisting that Gotham needs him to provide stability. Tabitha tells Penguin to shut up and presses her gun to his chest and shoots—only for the bullet (one of Penguin's own) to misfire. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://tenor.com/view/unscathed-olanrogers-youtube-gif-4749621">Source</a></span></div>
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Penguin then laughs, pulls the knife out of his leg brace, and tells Tabitha to say hello to Butch . . . before stabbing and <i>killing </i>her.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://theworldofmin.tumblr.com/post/123668248876/my-reaction-to-the-gravity-falls-season-2b-comic">Source</a></span></div>
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I'm pretty sure she'll stay dead, too. While <i>Gotham </i>does bring characters back from the dead from time to time, I don't think they'll do that with Tabitha for a few reasons:</div>
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<ol>
<li>I think her death is meant to set the stakes for the season and show that anything can happen; no one's truly untouchable. If she comes back from the dead, the stakes won't be as high, and neither will be the character tensions.</li>
<li>While Tabitha is the show's version of Tigress, she's never really used the title much. If she had been established consistently as a major comic book villain (in the same way that her brother was the show's Azrael and Jerome was the show's first Joker), I think the writers would be more likely to resurrect her. But Tabitha has always been more of a side character and second-in-command for other characters without her own separate ambitions and identity, so it doesn't make as much sense to go back on her death. When Jerome was brought back from the dead, he brought an energy to the show, and his resurrection paid off in that he got to face off against Bruce Wayne and create a Batman-Joker dynamic for the show. With Tabitha, there's not as much of a reason to justify bringing her back. She's not a bad character, don't get me wrong; she's just not essential to the show in the same way that the Joker was.</li>
<li>If the show wants to set up Barbara and Penguin as enemies for good, Tabitha must remain dead.</li>
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But I'm digressing again. As Tabitha falls to the ground, Barbara rushes in and screams. She tries to shoot Penguin. Some of Penguin's men (those who weren't felled by the crossbow) fire back and the GCPD opens fire on them, but their bullets run out quickly. Penguin takes notice of the silence and begins to taunt Gordon.</div>
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Meanwhile, Bruce sneaks out of the crash site and approaches Penguin's armored car, where he takes out the guards and grabs boxes of ammo from the vehicle.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://garfiledlogan.tumblr.com/post/181714359033/alfred-voice-thats-my-boy">Source</a></span></div>
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Back at the gunfight, Penguin shoots Barbara in the arm. As this happens, Bruce sneaks over to the GCPD and gives them the stolen ammo from Penguin's truck. Harvey, who might as well be Bruce's unofficial uncle at this point, says, "I could kiss you, kid."</div>
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Penguin doesn't see or hear this development, as he's got a gun on Barbara. He asks if there's any chance they can move past the whole "Tabitha-Butch chapter," but she fires back that she's going to feed his guts to the rats, which he takes as a no. </div>
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Gordon steps in and offers Penguin a deal: he can keep half of what's in the chopper if he lets Barbara go. Barbara, however, doesn't want Penguin to leave the site alive, and Penguin offers his own counter-offer: he gets to kill Barbara and take all of the supplies, leaving the GCPD to walk away with only their lives. And he's confident that even if he Gordon says no and Penguin has to kill the officers, there won't be any consequences.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://lankybrunettepartdeux.tumblr.com/tagged/Oswald%20Cobblepot">Source</a></span></div>
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Penguin says Gordon has nothing to offer and no bullets left. The GCPD respond by shooting down Penguin's men, and Gordon himself shoots Penguin in the leg. Then Gordon and the other officers take the supplies from the chopper and bring them back to the GCPD.</div>
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Harvey asks if Penguin is gone for good, but Gordon says he'll only be down for a little while to lick his wounds. Harvey says that Gordon should've killed Penguin for good this time, and says they've passed the point of the rulebook; it's win-or-die at this point.</div>
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Bruce approaches Gordon and says he has to leave to check on Selina. Gordon says he'll get him an escort to the clinic. But before Bruce leaves, Gordon tells him that next time he wants to fight alongside them, all he has to do is ask.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0X7lAxPI4VQw_QHbSh7sd4_zGn7GwGmK0KYkYMKssuMZQ2jydSaAkvjoUIjE_P5ZnCqdJTUTt5KCQtOoxmbXyedX3nTZF61TQGCy10OdSlhHQ5bGI7M_-7Yik3S-D0-9ojCA3qAEHb3Y/s1600/tumblr_pksblr7wcO1rt5ctno2_r1_540.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="252" data-original-width="540" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0X7lAxPI4VQw_QHbSh7sd4_zGn7GwGmK0KYkYMKssuMZQ2jydSaAkvjoUIjE_P5ZnCqdJTUTt5KCQtOoxmbXyedX3nTZF61TQGCy10OdSlhHQ5bGI7M_-7Yik3S-D0-9ojCA3qAEHb3Y/s400/tumblr_pksblr7wcO1rt5ctno2_r1_540.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://stevenrogered.tumblr.com/post/181695082267">Source</a></span></div>
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That exchange is one of the episode's highlights for me. Gordon has spent five seasons trying to keep Bruce safe and treating him like a kid; it's incredibly satisfying to see him acknowledge how far Bruce has come and offer up genuine respect and affirmation of the young man's skills. In this iteration of the Batman mythos, Bruce no longer has to go behind Gordon's back to fight crime; they can do it side-by-side because they see each other as equals, despite of their differences in age and philosophy. And for me, that's truly heartwarming.</div>
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But all is not well that ends well. While Gordon is away from his desk, someone approaches it and looks over his map. That "someone" is none other than Ecco, Jeremiah's right-hand-woman, who's rocking some seriously Harley-Quinn-esque fashion.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiShXAXqrfb393j9XDkxffvFLMey7WT8__080Dh8sKBjC9thi5r4zmuS5H4GXhx9-6uQG9NOPtgUuBS2gWOjavLlqP1-tKRXSqdJFiIuBctc7EGEytpEXdrx8r485YnHvh1duQUUk_3yWQ/s1600/tumblr_pktflwsgEK1u7un4fo1_400.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="268" data-original-width="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiShXAXqrfb393j9XDkxffvFLMey7WT8__080Dh8sKBjC9thi5r4zmuS5H4GXhx9-6uQG9NOPtgUuBS2gWOjavLlqP1-tKRXSqdJFiIuBctc7EGEytpEXdrx8r485YnHvh1duQUUk_3yWQ/s1600/tumblr_pktflwsgEK1u7un4fo1_400.gif" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr3fJZ9WlUQYZRYm0silnfQZWEEp7pHYi1HhuWk2873y63FS-T3eHLBlrnkbYOskJI64v1eFodm7DIqVRoMOz7ftCoobFTkjqaj7dSvEanA-XCspDfkHfPVEtXfJbiBUQArRHOEWK6FeA/s1600/tumblr_pktflwsgEK1u7un4fo2_400.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="268" data-original-width="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr3fJZ9WlUQYZRYm0silnfQZWEEp7pHYi1HhuWk2873y63FS-T3eHLBlrnkbYOskJI64v1eFodm7DIqVRoMOz7ftCoobFTkjqaj7dSvEanA-XCspDfkHfPVEtXfJbiBUQArRHOEWK6FeA/s1600/tumblr_pktflwsgEK1u7un4fo2_400.gif" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfLHw354LHRug28wA9GB7p4l3UHrb-m0yZkdhomgMJa6OljF3yADhgEU2tG0YNRX_5uneT3VSABsLSoXlxCXbzPLqiPVFs8jGhyphenhyphenVbYkHBkJJkNeSnPAXsldLP3dtT_4kWPWNdG3JaC_oU/s1600/tumblr_pktflwsgEK1u7un4fo3_400.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="268" data-original-width="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfLHw354LHRug28wA9GB7p4l3UHrb-m0yZkdhomgMJa6OljF3yADhgEU2tG0YNRX_5uneT3VSABsLSoXlxCXbzPLqiPVFs8jGhyphenhyphenVbYkHBkJJkNeSnPAXsldLP3dtT_4kWPWNdG3JaC_oU/s1600/tumblr_pktflwsgEK1u7un4fo3_400.gif" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqdLxvmQFTOPI02wcAhRvsVezhcnTgFsuDjKC3uPHOGzaB9z441F1j0eZH7O5PdMHZs0zbasstg1Md34XREtZ6zPocyrrYx9uFBBpBe_wzIPvb1xwX4mGOHMn513wlgR4x83jl2TfmfNI/s1600/tumblr_pktflwsgEK1u7un4fo4_400.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="268" data-original-width="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqdLxvmQFTOPI02wcAhRvsVezhcnTgFsuDjKC3uPHOGzaB9z441F1j0eZH7O5PdMHZs0zbasstg1Md34XREtZ6zPocyrrYx9uFBBpBe_wzIPvb1xwX4mGOHMn513wlgR4x83jl2TfmfNI/s1600/tumblr_pktflwsgEK1u7un4fo4_400.gif" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://jokerous.tumblr.com/post/181711758847/ecco-in-gotham-5x01">Source</a></span></div>
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I want that jacket so, so much.</div>
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As Ecco examines the map, she hears someone call for Gordon and disappears before she can be seen. Gordon hears the call and approaches the radio. He asks who's calling, and a female voice who only identifies herself as "a friend" tells Gordon that he has allies across the river who will find a way to help. Suddenly, Gordon hears a light jingle of bells and turns back towards the sound. On his desk, he sees that his map has been graffitied with an eerily familiar smile. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrE-8-FMNXK9E8pY2pKJXXgIhgb6kpOip76SqqYnYl6wkPZ_vmwBUvEvieh7K2KVqPK5LmKo8daQluE6AzcZ4us4-r1KrNtBlB-9_71k5JkeBLtg3whAhIu_NADjUR85zvSjTVQvNmEiI/s1600/tumblr_pktkamWVgu1u7un4fo6_400.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="160" data-original-width="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrE-8-FMNXK9E8pY2pKJXXgIhgb6kpOip76SqqYnYl6wkPZ_vmwBUvEvieh7K2KVqPK5LmKo8daQluE6AzcZ4us4-r1KrNtBlB-9_71k5JkeBLtg3whAhIu_NADjUR85zvSjTVQvNmEiI/s1600/tumblr_pktkamWVgu1u7un4fo6_400.gif" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://jokerous.tumblr.com/post/181714205362/if-you-dont-like-the-rules-leave-gotham">Source</a></span></div>
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(For more on the origin meaning of this graffiti motif, read my recap on <a href="http://www.thefangirlinitiative.com/2018/05/gotham-recap-one-bad-day-4x21.html">"One Bad Day."</a>)</div>
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Over in Sirens territory, Barbara gives Tabitha one final kiss before setting a cloth over her corpse. She then swears to kill Penguin.</div>
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Penguin, meanwhile, is having a bullet taken out of his leg and angrily tells Penn to put a bounty out: 10,000 rounds of ammo to whoever kills Jim Gordon. </div>
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Back at the clinic, Selina is lying in a hospital bed when she spots a sharp medical instrument. She rolls over and reaches out to grab the blade, but because of her paralysis, she lands on the ground. From outside the room, Bruce hears her screaming. When he enters, medical staff are restraining her as she fights to get loose. They sedate her and lay her back down. Before passing out, Selina says they "should've let her do it." When Bruce asks what they meant, they tell him she tried to commit suicide and they'll need to put her in restraints to prevent another attempt. </div>
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The nurse from earlier reappears and tells Bruce again that the Witch is the only one who can cure Selina. Bruce gives in and asks where he can find this Witch. </div>
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Meanwhile, Gordon tells Harvey to question every new refugee to see if there have been any sightings of Jeremiah Valeska, and Lucius tells Gordon that they now have enough food to last six weeks. </div>
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Suddenly, an officer brings a young boy to Gordon and says that he was on duty at the Thompson Street Barricade when the kid appeared and said he needed to see Gordon. The boy, who's dirty and looks quite ragged, says he came from across town because someone's been killing his siblings. Before he can say anymore, he collapses out of exhaustion. Gordon orders the officer to take the boy to the clinic before reminding his other fellow officers that their job, government or not, is to give the people hope that when they're in danger, someone will help them. He then orders them to "Suit up!"</div>
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<b>Plot B: Riddle Me This, Riddle Me That—Why Is My Hair So Lifeless and Flat?</b></div>
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The Riddler (who was last seen in the care of Professor-slash-basically-necromancer Hugo Strange after he and Leslie Tompkins stabbed each other to death) wakes up on a ratty couch on a rooftop in Gotham. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWTv7cLNTjyC2z6UPICJ8BbUjLxZb2HZg3DC1s5e8h8zgqQ20OkQI7xYi85prLe-1c3gNs4Hvi3rT7rof01jt8KmPNNbWq4LPW9GxqaQKhIQOfhqdfR9B_9l31qSnejs9nVA_4NjintLk/s1600/tumblr_pktllxsEAU1vuvxf9o4_500.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="209" data-original-width="480" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWTv7cLNTjyC2z6UPICJ8BbUjLxZb2HZg3DC1s5e8h8zgqQ20OkQI7xYi85prLe-1c3gNs4Hvi3rT7rof01jt8KmPNNbWq4LPW9GxqaQKhIQOfhqdfR9B_9l31qSnejs9nVA_4NjintLk/s400/tumblr_pktllxsEAU1vuvxf9o4_500.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://cmssmith.tumblr.com/post/181714882182/sleeping-beauty">Source</a></span></div>
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His hair is atrociously shaggy and emo, but thanks to that flash-forward, we know he'll get it cut by day 391 at the latest.</div>
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The show then cuts to the Riddler in a study of some kind. He has a map with thumbtacks marking various locations, and adds one more to the mix. He pulls out a handheld recorder and says aloud that, once again, he woke up in a random location with no memory of how he got there or what happened in the preceding hours. He then yells at himself in the mirror, telling Ed to show himself and confess. Nothing happens, and he concludes that his other self is a coward who's been controlling his body while he's asleep.</div>
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Later, toward the end of the episode, the Riddler wakes up in a dumpster, startling a hobo. He returns to his lair, only to angrily throw his map to the ground, yell for Ed Nygma to show himself and ask his own reflection what's happening to him. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Verdict</b></span></div>
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<b>Plot A: </b>While the main plot certainly wasn't lacking in action, it felt mainly like set up for what's to come. It set up conflict between Barbara and Penguin, conflict between Penguin and Gordon, partnership between Bruce and Gordon, and established the dark place that Selina's in. </div>
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That being said, none of the set-up felt boring; on the contrary, it was all very engaging. It was the kind of episode where you can't look away from the screen for one second because you'll miss something important and exciting. I appreciated that. </div>
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And as I said earlier, I appreciated the evolution of Bruce and Gordon's relationship. Also, Robin Lord Taylor also killed it as Penguin this episode; he stole the show every time he was on screen. Even when he was being a selfish jerk who hoarded food to himself, I couldn't help but root for him. He's just <i>so </i>fun to watch. </div>
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The one downside to this plot may have been Selina's story. Since the trailers for this season have made it clear that she'll walk again, it was hard to feel worried or sad about her paralysis in this episode. I also think that while her suicide attempt wasn't necessarily out of character or unbelievable, the show should've spent more time building up the reasons for that attempt and showing Selina's thought process. This version of Selina Kyle has always been focused on her own survival, so there needs to be more explanation of why she's given up on that goal. It's also never fun to watch her be mad at Bruce, especially since Jeremiah shooting her isn't exactly his fault (at least, not directly).</div>
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<b>Plot B: </b>There isn't a whole lot to say about plot B, honestly. While I don't know enough about where the Riddler's storyline is going to say that I dislike it, it did feel like the least interesting part of the premiere. Also, since the Riddler's split personality has been a source of drama since the end of season one, I'm starting to worry that his inner conflict has become overused.</div>
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Hopefully I'm wrong and the writers will do something new that startles and impresses me. After all, I wasn't sure about their plans for him in season 4, but they kept him compelling and engaging for most of the season, even if his romance with Lee was . . . perhaps a bit rushed. </div>
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<b>Overall: </b>A solid way to start the season, even if it's mostly set up. The stakes are high, anyone could die, and survival in No Man's Land is clearly no joke. I'd give it 4 stars out of 5.</div>
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Come back next week to read my recap of the next episode, "Trespassers." And until then, try to avoid psychopaths dressed up like scarecrows!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://maudit.tumblr.com/post/85040054860">Source</a></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4675533200914366163.post-30965637882407664782018-12-26T08:00:00.000-08:002018-12-26T08:00:18.178-08:00What 'The Last Jedi' ACTUALLY Got Wrong About Luke Skywalker – Part Two<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"><i><b>Note:</b> if you haven’t read <a href="https://www.thefangirlinitiative.com/2018/12/what-last-jedi-actually-got-wrong-about.html">part one</a> of this article series, I recommend you do so before continuing. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">Last time, we analyzed Luke's character and arc, figured out his main flaw, and where his story should have gone after the original trilogy. This time we'll be analyzing where his story actually went in <i>The Last Jedi</i>, why it didn't work for so many people, and some suggestions for how Luke's fall and redemption could have been done better. <b><i>Spoiler warning for all </i>Star Wars <i>movies. </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(<a href="https://www.inverse.com/article/40162-last-jedi-lightsaber-duel-kylo-ren-luke-skywalker" target="_blank">Source</a>)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">In the last article, we established that, instead of a static hero who is only meant to save the world, Luke is a highly flawed figure who is meant to change and grow over the course of the franchise. He finds little sense in the Jedi principle of accepting one’s fate and the fates of those he cares about. He’s an outgoing, energetic, and restless character who responds to trauma by jumping in and helping. This leads him into all kinds of trouble over the course of the original trilogy and even puts him at risk of following the same path his father did. Although he ultimately manages to keep his feet on the good path, there’s still a lot he has to learn about the Force and about letting go. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">By examining his arc so far and comparing it to the most universally used character arc structure, we learned that Luke is still in the point of his life where he wants to have his cake and eat it too – to use the Force as a tool to get what he wants without the willingness to surrender to it. Promotional material released by the current <i>Star Wars</i> writing team proved that they were aware of this and hinted it would be a main theme in <i>The Last Jedi</i>. And by continuing to examine this structure, we discovered the next chapter of Luke’s life should finally force him to confront his misuse of the Force and misguided belief that intervening is always the answer–to either grow to a place of acceptance or refuse to surrender his control and end up sinking lower than ever before. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">Now that we have a thorough understanding of Luke, his themes, arc, and how the continuation of his story was advertised, it’s time to move on to the main event…</span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Luke in <i>The Last Jedi</i>:</span></u></b><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">After a time of traveling and studying Jedi history and philosophy, Luke starts a Jedi academy. He learns that his nephew, Ben Solo, is struggling with the dark side of the Force. And <strike>because Luke believes in always intervening, especially to help those he cares about</strike> because Luke is filled with hubris and believes the Skywalkers have a superior bloodline, he agrees to take Ben on as a student. Things do not go as planned, however. After witnessing a vision of all the terrible things his nephew is capable of, Luke almost kills Ben in his sleep. And though he stops himself at the last second, Ben still sees what he was about to do, gets angry, and recruits some of the other students while killing the rest. Ben Solo becomes Kylo Ren. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">Luke is quite traumatized by this series of events. And because he reacts to trauma by <strike>jumping in and trying to fix things even when he’d be better off leaving things alone</strike> withdrawing and avoiding his responsibilities, Luke decides to go find an island where he can disappear from the people who know him. Because Luke is an <strike>extrovert who can’t stand being away from people for any length of time</strike> introvert who doesn’t want to be around people, he chooses a remote island with a low population and shuts himself away from the few who do live there. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">Rey comes to the island, but he refuses to help her. Now being a non-interventionist, Luke has <strike>finally embraced Jedi teachings about accepting others' fate</strike> rejected Jedi teachings. He’s angry at the Jedi because the fall of his father and the rise of the Emperor were largely due to their <strike>non-intervention</strike> hubris and interference. He believes it’s time for the Jedi to end. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">After Rey leaves, Yoda appears. He destroys a tree and collection of books that Luke <strike>doesn’t care about.</strike> <strike>Does care about?</strike> kind of cares about and encourages him to help Rey. Yoda was the most prominent Jedi master during the time of Anakin’s fall and the Emperor’s rise to power <strike>so it takes Luke some time to forgive and trust him enough to take his advice</strike> but the issue never comes up between them and Luke accepts his advice immediately. Luke Force-projects himself to another part of the galaxy to aid his friends in the fight against Kylo Ren. The projection ultimately kills him, but he dies finally learning the lesson he’s needed to learn all this time: <strike>that jumping in and intervening isn’t always the answer, and the Force should not be used simply as a power to protect people you care about from danger.</strike> that if you have the power to protect the people you care about, it’s always your responsibility to intervene when they’re in danger. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">Okay, well. A few things seem to be a bit off here. Let’s take a closer look at the various problems.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Problem #1: Luke’s personality and reactions have completely changed. </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">Take for example his extroversion. In <i>Episode IV</i>, deleted scenes, and the film's novelization, Luke is so desperate to be around people, he neglects his chores and almost runs over an old woman just to get to his “friends” faster. And these “friends” don’t even like him, which they make quite clear. But he is desperate to be around them anyway because social contact is that necessary for him. Now he can suddenly spend over a decade in complete isolation? The most disappointing thing about this creative decision is how unnecessary it is. Even the new, canon EU novels have extroverts who go into hiding on remote planets: they pick heavily populated planets that are removed enough from the rest of the galaxy that the population there hasn't heard of them, and/or they socialize under a fake name. So why have Luke act out of character when he doesn’t have to? </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">The Luke we got to know in the original trilogy had a specific personality. He was energetic, hasty, the type to blurt out an ill-timed statement before thinking it through. An impatient, whiny, naïve, good-natured, optimistic, boy-next-door type. While I understand he’s older now and jaded, there are still ways of portraying him that retain that same personality. I think we’ve all met impatient, restless old men. Men who whine unnecessarily loudly about aches and pains, and about how young people just don’t do things the right way and THIS is how you’re ACTUALLY supposed to do it. Men who tell long, meandering stories no one wants to hear, about how they’re not as young as they used to be and the world wasn’t like it was back in the good old days. When I picture an older Luke Skywalker, I always end up imagining someone like <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6R040pxS_0" target="_blank">Mr. Hippo from the <i>Five Night’s At Freddy’s</i> games</a> – someone so busy talking he fails to realize how unwelcome his speeches are, how no one shares his enthusiasm about whatever topic he’s currently fixated on. Someone who, through their long years, has clearly been through some things, but still somehow has that extroverted apple-pie innocence that inadvertently becomes annoying. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">When watching <i>The Last Jedi</i>, there’s very little about Luke I recognize. He has two basic “voices.” The first is his generic wise teacher “voice” where he provides exposition and explains the history of the Jedi to Rey. The second is his jaded “voice”–this is a man who’s seen more terrible things than he’d like. A man whose experiences have taught him to be skeptical and has no time for people like the Jedi. A man with a snarky comeback every time a young kid like Rey does something he thinks is stupid. A man with the courage to face his evil nephew–“See ya ‘round, kid,” he says with a wink, brushing the dust off his shoulder and swaggering off. You know, it doesn’t feel like Luke and yet…something about it feels familiar but...I can’t quite put my finger on –</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3N4ZOlzrK0hM6qV8ichAJQmfNBlxlTc2JeTHBLXy4SOYHqZQhBJZpZWHw3dL5UlDwdp-mwh6jHtICJe1_xJX2JmWBzpApxEL0RGD4wEvjGpmbyUX6_1Eps5my8ev7WCD56GPO5xJ8z1j9/s1600/han+solo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3N4ZOlzrK0hM6qV8ichAJQmfNBlxlTc2JeTHBLXy4SOYHqZQhBJZpZWHw3dL5UlDwdp-mwh6jHtICJe1_xJX2JmWBzpApxEL0RGD4wEvjGpmbyUX6_1Eps5my8ev7WCD56GPO5xJ8z1j9/s320/han+solo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/ranking-han-solos-best-one-liners-from-a-new-hope-to-solo-a-star-wars-story"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Source)</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">Oh. <i>Oh.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">If you’re familiar with the <i>Star Wars</i> fandom, you’ll know there’s been an ongoing war between Han and Luke fans. It’s not like you have to hate Han to be a fan of Luke or anything. But there seems to be a consensus in the fandom that Luke makes for a poor protagonist and Han should have been the hero instead. Luke was the main character of the original trilogy, yet Han was the face of most of the merchandise. Mark Hamill was the lead actor, yet Harrison Ford became the household name. Unusually for a protagonist, the Luke fandom is rather small. Han's is unending. Those of us Luke fans that do exist are passionate and write as much meta as we can about what a great character he is. Many of us even consider him to be <i>the</i> <a href="http://actuallukeskywalker.tumblr.com/post/133809497220/why-luke-skywalker-is-the-most-feminist-character" target="_blank">feminist icon of the franchise</a>. George Lucas was (possibly unknowingly) being quite progressive in choosing Luke over the more traditionally masculine Han as the hero. But rather than embrace this, we’ve had to watch the majority of the fandom minimize his character, sometimes throwing homophobic and misogynistic slurs at him, criticizing Lucas’s decision to make “pathetic, wussy” Luke the hero instead of the snarky, cool, macho (and therefore more deserving) Han. The REAL reason people like Star Wars is because of Han, they say. If it was just Luke, no one would care to watch it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">Well, it looks like the hardcore Han fans have been proven right. A <i>Star Wars</i> film where Luke doesn’t speak a single line but has Han teaming up with the new kids can be very successful. But once Han is dead, we have to make up for his absence in the next film by erasing Luke’s personality and turning him into a pseudo-Han. Ever since <i>TLJ</i> came out, do you know how many articles I’ve seen by Han Solo fans that say, good news, guys, we’re <i>finally</i> allowed to like Luke now because <a href="https://www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/in-star-wars-the-last-jedi-luke-skywalker-finally-becomes-cool" target="_blank">he’s FINALLY cool</a>?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(<a href="https://media1.tenor.com/images/a9fee6f4d1ae160294d5d325563b6102/tenor.gif?itemid=7625737" target="_blank">Source</a>)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">It’s not just his extroversion or his general personality that’s been changed. The way Luke responds to trauma is the exact opposite as before. When faced with trauma, Luke reacts by charging into the situation, attempting to make things better until he succeeds or is prevented from trying anymore. Not only is this how he reacts to trauma, it’s always been his biggest flaw and the main thrust of his character arc. But he goes through a traumatic experience with Kylo and suddenly he reacts by shutting himself off from everything, never trying to do anything ever again? How we react to trauma is deeply ingrained into us. It’s <i>extremely</i> rare for it to change, if it’s even possible for it to change at all. If it did change, it would have to be due to something deeply traumatic – something worse than he’s ever experienced before. But, to be honest…</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Problem #2: Luke’s trauma isn’t enough to warrant such a change</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">Sure, it’s a tough thing when a villain catches you about to kill them and then uses their resulting anger to harm other people (especially when the villain in question is someone you’re related to). But is this really the worst thing Luke has been through? He’s seen the deaths of two mentors, a best friend, a father, and he even discovered the crispy corpses of his legal guardians in the ruins of his childhood home – all of which took place when he was much younger and inexperienced. He took part in a war at a young age, almost died several times, and almost watched his best friends get killed due to his own mistakes. His own mentor showed over and over he didn’t believe in him. The father he looked up to for years turned out to be an evil villain who wanted to kill him. He was electrocuted over and over by the most powerful Sith in the galaxy. And Luke went through all of this while consistently dealing with the trauma through intervention. But this one event with his nephew–being caught almost doing something and having Ben turn into Kylo as a result – is the one thing that will suddenly transform his entire personality and reactions? </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(<a href="https://imgur.com/gallery/bEcID" target="_blank">Source</a>)</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Problem #3: Viewers can’t relate to Luke’s mistake. </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">Let’s talk about what is perhaps the most highly criticized aspect of the film: the fact that Luke almost killed Kylo when he foresaw what his nephew was capable of. As many fans of the film have pointed out, he did something similar in <i>Episode VI</i>, when he began fighting Darth Vader – his father who he was trying to redeem – in response to a threat to his sister. So, if everyone was fine with it in the original trilogy, why did it upset so many people in <i>Episode VIII</i>?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">There are many differences between the moment with Vader and the moment with Kylo. First, Vader was the authority figure. He was the powerful and abusive father figure while Luke was the young, inexperienced, and vulnerable son. It makes sense that a young man would act rash in such a terrifying situation. Second, Vader is an imposing, dangerous figure, and the films spend a lot of time displaying the heartlessness he shows other people. Even Luke first gets to know him as a terrifying villain before he finds out Vader is his father. The idea of redeeming Vader rather than defeating him is a new one, and neither Luke nor the audience know if it’s even possible. It makes sense for Luke to momentarily give up that idea and decide he needs to defend his sister from this dangerous villain instead. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(<a href="https://aminoapps.com/c/star-wars/page/blog/why-luke-wanting-to-kill-ben-is-consistent-with-his-character/K1FM_uR1Qbz0vJ2Ybg08vGv01YxW3e" target="_blank">Source</a>)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">Whereas, when Luke makes the big mistake explored in <i>Episode VIII</i>, Luke was the authority figure with power and experience and his young nephew was the one lying vulnerable, troubled and lost. Plus, Kylo Ren is not nearly as intimidating as his grandfather. Luke thinks of him as a family member he loves and wants to help. And most of the fanbase views Kylo as either a poor baby who needs to be saved from Snoke’s evil influence or as a pathetic wannabe punk who will never be as “cool” as Darth Vader. Although there is a bad seed in him and a vision shows he’s capable of great treachery, most of the evil in him at that point was mere potential – and potential that Luke, as his teacher and uncle, was in the perfect position to avert without violence. Luke knew this. So why would he feel so desperate in that moment that he would lose sight of everything and go full attack mode? </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">While it’s not impossible for Luke to react that way (he <i>is</i> a very hasty person), it would take a lot of care and time to root the audience in the moment and in Luke's mind for them to buy it. Instead we got a couple second-long flashbacks with voice overs explaining what happened. This is a great example of telling instead of showing. We’re just supposed to take the filmmakers’ word for it that, whatever Luke saw in his vision of Kylo, it was enough to overpower his love for his nephew, his experience as a teacher, and the responsibility he feels toward his sister and best friend to take care of their son. But here’s the thing: audiences don’t want to take someone’s word for it. They want to feel, to experience. Especially when it comes to one of the biggest turning points in the life of a character they’ve known for decades. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Problem #4: Luke’s motivations were needlessly changed. </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">As he's a character who believes it’s always right to jump in and get involved, it already makes sense that Luke would take on his nephew to train him and try to save him from Snoke’s influence. But the filmmakers decided Luke needed a different motivation. In <i>The Last Jedi</i>, Luke reveals the real reason he helped his nephew was because of “hubris” and a belief that the Skywalker bloodline is superior.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(<a href="https://memegenerator.net/instance/73877756/but-why-male-models-zoolander-and-i-was-like-but-y-tho" target="_blank">Source</a>)</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Problem #5: Luke’s outlook is inconsistent. </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">All throughout the film, Luke blames himself for contradictory things. He’s angry at himself for not being able to save Ben. He’s angry at himself for having the “hubris” to <i>try</i> to save Ben (how is it hubris to want to save your own nephew anyway?). He blames himself for letting Ben gain so much power and wishes he had recognized the darkness in Ben so he could have stopped him. But…he <i>did</i> try to stop him. He <i>did</i> recognize the darkness and considered murdering Ben in his sleep. And he is <i>also</i> angry at himself for that. So he’s angry at himself for trying to save Ben and for not saving him, for not doing anything to stop Kylo and for trying to stop Kylo. I mean, people do sometimes blame themselves for contradictory things when they’re upset. But the film never treats it as a contradiction. I’m honestly not sure if the filmmakers even noticed the contradiction existed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">In fact, Luke expresses contradictory beliefs all throughout the film. At one point, he says Snoke is to blame for Kylo going to the dark side. But at another, he claims Leia is in denial about her son because she believes Snoke is to blame for him going to the dark rather than him going on his own. During his famous scene with Leia, Luke tells her he can’t save Kylo because he’s too far gone. Leia nods and assures him she’s already accepted her son is gone. Suddenly Luke turns it around and says, “No one is ever really gone.” Okay? Make up your mind? I get that he’s partially referring to Han in that scene, but still, does he want her to let go of hope for her son or not? Luke, what do you actually believe about anything? </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Problem #6: Luke’s reasons for hating the Jedi are illogical. </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">I’m still trying to figure out why Luke wants the Jedi to end. The reasons he gives are: </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"><b>a.</b> Because the Force exists whether the Jedi exist or not (that’s no reason to end them…) </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"><b>b. </b>They had hubris (he keeps saying that word…)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"><b>c.</b> They let the Emperor rise to power. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"><b>d.</b> They let Anakin go to the dark side. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">So…apparently the Jedi need to end because they made some mistakes long ago, before he was born…all of which he fixed at the end of <i>Episode VI</i>. So why do they need to end now that he’s the only one and has the power to shape the ideology as he wants? And as far as I can tell, none of the Jedi’s mistakes have any bearing on the universe’s current problems. The current problems are all due to Snoke (who we know nothing about) and the First Order–a human political movement that formed because they idealized the “law and order” of the fallen Empire. Not even Luke’s mistake with Kylo has much to do with the Jedi, so why is Luke so bitter at them now? </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">To make things worse, if the filmmakers needed to have Luke rebel against the Jedi, there was a much easier way, as Jedi philosophy has always been in direct opposition to Luke’s goals. As I discussed in my previous article, the Jedi believe in accepting fate – in being swept up by the Force to find peace rather than trying to control it – even if it means accepting the loss of people you care about. Luke believes that non-intervention is evil and that the Force should always be used as a tool to help those he loves. The disparity between these two outlooks is something Luke has never faced…and in this movie, he </span><i style="font-size: 14.6667px;">still</i><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"> doesn’t face it – even though his plotline is </span><i style="font-size: 14.6667px;">literally about him rebelling against the Jedi</i><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">. Instead, Luke acts like the Jedi’s mistakes were due to them intervening too </span><i style="font-size: 14.6667px;">much</i><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"> and, as a response, he has decided to become a non-interventionist himself. Which leads me to…</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Problem #7: Luke’s rebellion against the Jedi makes him act like a Jedi. </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">Let’s look at the Jedi’s mistakes that Luke is so angry about. What caused them? Well, Anakin went evil because the Jedi refused to take him seriously or train him properly. Then they refused to help when he was concerned about his wife, causing him to turn to the dark side for help instead. And what about the Emperor? Palpatine came to power because the Jedi did nothing as he was climbing the political ladder. And when he revealed his true intentions, they responded by going into hiding. True, there was a huge target on their backs, but still. The mistakes they made were largely due to their non-intervention and dismissal of a young Force user. And Luke is fixing those mistakes by…repeating them?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(<a href="https://www.starwars.com/news/the-jedi-council-meet-the-masters" target="_blank">Source</a>)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">Luke is unknowingly embracing Jedi teachings by choosing to do nothing. Which…could work if it had been intentional. If someone pointed out to Luke (or he realized himself) that, by trying to run away from his identity as a Jedi, he’s inadvertently becoming just like them, I think it would have been an interesting thing to see him work through his own hypocrisy. Instead, Luke calls the Jedi hypocrites. And the film, while ultimately disagreeing with his choice of non-intervention, still treats it as a consistent rejection of Jedi principles. Again, the filmmakers don’t seem to notice any discrepancy. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Problem #8: Luke’s change of heart makes no sense. </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">Of course, the most important moment in a story about a hero’s fall from grace is when he comes back to the light. Luke’s change of heart, however, occurs during one brief (and rather bizarre) scene. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">The scene starts with Yoda destroying the tree and books. Luke was going to destroy them himself but had second thoughts. Then Yoda appeared and did the job for him. I’m not sure what the point of this was, other than to show that Luke’s feelings toward Jedi history is more complicated than he lets on (and even the purpose of conveying that is a bit…fuzzy?). But how are we supposed to relate to Luke and feel the deep feelings he’s experiencing when we know so little about the tree, the books, and his history with either? And honestly, why did Luke need to see the books destroyed to regain faith? Especially since his bad decisions started when he lost faith in the religion the books are about? </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(<a href="https://www.thewrap.com/heres-happened-luke-skywalker-end-star-wars-last-jedi/" target="_blank">Source</a>)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">“Time it is for you to look past a pile of old books,” Yoda says. But what’s that supposed to mean? It’d be one thing if Luke was such a bookworm that he was just too busy reading to be of any help. But that isn’t the case. It wasn’t until this moment that Luke showed he even cared about the books. So…what does…destroying them…prove? </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">Anyway, as the tree and books burn, Luke is too distracted by the fiery ruin in front of him to think about the bigger picture of Rey and her importance to the galaxy’s future. Yoda, however, states the opposite. “Skywalker, still looking to the horizon. Never here, now–the need in front of your nose.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(<a href="http://disney.wikia.com/wiki/File:Last-jedi-yoda-luke-skywalker.jpg" target="_blank">Source</a>)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">In the end, it’s a single adage – “The greatest teacher failure is” – that changes Luke’s entire perspective. Even though many other people he loves have given him much more motivation than that to change his mind with no results. What’s more, the adage comes from <i>Yoda</i>, one of the most prominent Jedi at the time of Anakin’s fall and the Emperor’s rise to power. He's the character that Luke has, you know, basically been blaming and hating during the entirety of this movie. And he just…accepts Yoda’s advice immediately. No questions asked, no confrontation or conversations about the stuff Yoda did that Luke is mad about. Seriously, why would the grudge he holds against Yoda just magically disappear like that? Why were his concerns about Yoda’s responsibility in past events not addressed? </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">I also wonder if Yoda would even realistically disapprove of Luke’s choices, or if he just does so for plot convenience. He was the one out of all the Jedi that was arguably most against attachment and intervention. Yoda is the one who distrusted Kid!Anakin just because Anakin was worried about his mother and wanted to help her. He was the one who told Adult!Anakin not to try to save Padme and learn to let go instead. He went into hiding when Palpatine rose to power and initially refused to train Luke when the galaxy was desperate for a hero. And he advised Luke to not go rescue his friends when they were possibly dying, telling him to instead focus on his training. But now that Luke has become like him, finally accepting he can’t control the Force to save others, suddenly Yoda’s all gung-ho for intervention and rescuing people we’re attached to? </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Problem #9: Luke’s character arc accidentally became a circle. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(<a href="https://weheartit.com/entry/208299514" target="_blank">Source</a>)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjR0rPZRYbAd0aR5kxckKzuSwGZgCSNrjOLCHrr7lGC-R9ayMhgHy8eo2IX2dsbDQYKB_Ff9M7uo6Me1x9WkxDWIlm-QeqYvYKuYKf1VcfjR0sYRjD9nGWQAqr0Wcyl1TSv8oUBi890PNA/s1600/lukeskywalker4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="722" data-original-width="736" height="391" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjR0rPZRYbAd0aR5kxckKzuSwGZgCSNrjOLCHrr7lGC-R9ayMhgHy8eo2IX2dsbDQYKB_Ff9M7uo6Me1x9WkxDWIlm-QeqYvYKuYKf1VcfjR0sYRjD9nGWQAqr0Wcyl1TSv8oUBi890PNA/s400/lukeskywalker4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/744149538403264655/?lp=true" target="_blank">Source</a>)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">At the beginning of Luke’s character arc, he’s a foolish boy who believes that jumping in and helping others is always the correct thing to do. But at the end of his character arc, now that he’s older and wiser, he finally sees that jumping in and helping others is…always the right thing to do. In other words, Luke ultimately “matures” by re-embracing the "lie" he believed in the beginning. The film’s themes and how Luke relates to them have been completely reversed. Which brings me to perhaps the most important point, and the one which permeates all others…</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Problem #10: The filmmakers don’t understand what the Jedi believe.</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">…Or they do and just don’t care.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">George Lucas was a student of comparative religion who was particularly fascinated with Buddhism and Christianity. As such, the Jedi religion he created is essentially a mix of eastern philosophies such as peace, non-intervention, and non-attachment and Christian ideals such as submitting to God’s will regardless of whether His will lines up with our own personal goals. Because of this, the main goals of a Jedi are to learn to be still and calm, to not intervene even if they want to, and to not form attachments that will tempt them to misuse the Force as a tool. True, the Jedi <i>did</i> help people, but only when the tide of the force swept them into a situation where it was clear that’s what <i>It</i> wanted them to–not because they had personal attachments to the people in need of help. This distinction has always been important. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(<a href="https://www.pinterest.ph/pin/140385713356697787/" target="_blank">Source</a>)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">And that’s why Luke was the protagonist. They purposely chose someone who never gives up, never sits still, never stops loving, and never stops trying to save those he cares about. They chose him so that he could face the conflict between his own ideals and those of the Jedi. So that his journey could eventually teach him the dangers of his outlook on life and show him how to create goodness through non-attachment, non-intervention, and peace. However, none of these ideas are touched upon in <i>The Last Jedi</i>. In fact, the film treats the Jedi quite simplistically, as if they were just cool warriors who saved the day a lot but made some mistakes along the way, and now, because Luke is angry, he’s going to pretend like they were all bad and go mope in his room for awhile. </span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">There’s no exploration of what the Jedi actually stood for, the parts of their ideology he’s always struggled with, or – once Luke “finds himself” again – how he now relates to this religion he holds dear, even though so many aspects of it conflict with who he is and what he wants to do. During his downfall, Luke ends up embracing every philosophy the Jedi have been wanting him to embrace this whole time, and the film portrays it as a rebellion <i>against</i> Jedi thought. And when he goes back to his old nature – which has always been at odds with Jedi philosophy – the film treats it as if he’s finally come back to his religion.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">I understand that stories about non-intervention and non-attachment are not nearly as exciting or marketable as the typical hero narrative. Western audiences love stories about action, and controlling one’s own destiny. But you can’t take a fictional religion that’s been established over six movies and unceremoniously change it to something more marketable, hoping no one will notice. </span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">It’s fine to disagree with Jedi teaching. It’s fine to have the characters disagree with Jedi teaching. I certainly don’t agree with Jedi teaching and personally have always wanted to see a <i>Star Wars</i> hero rebel against the Jedi to the end while still remaining a good guy. But if you’re going to make a <i>Star Wars</i> film that disagrees with Jedi teaching, you must do so by confronting their ideas honestly. Represent it accurately and explore nuance. Don’t portray ideals that are opposite to theirs and pretend it’s what they’ve believed this whole time. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">In Conclusion: </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">So, what did <i>The Last Jedi </i>ACTUALLY get wrong about Luke Skywalker? Everything from his general personality, to his motivations, flaws, reactions to trauma, character arc, and the moral lesson he’s meant to learn is all retconned to be the exact opposite of what they once were. And while disagreeing with the original themes is fine, this film does it in the most irresponsible way possible. Key scenes in Luke's plotline are told instead of shown, inconsistencies are overlooked, hypocrisy goes unnoticed, and time that could have been spent exploring important aspects of Luke’s character is instead spent on secondary plotlines that viewers ended up disliking anyway. What’s more, most of the problems with his portrayal could have been easily fixed with small, simple changes, making the film’s lazy approach even more frustrating. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">Not every problem in the movie is Rian Johnson’s fault. In many ways, JJ Abrams set him up for failure by forcing him to tackle hard questions about the original trilogy characters at an inopportune time – right smack in the middle of the new trilogy, when all of the new characters’ storylines are taking off in important ways. What’s more, Abrams was the one who decided to start the trilogy long after Luke had gone into hiding, forcing Johnson to explain Luke’s backstory via ineffective flashbacks. Still, the amount of inconsistencies in this movie surprise me. Rian Johnson is typically noted for his attention to detail. Freeze frame any scene in one of his films and you can find symbolism, sly references, and easter eggs galore. So how did he miss so much this time? And, if he was such a huge fan of the original trilogy growing up, why are there so many aspects of it he doesn’t seem to grasp? And considering how closely he worked with the novel writers, why did his film stray so far from the themes and character arc they teased in the film’s promotional material? </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">I’m not sure what happened behind the scenes that caused <i>The Last Jedi</i> to go so wrong. But the good news is Luke’s story isn’t over yet. Rumors indicate that Luke will appear in <i>Episode IX</i> as a Force ghost. And while <i>Episode VIII</i> did leave a bad taste in my mouth, I still want to keep an open mind. I look forward to seeing what’s in store for Luke in the future. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">What did you think of Luke in <i>The Last Jedi</i>? And what do you hope for his character in future movies? Let us know in the comments! </span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4675533200914366163.post-67598438355012616442018-12-19T08:00:00.000-08:002018-12-19T08:00:00.784-08:00What 'The Last Jedi' ACTUALLY Got Wrong About Luke Skywalker – Part One<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">There’s no denying that </span><i style="font-size: 14.6667px;">The Last Jedi</i><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"> was a controversial film. And perhaps the most controversial aspect was its portrayal of a fallen Luke Skywalker. The reception of his portrayal has been extremely polarized with some calling it a travesty and others declaring it a beautiful and realistic story of a hero’s fall and redemption. While I think the majority of reactions have been extreme, my opinion was that Rian Johnson ultimately did not achieve what he was hoping for. I’m here to tell you why, and my reasoning might not be what you expect. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">Before we begin, I want to emphasize that I don’t hate the film, I certainly don’t hate Rian Johnson or anyone else involved with making the film, and I do not at all condone the harassment that has been thrown their way. And for fans of <i>The Last Jedi</i>: I do not want to take away your love of the film. If you enjoy it, you have every right to do so. I love seeing people’s passion for media regardless of whether or not I agree on the film’s quality. My only intention is to answer the question, “Why did the portrayal of Luke in <i>The Last Jedi</i> disappoint so many people?” Are<i> Star Wars </i>fans just overly rabid? Can they simply not accept their hero has flaws? Or is there some way we could have had a fallen Luke that would have been better received? Spoiler warning for all <i>Star Wars</i> movies, as well as the novels <i>Bloodline</i> and <i>The Legends of Luke Skywalker</i>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(<a href="http://www.digitalspy.com/movies/star-wars/news/a851426/mark-hamill-luke-skywalker-last-jedi-fate/" target="_blank">Source</a>)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">I want to start off by tackling the question most frequently brought up by fans of the film: are those disappointed by the film simply not able to admit that their hero makes enormous mistakes just like everyone else? Is it simply impossible to write Luke falling from grace without backlash? I believe the answer to this question is no. And for proof, I turn to a fairly recent canon <i>Star Wars</i> novel called <i>Bloodline</i>, written by Claudia Gray. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"><i>Bloodline</i> is a bleak story featuring a deeply flawed Leia Organa. Gone is the young woman with the fiery determination and hope. Gone is the Leia excited to jump into the political universe and bring huge, positive change to the galaxy. Instead, we meet a Leia who is older and…tired. Jaded. A Leia who would rather abandon the people who count on her than continue the fight for change. A Leia who only follows through with her political duties because she’s forced into it. And even the few genuine attempts toward positive change she <i>does</i> make are met with failure. A vein of disappointed hopes runs through the story. Leia struggles with PTSD due to being tortured by her father years ago. Her marriage is slowly dissipating. Her son is falling to the dark side. An old friend of hers is dying. A new friend will soon be led to execution. And her darkest secret is revealed to all the galaxy, leading to her disgrace. The First Order is rising. By the end, Leia tries to gather up what little strength she has left so she can weather the oncoming storm, but the attempt feels more like a gasp than a battle cry. In many ways, the novel’s portrayal of her is even darker and more difficult than Luke’s fall from grace. And though the portrayal is sympathetic, there isn’t much in the way of shining redemption moments like Luke got at the end of <i>The Last Jedi</i>. If <i>Star Wars</i> fans simply can’t accept seeing disgraced versions of their heroes, you’d think the release of this book would have been met with revolt. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">It wasn’t. </span></div>
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<a href="https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/starwars/images/0/0b/SW_Bloodline_cover.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20160206211144" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="526" src="https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/starwars/images/0/0b/SW_Bloodline_cover.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20160206211144" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(<a href="http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Bloodline_(novel)" target="_blank">Source</a>)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">Instead, it became a New York Times bestseller. <i>Star Wars</i> fans embraced <i>Bloodline</i>, particularly praising Claudia Gray’s depiction of Leia, calling it one of the most accurate depictions of her character seen in a novel. Sure, she made mistakes, and it was difficult seeing her in such a dark place in her life. But none of that mattered because it felt <i>honest</i>. So, if <i>Star Wars</i> fans just can’t accept the idea of Luke having flaws, why were they so receptive to seeing them in Leia? Sure, you could blame it on sexism. But I've seen many women who cherish Leia as a strong, feminist icon love her portrayal in <i>Bloodline </i>yet still hate Luke's portrayal in <i>TLJ</i>. There’s obviously more going on here. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">When it comes to writing stories, it’s not what you do but <i>how you do it</i>. A talented writer can make any character do almost anything and still get the audience to accept it. I think it is absolutely possible to write a believable story where Luke has fallen from grace (and for the record, that’s something I would have loved to see. As a long time fan of villains, anti-villains, and anti-heroes, I don’t need my favorite character to be a perfect golden boy). Unfortunately, Rian Johnson failed in swaying a good portion of his audience, and I think I can explain why. But before we can jump into <i>The Last Jedi</i>, I must first give a bit of context by delving into three different aspects of Luke’s character: his personality, his thematic role in the story, and his overall character arc. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Luke’s Personality:</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">So, what do we know about Luke Skywalker, based on his portrayal in the original trilogy? Well, we know that he’s adventurous and ready to take on the world. We know he has an old-fashioned, boy-next-door vibe going on – you know, the kind of guy who says corny stuff like “Golly” or “Gee whiz,” as if he’s straight out of <i>Leave It To Beaver</i>. We know that he will always choose to rescue his friends when he can. And we know that he values life and would rather redeem a villain than kill one – especially if said villain is family. He is, in general, a good guy who wants to make the universe a better place. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">That being said, he is definitely not free of faults. He has a habit of neglecting work at home so he can drive off to Tosche Station (even though the people there don’t even like him, according to the official novelization of <i>A New Hope</i>), showing he’s extremely extroverted. Not that there’s anything wrong with being an extrovert. But he seems to become restless, needy, and often selfish whenever he’s forced to be away from people for any extended period of time. He’s often whiny and sulky. He’s immature and plays with toy ships like a boy half his age. And I’m sure we’re all familiar with the moment he aimed his lightsaber straight at his face. In other words, he’s not always the brightest bulb in the box. He’s curious at all the wrong times. His “adventurous spirit” is more a nervous energy than it is courage. Even his sense of humor typically stems from a passive-aggressive, faux naïveté that allows him to ignore people who are cross with him. Take for example this passage from the canon novel, <i>The Legends of Luke Skywalker</i>, where Luke and a scientist companion are sailing through a stomach-acid lake after being swallowed by an enormous beast:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"> “I’m getting used to the smells,” said Luke. “Wonder if we can tell if something is edible by our noses…I really wish I knew more about biology…Maybe you could give me some lessons as long as we’re in here.”</span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"> I wanted to scream at him to shut up. His relentless patter was driving me crazy. We were going to die, and he was talking about eating and biology lessons!</span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"> “You should stop the raft here, and I’ll just roll into the lake,” I said. My voice sounded dull, already dead. “Would be quicker to go that way rather than waiting to starve slowly after days of wandering around in this place.”</span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"> “Sure,” Luke’s voice was calm, as if my suggestion was perfectly reasonable. “But you should probably strip off your suit first. I’m not sure that the synthetic materials would be healthy for our host. Might give it indigestion.” </span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"> I was outraged at this suggestion.</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">As much as I love Luke, I have to admit it requires a lot of patience to deal with him. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">But out of all Luke’s qualities, the one I want to emphasize is one that is often idealized: his tendency to “never give up!” Whenever a problem arises, Luke is right there, giving his all to try to remedy the situation. Most fans assume this relentless drive comes from a place of hope and positivity. But if you really pay attention to his reactions and motivations, it paints a much different picture. When Han is unsure about their offer in the cantina, Luke immediately jumps in to save the day…by arguing with Han and almost losing them the deal. When danger appears after they board the Millenium Falcon, Luke steps forward – <span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">“</span>What’s that flashing?” he cries, pushing random buttons he knows nothing about, which could potentially crash the ship. Obi Wan Kenobi is killed in a duel and Luke steps up to avenge him…ignoring the desperate cries of his friends and delaying their escape. Luke prepares for danger by arming himself…before entering a cave made to test him, after Yoda explicitly told him <i>not</i> to bring a weapon. Luke hurries to rescue his friends…even though Yoda warns him this is the last thing his friends want him to do and that it could lead him to the dark side. When Vader threatens to kill Luke’s sister, Luke comes to her rescue…by giving away his hiding spot and attempting to kill Vader – even though Luke’s goal is actually to keep his father alive and redeem him. In the original <i>Star Wars</i> novelization, there’s even a scene where Luke almost runs over an old woman with his landspeeder. He sees her there but doesn’t bother slowing down – after all, he’s got places to go and nothing’s going to get in his way! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">It’s true that Luke is driven by action and that he never stops moving in the face of danger. But how often does it actually feel like a positive thing?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(<a href="http://hero.wikia.com/wiki/File:Luke_screaming_as_Darth_Vader_kills_Obi-Wan.jpg" target="_blank">Source</a>)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">People seem to assume the original trilogy shows Luke at his healthiest – that this is how he reacts when things are going his way and he’s the hero – while <i>TLJ</i> shows, for the first time, how he reacts to real trauma. What they forget is that, in the original trilogy, Luke is already deeply traumatized. Think of what he goes through over the course of the films: his home is destroyed, he finds the charred bodies of his family members, he’s immediately thrust into a dangerous world he knows little about, the fate of the galaxy rests on his shoulders even though he has little experience or knowledge of how to handle such a huge responsibility, he and everyone he cares about are in constant danger, his mentor dies in front of him, his best friend dies beside him in battle, he loses a hand, and the father he’s idolized for years – the man who is the very reason Luke wanted to become a Jedi in the first place – turns out to be the force of evil he’s been fighting all this time. Yeah, Luke is no stranger to trauma in the original trilogy. As it turns out, “never giving up!” (even when he really should give up and let someone more experienced handle it) is <i>how he responds to trauma</i>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">People react to trauma differently depending on what kind of personality they have. It’s true there are some people who respond by withdrawing. But there are others who react in the opposite way, through <i>action</i> – transforming into workaholics, becoming impulsive and restless, leaping before they look, and overwhelming themselves (and those around them) with their need to constantly get out there and “make the situation better” (even though it usually ends up making it worse). Saying this tendency comes from a “positive attitude” is like saying a person who struggles with OCD is just “neat, organized, and conscientious” or that a person with an eating disorder is just “trying their best to stay fit.” It’s not a positive thing. It’s a reaction to anxiety and trauma. For this reason, we shouldn’t be saying “Luke would never make huge mistakes because he never gives up!” We should be saying “Luke will definitely make huge mistakes because he never gives up – and that’s his problem.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">Protagonists tend to fall into one of two categories. There’s the static hero with a flat arc. These are the kind of characters that already believe in the main moral or theme the filmmaker is trying to convey. By the end of the story, they bring change to the world around them rather than changing themselves. Then there’s the “unlikely hero” with a dynamic arc. These characters don’t yet believe the main theme the filmmaker wants to convey (in fact, they often believe the opposite) and the story conveys their journey toward the truth. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">So, what kind of character is Luke Skywalker? To determine this, we must first figure out what the overall theme was that George Lucas was trying to convey. Many assume the theme of <i>Star Wars</i>, like most adventure fantasies, is just to go out and do your best to save the world. Under this interpretation, Luke would be a static character. He already believes at the beginning that the right thing to do is go out and save the universe, help his friends, and redeem his father. And by the end of this film, he’s done all those things. So he’s a static hero with a flat arc, right? </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">Wrong. While the story does condone doing good in the universe, the <i>way</i> in which you try to achieve that good is even more important. <i>Star Wars</i> is ultimately a conflict between acting vs. standing still, passion vs. peace. And in a story about jumping in vs. letting go, the narrative is decidedly on the side of letting go – letting go of fear and anger, letting go of need, letting go of attachments, and learning to accept loss. We see this illustrated very clearly in Anakin’s story. Anakin is a person of passion, fiercely protective of those he cares about. There’s no length he won’t go to save someone he loves. All of this might sound great to us, but in the context of the <i>Star Wars</i> universe, they are considered flaws. This is why the Jedi Council was distrustful of Anakin as a child when they sensed he missed his mother, why Yoda urged adult Anakin to just let go of Padme rather than try to save her, and why Anakin’s frequent attempts to help those he cared about ultimately led to his downfall. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(<a href="http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Shmi_Skywalker_Lars/Legends" target="_blank">Source</a>)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">Luke’s story in the original trilogy is essentially a retelling of his father’s story but with a happy ending. Luke, much like his father, is a person of passion who will do anything to save his friends (including, to Yoda’s disappointment, abandoning his training). He’s an unlikely hero whose trauma has made him restless and easily attached to others, living in a world where restlessness and attachment are pathways to evil. This is why Yoda and Obi-Wan have so little faith in him and start placing hope in Leia instead (“No, there is another”). Luke wants to redeem his father, but before he can do so, he needs to prove that he is not like his father – that he would not fall to the dark side for the sake of rescuing people as Anakin did with Padme. The ultimate purpose of his story is to learn that jumping in isn’t always the right choice when people are in danger, even when those in danger are people he cares about. This is why he almost loses when he fights Darth Vader over a threat to his sister. This is why he wins when he throws his lightsaber aside, choosing not to fight. For Luke, learning to hold back and embrace inaction is ultimately the path to heroism. </span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Luke’s Character Arc:</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">Now that we know what type of character Luke is and what lesson he’s supposed to learn, it’s important to figure out where he is in his character arc at the end of <i>Episode VI</i>. Some might assume that since it was meant to be the last story in Lucas’s original trilogy, he’s at the end of his arc. But I would argue that’s not the case; instead, <i>Episode VI</i> leaves Luke’s arc in a place that’s ripe for a sequel trilogy, regardless of whether or not Lucas planned to make that trilogy himself. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">All dynamic character arcs, regardless of who’s writing them, follow a certain roadmap. Even among creators who dislike formulas in general, you’ll find this is a formula that’s been pretty universally embraced to ensure good pacing and realism (after all, when writing a character who learns to embrace a quality he’s always hated, you don’t want him to fully embrace it so quickly it feels unnatural or so slowly that his struggle becomes stale). This is a formula that you will find in any professional writing course, and it goes something like this: </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"><b>• Introduction to the protagonist, their normal world, and the lie they believe (though it may not have the chance to really come to the surface yet). </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">In <i>Episode IV</i>, we’re introduced to Luke and see how he lives before he’s whisked away on his adventure through the stars. At this point he already believes a lie – that action is always the answer when people he loves are in trouble – but he’s never really had the opportunity to think much about that. His normal world is far too uneventful for his beliefs to have been tested yet. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"><b>• The protagonist’s normal world is shaken up and, in the ensuing chaos, the lie the protagonist believes becomes more apparent to the viewer.</b> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">Once Luke is placed in dangerous situations, we start to see what kind of person he is. Specifically, that he leaps before he looks and acts when he should stay still. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"><b>• The lie the protagonist believes hinders them from growing into the hero they’re meant to become, causing them to need help from an outside source.</b> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">Although Luke has good instincts, his tendency to always jump in doesn’t mesh well with the Jedi philosophy of peace before passion. There’s much about the Jedi ways he has yet to learn. So, in <i>Episode V</i>, Luke goes in search of Yoda. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"><b>• The protagonist is finally shown the truth that flies in the face of the lie they believe…and they reject it.</b> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">Yoda tries to teach Luke Jedi principles concerning peace and inaction, but Luke trusts his own instincts more than his teacher. At one point he openly rebels against Yoda when, after he’s told to go unarmed into a mystical cave, he chooses instead to bring a weapon so he has the power to act if any danger arrives. In the cave, he’s confronted with the image of himself going the same path as Darth Vader. But even this does little to sway Luke to Yoda’s mindset. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"><b>• The protagonist’s continuous rebellion against the truth leads them to disaster.</b> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">When Luke senses danger, Yoda advises him to leave his friends to fate. But Luke instead abandons his training to rescue them. This leads to him walking into a trap, facing Vader before he’s ready and losing an arm. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"><b>• Forced to accept the fact that their way isn’t working, the protagonist admits the truth has some merit to it. They accept the truth – but only part of it, and only on their own terms. Their partial acceptance leads to reward. But they still have a long way to go.</b> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">After his recovery, Luke devotes himself more seriously to learning the Jedi way. He gains some self-control and learns how to act calm and peaceful (on the outside at least). He is not, however, at a point where he’s at peace with whatever fate the Force has in store, as a Jedi is meant to be. He would not, for example, be at peace with the idea of Darth Vader dying unredeemed. In fact, Luke embraces these Jedi teachings merely to use them as a tool to achieve his original goal – to remain in control, to have the power to influence fate and save people he’s attached to, such as his friends and, more importantly, his father. During a confrontation with the big baddie, Luke recognizes the Emperor’s attempt to use his emotion against him. He throws his weapon aside to ensure he stays on the good path. Luke is rewarded with the redemption of his father, who then defeats the Emperor. Luke, however, is still fixated on hanging on to people he’s attached to, to the point that he almost willingly dies unnecessarily on the doomed spaceship just to spend a few more minutes with his dying father. He’s embraced enough Jedi teachings to get what he wants but not necessarily enough to always be at peace with what the Force wants. This is where the original trilogy leaves him. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">• The protagonist attempts to live life embracing both the truth and the lie, essentially trying to have their cake and eat it. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">• The protagonist’s plan to have the best of both worlds does not go as planned, and circumstances ultimately force them to choose. If they choose the truth, they become whole and the story ends happily. If they choose the lie, it ends in disaster. </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"><b>• (optional) If the protagonist chose the lie, bringing disaster upon himself, this is the part where he picks up the pieces and finally embraces the truth…or stubbornly clings to the lie and wallows in self-pity. Either way, this is the final scene for character arcs with bittersweet or tragic endings.</b> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">As we can see, the original trilogy does not end Luke’s character arc. Though it does leave it in a place that’s good enough for a satisfying ending for one trilogy, the pieces are in place for another. There’s still plenty of room for an interesting story involving Luke, and we can see exactly what path that story should travel. The only question remains is: have the new filmmakers taken the time to carefully study Luke’s character? Do they understand his personality, themes, journey so far, and where his journey should go from here? Or do they simply view him as a good heroic guy who is, otherwise, a blank slate with whom they can do whatever they please? </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">Despite my dislike of their portrayal of Luke in <i>The Last Jedi</i>, I would argue the filmmakers had a complete understanding of his character, themes, and arc. And the reason I believe this is the promotional material they released for the film. In order to create a full multimedia experience <i>(*coughMakePeopleBuyMoreMerchcough*)</i>, all <i>Star Wars</i> writers – from those who write the new books to those who create the films – worked very closely together so that the new EU could become “required reading,” setting the stage for the films as well as filling in the gaps those new films would leave. To set the stage for <i>Episode VIII</i>, they released <i>The Legends of Luke Skywalker</i>, which tells what happened to Luke between <i>Episode VI</i> and his fateful incident with Kylo. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075TJJW5T/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1" target="_blank">Source</a>)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"><i>The Legends of Luke Skywalker</i> shows us a Luke much closer to the man we meet in <i>The Last Jedi</i>. He’s older, bearded, but he still has his intense, youthful energy and desire to rescue others. In fact, the story emphasizes that jumping in to help rather than standing still <i>is</i> his main weakness, and one he still has little mastery over. He still sees inactivity – and even the Force itself – as a tool to get what he wants rather than an end in itself. His main goal is still to act, to help, to be in control of every situation, with the Force boosting his ability to get things done. Of course, this attempt to have the best of both worlds isn’t helping him fully grasp the Jedi way, and he travels to a remote island to seek counsel from the inhabitants there. The inhabitants, according to legend, possess rare knowledge of how the Force (or, as they call it, the Tide) works. The advice they give, however, is not what Luke expects (or wants to hear): </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"> [Luke said,] “Some have turned to the dark side of the Force and wish to drown the galaxy in a rising tide of suffering. It is up to those of us with knowledge of the Force to stop them, to restore balance. But the deaths of the Jedi have caused much knowledge about the Force to be forgotten, and that is why I seek your knowledge, so we can defeat the dark side.”</span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"> “I’ve already told you: there is no ‘light side’ or ‘dark side,’” said the elder. “The Tide is beyond the power of anyone or any group. It is those who seek to master it, to control it – whatever excuse they make up for themselves – who bring suffering. Our knowledge is not to be shared.”</span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"> “Knowledge can be used for good or ill,” [said Luke.] “I study the Force not to gain power but to bring balance and justice back to the galaxy. You’re pacifists, but evil must be confronted, and you can help. My teacher’s last words to me were, ‘Pass on what you have learned.’ It’s a duty.”</span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"> The elder sighed. “We will never convince each other.”</span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"> […] “Then why teach your children about the Tide at all? Why not let the knowledge sink into the abyss of oblivion?”</span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"> “We don’t teach anyone about the Tide until they have proven themselves to be free from the desire to master it.”</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"> She could tell that by reaching out into the strands of the Tide, [Luke] was channeling and shaping the Tide‘s currents and tributaries to accomplish these feats. His ability to manipulate the Tide in this way both fascinated and horrified her…“Why do you not trust in the Tide?” asked Aya. “Why do you always try to <i>use</i> it?”</span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"> “I don’t understand,” [said Luke.] “How can I accomplish what I need to do without calling on the Force’s help?”</span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"> I’ve never seen anyone so sensitive to the Tide,” said Aya. “I don’t think even Grandmother is your match. But you stand apart from the Tide. You don’t let yourself be immersed in it.”</span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"> “The Force is my ally.”</span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"> Aya shook her head, frustrated. “That’s not what I mean. You can’t let go. You want to be in control. But you must trust in the Tide; you must let <i>it</i> uplift you and push you where it already knows you must go.”</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">To see if he’s worthy of their knowledge, the island’s inhabitants put Luke through a series of tests. Though he does learn a lesson in patience during one of them, he “wins” the rest of the tests by, essentially, cheating – doing things his own way so he can accomplish each mission while still maintaining his own beliefs on how the Force should be used. In the end, Luke decides he doesn’t need the tribe’s knowledge after all, as he believes the lesson in patience is enough. Luke leaves the island with a reinforced belief that action and jumping in to help is almost always the answer, though having the patience to wait for just the right moment to act can be a useful tool to achieve his ends. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">Luke has always been, without realizing it, something of an anti-Jedi. He follows the Jedi religion not because he agrees with its philosophies, but because he grew up believing his father – someone he looked up to as a hero – was a Jedi. And he never stands still and thinks about it long enough to realize his personal philosophies conflict with theirs more often than not. Luke simply takes for granted the idea that surely they must believe as he does, since they are good, and his beliefs are good too, right? But one day he will have to take a good look at his ideals and the religion he claims to follow and confront the reality that they contradict. And then he will need to finally decide who he really wants to be. From <i>The Legends of Luke Skywalker</i>, we can see that the filmmakers understand all this. Not only do the filmmakers understand it, they’re using it in their marketing to show that this is where <i>The Last Jedi</i> is going to go. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">But <i>is</i> that where it went? That’s what we’ll figure out in Part 2 of this article series. Join me here next week to continue! And feel free to leave your thoughts so far in the comments below! </span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4675533200914366163.post-84865383692711575422018-05-30T18:00:00.000-07:002018-05-30T18:00:01.113-07:00'Gotham' Recap: "No Man's Land" (4x22) <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.fanpop.com/clubs/gotham/images/41318803/title/4x22-no-mans-land-jeremiah-photo">Source</a></span></div>
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If you’re still in your right mind, then you probably haven’t seen <i>Gotham</i>’s season finale yet. If that’s the case, stop reading. NOW. Go and watch the episode, then come back to this recap. <i>Gotham</i>’s fourth season ended the same way all of its others did: with a bang, bodies hitting the floor, epic betrayal, crazy cliffhangers, and a whole lot of questions. And every time, the show finds away to escalate the drama. <br />
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At then the first season, Barbara went crazy, Penguin took over the underworld after having a hand in the deaths of two of his rivals, and Bruce found the Bat Cave. At the end of the second, Strange’s monsters were released, Gordon left Gotham to find Lee, and Bruce realized there was a secret organization controlling his company. And the third? The third season finale seemed impossible to top—with Penguin getting his revenge on the Riddler, the city almost falling to the Tetch Virus, Ra’s al Ghul appearing for the first time, Selina getting her whip, and, most importantly, Bruce deciding to fight crime.<br />
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Last season’s finale was a tough act to follow—but “No Man’s Land” set the stage for season 5 in an episode that was insane, brilliant, intense, and dramatic. <br />
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But enough gushing. Let’s get to the recap. Like last week’s episode, this one is pretty interconnected, so I won’t be dividing it up into separate plots (mainly so that the timeline of events is clear). Suffice it to say that “No Man’s Land” revolves around Jeremiah’s and Ra’s plans to transform Bruce and the city of Gotham, Hugo Strange’s efforts to cure Butch, and Ed’s attempt to win over Lee once and for all. <br />
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Warning: the episode itself contains graphic violence and profanity. The following recap contains massive SPOILERS. So the faint of heart might want to back out now. <br />
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<b>Plots A, B, and C: Some Men Just Want to Watch the World Burn.</b><br />
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The episode opens with Selina being rushed through Gotham General Hospital on a gurney. A doctor explains to Bruce that they’ll do their best to help her, but the hospital is down to a skeleton crew thanks to the evacuation order. Selina asks if Bruce is going to leave her, and he promises to stay with her in the hospital. <br />
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Meanwhile, the GCPD watches Jeremiah as he casually sits in one of their holding cells. Alfred tells Gordon he’s not sure why he brought Jeremiah instead of killing him, but Gordon says Alfred did the right thing. Alfred then leaves to meet Bruce at the hospital. <br />
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Bullock tells Gordon that the bomb squad has been visiting the bomb sites, deactivating the bombs, and putting them in a warehouse. He adds that the mayor wants to lift the evacuation order, but Gordon says to tell the mayor that they can’t lift the order until all the bombs are found. <br />
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Jeremiah addresses Gordon, saying that he wants to talk to Bruce. <br />
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Gordon refuses and adds that Jeremiah failed to kill Gordon and destroy the city, just like his brother. Jeremiah replies that he’ll tell Gordon where the other bombs are if he brings Bruce. Gordon says that they’ve already found all the bombs, but Jeremiah claims that there other bombs hidden around the city as a redundancy. Gordon says that he’s bluffing, but Jeremiah asks how many lives he’s willing to bet on that theory. Jeremiah adds that he didn’t realize before what vision he was working towards, but now his eyes have been opened. He tells Gordon to bring Bruce once it’s clear that he’s not bluffing. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://jokermiah.tumblr.com/post/174009254007/all-you-need-in-life">Source</a></span></div>
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Elsewhere, Hugo Strange (who was apparently so easy to find and convince that they did it offscreen) has Butch on a makeshift hospital bed. He remarks that Butch has no heartbeat and tells Tabitha that the chemicals from Indian Hill preserved his organs. Strange’s plan (which he promises will work) is to flush out the chemical with antitoxins, infuse Butch with fresh blood, and give him an electric jolt to the heart.<br />
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Tabitha then gets a call about Selina being shot (from Bruce, I suppose) and decides that she’s going to kill Jeremiah. Butch tries to come with her, but Strange says that the procedure can’t be interrupted, and Penguin promises to stay and make sure everything goes right. He adds that he's doing this for Butch's sake, not Tabitha's.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://popkey.co/m/Eoprx-hamilton">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Next, Lucius Fox tells Gordon, who’s at the GCPD, over the phone that there’s no way of knowing how many bombs Jeremiah made. Harper lets Gordon know that the mayor’s on the phone and Gordon says to tell him that they still can’t lift the evacuation order. Gordon then notes that all of Jeremiah’s schemes have been a reflection of his brother’s, even his obsession with Bruce. He wonders aloud what Jeremiah could’ve meant about his eyes being opened to the vision he was meant to serve.<br />
<br />
Over in city hall, the Mayor has had enough of waiting and decides that it’s time to lift the evacuation order. Suddenly, one of his employees looks out the window and spots a man staring at them from a nearby building. The man is Ra’s al Ghul. Seconds later, one of Jeremiah’s bombs goes off, blowing city hall to smithereens. <br />
<br />
Back at the GCPD, Gordon slams Jeremiah against a wall and demands to know how many bombs are left and where they are. Jeremiah simply says that he wants to talk to Bruce. Gordon punches Jeremiah and tells him he will never see Bruce. Jeremiah says that more people will die if he doesn’t.<br />
<br />
Bullock then enters and tells Gordon that he’s needed. Gordon enters the lobby of the precinct, where he’s met by soldiers. Their leader introduces himself as Major Rodney Harlan from Fort Henry. Harlan explains that the government has declared martial law in Gotham and sent him in to take over command until the crisis is resolved. Gordon isn’t pleased by this development but tells Harlan about Jeremiah’s original plan and the secret bombs he has. He adds that it’s not clear who’s helping Jeremiah; rumor has it that his followers turned on him. <br />
<br />
Gordon explains that Jeremiah wants to talk to Bruce and notes that he’s most likely planning a trap. Bullock adds that Jerome tried the same thing when he took over the music festival. Harlan tells them to get Bruce. Gordon refuses. (Remember in season one when everyone kept pointing out that Gordon was an army veteran? How did he not get discharged? How?) Harlan has his men arrest Gordon, saying that he can’t let insubordination jeopardize the city’s fate. <br />
<br />
The men take Gordon away to a parking garage. Suddenly, the soldiers are shot down. The Riddler enters, holding a gun. He asks Gordon a riddle before shooting him with a tranquilizer.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://selinaswaynes.tumblr.com/post/174006400920/mood">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Gordon wakes up, tied to a table with a heavy weight suspended above him. He tries to tell the Riddler that Jeremiah has more bombs and that he needs to let him go. The Riddler says that he and Lee already tried to save the city and are still fugitives. Gordon replies that he gave Lee a way out by returning the money, but the Riddler points out that it was never an option, as she already dispersed the money throughout the Narrows.<br />
<br />
He then begins to lower the weight onto Gordon’s chest and remarks that he should be feeling 50 pounds of pressure. The Riddler explains that a similar device was used to get a confession from prisoners in the old days, but often ended up killing them. He ups the pressure to 100 pounds and says that Gordon is a dead weight, holding Lee to her past. Once he’s gone, she’ll become the person she was meant to be.<br />
<br />
The Riddler ups the pressure to 150 and says that he saw Gordon and Lee together. He notes that his plan is to make sure Gordon dies—and dies painfully.<br />
<br />
Over at the Sirens’ Club, Barbara tells the female League members that the evacuation has left a lot of the city undefended, making it the right time to take over territory. Suddenly, the lights flicker off, leaving someone to take down all of the League members in the darkness. The lights flicker back on and Ra’s appears. He says he just came to talk, but needed to take out the assassins as a precaution.<br />
<br />
He tells Barbara that he’s leaving Gotham and wants her to come with him. He admits that his initial vision of the city being destroyed in fire didn’t come true and theorizes that he doesn’t have the full power of the demon head. She gleefully guesses that some of the power is left in her and asks if he’s come to kill her for it. <br />
<br />
Ra’s says he’s not. He tells her that the woman in the tapestry from his vault was not a whore but a woman he loved. He claims that he offered the woman immortality, but she turned it down. He offers Barbara the same gift, adding that they can rule the league together. He tells her to think about it. When she asks about his vision of the city’s destruction, he says that he’s taking measures to ensure it comes to pass. He adds that the disaster will cause the rise of the person who brought him to Gotham in the first place: his heir.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtG9IA7vonWLPlNVxBEJqAP5vsqxb1jDTbQt3iMItIbdbbjBzCnssv4LNxLT3N6ifVYJGh8CZWl76E8qx5tHE1P07NNNHPAAD31i2zXD755MNNJomTOVgUwbKIElpnWbV-hUWm7Ef5lBU/s1600/tumblr_n257qsSglg1qems7ao3_500.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="500" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtG9IA7vonWLPlNVxBEJqAP5vsqxb1jDTbQt3iMItIbdbbjBzCnssv4LNxLT3N6ifVYJGh8CZWl76E8qx5tHE1P07NNNHPAAD31i2zXD755MNNJomTOVgUwbKIElpnWbV-hUWm7Ef5lBU/s400/tumblr_n257qsSglg1qems7ao3_500.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://rebloggy.com/post/my-gifs-batman-bruce-wayne-terry-mcginnis-batman-beyond-justice-league-unlimited/79000356022">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Back at the GCPD, the soldiers bring in Bruce and Alfred. Bullock tells Harlan that someone attacked his men and took Gordon, but he doesn’t seem to care. Harlan turns to Bruce and tries to tell him that they need his help, but Bruce isn’t too happy with the situation. He says that Harlan’s men took him and Alfred from the hospital against their will and adds that while he’ll do what they’ve asked, he wants to get it over with so he can get back to Selina.<br />
<br />
Bruce enters the interrogation room while Harlan, Bullock, and Alfred watch on a video feed. Bruce asks Jeremiah where the bombs are, and Jeremiah tells him to come closer. When he does, Jeremiah asks how Selina’s doing. When Bruce glares at him in silence, he says that the two of them are destined to be best friends because they’re alike. Jeremiah says that Bruce is still at war with his own nature and claims that he’s trying to help him embrace it. Bruce, however, isn’t having it. He says that nothing Jeremiah has done has been to help him, and adds that while both of them have darkness inside of them, Bruce knows how to control his demons.<br />
<br />
Jeremiah says that Bruce could be strong, and adds, “He sees it too.” <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9OwJq5P5EGQz1w1EuHg1XEqlFORg_guCJxxZ3kv1v-6dNh_ysc5Bhb5Tph7CtVJPwQCRJAIuJ5Ik4Dir9yP5Y_nI61xQFgPJMq4IlyIe4Rl6u25sZHcMRc71D_Hzcj13S_INem6NqP0U/s1600/tumblr_p8xeyeuYQE1r4d3w4o2_540.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="230" data-original-width="540" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9OwJq5P5EGQz1w1EuHg1XEqlFORg_guCJxxZ3kv1v-6dNh_ysc5Bhb5Tph7CtVJPwQCRJAIuJ5Ik4Dir9yP5Y_nI61xQFgPJMq4IlyIe4Rl6u25sZHcMRc71D_Hzcj13S_INem6NqP0U/s320/tumblr_p8xeyeuYQE1r4d3w4o2_540.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg0rhuTtk3rhynqw0C1FHum2lcrrUBy_3JF1WbBgiwEPTFJ1qEVJ973Cx-o58Za_GwNgWxwK08W3ef2ZSu1POGTO13NsVsvnSgovWKdAPMNF3c4IftxX4wc2al-XFgaXjNAWvpgNHSOyo/s1600/tumblr_p8xeyeuYQE1r4d3w4o1_540.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="230" data-original-width="540" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg0rhuTtk3rhynqw0C1FHum2lcrrUBy_3JF1WbBgiwEPTFJ1qEVJ973Cx-o58Za_GwNgWxwK08W3ef2ZSu1POGTO13NsVsvnSgovWKdAPMNF3c4IftxX4wc2al-XFgaXjNAWvpgNHSOyo/s320/tumblr_p8xeyeuYQE1r4d3w4o1_540.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://bosswaldcobblepot.tumblr.com/post/174019574499">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Bruce asks who he’s talking about, but Harlan tells him (through an earpiece to go back to asking about the bombs. He does so, but Jeremiah replies “What bombs?” He tells Bruce that the bomb planted in city hall was the only one and notes that it served its purpose: to bring Bruce to Jeremiah.<br />
<br />
Bruce asks again who Jeremiah meant by “he.” Jeremiah replies that “he” is the one who opened up his eyes and made him realize that he wasn’t working to create a new Gotham for himself, but for Bruce. He says it will be the “dark island” Bruce needs and that it will come to pass that night. Bruce asks again for a name, but Jeremiah redirects the situation to Selina, cruelly asking if she’s paralyzed.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRuJG9GFySUtGMtb6Uy4gTS5mhx-vEtoX1r6Hz9niZfk77nwNeVPsIt1bCjlT-wpvl8xRwDj9ffJP32UtAEKttzM4XtXQwi6X8qHLFk2DwpH2_XQLH055uVdjHbv1sIvpeEr1sIYLED3w/s1600/tumblr_p8wkqkQYrg1wqwtnao2_540.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="253" data-original-width="540" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRuJG9GFySUtGMtb6Uy4gTS5mhx-vEtoX1r6Hz9niZfk77nwNeVPsIt1bCjlT-wpvl8xRwDj9ffJP32UtAEKttzM4XtXQwi6X8qHLFk2DwpH2_XQLH055uVdjHbv1sIvpeEr1sIYLED3w/s320/tumblr_p8wkqkQYrg1wqwtnao2_540.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://jokermiah.tumblr.com/post/174007628487">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Bruce demands a name, and Jeremiah replies that Bruce already knows his name, as Bruce is his heir. As the truth dawns on Bruce, the lights flicker off in the entire precinct. When the officers rush to the interrogation room, they find that it empty, except for the dead corpses of a few guards.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, the Riddler has increased the pressure on Gordon to 350 pounds. He says that they should be able to hear his ribs crack soon. Lee enters and states that 450 pounds is what it takes to crack a grown man’s ribs. The Riddler tries to tell her that it’s not what it looks like, but Lee knows that it is. He says that he’s only doing it to keep Gordon from holding her back. Lee says that the Riddler is insulting her if he thinks that she’d be weak enough to be held back by Gordon.<br />
<br />
She tells Gordon that the woman he loved is gone, and then tells both of him and the Riddler that her work in the Narrows is done; the neighborhoods are free from landlords and gangs, and each family has enough money. Lee says that she’s leaving and tells the Riddler that she wants him to come, but not unless he spares Gordon. After she exits, the Riddler interprets her ultimatum to mean that she loves him and decides to let Gordon go, saying that he can have Gotham.<br />
<br />
Over at the Sirens’ Club, Tabitha tells Barbara about Jeremiah’s escape. Alfred enters soon after her and asks where Ra’s is. Barbara says that she doesn’t know where he is, but knows where he’ll be before he leaves Gotham. She says that if they work together, Tabitha can kill Jeremiah, Alfred can save Bruce, and she can kill Ra’s. Barbara says that she has a surprise for him and holds up an ornate box.<br />
<br />
Not to be left out of the fun, Penguin enters. He explains that the only way to keep Butch on the table was to promise to help Tabitha. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://captainchilly.tumblr.com/post/174031581471/oswald-cobblepot-in-no-mans-land">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Barbara lets him join and tells the motley crew that it’s time to roll out. <br />
<br />
As Gordon stumbles out the Narrows, Lee tosses him the keys to her car and tells him to ice his ribs. He asks if it’s true that she’s leaving the city. She replies that it is. When he asks if she’s taking the Riddler with him, she says that it’s not his business.<br />
<br />
Gordon reminds her of how he said in the station that he wished he could change things between them. He says that he’d change everything that led them to this point. He’d run away with Lee as soon as they met.<br />
<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://valeskajeremiah.tumblr.com/post/174013786247/i-would-change-everything-that-brought-us-to">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Lee says if Gordon had done all of that, he wouldn’t be himself. She says that she doesn’t want to change herself either, but admits that a part of her will always care for him and kisses him. She then tells him goodbye and to save Gotham. <br />
<br />
Gordon calls Bullock, who informs him that Jeremiah kidnapped Bruce and stole all of the bombs from the warehouse.<br />
<br />
Elsewhere, Jeremiah and League members bring Bruce to a building. Once he’s inside, they pull the bag off of his face and take him to Ra’s. Bruce asks how he and Jeremiah found each other, and Ra’s replies that they had a mutual interest in Bruce. Jeremiah asks Ra’s if his league members got the bombs. Ra’s confirms this and adds that the bombs are en route to their new positions. He says that they can watch the destruction from this building (as one side is basically a giant window). <br />
<br />
Bruce says that they’re both insane, but Ra’s says that they’re doing all of this to help him. He says that after the destruction, Bruce will rise as the dark knight that both Ra’s and the city need. Jeremiah admits that he could care less about prophecies; he just realized that his plans to remake Gotham and Bruce were interconnected.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://valeskajeremiah.tumblr.com/post/174012990257/bruce-and-jeremiah-in-every-episode-4x22-no">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
He says that the two of them will create a legacy in the city; when it falls, the they will rise.<br />
<br />
At the GCPD, Bullock explains that 12 transport vans were stolen, which must be how Jeremiah’s new allies are carrying the bombs. He tells Gordon the locations where the bombs have been spotted, causing Gordon to realize that the bombs are being moved to the outskirts of the city.<br />
<br />
Major Harlan arrives and asks Gordon what happened to the men escorting him. Harper follows soon after and informs them that there have been two more sightings along the highway. Gordon, recalling what Bullock told him about Jeremiah’s interrogation, realizes that he’s going to literally make the city into a dark island by targeting the bridges. <br />
<br />
He tells Harlan that they need to cancel the evacuation order and get everybody off of the bridges, but Harlan refuses. He tells his men to arrest Gordon, but Bullock pulls a gun on Harlan. When Harlan commands them to arrest Gordon as well, all of the GCPD cops pull their guns on Harlan.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://tenor.com/view/growth-gif-9771762">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Gordon grabs Harlan’s radio and gives an order to clear the bridges. <br />
<br />
Meanwhile, Ra’s tells Bruce that the city will soon be every man for himself. Barbara arrives and says that it sounds like fun. She tells Ra’s that Gotham is her home and she doesn’t plan on leaving. She says that she doesn’t want to let him leave either and pulls out the case from earlier. Inside is the dagger that Bruce used to kill Ra’s (and the same one Ra’s broke in “<a href="http://www.thefangirlinitiative.com/2018/04/gotham-recap-to-our-deaths-and-beyond.html">To Our Deaths and Beyond</a>”). <br />
<br />
Ra’s notes that she’s reforged it. Barbara replies that she suspects Ra’s will try to return to the city and doesn’t want to worry about looking over her shoulder. Ra’s reminds Barbara that she already tried using the knife and states that she’s outnumbered. She replies that his powers of foresight must not be working, and Penguin enters with the rest of her allies, leading the fight against Ra’s men. <br />
<br />
Elsewhere, Bullock and Gordon work on clearing the bridges. Harper calls Gordon to let him know that while the bridges have been officially closed, the stolen vans have been spotted on each bridge. Gordon, realizing that the bombs could go off at any time, quickly runs after a little girl who’s still on the bridge. <br />
<br />
At the same time, Ra’s manages to hold his own, fighting against both Barbara and Alfred. Tabitha fights Jeremiah. He manages to get the upper hand and holds a knife to her throat, but Penguin shoots him in the shoulder. Bruce gets loose and kicks the man guarding him. He then tries to attack Ra’s, but his hands are still tied and Ra’s easily deflects his attacks. <br />
<br />
Barbara, however, has a better idea: she thrusts the dagger into Bruce’s hands and then rams him forward to stab Ra’s in the chest.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://mazforthefanz.com/2015/10/23/getting-stuck-in-a-texting-trap/">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
We get Ra's al Ghul back for four episodes only for him to die again because of that stupid dagger.<br />
<br />
(Thankfully, in this instance, I don’t think Bruce’s actions count as murder. Barbara was using him as a passive and unaware tool to commit murder. In a way, he was the weapon as much as the dagger.)<br />
<br />
As Ra’s begins to die, the bridges blow up. Jeremiah watches through the windows and smiles. Gordon, still on one of the bridges, grabs the little girl. He watches the others blow up and quickly runs off of the bridge and behind a car for cover. <br />
<br />
Side note: I was hoping that Gordon was extra worried about the girl because she was his niece or something—in certain continuities, Barbara Gordon, aka Batgirl, is his niece rather than daughter. And it’d add even more relevance to Jeremiah’s line about Gordon not being able to hold on to the people he cares about. Sadly, I think this character is just a regular girl.<br />
<br />
From the building, Penguin and the rest of Barbara’s team watch the destruction, dumbstruck. Ra’s, who’s fading away into fiery ash, tells Bruce with his last breaths that the choice is his: to stay Bruce Wayne, or become the dark knight this city needs.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://gfycat.com/gifs/detail/MedicalRequiredHawaiianmonkseal">Source</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.comicbookmovie.com/batman/editorial-the-top-10-dark-knight-trilogy-moments-a108455">Source</a></span></div>
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<br /></div>
Over in the Narrows, the Riddler notes that Jeremiah fulfilled his threat to detonate the bombs. He also theorizes that, as a result, Lee no longer plans to leave Gotham. She admits that he’s right; thanks to the devastation, the Narrows are worse off than before. The Riddler asks what her decision to stay means for the two of them, and she replies that it’s “the end of the road.” <br />
<br />
The Riddler, clutching a knife behind his back, says that he was an idiot to believe her. She never wanted to leave with him, she just wanted to save Gordon. Lee says that he and Gordon are more alike than he’d like to admit; they both think that they understand Lee, and both men want to change her. She replies that neither of them see the real her . . . and then stabs the Riddler in the gut.<br />
<br />
Lee tells him that her offer was real, but also that she knew that, once the Riddler realized that she’d never be the person he wanted her to be, he’d kill her. “It’s just what you do,” she says. He admits that she might be right—before mustering up the strength to turn and stab her in the gut as well.<br />
<br />
He then says that she’s wrong; he does see the real her. The two of them kiss, before collapsing on the ground in agony. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.hypable.com/teen-wolf-season-4-episode-12-a-gif-reaction/">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Meanwhile, Tabitha and Penguin go to Strange, who has managed to turn Butch back to normal. Tabitha is overjoyed to see him looking like his old self and says she loves him. He says he loves her as well. Penguin, smiling from the side, seems oddly pleased at this interaction.<br />
<br />
Butch says that he’ll never forget how Penguin helped him and promises to return the favor. Penguin thanks Butch, says that he truly considers Butch a friend, and then apologizes. “For what?” Butch asks. Penguin responds by shooting him in the chest. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://mashable.com/2013/06/18/panic-gifs/#kIIdmwp1r5qc">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Penguin then turns to Tabitha and asks if she’d thought he’d forgotten how she killed his mother (back in season 2). He says that he lived with the pain every day and wanted to pay her back, eye for an eye—by killing the one person she loved and letting her live with the grief. (Guess we’re not counting Barbara and Selina? Okay, whatever.)<br />
<br />
Tabitha tries to attack Penguin, but he shoots her in the leg. She then realizes that everything he did—recruiting Butch, promising to help him, tracking down Strange—was just to kill Butch in front of her. (It becomes even more twisted when you realize that Penguin saved her life from Jeremiah just to lead her to this moment). Penguin says that, after he feels like she’s suffered enough, he’ll kill her as well. She swears to kill him, and he says, “You’re welcome to try.”<br />
<br />
Elsewhere, Selina is wheeled into an ambulance. Bruce runs after her and asks the doctor how she’s doing. The doctor replies that Selina’s surgery went well, but the bullet severed her spinal cord, so the damage is most likely permanent. The doctor also states that the hospital is shutting down and Selina is in their last ambulance. They have room for Bruce, but he needs to get in immediately so they can leave.<br />
<br />
Alfred moves towards the ambulance, but Bruce looks back at the city. He tells Alfred that he can’t leave, because Ra’s was right. He’s meant to defend Gotham. Alfred says there’s nothing more that Bruce can do, but Bruce says that Jeremiah is still on the loose. When Alfred insists that neither Jeremiah nor the city is his responsibility, Bruce replies, “I’m making it mine.” <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/dxAgjPz67Pr56">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Alfred wants to stay with him, but Bruce tells him to stay with Selina and make sure she’ll be okay. Alfred agrees, but says that once she’s safe, he’s going to come back and find Bruce.<br />
<br />
Back at the GCPD, Bullock tells Harlan that they can’t give up on the city. Harlan replies that there could be other bombs left, the power’s out, and the water supply is damaged. He states that the evacuation process is continuing overnight and by boat. Everyone is to leave the city, including the police, as the governor has declared the city off-limits until the situation is under control.<br />
<br />
Gordon refuses to leave and says that if Harlan is going to arrest him, he should do it now. Harlan, who’s too stressed and or tired to care, simply leaves without even trying to cuff Gordon. Once he’s gone, Bullock admits that Harlan’s right. Now the the government has given up on the city, the gangs will take over and turn it into a battle ground. <br />
<br />
Bullock is proven right in a montage that really has to be seen to be believed.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SXAADl_H5_0" width="560"></iframe><br /></div>
<br />
In summary:<br />
<ul>
<li>Penguin gets a new base of operations.</li>
<li>Freeze takes over a gang’s territory.</li>
<li>Firefly and a team of arsonists mark their territory.</li>
<li>Scarecrow decapitates a man for wandering into his lab.</li>
</ul>
(Unfortunately, there are some villains we don’t see in the montage. We don’t know what Mad Hatter or Poison Ivy are up to, for example. And there’s no Jeremiah in the sequence either. Maybe we’ll see more of them next season.)<br />
<br />
In the midst of the chaos, one of Penguin’s men brings Strange the corpses of the Riddler and Lee. Penguin’s request is simple: to “fix them.” Strange, however, smiles and wonders aloud what to do with the two of them. (While I know that human experimentation is Strange’s M.O., I hope he doesn’t try to give either of them powers or something. That’d just be too much).<br />
<br />
Over at the Sirens’ Club, a male member of the League (joined by his brethren) tells Barbara that, because she defeated Ra’s, they have decided to follow her leadership. As they kneel before her, Penguin’s men bring in Tabitha, still wounded from her encounter with Penguin. She tells Barbara what happened. Barbara, deciding that men are what’s wrong with Gotham, decides that the city needs a man-free zone and orders the female league members to kill their male counterparts. They oblige, and hang two corpses next to a banner that marks Sirens’ Territory as women-only. <br />
<br />
At the precinct, Lucius turns on the lights. He explains to Gordon that he took one of Jeremiah’s battery bombs before it went to the warehouse and was able to restore it to its purpose as a generator. Bullock tells Gordon that he told Lucius they were staying, and Lucius adds that there are others on the way. Gordon says that there’s something he needs Lucius to do.<br />
<br />
In an alleyway somewhere, Bruce beats up two men (who I assume are criminals) and demands to know where Jeremiah is.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://causeyourethere4metoo.tumblr.com/post/174024457836">Source</a></span></div>
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They don’t know, and he replies that if they see Jeremiah, they should tell him that Bruce is coming for him. After the men run away, Bruce notices something in the sky: a searchlight.<br />
<br />
The searchlight is mounted on top of the precinct roof, where Gordon stands in a trench coat. Bruce (having followed the light) approaches him, and Gordon says that Bruce isn’t supposed to be here. Bruce points out that Gordon and the 12 cops downstairs aren’t supposed to be in the city either, and surmises that they stayed to fight for Gotham.<br />
<br />
Gordon says they’ll have to go block by block and admits that, while he’s not sure what they’ll find, he expects the worst. The show then cuts to two disturbing scenes. The first is of a man in an old church with horrific bat wings descending on people. The second is of a masked woman approaching a masked boy who’s killing someone with a hatchet.<br />
<br />
Back on the roof, Bruce notes that the searchlight seems like it’s daring the criminals to come after the remaining cops. Gordon says, “Let them come,” and explains that the light is there to let the good people know that there are still people willing to fight. Bruce, agreeing, recalls what Gordon told him after his parents were murdered: “However dark and scary the world might be right now, there will be light.” The episode ends with the two of them staring at the searchlight, looking for all the world like a young Batman and Commissioner Gordon.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://stevenrogered.tumblr.com/post/174006746837/1x01-4x22">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Verdict</b></span><br />
<br />
<b>For the Episode: </b>As I said earlier, “No Man’s Land” is a killer way to end a season. It’s an episode with a lot of moving parts, but most of those parts work. I’ll start with the few that don’t. <br />
<br />
Like the story of Lee and the Riddler. I was glad that Lee got some closure with Gordon, but otherwise, I wasn’t that invested in their relationship towards the end of the season and it was hard for me to sympathize with either character. As the season’s progressed, both characters have become more manipulative, selfish, and (in some circumstances) downright unlikeable. I think the scene of the double murder had some poetic value in it, but no enough to justify the relationship OR two more resurrections of major characters.<br />
<br />
Which brings in Hugo Strange, who’s also a bit of a weak link. At this point, Strange is a walking deus ex machina—he’s just someone you track down if you want a virus cured, a person de-Grundy-fied, or two lovers resurrected. And if you thought that someone who crossed the Court of Owls would hard to find, you’d be wrong. In season 2, Strange was a menacing and cunning villain, but ever since season 3, he’s just been someone for other characters to use when they need a problem solved. He doesn’t have his own goals or motivations anymore, apart from the love of human experimentation. <br />
<br />
Still, I’m willing to allow a Strange-Ex-Machina because it led to Penguin’s betrayal. I wasn’t too interested in Penguin recruiting Butch in earlier episodes, but now that storyline has retroactive value—because Penguin wasn’t trying to get Butch to be his henchman again (at least, not for good). He was working towards the larger goal of paying back Tabitha for his mother’s murder.<br />
<br />
The question is: has Penguin’s revenge on Tabitha been a long time coming, or did it come out of nowhere, since Gertrude’s been dead since the first half of season 2? I lean towards the latter, but maybe that’s a good thing. We don’t expect it and neither does she.<br />
<br />
But it’s not as satisfying as his revenge on the Riddler at the end of season 3, and I’ll tell you why. Penguin’s arc in season 3 was about trying to gain the approval of others and the love of Ed Nygma. His revenge on the Riddler completes the arc, as Penguin decides that he’s done letting “love weaken him.” <br />
<br />
In season 4, Penguin’s arc isn’t tied to Tabitha. It’s mainly tied to his rivalry with Gordon and Sofia Falcone and his need for control of the city, and the continuing theme of his weakness being love (as seen in his friendship with Martin and his early trust of Sofia). It would make more sense if the episode had focused on him exploiting the chaos to find Sofia in a hospital and kill her once and for all. <br />
<br />
Still, Penguin’s revenge wasn’t a bad twist. I just felt like it could’ve been built up more, you know? As for Butch, as much as I’ve loved Drew Powell’s performance, I feel like it is time to lay the character to rest. The crazier and more comic-book-esque the show gets, the less characters like Butch fit in. He’s become almost anachronistic, as he’s a holdover from the old-fashioned days where the mob ruled in Gotham. He never evolved, like Penguin or Fish Mooney.<br />
<br />
And I don’t think the show’s version of Solomon Grundy was worth keeping around for another season; there are only so many stories you can tell about a zombie with super strength Given how many storylines <i>Gotham</i> likes to tell at once, it makes sense to shed the ones that aren’t as compelling. <br />
<br />
Speaking of compelling, let’s get to Bruce’s storyline (which I guess is more or less also Gordon’s, as they’re both racing to stop Jeremiah, but let’s be honest: it’s more about Bruce than about Gordon). As you can probably guess, I loved it.<br />
<br />
One of the best parts of this episode was Bruce’s tranquil fury in the interrogation scene and how Jeremiah played off of it, pushing all of his buttons. There’s got to be a kind of chemistry between Batman and the Joker—not a romantic chemistry, of course, but a rivalry. A rivalry that has evolved over the course of almost eighty years.<br />
<br />
A rivalry where the Joker wants to bring out the worst in Batman, and Batman strives to stop the Joker without killing him so that he can prove there’s a difference between the two of them. A rivalry where the Joker can’t just kill Batman because that’d take all of the fun out of his escapades. A rivalry where the Joker is the chaos that challenges Batman’s need for order. <br />
<br />
That relationship relies on a chemistry that’s hard to achieve. Some of the best portrayals of this relationship are seen in The Dark Knight, Batman: The Animated Series, Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker and Batman: Under the Red Hood.<i> Gotham</i> raised the stakes by entrusting this relationship to two young actors: David Mazouz as Bruce Wayne, and Cameron Monaghan as the Joker (call him what you want, Warner Bros., but that’s who he’s been playing all along). <br />
<br />
In my opinion, they couldn’t have chosen anyone better for the task. Mazouz’s portrayal of Bruce as serious, determined, stubborn, and temperamental played well off of Monagahan’s portrayal of Jerome—an over-the-top, unpredictable, psychotic showman. But the relationship between Bruce and Jeremiah is even better because they’re so oddly alike. They’re focused, intelligent, pragmatic, single-minded and determined. And both characters slip easily into other roles—Bruce playing the role of a drunken billionaire brat when he felt like it, and Jeremiah portraying both his brother and an innocent version of himself.<br />
<br />
But I digress. My point is, Bruce and Jeremiah are a big part of what make this episode work. What also makes this episode work is that it sets up an amazing premise for the final season. It sets up a Gotham City that needs Batman more than ever, one where Bruce can’t afford to take a break from vigilantism, as he did in this season. <br />
<br />
This is a Gotham where the villains (one of the show’s greatest strengths) have the run of the city—and, for once, the season doesn’t end with Penguin back in control. He’s scrambling for power as much as any of his rivals, which sets up a new status quo. For once, no one is the “king” or “queen” of Gotham. It’s anyone’s game.<br />
<br />
I’d also be remiss if I didn’t point out some of the parallels between Bruce and Gordon in this episode. Gordon voices his regrets about not leaving the city with Lee, but she says that if he’d done that, he wouldn’t be himself. That’s who this version Gordon is: someone who wants to save Gotham. Someone who, almost invariably, puts that mission before anything or anyone else in his life.<br />
<br />
And that’s who Bruce chooses to be by the end of the episode. He breaks his promise to stay with Selina because he feels the calling to save the city. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/gotham-NGNDof3THBcJ2">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Bruce has now chosen, for better or worse, to take responsibility for the city in its darkest hour. And that’s what he’s always going to choose. No matter how much he cares about people, they come second to that mission. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://yjgifcave.tumblr.com/post/16090544065/dick-and-dinah-e17-disordered">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
And maybe that’s what this season was about, really—not Bruce acting as Batman by going out as a vigilante, but him learning what it means to to be Batman on a mental level. What it means to take responsibility for the entire city—for the lives you take, like Ra’s, and the lives you spare, like Jerome and Jeremiah.<br />
<br />
In the same vein, Gordon learned what it meant to be a leader this season. He couldn’t get anyone to follow him until he demonstrated (in “<a href="http://www.thefangirlinitiative.com/2017/11/gotham-recap-day-in-narrows-4x07.html">A Day in the Narrows</a>”) how much he was willing to risk for his fellow officers. He also learned that being a leader might mean carrying the weight of your own mistakes and moving past them in order to be an example to others. This was the season where Gordon really began to feel like his future self—older, wiser, and more capable of leading the GCPD. <br />
<br />
And that’s why the ending scene of this episode works. Because even though Gordon wasn’t using the searchlight to call to Bruce, he came anyway. That’s who Bruce is—Gordon’s ally in the fight for Gotham, whether Gordon realizes it or not.<br />
<br />
Come to think of it, the scene is a microcosm of what makes <i>Gotham</i> work. The search light is not the bat signal, but it might as well be. Bruce is not yet Batman, but he’s growing closer than ever to that identity. Gordon is not yet commissioner, but he’s the only man willing to lead what’s left of the police force against the city. Everything is in a tantalizing state of “already-not-yet.” <br />
<br />
You see with Bruce and Gordon standing on a rooftop, but that’s not what you feel. You feel that this is the first of many meetings between the caped crusader and the future commissioner. You feel that, at long last, <i>Gotham</i> has its dark knight.<br />
<br />
<b>A Final Word About Season 4:</b><br />
<br />
Season 4 was difficult because I felt like so many of expectations were subverted—namely, I expected to see Bruce working as a vigilante the entire season, but that didn’t happen. And I used to feel disappointed about that. I used to feel cheated. <br />
<br />
But not anymore. As I said earlier, this episode made me realize that season 4 wasn’t about Bruce acting as the dark knight; it was about him becoming the dark knight. He had to learn to make peace with the darkness within himself before putting the mask back on—if he hadn’t gone through that turmoil, he could’ve lost control (especially after Jeremiah shot Selina).<br />
<br />
Putting Bruce in a suit and mask wasn’t enough to make him Batman. I see that now. In order to complete the transformation, he had to learn, like Gordon, how to live with his own mistakes and focus on helping others.<br />
<br />
So this is it, folks. The end of season 4. I expect you won’t hear from me for a while, as season 5 doesn’t begin until 2019, according to <a href="http://comicbook.com/dc/2018/05/14/gotham-season-5-2019-premiere/">Comicbook.com</a>.<span id="goog_1545910048"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_1545910049"></span> Still, schedule permitting, I should be back to writing recaps as soon as <i>Gotham </i>returns. Until then, I’ll probably reread Batman: <i>The Long Halloween</i> to cope with the withdrawal. <br />
<br />
It’s been fun for me to comment on the show this season, and I hope you’ve enjoyed my unique mix of commentary, theory, and rambling. Feel free to comment below with your thoughts on the finale, theories, questions, and hopes for season 5 (I personally, would like at least one scene that takes place in the future).<br />
<br />
Until next time, have a good year. And remember: <br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://stevenrogered.tumblr.com/post/174006746837/1x01-4x22">Source</a></span></div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4675533200914366163.post-66431088483849150892018-05-17T15:00:00.000-07:002018-05-17T15:00:03.613-07:00'Gotham' Recap: "One Bad Day" (4x21)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://twitter.com/gothamhub">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
If you’re reading this, then you’ve probably chosen either to spend your summer in the great indoors or to bring your devices outside and suffer the scorn of your parents. Either way, it’s time for another <i>Gotham </i>recap—believe me, this is one episode that ends in a bang. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://cinnamon.co.vu/post/130629364211">Source</a></span></div>
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This week’s episode, “One Bad Day,” focuses on Jeremiah Valeska’s two goals: first, to blow up the city, and secondly, to drive Bruce Wayne insane. Given that the episode centers on Jeremiah, I’ve decided to ditch my usual plot-splitting format. While this episode can be divided up into different plots by character, these plots are extremely interconnected and each one impacts the others as Jeremiah’s schemes unfold. Because of that interconnectedness, it makes more sense to discuss this episode as a whole than to divide it up. <br />
<br />
Warning: the following recap contains <b>MAJOR SPOILERS</b> for <i>Gotham</i>. The episode itself contains violence and self-harm.<br />
<br />
<b>Plots A, B, and C: V is for Valeska’s Vendetta. </b><br />
<br />
The episode opens with a TV news reporter explaining that Captain Gordon was at the scene of the bunker explosion and is still missing, though feared dead. Harvey turns his attention from the TV to Lucius, who says that search and rescue haven’t found any signs of life at the bunker. Harvey tells Lucius to order them to keep looking and insists to everyone that Gordon is still alive. <br />
<br />
Harvey tells the first responders to head out, along with the CSIs, and says that everyone else needs to look for Jeremiah and Bruce. One cop points out that the last time they followed Harvey, Professor Pyg killed several cops, but Harper cuts in and says that Gordon trusted Harvey, so that should be good enough for them. <br />
<br />
At that moment, Detective Alvarez rushes in and tells Harvey that Jeremiah wasn’t in the bunker when it blew up. Harvey asks how he can be sure, and Alvarez replies that he’s outside the precinct and he’s not alone. Harvey follows him outside, to where Jeremiah stands with Jerome’s former followers, who are now uniformed and stand in position, awaiting commands. <br />
<br />
Jeremiah explains that his brother’s former followers are now loyal to him, as he did something his brother never could: he killed Captain Gordon. He then explains to Harvey that he has bombs planted all over the city, which will go off the second he hits the detonator—or loosens his thumb to activate the dead man’s switch. <br />
<br />
Harvey calls Jeremiah more sick than his brother, but Jeremiah denies it. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://peterquili.tumblr.com/post/173805879734/youre-more-sick-than-your-brother">Source</a></span></div>
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He then tells Harvey that he’ll detonate the explosives in six hours, so they’d better start evacuating the city. Harvey says it’s impossible to evacuate the whole city in that time, but Jeremiah insists that no one has to die . . . except for everyone at the nearby clock tower, which he blows up as an example for Harvey. Harvey sends officers to the scene, and Jeremiah leaves, but not before reminding Harvey that he only has six hours. <br />
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Meanwhile, at the Sirens’ Club, Barbara muses over the clock tower’s destruction and Gordon’s apparent death. She says that he always wanted to die a hero. At that moment, Penguin arrives with Butch.<br />
<br />
Penguin explains that Jeremiah Valeska is behind the bombings. He adds that he and Butch learned more about Jeremiah’s plans by torturing the knife thrower (who was among Jerome’s followers). Penguin tells Barbara that there’s an opportunity for money and glory in the midst of the confusion but admits that he doesn’t have the manpower to execute his plans alone. He offers her a 50-50 split of the profit, but she doesn’t go for it.<br />
<br />
Penguin then adds that he’d hoped to use the money to cure Butch with Strange’s help. Tabs, wanting to help, insists that Barbara go along with the plan and reminds Barbara about how she (Tabs) almost got killed by Ra’s. Barbara reluctantly agrees and asks what Penguin has in mind.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.cougarboard.com/board/message.html?id=18618875">Source</a></span></div>
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Back at the GCPD, Harvey pushes the mayor to make the evacuation order and reminds him that they’ve got five and a half hours left to evacuate the city. Harvey then notices Bruce, who’s just entered the precinct. Harvey rushes over to make sure he’s okay. Bruce asks if it’s true that Gordon’s dead and tells Harvey not to lie to him about it. Harvey admits that the chances of Gordon being alive aren’t looking good. He then asks if Bruce saw Gordon, as well as how he and Jeremiah escaped the blast.<br />
<br />
Bruce explains that they’d already left the bunker and adds that Jeremiah was sprayed with his brother’s insanity gas. Harvey asks if Bruce has heard about the clock tower explosion. Bruce admits that it’s his fault, as he funded Jeremiah’s plans to create generators. Harvey almost loses it after hearing that Wayne Enterprises built the bombs, but Bruce adds that there are schematics for the generator batteries in his company’s R&D labs. Harvey insists that Gordon would want Bruce to be safe and tells him to go home.<br />
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After Harvey walks away, Bruce gets a call from Alfred’s number. He answers it, only to hear Jeremiah on the other line. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://valeskajeremiah.tumblr.com/post/173707689112">Source</a></span></div>
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Bruce demands to know where Alfred is, but Jeremiah says Bruce shouldn’t be so angry and ungrateful after all Jeremiah has done for him. Bruce points out that Jeremiah lied to him, used his company to build bombs, and tried to kill him, but Jeremiah insists that if he wanted Bruce dead, he’d just shoot him. Jeremiah reminds Bruce that he sees him as a best friend and says that he’s going to prove it to Bruce. He tells Bruce to meet him at an address within an hour or Alfred dies. Jeremiah adds that he’ll know if Bruce tells the police . . . and he also knows that Bruce is currently with them.<br />
<br />
The idea of Jeremiah watching Bruce is highlighted by a graffiti drawing of evil eyes and a grinning smile made up of the words “HA HA”, left behind by Jerome’s followers in their riot. You might recognize the design as a recurring motif in season 2. It often appeared as graffiti around the city, reinforcing the belief that Jerome would live on after his (first) death.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/403212972872503112/">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Meanwhile, Gordon wakes up in a bed with an IV attached to his arm. Lee walks in and explains that the Riddler sent people to follow Gordon (while he broke her out of the precinct), and they saved him from the blast. Gordon says he’s surprised Lee didn’t kill him. She admits that she is too, and says she’s not sure what she plans to do with him.<br />
<br />
Gordon insists that he needs to return to the GCPD to stop Jeremiah, but Lee says he’s not going anywhere. He tells her to grab his jacket. She does; inside one of the pockets is a paper he grabbed from Jeremiah’s bunker. It displays a kind of maze diagram that might be a clue to Jeremiah’s plan. Gordon says he needs to get it to Harvey, but Lee takes the paper and locks the door behind her, leaving Gordon to get some rest.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://stabbybabz.tumblr.com/post/173796935986/oh-how-the-turntables">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Elsewhere, Bruce and Selina walk down an alley. Bruce explains that Jeremiah’s followers must’ve taken Alfred while Bruce and Jeremiah were at the cemetery. He thanks her for agreeing to help him out and admits that he knows he’s asking a lot. Selina simply says she’ll always be around whenever he needs her.<br />
<br />
The two of them peer around a corner to scope out the address Jeremiah gave Bruce. They don’t see anyone, and Selina points out that it could be a trap. Bruce says that Jeremiah still wants him alive for some reason, so he needs to look for Alfred, even if the address is a trap.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://valeskajeremiah.tumblr.com/post/173794268257">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Selina scales the roof, while Bruce enters through a door into a dark room. He calls for Alfred, and a video projector turns on, displaying a video feed on the walls of Alfred being beaten and tortured.<br />
<br />
Back in the Narrows, Lee tells the Riddler that if they can solve Jeremiah’s plan using the paper Gordon found, they can trade the information for clemency. The Riddler, however, asks if there’s something more going on, some other reason she wants to work with Gordon. Lee insists that she and Gordon aren’t together and that she’s trying to protect and she and the Riddler have built. The Riddler says that he’d prefer to use Gordon as a hostage, but Lee points out the leveling half the city will destroy resources and hurt the Narrows. The Riddler gives in, saying that he’ll go along with Lee’s plan for her sake, and she kisses him. <br />
<br />
Over at the GCPD, Harper updates Harvey on the ongoing evacuation. The roads are full of people trying to drive out of the city, the national guard’s coming in, and some people just don’t want to leave. Lucius then arrives with the generator schematics from Wayne Enterprises. He says that the generators, when supercharged, turn into bombs capable of blowing a city block. He explains that the bombs are connected by a central nervous system; if they find the core relay, they can stop all the bombs.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, Jeremiah watches a video feed of Bruce wandering through the building. He remarks that Bruce is about to have a “very transformative experience.” He then tells one of his henchmen to call “our friend” and let him know that he should kill Alfred, as he’s no longer necessary. <br />
<br />
As Jeremiah walks down the stairs into his hideout, he sees Penguin, Barbara, Tabitha, and Butch . . . along with the knife thrower, who has a grenade in his mouth and the core relay in his hands. Penguin tells Jeremiah not to get any closer and says that the four of them have their own demands to make.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://stabbybabz.tumblr.com/post/173800960031">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Namely, 50 million dollars to return the core relay. Jeremiah says that he doesn’t have that much money lying around, but Penguin says that all he needs to do is call the mayor, give him another hour, and add the money to his list of demands. Jeremiah notes that this plan casts him as the Villain, while the rest of them get away rich, but he agrees to the deal.<br />
<br />
Barbara says that, having met (and worked with) Jerome, she expected a crazier reaction. Jeremiah tells her that he’s both sane and intelligent, which is why he’ll succeed where his brother failed. He then calls the mayor and adds the 50 million dollars to his list of demands.<br />
<br />
As he talks on the phone, Tabitha asks if they’re really going to let him blow up the city. Penguin says that they won’t; his plan is get the money, kill Jeremiah and his henchmen, split the money, and be seen as heroes by the citizens of Gotham. Tabitha reminds him that they also need to cure Butch, and he hastily adds that the to-do list. <br />
<br />
Jeremiah turns away from his phone and remarks that the mayor’s office put him on hold. He says that it’s time for a change of plans . . . i.e., grabbing a rocket launcher and blowing up the knife thrower. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://byerswiill.tumblr.com/post/173785429711">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Penguin asks if he’s insane, but Jeremiah says it’s not crazy to have a backup plan. He tells them that the building they’re in is within the blast radius and notes that he plans to detonate the bombs as soon as he’s within a safe watching distance. He remarks that it’s their fault he moved up the timetable and tells his men to kill Penguin and his allies before they can escape. The henchmen whip out guns and the shootout begins. <br />
<br />
Meanwhile, Bruce continues to wander through the building and call for Alfred. A recording of Jeremiah answers him. He says that his brother claimed that “One bad day is all it takes to reduce the sanest man alive to lunacy.” Jeremiah says that Jerome gave him what the thought was the worst day of his life but adds that losing everything made Jeremiah face what was inside of him.<br />
<br />
Jeremiah says that there’s something inside Bruce as well, but in order to free that “something,” Bruce has to lose everything he holds dear. The video feeds reappear on the walls. Bruce watches, horrified, as Scarecrow sprays Alfred with the Joker gas.<br />
<br />
Over in the Narrows, the Riddler sends for Gordon so they can discuss Jeremiah’s plan. The Riddler tells Gordon that he’s not doing this to save the city; he’s doing it because he’s with Lee now. When Gordon says “Fine,” the Riddler says that he’s just pretending to be nonchalant, but Gordon replies that he wants to save the city; he could care less if the Riddler thinks he’s in a relationship with Lee. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://fray-clarys.tumblr.com/post/173783276830/jim-being-the-voice-of-the-fandom">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Gordon says that the Riddler is a psychopath and a murderer, and the very fact that he wants Gordon to recognize that Lee loves the Riddler means he doesn’t believe it either. Gordon then states that stopping Jeremiah is what matters, but the Riddler says that since they’re on his turf and not the GCPD, they’re going to talk about Lee before addressing Jeremiah’s plans. <br />
<br />
Gordon states that Lee has changed and that she might not be the person he used to know, but she’s not the person the Riddler thinks she is either. He adds that Lee is with the Riddler because she wants something from him, and once she gets it, she’ll get rid of him.<br />
<br />
The Riddler points out that while Gordon seems to believe that Lee can’t love him (the Riddler) because he’s a murderer, Gordon is a murderer himself. Gordon admits that he’s right and says that might be the reason Lee and him aren’t together anymore. He then asks if they can move on to discussing Jeremiah’s plan.<br />
<br />
The Riddler agrees and pulls out the diagram. He explains to Gordon that most labyrinths are built around having one way in and one way out, but this isn’t like that. So maybe it’s not the plan, but the end result, Gordon realizes. The Riddler pulls out a model of the maze, with each of the red lines depicted as a little tower. Gordon identifies each as buildings around town, such as the headquarters of Wayne Enterprises. The Riddler explains that when the bombs go off, the buildings will collapse to form the labyrinth. <br />
<br />
Gordon tries to leave, but the Riddler won’t let him. He says that Lee and him plan to send the information to the mayor in exchange for clemency. The Riddler’s about to lock Gordon in, but Gordon calls him back, saying he made one mistake in the model. The Riddler leans in to examine it, and Gordon punches him out.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://leslie-nygma.tumblr.com/post/173802992816">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Back in Jeremiah’s hideout, Penguin’s side wins the shootout. Barbara chews Penguin out for almost getting them killed and Butch says that everything that’s going wrong is Penguin’s fault. Penguin promises to fix it. He then calls Harvey and informs him that Jeremiah plans to detonate the bombs early by “rewiring the bombs to connect with each other in a direct sequence.”<br />
<br />
Harvey hangs up on Penguin and relays the info to Lucius, who says that the direct sequence is a function from when the bombs served as batteries. He says that they can disrupt all of the bombs by disarming them first, like how breaking one Christmas light breaks the whole strand. Harvey wishes that they knew where the bombs were . . . and who should walk in but Gordon, who happens to have the location of every bomb. He hugs Harvey and the two of them get to work.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://benmckee.tumblr.com/post/173799203893">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Elsewhere, Selina walks down a set of stairs from the roof the building she climbed up earlier. She hears Bruce yelling and sees two men watching him on camera monitors. Scarecrow appears behind her and said that Jeremiah thought Bruce might bring a friend. Selina claims she just wandered in, but he doesn’t believe her and the two of them begin to fight. <br />
<br />
Over in the GCPD, Lucius and Harvey explain the bomb sequence to Gordon. Lucius says that he still needs to figure out the best way to neutralize the bombs. Harvey tells them to have the bomb squad meet him at the first building (not sure how he figured out which one was the first; maybe they were numbered on the map). Gordon says that Harvey should let the squad meet him there, but Harvey says he needs to go. <br />
<br />
Meanwhile, Selina fights against Jeremiah’s thugs. When she gets the upper hand, Scarecrow sprays them with his fear toxin and turns his attention to her. He swings a scythe at her. When she dodges, he says that it doesn’t matter that she’s winning, as Bruce will soon be driven mad. Scarecrow then leaves her. <br />
<br />
Bruce runs through the building, still surrounded by the projected video of Alfred screaming he inhales the gas. Bruce is so focused on finding Alfred that he doesn’t notice the green gas being pumped out of pipes around him. Everything begins look fractured in his mind and his vision distorts. He runs out of the hall and screams. <br />
<br />
Bruce then comes to a room where Alfred sits with his head down. There’s the sound of laughter, and as Bruce draws closer, he realizes that the laughter is coming from Alfred (much like that one scene from <i>Joker: Death of the Family</i>).<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://girlgonegeekblog.com/2013/02/14/batman-17/">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Alfred is both laughing and crying. He sticks a knife in his mouth and slices the sides of his lips to give himself a<a href="http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/GlasgowGrin"> Glasgow grin</a>. Bruce begs him to stop, and Alfred, still laughing, attacks Bruce with the knife. Bruce holds his own but begs Alfred to stop. Alfred tackles him, but as Selina looks at the video monitor, she sees Bruce fighting someone, but it’s hard to make out who. She figures out how to turn off the gas pipes and then hears footsteps. She opens a nearby door, and an unknown figure stumbles through with a sack over his/her head. <br />
<br />
In the fight, it seems like Alfred has the upper hand. He’s got Bruce pressed up against a rail and holds a knife to Bruce’s mouth, telling him to smile. Bruce begs him to stop, saying that Alfred is stronger than whatever Jeremiah has done to him. Suddenly, someone shoots Alfred in the head and he tumbles over the railing to his death.<br />
<br />
Bruce watches in horror as the blood pools out of his body. Selina grabs Bruce and tells him to breathe. She explains that Scarecrow used his fear gas on Bruce to make him see what what he was afraid of. She then shows him the real Alfred (presumably, the guy in the sack). Bruce scrambles to get a better view of the man who fell over the rail, and realizes that he was never Alfred at all. The real Alfred tells Bruce that he’s fine. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://tenor.com/view/hallelujah-thank-god-tg-tgod-thank-goodness-gif-5711499">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
<i>Gotham</i>, you need to stop acting like you’re about to kill off Alfred. It’s too much for me to take. <br />
<br />
At the same time, Harvey tells Lucius over the phone that he’s at the bomb site. Lucius tells him that the evacuees have jammed the streets and the bomb squad is still en route. Harvey says they can’t afford to wait, as Jeremiah could detonate the bombs at any time. Lucius tells him to unscrew the antenna and deactivate the kill switch. Before Harvey can begin, the bomb starts to glow red and hum. Harvey tells Lucius, who replies that Harvey needs to work quickly. <br />
<br />
As this happens, Jeremiah enters a room full of his followers. He says that they’re about to share in the dawn of a new Gotham where they’ll all be free.<br />
<br />
Lucius tells Harvey that after he unscrews the antenna, the kill switch breaker should appear. Harvey tells him that there’s two identical breakers, and Lucius says Jeremiah must’ve changed the design on the bombs. He tells Harvey not to break both of the breakers, as one of them might be a failsafe which detonates the bombs. <br />
<br />
Jeremiah is about to detonate the bombs when he’s distracted by a newscast where Gordon announces that he’s alive. Jeremiah initially denies it, but Gordon happily declares that Jeremiah failed and calls him a poor copy of his brother. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://byerswiill.tumblr.com/post/173793515101/this-is-a-message-to-the-followers-of-jeremiah">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Jeremiah’s followers say he lied to them about killing Gordon, but Jeremiah says that it doesn’t matter, as the new world will still be born when he hits the switch. <br />
<br />
Harvey, torn between the two breakers, ends up deciding by the most scientific method at his disposal: eeny-meeny-miny-moe. He chooses a breaker and breaks it. <br />
<br />
At the same time, Jeremiah flips the switch, but nothing happens. He fiddles with the trigger and his followers call him a fake and a liar. He yells at them to stop, before laughing quietly to himself. He says that their fickleness is hurtful . . . and predictable. He quickly runs out of the room and locks them in, before hitting a button marked “PURGE.” After he does so, the room fills with fire and screams. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://byerswiill.tumblr.com/post/173795208106/jeremiah-valeska-in-4x21-one-bad-daymy-brother">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Back at the Sirens’ Club, Penguin tries to convince his disillusioned allies that his plan was worth the risk. Barbara tells him to leave, and Penguin acquiesces, telling Butch to come with him. Butch refuses, saying that since they teamed up, everything’s gone wrong. Penguin insists that he knows where Strange is, before adding in that he only found out recently. He also reminds Butch that they still don’t have a way to pay Strange, but Tabitha says she can persuade him (read: torture him).<br />
<br />
Elsewhere, Jeremiah looks over his schematics. He surmises the Gordon must’ve stolen his blueprints and sabotaged the sequence. He ruefully admits to himself that he’ll have to start over. Suddenly, a man’s voice says that Jeremiah is "tenacious." Jeremiah turns, looking for its source. The voice says that he had a vision of Gotham in flames. The speaker, Ra’s al Ghul, appears, and says that together, he and Jeremiah can make that vision a reality. <br />
<br />
Jeremiah replies that he’s decided to work alone from now on and shoots at Ra’s. Ra’s disappears before the bullet can hit him and reappears at another spot in the room. He tells Jeremiah not to be foolish. Jeremiah shoots at him again, but he disappears again before appearing right behind Jeremiah, much to the latter’s annoyance. He asks why Ra’s thinks Jeremiah needs his help. Ra’s replies that both of their plans aren't about Gotham. They're about Bruce Wayne. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.de/pin/190558627956601438/">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
In the Narrows, Gordon walks in on Lee. She asks if he’s there to arrest her (which, you know, is his job), but he says that he’s there to thank her and give her an offer. He tells her to leave Gotham and and start a new life somewhere else. Alone. Gordon says that they can’t change the past, but whatever happens next, he’ll always care about her. He walks away, not realizing the Riddler has been listening to the entire conversation. <br />
<br />
At the GCPD, Harvey reenters and orders the cops to tell the Mayor not to lift the evacuation order until all of the bombs are secured. He also reminds them that everyone needs to be looking for Jeremiah. They all stare at him silently, until Lucius begins to cheer and the rest of them join in.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://optimisticcritique.tumblr.com/post/173789011522/harvey-being-appreciated-in-4x21">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Over in Wayne Manor, Alfred tells Bruce that he’s about to take a long hot shower, and then he’s going to fry up some dinner. He asks if Selina’s joining and she replies that she has no other plans. Alfred asks if Bruce is alright, but he doesn’t respond. After Alfred leaves, Bruce and Selina sit down on the couch. He thanks her, says that he doesn’t know what would’ve happened if she hadn’t been there . . . and kisses her. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://selinaswaynes.tumblr.com/post/173783950330/and-this-is-how-the-episode-ended-and-nothing">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
It took 21 episodes, but we finally got a Bat-Cat kiss this season! Let’s just sit back and enjoy that for a second. <br />
<br />
Okay, second’s over. <br />
<br />
Selina asks if Bruce knows why Jeremiah is obsessed with him. Bruce repeats what Jeremiah said about one bad driving a person insane. He admits that watching his parents die might’ve made him a little insane and theorizes that Jeremiah wanted to bring out that insanity. Selina says that Jeremiah failed.<br />
<br />
Jeremiah, however, begs to differ. He shows up, says he's not done yet, and shoots Selina in the stomach. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://whitefluffyyeti.tumblr.com/post/173793111011/gotham-one-bad-day">Source</a></span></div>
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Alfred tackles Jeremiah and beats him, while Bruce cries over Selina and tries to stop the blood as it spills out of her. <br />
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<b>A Brief Interlude:</b><br />
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Before getting into the verdict portion of this recap, I should point out that “One Bad Day” borrows heavily from <i>Batman: The Killing Joke</i>. That being said, it’s difficult to discuss the episode without drawing comparisons between it and the aforementioned graphic novel. In order to make the comparisons clearer, I’ve included a summary of <i>The Killing Joke </i>below, along with a comparison between it and the episode (separate from the verdict). If you’re unfamiliar with the plot of that story and want to know more, read on. However, if you plan on reading <i>The Killing Joke</i> and/or watching its film adaptation and do NOT wish to have its plot spoiled, please skip ahead until you see a picture of a stop sign.<br />
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<b><i>The Killing Joke:</i> A Summary </b><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/96358.Batman">Source</a></span></div>
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<i>Batman: The Killing Joke </i>tells two stories. The first takes place in present day, as the Joker enacts a plan to drive Batman insane. The second takes place in a series of flashbacks. This second story tells what the Joker claims to be his origin. Supposedly, the Joker used to be an average man, down on his luck, who got mixed up with a gang of robbers in order to make some money to help his pregnant wife. In the span of a single day, several things go wrong for him: his wife dies, the gang frame him as the leader, and, while running from Batman, he falls into a vat of chemicals that forever alter his appearance and sanity. <br />
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Because of this, the Joker claims that, “All it takes is one bad day to reduce the sanest man alive to a lunacy” and sets out to prove that he's right. In present day, he escapes from Arkham Asylum and shows up at the house of Commissioner Jim Gordon and his daughter, Barbara (aka Batgirl). Barbara opens the door, only to be shot in the stomach by the Joker. The Joker then has his men take away Commissioner Gordon while he starts the next (and arguably the most horrifying) phase of his plan. <br />
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<b>Warning: the following paragraph contains references to both physical and sexual abuse. </b><br />
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So what’s the Joker do? Leave Barbara to bleed out? No. No, he strips her down, beats her, and takes pictures of her naked body. And here’s the thing: when you’re reading the book, this is all spelled out for you by the Joker, rather than being displayed as actual pictures. On the one hand, that’s a relief: you don’t have to watch Barbara get violated by the Joker. But on the other, you don’t know the full extent of what he did to her. You don’t know if the Joker went so far as to rape her, and that ambiguity haunts the story. <br />
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From there, Barbara’s out of the picture. (Later comics show that the wound didn’t kill her, but instead damaged her spine and paralyzed her legs, which put her in a wheelchair.) Commissioner Gordon gets taken to a demented circus set up by the Joker, where he is stripped down, put in chains, and forced to look at the pictures the Joker took of his daughter. <br />
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Batman eventually arrives to save the day, but the damage to Barbara and her father sets him on edge. On the final page of the comic, after Batman has caught the Joker, the Joker tells him a joke about two lunatics. Batman responds by laughing . . . and then grabbing the Joker. <a href="http://sequart.org/magazine/29540/on-interpreting-the-killing-jokes-ending-and-authorial-intent/killing-joke-final-page/">The panel</a> is framed as a kind of silhouette, so it’s hard to tell whether or not Batman is putting his hands on the Joker’s shoulders to steady himself or if he’s strangling the Joker. <br />
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This presents another ambiguity for the reader to puzzle over: has Batman finally snapped and killed the Joker, or has he simply been turned into a laughing lunatic? While I don’t care for the story, I tend towards the first possibility. I think it’d be out of character and downright awful for Batman to simply share a laugh with the Joker after all his friends have endured. So as much as I hate to think about Batman killing anyone, that option makes more sense.<br />
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<b>My personal view of <i>The Killing Joke:</i></b><br />
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I don’t think it should be praised as heavily as it is. My main problem with the story is that Barbara Gordon is objectified, both in and out of the context of the story. She’s treated as leverage against Batman. The Joker violates her as part of his plan to drive Batman insane. In other words; the story isn’t about her. She gets beaten, possibly raped, photographed naked, and almost killed . . . and the story still isn’t about her. No. It’s about Batman and driving him insane. Barbara is violated (which is wrong in and of itself), and the story doesn’t even focus on that as a primary plot. She’s treated as a minor character, a cog in the Joker’s machinations. <br />
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And then there’s the Joker. If the purpose of his backstory is to make me feel sympathy for the guy, then it failed. So the Joker lost everything he cared about and went insane. That’s supposed to make me feel sorry for him, after what he did to Barbara?<br />
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Let’s be honest: the story isn’t about Barbara, or even about Batman. It’s about the Joker. If you like it, that’s fine, but don’t call it “a great Batman story.” Call it “a great Joker story.” It’s all about his supposed origin, his ideology, his view of Batman. <br />
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<b>As it relates to <i>Gotham</i>:</b><br />
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“One Bad Day” isn’t the first episode to borrow from <i>The Killing Joke</i>. “The Gentle Art of Making Enemies” also centers on the idea of madness (and takes place at a twisted carnival, much like the comic book). Jerome argues that all it took was a blackout to make normal people show their true insanity and drive the city wild. Bruce, however, argues that there are still good people in Gotham, though Jerome tells him there are no heroes left in the city.<br />
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In that episode, Bruce proves himself a hero, as he takes down Jerome, but resists the urge to kill him, even though he thinks Jerome had Alfred killed. It’s also the episode that makes Bruce realize his training is leading him to a greater purpose. <br />
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The interesting thing about “One Bad Day” is that it borrows events from <i>The Killing Joke</i> but switches them out of order. Jeremiah’s plot starts with forcing Bruce to watch Alfred get beaten and ends with shooting Selina right in front of him. This change of order almost lulls the anyone who’s read <i>The Killing Joke</i> into a false sense of security.<br />
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Since the shooting of Barbara is the inciting incident in<i> The Killing Joke,</i> you’d expect a parallel moment to happen early in the episode. So you’re tricked into thinking that they’re just going to focus on Bruce having to watch Alfred get tortured and fight Jeremiah’s madness. You don’t expect someone to get shot after that, and you certainly don’t expect it to be Selina.<br />
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And yet, it makes sense, as Bruce takes Gordon’s role from <i>The Killing Joke,</i> the role of a helpless viewer watching the torture of a loved one. So it makes sense that he’d be the one to lose someone close to him. And since it’d be overkill (I’d be lying if I said “no pun intended”) to have Alfred almost killed twice in the same episode, it makes sense that Selina would be the one to get shot.<br />
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You don’t expect it because, up until that point in the episode, she’s been untouchable. Jeremiah was seemingly ignorant of her presence in the building, Scarecrow can’t beat her, and she’s the one to save both Bruce and Alfred. You don’t expect her to get hurt in the slightest, and that makes it all the more devastating.<br />
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So what do I think of this episode, as someone who was never a fan of <i>The Killing Joke</i>? I’d say I like it better—not necessarily in terms of writing or quality (as Alan Moore is no slouch), but in terms of the bare bones of the plot. As I said,<i> The Killing Joke</i> is all about the Joker, and this episode makes it clear that Jeremiah’s the central character.<br />
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Also, while I’m not a fan of shooting characters (female or otherwise) for the sake of drama, I’m not as upset over what happened to Selina as what happened to Barbara—mainly because she didn’t get violated in the same manner. What happened to her was still wrong, but there’s less magnitude in what happened (less implication of sexual abuse, especially). And let’s be honest: people get shot on <i>Gotham </i>all the time. Some even survive a shot to the head. I doubt they’d kill Selina off, given her chemistry (and future) with Bruce. Will she end up in a wheelchair, a la Oracle? It’s hard to say. But a recovery arc, at the very least, could be an interesting turn for her.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.ideachampions.com/weblogs/archives/2016/04/a_sign_of_the_t.shtml">Source</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Verdict </b></span><br />
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The weak points in this episode are definitely the respective subplots of Lee and Penguin’s allies. While I wasn’t opposed to a relationship between Lee and the Riddler, it’s really starting to drag on. The more she leads him on, the dumber the Riddler seems. This storyline is turning Lee into a manipulative jerk and the Riddler into a lovestruck fool, and that’s not fair to either character. And let’s be honest: after two seasons of will-they-won’t-they, the relationship between Lee and Gordon is also getting old. <br />
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As for Penguin, I could care less about his plans to take back the city. Lately, they’ve been predictable and easy for other characters to outmaneuver. I’m hoping that will change in the finale. Typically, Penguin’s best gambits are revealed near the end of the season (like when he made the Riddler think he had the upper hand before having Freeze turn him into an ice sculpture).<br />
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When it comes to the GCPD part of the episode, I was happy to Harvey get some recognition, but I feel like he should’ve already gotten that after he nearly sacrificed himself in “One of My Three Soups.”<br />
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And then there’s Bruce. At first, I found Jeremiah’s plans for Bruce to be underwhelming. However, in retrospect, I’ve come to see that the video feed of Alfred getting tortured wasn’t the main element of his plan; it was merely a distraction to keep Bruce from noticing that the fear toxin was being pumped into his system.<br />
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I like that distraction; I also appreciate how the episode tricks you into thinking Alfred’s “death” is the climax of that plot, only for Jeremiah to come back and shoot Selina (I wonder if Ra’s gave him that idea). Do I think she’s gonna die? Nope, absolutely not. Too many people survive gunshot wounds on this show for her not to be one of them. But will the bullet damage her spine? I don’t know. I think it should—not because I want to see her hurt or immobilized, but because I think there should be some lasting consequence of what Jeremiah did.<br />
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Overall, it was a decent episode, and not a bad way to lead into the season finale. Still, it did feel a little underwhelming, especially since Jeremiah’s plan to destroy Gotham was foiled in this episode, rather than leading into the next (or actually succeeding). I’m interested to see what his and Ra’s next plan is and how it affects Bruce. And again, I hope Penguin pulls out a good plan next week. I could honestly care less what happens with the Lee-Riddler-Gordon love triangle; I just want it to end at this point. <br />
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Speaking of endings, I've got some good news and some bad news. The good news is that <i>Gotham </i>has been renewed for a <a href="http://variety.com/2018/tv/news/gotham-renewed-fox-last-season-1202800288/">fifth season</a>, according to Variety. The bad news (depending on your point of view) is that it will be the final season.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://rebloggy.com/post/gif-film-anne-hathaway-julie-andrews-the-princess-diaries-1n-the-princess-diarie/26209578288">Source</a></span></div>
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I personally think that it's good that Fox was upfront about the fact that season 5 will be<i> Gotham'</i>s final season. It ensures that the writers will do their best to create a satisfying ending that provides closure. I think that it could also encourage everyone involved with the show to make sure that the final season is the best, as it could be the one they're most remembered for. Will I be sad to see the show end? Sure, but it's better to go out with a plan than to stretch on for too many seasons and run out of original ideas. I'd rather have closure than a stream of lackluster episodes.<br />
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Feel free to comment below with your questions, comments, and theories. What do you think will happen to Selina? Do you think this was a good adaptation of <i>The Killing Joke</i>? What do you want to see in 4x22? Until the next recap (which will be a little late) have a good week or two, and try to avoid psychos who like building massive labyrinths from destroyed cities.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4675533200914366163.post-74299943566011473142018-05-09T08:00:00.000-07:002018-05-09T08:00:11.320-07:00'Gotham' Recap: "That Old Corpse" (4x20)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.flickeringmyth.com/2018/04/promo-images-for-gotham-season-4-episode-20-that-old-corpse/gotham-420-8/">Source</a></span></div>
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If you're reading this, you've probably survived both your spring finals week and <i>Avengers: Infinity War</i>. Or you've been going out of your mind trying to study while simultaneously plugging your ears to avoid spoilers. Either way, I'm glad to have you back for another <i>Gotham </i>recap.<br />
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This week's episode, "That Old Corpse," focuses on a scheme involving Jerome's followers, the Riddler's efforts to break Lee out of the GCPD, and Penguin and Butch's attempts to learn what's really going on. Warning: this episode contains violence, suicide triggers, corpses, and a whole lot of clowns. The following recap also contains SPOILERS, as usual, so stop reading if you didn't watch the episode and want to be surprised (and let me tell you, this is one episode where you <i>want </i>to be surprised).<br />
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Before we get started, I feel it necessary to set the mood with some Joker-appropriate music.<br />
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Earbuds in? Great. Let's get going.</div>
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<b>Plot A: Some Days, You Just Can't Get Rid of a Bomb.</b></div>
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The episode opens with Jerome's grave, which is surrounded by a bunch of his clown-themed followers (a group that's most likely made up of cult members from last season, new minions from prison, and maybe even a few citizens who felt like joining the madness). Jerome's headstone appropriately reads, "The second time's the charm." </div>
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A member of the crew, who happens to be a knife thrower, addresses the rest of the followers. He tells the others to raise a glass to Jerome. As they do so, a woman rides in on a motorcycle, dressed in a black bodysuit, a harlequin headpiece, and a mask. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bh9h1E5HjwY/?taken-by=dannyjohncannon">Source</a></span></div>
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(I know what you're thinking: <i>Could this be Harley Quinn?</i> Trust me, I'll get to that later.)</div>
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The knife thrower tells the harlequin that the event is invitation only and throws a knife at her. She dodges it and pulls out a megaphone. She holds a pre-recorded tape of Jerome's voice up to it so that everyone can hear his message. Jerome tells his followers that even though he's dead, there's one party left to throw, and they can start by digging up his body. The followers eagerly dive right in, swarming the grave and pulling up fistfuls of dirt.</div>
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Over at the GCPD, Harvey and Fox show Gordon a videotape addressed to him from Jerome. The tape claims to be Jerome's last will and testament. Harvey quickly asks Fox if he's certain that Jerome is dead. Fox says that there's no way he could've survived the vivisection, let alone the process of having his brain cut out (Glad someone in this city's infrastructure is doing their job. It's a lot harder to bring psychos back from the dead if their heads are empty).</div>
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Once they put the tape into the TV, Jerome explains that if they're watching this, he must've died. He says that his last request is for Gordon to throw him a wake. He tells Gordon not to worry about sending out invitations, as Jerome already did that himself. Gordon rushes to the window, only to see that the precinct is surrounded by Jerome's followers. He tells Harvey to lock down the building. As he does so, an orange car pulls up next to the precinct, with a coffin strapped to the roof. </div>
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Gordon then calls Alfred and asks where Bruce is. Alfred explains that he and Jeremiah are at the underground bunker, working on the energy project. Gordon says that the two of them could be in trouble, given the resurgence of Jerome's followers, but he admits that if they're safe anywhere, it's probably in the maze. Alfred resolves to meet them at the bunker to provide extra protection. After Gordon hangs up, he notices that the followers are getting closer to breaking down the barricades. They've even started to use Jerome's coffin as a battering ram.<br />
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Harvey asks what the plan is and Gordon tells him to open up the armory. Gordon then explains to Harvey that they're not going to shoot down Jerome's followers. Jerome works through misdirection, so the assault on the GCPD is probably a ruse to distract Gordon from another scheme. Gordon says that the GCPD needs to put up a believable fight before falling back, cordoning off the building, and trapping the followers inside.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://tenor.com/view/what-could-possibly-go-wrong-11th-doctor-matt-smith-doctor-who-gif-5313904">Source</a></span></div>
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Meanwhile, Jeremiah shows Bruce the generator he's been building. They test it by disconnecting the bunker from the power grid before turning on the generator. The lights turn off, then come back on in a manner of seconds. Jeremiah explains that the generator is a clean, stable source of energy that doesn't need cables or wires, and it's inexpensive to boot. (Bruce should get one of those for the future Bat Cave to keep his vigilante activities off the electrical bill.)<br />
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Bruce remarks that generators like this one could power all of Gotham, causing Jeremiah to quickly ask if he's told anyone else about the project. Bruce says that no one outside of Wayne Enterprises knows about it, but Jeremiah retorts that it's always the people closest to you that you need to watch.<br />
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He then grabs a box of Jerome's belongings (sent from Arkham) and shows Bruce his brother's diary. Jeremiah explains that the diary contains all of Jerome's goals and twisted ideas, including ways to kill and torture Bruce, Gordon, and Jeremiah. He says that if Jerome had been sane, he could've succeeded. Bruce, however, insists that Jeremiah should stop reading the diary and take his brother's death as an opportunity to rejoin the world. Jeremiah admits that he still has a hard time believing that Jerome is dead.<br />
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The conversation is interrupted by a phone call from Alfred, who tells Bruce about how Jerome's followers have attacked the GCPD and adds that he's on his way. After hanging up, Bruce tells Jeremiah that it was just Alfred calling about lunch plans. Jeremiah doesn't buy it and says that Bruce is lying. Bruce admits that Jerome's followers have risen up. Jeremiah, paranoid, insists that his brother is alive and that Jerome is coming for him.<br />
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Back at Wayne Manor, Alfred dons his coat. As he does so, he hears the sound of breaking glass. After grabbing a gun, he goes into the kitchen to check out what's going. The door slams behind him. Off-screen, we hear gunshots and the sound of a scuffle.<br />
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In the bunker, Bruce tries to calm down Jeremiah and convince him that Jerome is dead. Jeremiah then tells Bruce about how Jerome left a trap for him, a batch of gas that's affecting his mind. He tells Bruce that he keeps seeing Jerome climbing out of his grave, and even though he knows it's not real, it feels real. Bruce says that he can prove to Jeremiah that his brother is dead; all they have to do is visit his grave. Jeremiah initially refuses, but he eventually gives in after Bruce argues that seeing the reality of the situation will free Jeremiah from the hold Jerome still has on his mind.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://byerswiill.tumblr.com/post/173576856946/jeremiah-listen-to-me-your-brother-took-away">Source</a></span></div>
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Over at the GCPD, Gordon gets a police escort to move the prisoners to a van while the doors to the precinct are broken down by the mob. Afterward, he tells the other police to fall back, as there are too many of Jerome's followers for them to handle. As they retreat, a few of the followers decide to go after Gordon and corner him in the locker room. However, Bullock comes to his rescue and tases most of the followers, except for one, who happens to be the knife thrower from the beginning. Gordon tells the knife thrower that he needs to start talking. </div>
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The show then briefly switches to a shot of the kitchen of Wayne Manor. Alfred's phone lies on the ground, vibrating next to a pool of blood. We then cut to Bruce and Jeremiah in the cemetery. Bruce wonders why Alfred's not picking up but decides that he's probably just driving to the bunker and will call once he realizes they're not there. </div>
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Jeremiah is anxious and wants to leave, but Bruce convinces him to follow Bruce to Jerome's grave. However, they arrive only to see that the grave has been dug up and emptied. Jeremiah screams that he was right and that Jerome is alive before running off. Bruce chases after him.</div>
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Back in the city, the police move out from the precinct in search of Jerome's real plan. Meanwhile, Harvey and Gordon try to question the knife thrower, who's tied up in Harvey's truck. Harvey asks if he's ready to tell them any other instructions that Jerome gave him, but the knife thrower refuses to betray his idol. Gordon tases him and says that he'd better talk while he's still lucid enough to do it. The knife thrower gives in and says that it's too late, anyway; Bruce and Jeremiah are already dead. Gordon, not sure if he's telling the truth, decides to check the bunker.</div>
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Meanwhile, Bruce runs after Jeremiah, following into some sort of mausoleum or crypt. He tells Jeremiah that they need to leave the cemetery because it's not safe. Jeremiah, from the shadows, asks if Bruce believes that Jerome is alive now, but Bruce says he's not. He says that Jerome's followers must have dug him up and adds that they could be nearby, so he and Jeremiah need to leave. Jeremiah, however, asks how he can trust Bruce if Bruce doesn't believe him.<br />
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Bruce says that Jeremiah can trust him because they're friends. Jeremiah steps closer to the light and says that he wants to believe Bruce, especially since Bruce offered him everything he could ever want after years of living underground. Bruce says that he did it because he believes in Jeremiah and believes that the two of them can do great things for Gotham. "We could," Jeremiah replies. "We really could. I thought we would." </div>
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(And let me just say, that line nearly killed me, so you're lucky I survived to write this recap.)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBb4ZDA3F7Hjrq3_FqwnbegVZTv4Zv1ITS4Td_wQ8AzycbEQ7veXABXol0W62dz6nhJzaeiBgv6lBhXuYkwllzJ8T8tYHCyCnTv6dhppXIuWIvh9USz6bO1IlWk-y8tAOXTHzkJTmO-SI/s1600/DeK7T9U.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="252" data-original-width="330" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBb4ZDA3F7Hjrq3_FqwnbegVZTv4Zv1ITS4Td_wQ8AzycbEQ7veXABXol0W62dz6nhJzaeiBgv6lBhXuYkwllzJ8T8tYHCyCnTv6dhppXIuWIvh9USz6bO1IlWk-y8tAOXTHzkJTmO-SI/s320/DeK7T9U.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://imgur.com/gallery/MaK4B">Source</a></span></div>
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Bruce says that there's no reason for them to stop working together. All they need to do is leave the cemetery. Jeremiah says that Bruce is confusing him; Bruce originally said that all Jeremiah needed to do was come to the cemetery, and now he's saying they need to leave. Jeremiah asks Bruce to remind him why they came to the cemetery. Bruce says that he thought it would help Jeremiah. Jeremiah responds by drawing a gun and shooting at him. Thankfully, he misses. </div>
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He says that he knows what's going on and tells Bruce to stop pretending to be his friend. He claims that Jerome killed Bruce and stole his face. He shoots at Bruce again and misses. He then presses the gun into the back of Bruce's head and tells him that it's time to return to his grave. </div>
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Back at the bunker, Gordon finds the generator, which is still running. As he stares at the blueprints next to it, a nearby video monitor turns on.</div>
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At the cemetery, Bruce tries to convince Jeremiah that the gas has twisted his mind. Jeremiah presses on, leading Bruce to Jerome's grave . . . only to find Jerome's body lying in the dirt. </div>
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In the bunker, the video monitor plays a pre-recorded message from Jerome. He tells Gordon that he's still dead and admits that he only planned the attack on the GCPD because he knew Gordon would see through it and come looking for the real scheme. As Jerome speaks, the girl in the harlequin mask from earlier arrives and presses a gun to Gordon's head. Great job, Gordon.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPTPdFDs7JuV_4jE2CFnBmTVHMKhyphenhyphenT54voouoNQbtwedGevnIWwHU_0BvFj4zfnrQrVlEfn2kht6O74Zw_ILHmaBv49JeceO3LPsWgm49KptJR_nQ5xT9-w4I04wwKx4lgHDXd0XkWwOQ/s1600/tenor+%25285%2529.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="387" data-original-width="400" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPTPdFDs7JuV_4jE2CFnBmTVHMKhyphenhyphenT54voouoNQbtwedGevnIWwHU_0BvFj4zfnrQrVlEfn2kht6O74Zw_ILHmaBv49JeceO3LPsWgm49KptJR_nQ5xT9-w4I04wwKx4lgHDXd0XkWwOQ/s320/tenor+%25285%2529.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://tenor.com/view/djkhaled-played-yourself-gif-4905367">Source</a></span></div>
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Meanwhile, Bruce tries to convince Jeremiah that Jerome's followers must've removed the body and put it back based on Jerome's instructions. Jeremiah, however, still believes that Jerome switched faces with Bruce and begins to chase Bruce with a switchblade. </div>
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Over in the bunker, Jerome explains in his video that the harlequin is there to make sure Gordon pays attention to the "movie" and gets sucked in by its twists. Suddenly, a pair of hands appear on the screen and begin to choke Jerome. At the same time, Gordon manages to get loose and begins to fight the harlequin. He knocks her out and removes the mask to reveal the face of Ecco (Jeremiah's proxy and bodyguard). </div>
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Onscreen, Jerome is still being choked. Suddenly, the video monitor flickers off, and the screen to the right of it turns on. Jerome's hands are outstretched in this video, as if he was the one choking himself in the other video. He jokes that suicide really takes it out of you and pretends to mop sweat off of his brow. As he does so, part of his face peels off, but there's only skin underneath, rather than blood. Jerome then begins to dab at his face with a handkerchief. </div>
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At the same time, Bruce tells Jeremiah not to let Jerome win the battle in his mind. Jeremiah scoffs that he'd never let Jerome beat him. Suddenly, Jerome's followers swarm the grave. They grab Bruce, and Jeremiah grins. The followers then begin to chant that Jerome is victorious. Jeremiah, annoyed, grabs his gun and shoots one of them. He then wipes the blood off of his face, along with makeup, to reveal deathly pale skin.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF9ZAhISvMCDy7dG7TyBndfTlrpkziuWZW7TAS0yZJN3YNdULYPdSIMtVWEHdqfv3rc72cUQl_sVz-ZRCchpzpRN4c8_njZbdsd0r4R1gcuRKZQ5zjgFkHqvLV73VBCH5eh6BKSpuo-YE/s1600/tumblr_p86ofj3G8N1r03pmko1_500.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="210" data-original-width="500" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF9ZAhISvMCDy7dG7TyBndfTlrpkziuWZW7TAS0yZJN3YNdULYPdSIMtVWEHdqfv3rc72cUQl_sVz-ZRCchpzpRN4c8_njZbdsd0r4R1gcuRKZQ5zjgFkHqvLV73VBCH5eh6BKSpuo-YE/s320/tumblr_p86ofj3G8N1r03pmko1_500.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://fatedxdestiny.tumblr.com/post/173564566376">Source</a></span></div>
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In the bunker, the recorded "Jerome" uses his handkerchief to wipe the makeup and prosthetics off of his face to reveal his pale skin to Gordon. </div>
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In real time, Jeremiah kicks his brother's body back into his grave and tells Jerome's followers that he's the one who's really victorious.</div>
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On the video, Jeremiah tells Gordon, "Jerome is dead. Long live me."</div>
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In the cemetery, Jeremiah tells Bruce that, like the rest of Jerome's plans, his gas failed. Jeremiah claims that the gas's only effect on him was to change his appearance; it didn't change who he was inside. Jeremiah explains that he only pretended to be his brother in his video and audio messages to show how weak his brother was in comparison to a true mastermind. Jeremiah calls himself "the face of true sanity." </div>
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He then holds up his brother's diary and promises to outdo every one of Jerome's goals. Jeremiah says that Jerome wanted to turn the city into a madhouse, but he himself believes that, in order to build something new, you have to tear down what's already there.</div>
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Onscreen, Jeremiah explains that he used Jerome's followers to misdirect Gordon and lure him into the bunker. Suddenly, the harlequin runs out and locks the doors behind her, trapping Gordon in the room. Jeremiah tells Gordon that the generator produces an enormous amount of energy, which will cause an explosion if it overloads. As he speaks, the generator begins to glow red and hum.</div>
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Meanwhile, Bruce tells Jeremiah that Jerome's gas did work on him, as trying to carry out his brother's plans in a sane manner is a crazy idea. Jeremiah, however, opens the book and explains to Bruce that his brother wrote up the idea to kill Bruce by covering him in honey and have him be eaten alive by beetles. Jeremiah then tells Bruce that if he wanted to kill Bruce, he'd just shoot him in the head and be done with it . . . but he doesn't actually want to do that. The crowd boos him for this, but Jeremiah shrugs it off.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://jokermiah.tumblr.com/post/173568861932/current-sexuality-a-reprimanding-jeremiah">Source</a></span></div>
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He tells Bruce that he doesn't want to kill him because he wants to show Bruce how much the two of them have changed things. He then tells Bruce that he couldn't have carried out his plan without Bruce's help.</div>
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Back in the bunker, video-Jeremiah tells Gordon that the humming he's hearing from the generator is a bad sign. He adds that Gordon is his first test subject.</div>
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The generators that were made with Bruce's funding work even better as bombs, Jeremiah explains in the cemetery. </div>
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And they'll work to gain the loyalty of Jerome's fanatics by killing Gordon, the video explains.</div>
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The bomb goes off, causing Harvey to see a flash of light and cloud of smoke over the city as he and the GCPD prepare to reenter the precinct with tear gas. Bruce can see the explosion as well, and Jeremiah tells him that progress requires sacrifice. Bruce says that he'll stop Jeremiah's plans. Jeremiah replies that if Bruce gets in his way, he'll have to kill him, although he'd rather not. He then punches out Bruce and drops him into the open grave with Jerome. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://whitefluffyyeti.tumblr.com/post/173572271781/gotham-that-old-corpse">Source</a></span></div>
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Over at the GCPD, the cops lock up Jerome's followers. Fox tells Harvey that he's found the epicenter of the explosion: Jeremiah's bunker in the woods. </div>
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Elsewhere, Jeremiah enters a Wayne Enterprises building. The security guards (who can't see Jeremiah's pale face in the shadows) ask if Bruce is with him. Jeremiah says that he's not, but adds that he's not alone. Ecco appears and shoots the guards. He grabs one of their IDs and uses it to gain access to a room filled with the glowing blue generators he built. He tells Ecco that it's time to give Gotham a new face, and the episode closes with a glowing variation of its usual logo.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFie4j0jXWC7Tooz90Y9r-z3s2w3_pGtyTe3-yUUUWmt494pUnQ9iWFjGslIc8bjW4S6ymOgNP0CS1eodHkuLGE3Q5xAMTa6IeVZVHJcQV4RLikOXHfsviQ3mBkn2WMPQpKMxQ5pydg1g/s1600/jnXgtjbkdgfixN3wbc_WCD23bMdNUgX01ZJh2XvyQTI.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="430" data-original-width="848" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFie4j0jXWC7Tooz90Y9r-z3s2w3_pGtyTe3-yUUUWmt494pUnQ9iWFjGslIc8bjW4S6ymOgNP0CS1eodHkuLGE3Q5xAMTa6IeVZVHJcQV4RLikOXHfsviQ3mBkn2WMPQpKMxQ5pydg1g/s320/jnXgtjbkdgfixN3wbc_WCD23bMdNUgX01ZJh2XvyQTI.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/Gotham/comments/8h290a/no_spoilers_these_colors_are_absolutely_beautiful/">Source</a></span></div>
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<b>Plot B: Clownin' Around.</b></div>
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Prior to the attack on the GCPD, Gordon stares at an interrogation room that holds Lee Thompkins. Harvey suggests that Gordon can let her slip out the back door while he looks the other way, but Gordon refuses. Harvey points out that the bank she robbed was a dirty one and adds that both he and Gordon have gotten away with worse crimes (murder, for example). Gordon insists that it doesn't make what she did right and tells Harvey not to throw his mistakes in his face. Gordon then enters the interrogation room and simply asks, "What the hell, Lee?"</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://byerswiill.tumblr.com/post/173574785411/well-you-finally-nabbed-me-copper-what-the">Source</a></span></div>
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Gordon tells Lee that she should give up the Riddler, return the money, and ask for supervised probation. He says that she's still Lee Thompkins, which means that she must be doing all of this to help people, but he adds that she can't keep working outside of the law. Lee replies that Gordon wishes he could work outside the law like her and points out that it's meaningless anyway. He says that if the law has lost its meaning, it's because people like her are breaking it. Lee says that if that's how he feels, he should just lock her up. </div>
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Gordon says that he doesn't want to do that and admits that he wishes he could let her go. She asks why he doesn't just do it. She suggests that letting her go free might just help him let go of the baggage he's been carrying around. He admits that there are things he wishes he could change, but before he can go into detail, Harvey and Fox confront him about the video message sent by "Jerome."</div>
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Over the Narrows, a crowd of citizens tells the Riddler that they owe it to Lee to break her out of the GCPD, after all she's done for them. He agrees, but says that they can't just rush in without a plan. He's already devised one, which involves a crack team of Narrows citizens and several assorted objects. Four members of the team will accompany him, while the others will keep an eye on Gordon and make sure he doesn't get hurt in the escape, as Lee wouldn't like that. </div>
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Back at the GCPD (and in the midst of the riot of Jerome's followers), Gordon moves Lee and the other prisoners out of the building. She asks what he was trying to tell her and suggests that if he'd just let her go and come to the Narrows, he could make up his own rules about saving the city. Gordon doesn't reply, as he notices that Jerome's followers have just succeeded in breaking down the doors to the precinct. He sends her and the other prisoners away with a police escort. As the men fall back, retreating in the midst of chaos, someone backs into Lee, and her head knocks against a wall. She falls to the ground, unconscious.</div>
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Later, the Riddler and his team approach the GCPD. He remarks that the mob is a complication and decides that the GCPD have probably removed the prisoners. He checks a nearby van but doesn't find Lee. He asks the prisoners how they exited the building, and leaves once he's gotten an answer. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://bosswaldcobblepot.tumblr.com/post/173575891379/why-you-gotta-be-so-rude">Source</a></span></div>
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The Riddler then tells his team that they need to get in and out of the GCPD before the police deploy tear gas. He adds that he'll also need a costume to blend in with the rest of the freaks.</div>
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Meanwhile, Lee wakes up in the police station and stands up. Jerome's followers seem to be too busy trashing the place to pay any attention to her, so she walks around freely.</div>
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Later on, the Riddler enters the GCPD in a ridiculous clown disguise. Someone grabs him by the arm and leads him to Jerome's coffin, which is now filled with ice and beers. He grabs one before going to the medical examiner's office. The second he walks inside, Lee knocks him out with a frying pan, only to realize her mistake too late. </div>
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A little while later, Lee remarks that while the Riddler is the smartest man in Gotham, he still lets his heart do the thinking. She tells him to wake up and slaps him. His eyes open, and he can't help but grin and ask if he's really the smartest man in Gotham. Lee says that there are better things to aspire to, like the abilities to be himself, let go of the past, and change. She then asks if he brought another disguise for her.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://nygmakins.tumblr.com/post/173589641211">Source</a></span></div>
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He says that he only brought a costume for himself, but he did manage to procure some gas masks so that the two of them can avoid getting stung by the tear gas. As the gas fills up the GCPD, the two of them share a kiss before escaping. </div>
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<b>Plot C: Butch Gilzean and the Penguin Kid.</b></div>
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Over in the Falcone mansion, Penguin tries to eat his dinner, only to have Butch grab the chicken leg away from him. Penguin asks why Butch is angry enough to make Penguin starve. Butch points out that Penguin promised to cure him and regain control of the underworld. Not only have neither of those things happen, but the two of them have also been played by both Jerome and the Riddler. Butch adds that they've been reduced to robbing liquor stores and squatting in Sofia's house while everyone else is taking over the city.</div>
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Butch begins to threaten Penguin, but Penguin tells him to stop so that they can see what's going on on the TV. The news shows the riot at the GCPD. Penguin tells Butch that "Confusion is an opportunity for the clear-headed" and says that the riot is their chance to figure out who's pulling the strings now.</div>
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The two of them go to the GCPD and search the transport vans, before grabbing the knife thrower from Jerome's mob and leaving the rest of the criminals.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://bosswaldcobblepot.tumblr.com/post/173575891379/why-you-gotta-be-so-rude">Source</a></span></div>
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Butch and Penguin take the knife thrower back to the Falcone Mansion. He refuses to tell them what Jerome's followers are up to, so Butch decides to torture him by shoving chicken bones up his nose until he talks.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Verdict</b></span></div>
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<b>Plot A: </b>Up until Thursday night, I could only think about one thing: the aftermath of <i>Avengers: Infinity War</i>. But after watching this episode, all thoughts of Marvel were pushed out of my mind. All I could think about was every bombshell this episode dropped, both literally and metaphorically.</div>
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If I wasn't already sold on the Jeremiah twist, this was the episode that did it for me. I love Jeremiah's interactions with Bruce, the way he manipulated him but still sees him as a sort of friend. And then, on Bruce's end, he looks at Jeremiah and sees someone with so much potential, someone who originally wanted to change the world for the better. This, ladies and gentlemen, is how you create the dynamic between the Batman and the Joker.</div>
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This is why <i>Gotham'</i>s version of Batman will never kill the Joker: because Bruce sees someone that he wants to redeem, someone who went crazy through almost no fault of his own. And Jeremiah doesn't want to kill Bruce because there's a part of him that looks at Bruce and sees the one person who reached out to him and saw him outside of his brother's shadow.</div>
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Also, another hats-off to Cameron Monaghan. No matter how many times he plays a character with ulterior motives, I always believe both his (and the character's performance). I was convinced that the man on the tape was Jerome and equally convinced that Jeremiah really was trying to fight off the gas's effects. </div>
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And kudos to him for being able to play two different kinds of Jokers. Jerome was more manic, like Mark Hamill or Jack Nicholson. Jeremiah is quieter and colder, like Heath Ledger in the more subdued scenes of <i>The Dark Knight. </i>And it's this second Joker that, in my opinion, is the scarier of the two. Unlike Jerome, Jeremiah doesn't waste time toying with people. Sure, he manipulates them, as he did with Gordon, Bruce, and Jerome's followers, but he does it efficiently and ruthlessly, rather than drawing the process out. </div>
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As for Harley Quinn, here's what I'll say: Jerome and Jeremiah have been the Joker in all but name. In the same vein, Ecco may as well be Harley, even if they never call her that in the show. She's blonde, she's badass, she's loyal to Jeremiah (even after his transformation), and she's dressed in a harlequin headpiece. Sure, she's a little colder and quieter than most versions of Harley, but I think that suits Jeremiah's cold, ruthless Joker. If she were bouncy and bubbly, he'd get sick of her. </div>
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If the Joker is more of an idea than a man, then Jeremiah is simply the second incarnation of the Joker. And Ecco might as well be the first incarnation of Harley Quinn. After all, in <i>Joker: Death of the Family, </i>it's implied that the Joker has gone through several henchwomen who bore the same moniker. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV9egYwMfR8hL2eZhQ_p0W9YnmxwvGXoxqGRTCZ0Azen6HcDx8bK068GdEPNOT9QvJLLv470o8S_XbaDoA-3zRQi58zazc6zeISujr5BE3H8hgjbJs6BFpvQnJFqZNXa-8Hn7KvizoKaU/s1600/99bc6d47c8b1525fa89bfdd4f2130d3a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1250" data-original-width="994" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV9egYwMfR8hL2eZhQ_p0W9YnmxwvGXoxqGRTCZ0Azen6HcDx8bK068GdEPNOT9QvJLLv470o8S_XbaDoA-3zRQi58zazc6zeISujr5BE3H8hgjbJs6BFpvQnJFqZNXa-8Hn7KvizoKaU/s640/99bc6d47c8b1525fa89bfdd4f2130d3a.jpg" width="507" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/16044142402528183/?lp=true">Source</a></span></div>
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Two last things on this storyline: no, I don't think Gordon is dead. He's supposed to be the main character of this show; they wouldn't kill him, especially not offscreen. And Alfred? Well, you'll have to wait for the trailer at the end of this recap to see what's going on with him.</div>
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<b>Plot B: </b>This was a fun enough side plot, although I don't really see the point in having Gordon arrest Lee if she's just going to get broken out an episode later. I'd say the only purpose in that was to have her and Gordon interact some, possibly in a way that pushes him towards a decision about how much he's willing to stretch the law to do the "right" thing (I use quotes because that's a very relative term in <i>Gotham</i>). </div>
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Still, it was fun to the Riddler and Lee interact, and I'm interested to see what the two of them do in the next two episodes. Since neither of them has a stake in the League of Shadows conflict, I assume Lee will take issue with Jeremiah's plan to remake Gotham and stand up to him. I think that will lead to a big choice for the Riddler: whether to run or stand his ground with Lee in the face of catastrophe. If I'm right, I can't wait to see how it plays out.</div>
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<b>Plot C: </b>While this storyline wasn't very interesting in and of itself, it did add another element to the attack on (and escape from) the GCPD. It's always interesting to see episodes like that, where so many characters are in the same place at the same time, but they keep missing each other.</div>
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Other than that, this plot felt mainly like a setup for an upcoming conflict between Penguin and Jeremiah. That's, fine though. This episode had enough going on; it's good that this storyline was short and simple. I just hope that Penguin and Jeremiah play off of each other well.</div>
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<b>Overall</b>, this was an amazing episode. Not only did it solidify Jeremiah as a menacing and efficient villain, it also managed to set up conflicts that will play out in the final two episodes of the season, without feeling <i>too </i>heavy-handed (except maybe in Plot C). I can't wait to see where the final episodes take us, especially with this promising White Band trailer:</div>
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Next week's episode is entitled "One Bad Day," in reference to a line from <i>Batman: The Killing Joke. </i>While I'm personally not a fan of that particular graphic novel, I am interested to see how next week's episode borrows from it, with Jeremiah attempting to drive Bruce crazy.</div>
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Comment below with your comments, questions, and reactions. How do you feel about Jeremiah's transformation? How much do you want to see of <i>The Killing Joke </i>in the upcoming episodes? What do you think happened to Gordon?</div>
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Until next time, have a good week, and remember kids: it's all fun and games until your best friend inhales insanity gas and decides to turn your life upside down. Then it's time to get a new best friend.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4675533200914366163.post-10039308916100085822018-04-25T20:00:00.000-07:002018-04-25T20:00:02.422-07:00'Gotham' Recap: "To Our Deaths and Beyond" (4x19)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://seat42f.com/gotham-season-4-episode-19-photos-to-our-deaths-and-beyond.html">Source</a></span></div>
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Welcome back to another recap of <i>Gotham, </i>or as I like to call it, serialized episodes of characters making as many terrible decisions as they can in about 45 minutes in the most entertaining way possible.</div>
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This week's episode, "To Our Deaths and Beyond," is no exception. The episode revolves around two plots: a battle for the powers of the Demon's Head and the Riddler's inward conflict over whether or not to continue working with Lee.</div>
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<b>Plot A: The Future is In the Past</b></div>
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The episode opens with Barbara staring at the painting in Ra's vault. Suddenly, she's attacked by masked assassins. She manages to beat a few of them but is ultimately overpowered. One of the assassins then unmasks, revealing herself to be Lelia. Lelia says that Barbara should've seen them coming, as one of the powers of the Demon's Head is to see the past, present, and future (pretty sure that's not an ability Ra's al Ghul had in the comics, but whatever). Barbara asks if they attacked her in an attempt to jump-start the power, and Lelia explains that the powers of the Demon's Head are triggered by intense emotion. Barbara then tells her and the others not to go easy on her next time.</div>
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Meanwhile, Bruce drives through the streets of Gotham<i> </i>in his new almost-Batmobile with Selina in the passenger seat. She sarcastically asks if it has a covert mode, and Bruce responds by changing the settings to "quiet" with a smirk. Bruce then asks why Tabitha needs to see him and Selina. Selina replies that all she knows is that it's about Barbara and it's important. </div>
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After parking, they meet Tabitha in the street. She leads them into a dark building. Bruce asks why she wanted him to come, and the room is suddenly lit by torchlight to reveal several male members of the League of Shadows, who grab Bruce. Tabitha explains that Barbara is going to get herself killed unless she gets rid of the mark of the Demon's Head. Selina asks why they need Bruce, and the League members bring him to a coffin, which holds the skeleton of Ra's al Ghul. </div>
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Bruce begs them not to bring Ra's back and insists that he wanted Bruce to kill him. But the League insists that they need Ra's to live again and cut Bruce's palm with a knife. They spill the blood onto Ra's corpse and begin to chant. As they do, twisted flesh begins to reform on the skeleton. When they're done, a pale, withered hand grasps the edge of the coffin. Bruce insists that they don't know what they've done, and they knock him out to shut him up.</div>
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Selina says Tabitha should've told her about what they planned to do, since Bruce is her friend. Tabitha reminds her that she and Barbara are Selina's friends too and tells her to pick a side. As they watch, Ra's al Ghul now stands in front of the League, dressed in black with his head covered. Only a skeletal mouth can be seen under his hood. He berates the League for going against his wishes, as he <i>did </i>want to die.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVQtCCmyy8aVsrep0hYrkKjfbPtuFH4aGUGCfBWrKObc9FynPMuVEWJ2INDoGntLsqVas2Gdn6b90wE72PZpU4h2usO1uzKWv8pd4rZdODfv24DfPmHk2OGq4z34AkuGSoMIcpemgNQwc/s1600/MRW+someone+forces+me+to+put+on+a+seatbelt+-+Imgur.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="480" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVQtCCmyy8aVsrep0hYrkKjfbPtuFH4aGUGCfBWrKObc9FynPMuVEWJ2INDoGntLsqVas2Gdn6b90wE72PZpU4h2usO1uzKWv8pd4rZdODfv24DfPmHk2OGq4z34AkuGSoMIcpemgNQwc/s320/MRW+someone+forces+me+to+put+on+a+seatbelt+-+Imgur.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://imgur.com/gallery/hmdz6">Source</a></span></div>
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One of the League members tells Ra's that Barbara has started a war, but Ra's insists that war is the only way for the League to be reborn and survive. He then kills the man, but another insists that Barbara is selfish and that the League will die if she keeps the powers of the Demon's Head. Tabitha, confused, asks why Ra's didn't get the powers back when he rose from the dead. He explains that Barbara has to give the power to him willingly. When Tabitha states that Barbara will never give it up, Ra's surmises he'll have to kill her to get it. </div>
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Over at the vault, Barbara sips from a drink. She hears someone coming and turns to see Ra's. She asks what happened, and he replies that it's a long story. He then asks what she's done with his gift. Barbara replies that it's been hard to figure out <i>what </i>to do, since he didn't leave instructions for her or tell all of the League to obey her. He insists that she has to have a plan and asks if she read his histories. Barbara says that she did, but she wants to do her own thing . . . and rule Gotham. She says that the people will worship her like a god. Ra's doesn't like that and tells her to give him the power of Demon's Head back.</div>
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She says that he promised power, but Ra's said he was mistaken in choosing her. She refuses to believe it and points at the painting. Ra's says the woman in the painting wasn't Barbara; she was just a prostitute that he killed out of pity. Barbara insists that being the Demon's Head is her destiny, but Ra's says that if it were, she would've already unlocked her powers. He mocks her for thinking she's special. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZn2gSWnvvYEGN9zVuhT2R9aEHuok8svSqIj33Hg0rK5-I9fS2ngmSZEkNiqz1O9nCJm63tPPENfDLukvsxwW4UhjKlts5LIULJtAAAutDn6sQGKl5l5YZg-eGcIDWxvgGHtPxj9GuW5s/s1600/tumblr_p7h3x7AagT1v08u1wo2_540.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="540" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZn2gSWnvvYEGN9zVuhT2R9aEHuok8svSqIj33Hg0rK5-I9fS2ngmSZEkNiqz1O9nCJm63tPPENfDLukvsxwW4UhjKlts5LIULJtAAAutDn6sQGKl5l5YZg-eGcIDWxvgGHtPxj9GuW5s/s400/tumblr_p7h3x7AagT1v08u1wo2_540.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0UlJNJN1_h8Tvk_eLunrJ6eK1_xCVXwB4gtvXGEQSq92K0aXFnbgigPh42A23_F0acHr853C21sKOpB-VrQmkVExlfwja4jn3vMSKaHctNLGSrVHl33-DnUEhN2FwsdJf0cRCPBQNlyo/s1600/tumblr_p7h3x7AagT1v08u1wo1_540.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="540" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0UlJNJN1_h8Tvk_eLunrJ6eK1_xCVXwB4gtvXGEQSq92K0aXFnbgigPh42A23_F0acHr853C21sKOpB-VrQmkVExlfwja4jn3vMSKaHctNLGSrVHl33-DnUEhN2FwsdJf0cRCPBQNlyo/s400/tumblr_p7h3x7AagT1v08u1wo1_540.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://gotham-daily.tumblr.com/post/173121057988/ras-is-back-and-he-has-no-fucks-left-to-give">Source</a></span></div>
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He tells her to give him the mark of the Demon's Head, or he'll take it by force. She refuses, and the female members of the League come to back her up. However, they're no match for Ra's. Barbara manages to stop him from killing Lelia, and another female assassin helps Barbara escape onto the street. Ra's follows and kills the assassin, but before he can do the same to Barbara, Bruce pulls up in his car with Selina and Tabitha, who tells Barbara to get in. </div>
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Once the four of them are back at Wayne Manor, Alfred bandages Bruce's hand, while Tabitha and Barbara argue about whether or not Barbara should've given Ra's the mark of the Demon's Head. Selina tells them both to shut up, and Alfred agrees, saying that they're wasting time. Barbara says they should just kill Ra's; if Bruce did it, how hard can it be? Alfred points out that they had to use the knife to do it and tells Barbara that, after Ra's died, he and Bruce gave the knife to the Nanda Parbat embassy. </div>
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Tabitha says it's not a problem for them to steal it back, but Bruce insists that he has to be the one to hold the knife. Alfred, naturally, is against that plan, and Barbara is as well. She theorizes that maybe killing Ra's will unlock her powers. Bruce tells her that they can decide who kills Ra's later; first, they need to get the knife. Alfred, as it turns out, has an idea about how to do it without anyone getting hurt.</div>
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He goes into the embassy with Tabitha and explains that he wants the knife back. The ambassador states that it was never Alfred's to begin with; it belongs to the people of Nanda Parbat. By giving it to the embassy, Bruce was returning a valuable cultural treasure. Alfred says that Bruce merely meant to loan it to the embassy. He tries to bribe the ambassador to give it back, which leads the ambassador to ask if Bruce knows that Alfred came to the embassy. He then tells Alfred to leave and to take his "chippy" with him. Alfred uses this as an excuse to make a scene (a la <i>National Treasure: Book of Secrets</i>). </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ97sF9sa0y7Z9bo4VJj-UEiz6nkKkXMGJkAAhG31pKF6uudZHkXsPbau0vVJKELjIrJaU-gsi4QLyGbYGdsGUxE7U8zIMCDiZkVdB7uhVFJR6jaMzepfgHN5hyphenhyphenttfOu5AuMWENS7-xxE/s1600/giphy-32.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="270" data-original-width="480" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ97sF9sa0y7Z9bo4VJj-UEiz6nkKkXMGJkAAhG31pKF6uudZHkXsPbau0vVJKELjIrJaU-gsi4QLyGbYGdsGUxE7U8zIMCDiZkVdB7uhVFJR6jaMzepfgHN5hyphenhyphenttfOu5AuMWENS7-xxE/s400/giphy-32.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/nicholas-cage-national-treasure-27IHy1zI73POxSVUbm">Source</a></span></div>
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He yells at the ambassador for calling Tabitha a chippy and begins to cough violently. Tabitha says that he might be having a heart attack, and Alfred falls to the ground, "accidentally" knocking over a vase in the process. It sets off an alarm, and the ambassador tells someone to let security know it was a false alarm. While he's preoccupied trying to make sure Alfred is alright, Selina lowers down from the ceiling on a harness, grabs the knife, and goes back up before anyone can see her. </div>
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Once they regroup with Bruce and Barbara, Barbara insists that she'll be the one to use it and tells Selina to give it to her. Bruce argues that only he can kill Ra's. Selina looks torn, until Barbara pulls a gun out. Selina gives the knife to Barbara, who then shoots out a tire on a nearby car and gets into Bruce's car with Tabitha (you'd better return that Batmobile, missy). They tell Selina to get in, and she does. </div>
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Once the three of them are back at the Sirens' Club, they're met by the female members of the League. Tabitha asks what the plan is, and Babs replies that it's simple: make her hand glow, summon Ra's, fight him, and stab him with the knife. Selina isn't impressed by that strategy and asks how Barbara expects to beat a zombie that studied martial arts for thousands of years. She says she'd be more reassured if Barbara actually knew how to use the Demon's Head powers and suggests that they call in Bruce for backup (since he was able to kill Ra's before). </div>
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Barbara points out that Selina took the knife from him, but Selina says she only did that because she thought Barbara had a plan. Tabitha asks if Selina's in or out. "Out," Selina says, "if the plan is suicide by Ra's." Barbara yells at Selina to leave and she does so. Once she's gone, Barbara wonders aloud if Selina's right; if she's just a nightclub owner who can't control the power Ra's gave her. Tabitha encourages her, saying that Barbara has never doubted herself, and now's not the time to start. Barbara, empowered, lights up her hand and waits for Ra's.</div>
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Back at Wayne Manor, Alfred says that the bright side to all of this is that Bruce doesn't have to kill Ra's again. Bruce says that he's the only one who can, but Alfred remarks that, to be fair, Ra's told him that. It might not be the truth. Bruce says he can't believe that Selina gave Barbara the knife, and Alfred replies, "At least we know where she stands." At that instant, Selina shows up, as if to say:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaz3Q9zJNra91GPnbHmq-lIpcSIkbS3ro-N3_nUHhHShBD-BwDfL2BaPIDA7lPlCeiDNzEt1yTBFFjfMNfVs5duH5Nt_HCB1FUfjWsJJo3IT9mqIjhyphenhyphenrLHnbKRjlX1tYgdYtykdDbJTRA/s1600/4a530600-458d-0131-cefa-1e71d45c74b6.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="241" data-original-width="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaz3Q9zJNra91GPnbHmq-lIpcSIkbS3ro-N3_nUHhHShBD-BwDfL2BaPIDA7lPlCeiDNzEt1yTBFFjfMNfVs5duH5Nt_HCB1FUfjWsJJo3IT9mqIjhyphenhyphenrLHnbKRjlX1tYgdYtykdDbJTRA/s1600/4a530600-458d-0131-cefa-1e71d45c74b6.gif" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.bustle.com/articles/10637-american-horror-story-coven-won-the-internet-with-surprise-bitch-gif">Source</a></span></div>
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She explains that she only gave Barbara the knife because she thought that if Barbara could kill Ra's, Bruce wouldn't have to. Bruce says that he would've done what he had to do, but she replies that killing Ra's a second time would turn him into a jerk again (amen to that, sister). Bruce tells her to leave because she picked her side already, but Selina says it's not about sides. It's about stopping Ra's, especially because she doesn't want her friends to get killed. </div>
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Over at the club, the male members of the League enter and line up to face the female members (plot twist: they're actually about to create the dance-off from <i>Seven Brides for Seven Brothers</i>). The lights then flicker off and on to reveal Ra's. He asks if Barbara has reconsidered. She says that she's done some thinking, especially about what was between the two of them before he died. Barbara says that she'll give Ra's back his power if he admits that they had a connection. He says that she is indeed special and that he's sorry it had to come to this. Barbara agrees, before stabbing him with the knife . . . which does absolutely nothing. </div>
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Ra's then pushes Barbara through a glass wall. She gets back up and begins to fight. Lelia holds Tabitha back, saying that Barbara has to defeat Ra's on her own. Barbara's hand begins to glow, just as Bruce runs in. He punches Ra's but is immediately restrained by assassins. Lelia reiterates that Barbara must fight alone. Ra's suddenly stabs Barbara in the back. It seems like she's done for, until, suddenly, her hand glows . . . and she's back to seconds earlier (the first sequence was a vision of the future).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib8mi2dbpoNzNBrLFgxuhcPQSe3AnzdsZZqo2aBLdg1zamPipMiI2cdh2Kb93t7G5hYVgTPaVpcLMr2cp9zgAjdck6z0rTTGYHcvG0eXB4lLQfS_r5PIPmNLxD74LzlV73v9y3HlqAGP4/s1600/giphy-33.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="270" data-original-width="480" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib8mi2dbpoNzNBrLFgxuhcPQSe3AnzdsZZqo2aBLdg1zamPipMiI2cdh2Kb93t7G5hYVgTPaVpcLMr2cp9zgAjdck6z0rTTGYHcvG0eXB4lLQfS_r5PIPmNLxD74LzlV73v9y3HlqAGP4/s320/giphy-33.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/HnzMW411cPvGg">Source</a></span></div>
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This time around, Barbara stops Ra's from killing her, but he grabs Tabitha and holds a sword to her throat, threatening to kill her unless Barbara gives him the power. She says she can't give it up, and he slits Barbara's throat. PSYCH! That was another flash of the future. In the present, Ra's tells Barbara to choose, and she agrees to give up the power. They touch hands and the light transfers from her to him. He then bends over, groaning and retching. When he comes back up, his flesh has fully reformed, and he throws back his hood. </div>
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Bruce tells Ra's to give him the knife so that he can kill him again, but Ra's refuses. "Today is not the day that I die," he says, before snapping the knife with his bare hands.</div>
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Later that night, Barbara sweeps the floors of the empty club. As Tabitha looks at her sadly, Barbara says it's okay because she knows that Tabitha would do the same for her. The female members of the League suddenly reenter. Lelia says that, Demon's Head or not, Barbara fought for her friends, which makes her worthy. "We follow you," Lelia says. "To our deaths and beyond."</div>
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Meanwhile, Bruce tells Selina that they can use Barbara's knowledge of the League to find the locations of their safehouses, as Ra's is probably hiding in one. When he says that they'll fix the knife in the meantime, Selina snarks that they can just take it to "the magic knife shop." She tells Bruce that if Ra's wanted him dead, he already would be; the fact that he hasn't killed Bruce means that he likes him. Bruce says it's not about him; it's about the city. Selina tells Bruce that Gotham survived long before Bruce was around. He can take one night off. They almost kiss but are interrupted by a visitor. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://gotham-daily.tumblr.com/post/173121655663">Source</a></span></div>
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Ra's al Ghul, the ultimate moment-killer. (And don't give me that "poor timing" B.S., Ra's. You just regained the power to see the future, you knew what you were walking into.) Ra's tells Bruce that he only came to talk to him alone. Selina, however, refuses to leave. Ra's, unfazed, says that she's right; he does like and respect Bruce for who he's become. "You have no idea what I'll become," Bruce warns. Ra's says that he does—or, least, he knows who Bruce <i>could </i>become. </div>
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Ra's says that he owes Bruce an explanation for why he chose to live. When he took back the power of the Demon's Head, Ra's saw a vision of a cataclysmic event. He calls it a fire that will destroy and purify Gotham. (Uh, your subordinates tried that in season 3, Ra's. Look how that turned out). And Ra's will use the fire to mold Bruce into "a dark knight of Gotham" . . . if it doesn't kill him first.</div>
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<b>Plot B: The Guy's Only Doin' It For Some Doll</b></div>
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Over at the GCPD, Gordon, Harvey, and Harper discuss a recent string of crimes: five banks robbed in one night. Harvey says that whoever did it is trying to prove a point, and Gordon surmises that if the point is to show how smart the culprit is, the Riddler's probably behind it. He tells Harvey to put a BOLO on the Riddler and also decides to visit Lee to see if she knows anything helpful.</div>
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Meanwhile, Lee distributes the payoff from the bank heists to the citizens of the Narrows. She tells the Riddler that it went well. He scoffs and says that the people of the Narrows are probably just going to spend the cash on drugs and alcohol, but Lee says they'll also use it to buy food and medicine. </div>
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She then notices a weird look on his face and asks what's wrong. The Riddler asks, "What am I to you?" She replies that he's a friend and a partner. leading him to sarcastically ask if she's that close to all of her friends. Lee says that she cares about the Riddler and depends on him, but they need to focus on the matter at hand (i.e., the bank heists) before focusing on other things (i.e., their possible relationship). </div>
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He asks if she's stringing him along, and Lee says that if that's a riddle, he'll want to wait and figure out the answer. She asks if he's ready for the next part of the plan. The Riddler replies that he will be, as soon as he gets a few details straightened out. At that very moment, Penguin barges in with Butch and says that they want in on the bank heists.</div>
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Lee asks why she should cut them in, and Penguin replies that he and Butch made both her and the Riddler. Without Penguin, the Riddler persona wouldn't have reemerged, and without Butch, Lee wouldn't have had the muscle to take control of the Narrows. Penguin says they need the money from the heist to pay off some of Sofia's capos and says they'll take 50% of the take. Lee, however, refuses.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://selinaswaynes.tumblr.com/post/173112347925">Source</a></span></div>
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Lee tells Penguin that she doesn't appreciate being bossed around or told who made her. When the Riddler comments, "Well said," and grins at her, Penguin reacts with disgust. He says that he assumed the Riddler was immune to Nygma's affection for Lee, but it must've spread to him as well. Penguin tells Riddler that Lee's using him. Lee tells both him and Butch to leave. Penguin agrees, but not without some parting advice to the Riddler: "Be sure to skim some off the top when she tosses you aside."</div>
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Later on, Gordon approaches Lee in the Narrows. She notes that he doesn't look like someone who got shot four times, and he replies that his recovery is thanks to her help. Lee replies that she'd been in a good mood after shooting Sofia. Gordon, unsure how to reply to that statement, tells Lee that he's looking for the Riddler, who might be involved in a string of bank heists. She replies that she hasn't seen him in weeks. </div>
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Gordon pushes, saying that while Lee might feel loyalty to the Riddler, he's still sick. Lee replies that they've all got their flaws, but Gordon says that there are other ways to get rid of her own guilt besides leading the Narrows. She says that she doesn't own the Narrows; only the slumlords do. She adds that he should be trying to protect the poor and the innocent. </div>
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Gordon then asks about the bank robberies again, this time remarking that none of the guards were killed (which is unusual, as the Riddler has no qualms about murder). He theorizes that Lee's involved and says that whatever's going on, she can talk to him about it. She replies that he doesn't understand what's going on.</div>
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Elsewhere, the Riddler can't get the Penguin's comments about Lee out of his head. As he sorts through them, he sees a familiar face in the mirror—Ed Nygma. Nygma mocks the Riddler, saying that he's still around. The Riddler insists that Nygma is "too stupid to know when he's lost," but Nygma says he hasn't lost. He points out that the Riddler is acting more like Nygma, particularly around Lee. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigaZm1gQhy7_naMeq2ttQtpJMSHi_0uOTTMPjtgylLv6hZ97xqvmeHqrOxNJSSq9YcwOJay4hrHrSCrQW-_3J0vBDRmAiCME2fO8CUlTQKc-Ejc_n7L6P8QqeSM3AdrmHKWtlNIi09Eh8/s1600/tumblr_p7hjro6C5d1sj8jevo4_r1_250.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="182" data-original-width="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigaZm1gQhy7_naMeq2ttQtpJMSHi_0uOTTMPjtgylLv6hZ97xqvmeHqrOxNJSSq9YcwOJay4hrHrSCrQW-_3J0vBDRmAiCME2fO8CUlTQKc-Ejc_n7L6P8QqeSM3AdrmHKWtlNIi09Eh8/s1600/tumblr_p7hjro6C5d1sj8jevo4_r1_250.gif" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://lightgamble.tumblr.com/post/173126949349/gotham-419-shame-on-you-stringing-along-this">Source</a></span></div>
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Nygma says that he's still inside the Riddler, influencing his feelings. He points out that the Riddler has been giving money away to the poor and going along with Lee's plan to support the Narrows. When the Riddler insists that he doesn't care about the people of the Narrows, Nygma replies that that's true . . . because the only person the Riddler cares about is Lee. And if he keeps it up, there'll be no telling where the Riddler begins and where Nygma ends. The Riddler, however, says that he refuses to let that happen.</div>
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The Riddler then meets with the Penguin and concedes that Penguin was right about Lee trying to use him. He says that he needs Penguin's help to drown out Nygma's influence over his feelings. Penguin agrees to help and asks if he brought a half share of the profit from the heists, but the Riddler explains that it's already been distributed throughout the Narrows. He says that the heists were only part of a much bigger scheme. Penguin remarks that he suspected as much, which was why he and Butch had originally planned to rob the Riddler. </div>
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Butch asks if the money from the scheme is enough to get him cured, and the Riddler replies that the take is a hundred million per person, as long as they help him deal with Lee.</div>
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Back at the precinct, Gordon questions a female employee from a bank whose five branches were targets of the robberies. He asks why her banks were hit. The woman replies that she has no idea and asks why Gordon's interrogating her as if she's the criminal. He points out that the bank she works for has been accused of several crimes, including usury. She replies that the bank was cleared of all charges, but he says it's just because they had good lawyers.</div>
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Harvey, who's been listening, takes Gordon aside into a hallway. He asks what Gordon thinks he's doing, and Gordon replies that the woman is a bigger crook than whoever robbed her. Harvey says that Gordon's only saying that because Lee is probably involved with the robberies. He reminds Gordon that they need to focus on stopping Lee and Nygma before things get worse. </div>
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Gordon then re-enters the interrogation room and asks the woman which branches of the bank are most vulnerable. She says none of them are, as all of the bank's assets from each branch have been moved to a secure location since the five robberies. Gordon surmises that the Riddler plans to rob that location and asks the woman where it is.</div>
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Meanwhile, Lee and the Riddler enter the "secure" location and knock out the guards with tranquilizer darts. Lee asks how the Riddler plans to get into the vault, and he replies that they'll have help from some friends. He then asks her a riddle. The answer? "Betrayal," says Penguin, who appears with Butch.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://lightgamble.tumblr.com/post/173132245199/gotham-419-betrayal">Source</a></span></div>
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The Riddler, Penguin, and Butch get into the vault with the Riddler holding Lee at gunpoint. After filling up the getaway truck, Penguin tells the Riddler that all that's left in the vault is worthless deeds for property in the Narrows. The Riddler then repeats his riddle to Lee . . . before throwing a lighter onto the property deeds and triggering a set of bars that keep Penguin and Butch in the vault. </div>
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Butch says he'll break out, but the Riddler says that he and Lee will be gone by the time he manages that. He also informs Penguin that, as they've been through thick and thin together, the betrayal isn't personal, but if Penguin comes against Lee, that means he has to deal with the Riddler. As Lee and the Riddler exits, Penguin screams that the Riddler is a fool for trusting her.</div>
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After they leave the vault, Lee asks why he brought Penguin and Butch only to lock them up. He explains that he needed Butch's strength to open the vault, and also that Penguin had planned to rob them anyway. Lee asks if the Riddler doesn't think she's using him, but he replies that he knows she is. </div>
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She asks why he betrayed Penguin and asks if she's talking to Nygma. He replies that he's still the Riddler. When she asks how he can be sure, the Riddler replies that he understands her in a way that Nygma never did. He understands that the Tetch virus woke up a dark part of her, and that darkness returned when she shot Sofia. He says Lee loves that darkness, and so does he. That's why he's confident that even though she doesn't love him yet, she will. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://lankybrunettepartdeux.tumblr.com/post/173112421670">Source</a></span></div>
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The moment is interrupted by sirens. Nygma asks how the police could've arrived so fast when he <i>just </i>triggered the alarm. Lee replies that Gordon had his suspicions. Nygma says they need to sneak out the back, but Lee says that she's going to stick around to distract Gordon. She tells the Riddler to take the money to the Narrows. He asks if Lee trusts him, and she replies that she does. She then kisses him and tells him to go.</div>
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Lee then exits through the front of the building and gives herself up to the police. "You know your rights," is all Gordon says before cuffing her and leading her into the back of a police car.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Verdict</b></span></div>
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<b>Plot A: </b>This episode delivered three things I'd been waiting for: the return of Ra's al Ghul, the (partial) downfall of Barbara Kean, and Bruce interacting with the League of Shadows again. (It also gave us the second almost-kiss between Bruce and Selina, so I'm hoping the third time's the charm.) </div>
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It was pretty satisfying to see Ra's put Barbara in her place. She's been trying to act like a kingpin since season 3, but Ra's sees her for who she is: a petty criminal with an antisocial personality disorder and a need for attention. </div>
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As for the woman in the portrait, I think Ra's was probably telling the truth about her. (I also considered that he might've had the portrait commissioned after meeting Barbara as a ploy to make her think she was special, but someone with her experience in art would be able to date the work). Do I think Barbara is some sort of reincarnated version prostitute? No. I feel like, at this point, the painting was just a red herring.</div>
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I do feel like Bruce could've gotten more to do in this episode, but I'm glad he didn't kill Ra's again. Firstly, because Bruce killing anyone is a mistake, and secondly, because I want to see more interactions between Bruce and Ra's (you know, in the three episodes we have left).</div>
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As for the League mythology, <i>Gotham'</i>s seems to be inventing a lot of it as they go along. (The dagger, the blood ritual, the mark of the Demon's Head, the clairvoyance . . . yeah, none of those have been part of the League in other media). I don't feel like it's necessarily a good move to make up this much, but I don't think they've done anything too terrible. Yet. </div>
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Also, shoutout to Alexander Siddig. The man has only played Ra's for a handful of episodes, but he's wonderful at it. He's powerful, commanding, and unnervingly polite at times. I can't wait to see how Ra's tries to influence Bruce as the season continues.</div>
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<b>Plot B: </b>I'm glad to see that my suspicions that Lee's using the Riddler aren't incorrect. I'm not sure how I feel about him going with along with it, but I'm interested to see where their partnership goes. Of all the love interests Nygma (or the Riddler) has had, Lee is definitely the most intelligent. She's one of the few people who can match the Riddler for wits (and ruthlessness, at times).</div>
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Also, I think it's safe to say that even though the Riddler claims to be completely himself at the end of the episode, Nygma's still lurking around. The scheme—to seemingly double-cross Lee, use Penguin and Butch to open the vault, and then double-cross them instead—was obviously the work of the Riddler. But the part of him that defended Lee and decided to continue working with her? That was Nygma, no doubt. </div>
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The question is, what will Lee do in GCPD custody? Will she try to escape on her own, have the Riddler break her out, or just wait? Will Gordon be able to get through to her at all, or will she refuse to listen to him? I have no idea, honestly. </div>
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I enjoyed Plot B's exploration of Lee and the Riddler's relationship. It felt a little more grounded than the events of Plot A, which, while exciting, was rather mystical and outlandish.</div>
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<b>Overall, "</b>To Our Deaths and Beyond" was an alright episode. It's not one I see myself rewatching a lot, but it's not an episode you could skip, as it accomplishes a few important things—like finally bringing back Ra's al Ghul, for one. I do think the episode could've been a little less Barbara-centric, but there are worse characters to focus on. </div>
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Episode 21, which will air on May 3, is entitled "That Old Corpse." Expect to see a familiar, grinning face when the show returns. For now, feel free to comment below with your thoughts on the episode. Are you glad that Ra's is back? What or who do you think will cause the cataclysm? How do you feel about the Riddler's scheme?</div>
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Until next time, have a good two weeks. Study for your finals, hang in there, and, most importantly, don't raise the dead. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/739153357563773607/">Source</a></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4675533200914366163.post-77361580429843586712018-04-19T08:00:00.000-07:002018-04-19T08:00:12.467-07:00'Gotham' Recap: "That's Entertainment" (4x18)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.superherohype.com/news/414457-promo-photos-gotham-episode-4-18#/slide/2">Source</a></span></div>
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Welcome, <i>Gotham </i>fans—the few, the crazy few, we band of lunatics and unorthodox Bat-fans. It's time for another recap of <i>Gotham: A Dark Knight. </i>This week's episode, "That's Entertainment," revolves around two plots: Jerome's scheme to turn all of Gotham City insane and Barbara's quest to find answers about her role as the demon's head.<br />
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Warning: this episode contains major spoilers, violence, and suicide. This is another episode with a big impact on <i>Gotham</i>'s version of the Joker mythos, so don't read it if you haven't seen the episode and want to be surprised.<br />
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<b>Plot A: Some Men Just Want to Watch the World Burn.</b><br />
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</b> The episode opens with the interim mayor of Gotham and the police commissioner addressing members of a moral society (read: middle-aged women with too much time on their hands) over a formal candlelit dinner. One woman tells the mayor the society has been disturbed by the crime and corruption in the city, and he insists that his administration has done its best to improve the city.<br />
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Suddenly, the candlelights blow out. Security staff goes to check out what's wrong. Not long after, the women hear screams and gunshots from inside the house. Mr. Freeze then enters, along with Mad Hatter. They take the women, along with the mayor and commissioner, to a van. Inside are Jerome, Firefly, Penguin, and Scarecrow. The mayor tries to appeal to the villains with offers of pardons and payoffs, but they turn him down. Even Penguin claims that he's "behind Mr. Valeska, one hundred percent."<br />
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The mayor warns Jerome that every cop in the city is after him, but Jerome snarks that the mayor's seriousness must be why his approval rating is so low. He says that no one in the city knows how to have fun anymore, but Scarecrow's new toxin will fix that. Scarecrow sprays a woman with the toxin. She begins to laugh and her mouth widens into a deranged, unnatural smile. Meanwhile, Penguin looks on, as if thinking:<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://mashable.com/2013/06/18/panic-gifs/#kIIdmwp1r5qc">Source</a></span></div>
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Over at the garage of Wayne Manor, Alfred wishes Bruce a happy birthday and hands him a box. (For those of you who are tracking the fluid timeline of this show, Bruce Wayne and David Mazouz have <a href="http://gotham-daily.tumblr.com/post/171734090343/david-mazouz-talks-sharing-birthday-with-bruce">the same birthday: February 19</a>. So that's when this episode probably takes place.)<br />
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Alfred reminisces about Bruce's seventh birthday party, which, he recalls, was a nightmare. Alfred says that there were several kids, but Bruce went outside because he was obsessed with a red wagon his father had bought him. He reminds Bruce of how he loaded the wagon down with rocks and told Alfred he was going to make a secret place to hide his wagon.<br />
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Bruce opens the box and finds a set of car keys inside. He clicks a button, and a sportscar revs to life. Alfred informs him that it's got a lot of horsepower and anti-reflective matte black paint that makes it hard to spot at night. And the kicker?<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://strangergotham.tumblr.com/post/172895859347/alfred-gives-bruce-his-birthday-present">Source</a></span></div>
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It's completely bulletproof. I think it's fair to say that <i>Gotham </i>just revealed its first version of the Batmobile, and I love it. (Although, let's be honest: does Bruce really deserve another car after acting like a jerk for half of the season? I guess you could argue that his renewed interested in crime fighting necessitates the use of such a vehicle.)</div>
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At the GCPD, Gordon informs Harvey that the mayor and commissioner have been kidnapped by Jerome. Gordon then receives a phone call from Penguin, who says he's out back and needs to talk. Once Gordon is face to face with him, Penguin demands to know what Gordon's doing to stop Jerome. Gordon asks if Penguin knows where Jerome is. Penguin says that even if he knew, he wouldn't necessarily tell, as Gordon would just go in "guns-blazing." </div>
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Penguin tells Gordon that Jerome has all of the other villains under his thumb and has gotten Scarecrow to create a new gas that turns people into "violent, cackling animals." When Gordon asks what Jerome plans to do with it, Penguin replies that he doesn't know; each member of the team has been given separate tasks, so no one knows the whole plan. He doesn't even know what his role is going to be. </div>
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Gordon then asks why Penguin would come to the GCPD for help. Penguin admits that Jerome "scares the living hell" out of him and that he only played along with Jerome's plan because he'd hoped it would benefit him, but now he sees that nothing good can come of it. Gordon suggests that Penguin just doesn't want to compete with Jerome for the city, but Penguin vehemently denies it, saying that he and Jerome are two different kinds of criminals.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://bosswaldcobblepot.tumblr.com/post/172890729424">Source</a></span></div>
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Penguin then tells Gordon that he doesn't know where the gas is; he just knows that Jerome needs to be stopped.</div>
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A little later on, Gordon hears that Jerome has been spotted in Paisley Square. What's in Paisley Square? A music festival, apparently. Over at the square, rock band is in the middle of performing "Time Has Come Today" when Jerome jumps onto the stage. He punches out the lead singer and begins to beat him with the mic stand. Firefly joins him onstage, and Jerome introduces his crew as the "Arkham Asylum Lunatics." </div>
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He then has the mayor and commissioner brought onstage along with one of the women from the moral society. Each one is tied to a chair and fitted with a bomb collar. Next to them there are two empty chairs. Jerome announces that he's still waiting for two guests of honor. If the guests don't arrive, he'll use a trigger to blow up the hostages' heads. He also informs the crowd that if they try to leave, they'll also die. Jerome then turns to a nearby camera crew and tells the video feed that he's calling Jim Gordon, the one person who can get him what he wants.</div>
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Meanwhile, Freeze and Scarecrow enter a Wayne Industries lab. After incapacitating the guards with a freeze grenade, Freeze informs the scientists that he and Scarecrow need their help. Scarecrow says they need to make more laughing gas. When one frightened scientist asks how much, he points to several barrels and says, "This much."</div>
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Back at the music festival, Jerome prances around the stage while the remaining band members play—I kid you not—the original theme from the 1960s Batman TV show. </div>
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<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WcZUTxKdVhM" width="560"></iframe> </div>
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So yeah, that happened. Jerome cuts off the song as Gordon enters the crowd. Gordon says he's not speaking to Jerome until he can check to make sure the hostages are okay. Jerome replies that Gordon is in no position to make demands. He tells Gordon not to come any closer, and Firefly sends off a warning with her flamethrower. Jerome then informs Gordon that his trigger has a dead man's switch. If it falls out of his hand, the hostages all die. He then asks Gordon to guess who his two missing guests of honor are. Gordon quickly realizes that one must be Jeremiah, but isn't sure who the other is. Jerome says it's obvious: Bruce Wayne.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://teamrebecchi.tumblr.com/post/172892967692">Source</a></span></div>
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While Gordon seemed to consider handing over Jeremiah, he draws the line at Bruce and refuses to give him over. He tries to persuade Jerome to take him as a hostage instead, but Jerome doesn't take the deal. He wants Bruce and his brother, and he wants them now. When Gordon tries to argue again, Jerome says that Gordon's still not listening. He then blows up the commissioner's head using a switch on the detonator. After the blood has settled, Jerome reminds Gordon of what he wants: Bruce and Jeremiah, right away.<br />
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Meanwhile, Alfred sings "Happy Birthday" to Bruce while presenting him with a frosted bundt cake. When he goes to get plates, an unexpected guest sneaks up and blows out the candles.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://apologyboi.tumblr.com/post/172901546107/miss-kyle">Source</a></span></div>
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Alfred greets Selina and hands her and Bruce plates. Bruce thanks Selina for visiting him on his birthday, but she claims she was just in the neighborhood and didn't know it was his birthday. He says that it's still good to see her and cuts her a slice of the cake. As they begin to eat, Selina blurts out, "I knew it was an act." When Bruce asks what she's talking out, she replies, "The brat, and the drinking. The friends. It was an act." He replies that she seems more sure of that than he is.<br />
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Alfred then re-enters the kitchen and informs Bruce that he's got two visitors. (Because we couldn't just have another thirty minutes of Bat-Cat fluff. That would just be asking for too much, wouldn't it?) Gordon and Lucius Fox enter with a television that shows Jerome onstage at the festival. Gordon informs Bruce of Jerome's demand for hostages. Alfred vehemently refuses to put Bruce in Jerome's hands, but Gordon insists that he and Lucius have a plan. On the TV, Jerome says that he's still not being taken seriously and blows up another hostage.<br />
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Alfred insists that Jerome can't be trusted, and Selina says, "For once, I agree with Alfred." Gordon says that their plan can prevent more deaths, and Bruce decides to hear him out. Lucius gives Bruce a device that, once in range, can short out the signal sent out by Jerome's detonator. All Bruce has to do is hide the device on his person and get close enough to cancel the signal, and then the GCPD's snipers will take out Jerome. When Gordon asks if they're sure it will work, Lucius says that he's "99% positive."<br />
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Meanwhile, Harvey tells the snipers on the rooftops to hang tight until they get an order. Over at the precinct, Gordon, Lucius, and Bruce approach Jeremiah, who's been hanging out in protective custody and sketching designs for inventions. Jeremiah refuses to risk his own life and doesn't seem to trust Gordon's plan.<br />
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Bruce then introduces himself to Jeremiah. Jeremiah says it's nice to meet him, he just wishes that the circumstances were better (sadly, this is probably the best circumstance they'll ever meet in). Bruce asks what Jeremiah's been working on. He replies that it's a compact electrical engine that can power several buildings. Bruce tells Jeremiah that he's got a brilliant mind and that what Bruce, Gordon, and Lucius want is for Jeremiah to be able to continue his work without looking over his shoulder for Jerome.<br />
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Bruce says that he trusts Gordon and Lucius's plan and admits that even if it fails, he still believes that by facing Jerome, he can set an example for the people of Gotham.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://apologyboi.tumblr.com/post/172901546107/miss-kyle">Source</a></span></div>
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Jeremiah admits that Bruce's speech is well said and agrees to give the plan a try. Gordon then gets a call from Harvey, who informs him that Scarecrow and Freeze broke into a Wayne Industries chemical lab. Gordon then tells Harvey and the others about Scarecrow's new laughing gas.<br />
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Over at the lab, Harvey and a few other cops walk through the ice-covered halls. One scientist, still deranged from laughing gas, tries to stop them, but Harvey takes him out. Harvey then asks another scientist what happened. She says that Scarecrow and Freeze forced the scientists to make tons of the gas and then took it away when they were finished.<br />
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Back at the music festival, Jerome spots Bruce and Jeremiah in the crowd and tells them to come onstage. Bruce is the first to make his way to the front. Jeremiah follows but looks noticeably more scared. Lucius tells Gordon that the device is activated; Bruce just needs to get a little closer to the stage. Once he does, Gordon tells the snipers to fire. But before they can do so, another group of snipers shoots out the GCPD snipers.<br />
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Current mood:<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/157626055686865544/">Source</a></span></div>
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Jerome informs Gordon that he had his men scope out the best vantage points the night before, and they've been watching the GCPD SWAT team all day. He then tells Bruce and Jeremiah to come onstage.<br />
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Elsewhere, Penguin, Scarecrow and Hatter enter an aircraft hanger. A security guard tells them that it's a restricted area, but Scarecrow quickly doses him up with fear toxin. Hatter then hypnotizes a pilot. As this happens, Penguin realizes the plan. He says that they mean to use a blimp to drop laughing gas on the crowd. He insists that it's madness. Scarecrow says that Jerome predicted Penguin's betrayal and berates Penguin for going to Gordon. Penguin gets knocked out, and Hatter tells the pilot to tie Penguin up and take him on the blimp since Jerome wants him to see the chaos in action.<br />
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Back onstage, Jerome's got Bruce and Jeremiah tied up and wearing bomb collars along with the rest of the hostages. Jerome tells the crowd about how Jeremiah was always his mother's favorite, how he got adopted by rich kids and Jerome was left to do his mother's chores at the circus (causing one audience member to yell, "WHO CARES?"). Jerome then turns to his brother and says that they're more alike than Jeremiah cares to admit.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://gotham-daily.tumblr.com/post/172895224678/no-parent-will-admit-it-but-everyones-got-their">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Jerome then cuts his brother loose and hands him a knife. He tells Jeremiah to stop fighting the fact that he's a killer. Jeremiah initially shakes his head, but after Jerome tells him to give it his best shot, Jeremiah screams and tries to stab his brother. He fails miserably, and Jerome punches him out.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, Harvey asks Gordon what happened. Gordon explains that the snipers are dead and Harvey tells him that the chemicals are on their way. Gordon realizes that Jerome's been stalling and begins to evacuate the crowd. The police then shoot out Jerome's men, and Gordon even manages to shoot Jerome in the shoulder. At the same time, Bruce gets loose and begins to fight Firefly. Jerome tries to use his detonator to blow up the mayor's head, but it no longer works, thanks to Lucius's device. As Jerome runs offstage and Bruce unties the mayor, Gordon sees a blimp in the sky heading towards the festival.<br />
<br />
Inside the blimp, Penguin wakes up and finds him zip-tied to a railing. He wakes up and looks out the window. He then asks the pilot to help him get loose, but the pilot says he needs to get the blimp into position. Once he's over the square, he'll use a lever to release the laughing gas. Penguin manages to get loose and demands that the pilot turn the blimp around. The pilot, however, points a gun at Penguin and refuses.<br />
<br />
As the people below run for their lives, Jerome uses a walkie-talkie to tell the pilot to get the blimp into position. Gordon chases after him and tells his fellow officers to focus on evacuating the crowd. Harvey pulls out an RPG and says he can take down the blimp with one shot, but Gordon reminds him that doing so could potentially release the gas.<br />
<br />
Gordon then gets a call from Penguin, who explains that he's in the blimp and needs help. Gordon says that it's actually Penguin who's going to help him. He tells Penguin that he needs him to steer the blimp over the river (not sure you want that stuff in your water supply, Jimbo, but whatever).<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://baskervilleshund.tumblr.com/post/172877630365">Source</a></span></div>
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Gordon tells Penguin that if he doesn't get the blimp out of the way, thousands of people will die or else be turned into raving lunatics. Gordon then hangs up, follows Jerome onto a rooftop, and shoots the walkie-talkie out of his hand. Jerome just laughs and says it doesn't matter. "Bombs away," he says, before letting out another chuckle and falling off the edge. </div>
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At the same time, Penguin and the pilot fight over the gas-releasing lever. Penguin punches him out and begins to steer the blimp, frantically trying to get it to the river.</div>
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Back at on the rooftop, Gordon races to the edge, only to find that Jerome is still hanging onto a flagpole. Jerome remarks that Gordon's got a dilemma: he can either let Jerome fall to his death or save him. Gordon reaches down to take Jerome's hand, but Jerome just laughs at him. He says that Gordon is always playing by the rules, and that's why Jerome will outlive him. Gordon points out that it's a long way to the ground and asks how Jerome thinks he'll outlive him. Jerome replies that he's more than a person; he's an ideology.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://gotham-daily.tumblr.com/post/172891906883/418-203">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
He's right. Every version of the Joker leaves a legacy behind him, whether it's the people who take up his mantle, the deaths left in his wake, or the victims he's traumatized.<br />
<br />
Jerome tells Gordon that he'll see him again soon . . . and with that, he lets go of the flagpole and falls to his death, crashing on top of a car.<br />
<br />
Later that night, people gather around Jerome's corpse, which has a grin plastered on its lifeless face. The GCPD tells the citizens to get back and begin to examine the body themselves. Jeremiah stares at it briefly before walking past the cops. Bruce stops him. He tells Jeremiah that he meant what he said about his inventions being important to the city and offers to fund his work with a grant from Wayne Enterprises.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://getyarn.io/yarn-clip/1ff34487-a548-4dcc-8c15-0280d483b31d/gif">Source</a></span></div>
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Jeremiah thanks Bruce, and the two of them go their separate ways. Gordon then gets a call from Penguin, who's still flying over Gotham in the blimp. Penguin yells that he wants to get down and Gordon lets Harvey know. Harvey suggests that they let Penguin stay up there for a few hours before helping him down. Gordon seems to agree and tells Penguin that they'll contact the standby pilot and have him advise. He then hangs up, leaving Penguin to scream "JIIIIIIM!" as the blimp continues to float above Gotham.<br />
<br />
Back at his bunker in the woods, Jeremiah pours himself a drink. As he takes a sip, he notices a present on his desk. The tag reads "From Wayne Enterprises." Jeremiah unwraps the present and finds a painted box. He opens the box, and a jack-in-the-box pops out. A dose of laughing gas comes out of its mouth and sprays Jeremiah. As he begins to transform and struggles to stop the change, he hears a recorded message from Jerome. Jerome says that he had a special variation of the laughing gas made, one designed to set Jeremiah over the edge so that he'd finish what Jerome started. As Jeremiah laughs uncontrollably, he hears his brother's final message: "Burn it down, brother. Burn it all down."<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://itsprismatic.tumblr.com/post/172907003528/the-birth-of-the-joker-gotham-4x18-thats">Source</a></span></div>
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Not sure how I feel about the special effects in this scene. Jeremiah's mouth looks noticeably unnatural in the above gif, but I also feel like that's the point. Still, it seems a bit cheesy, especially when combined with his yellowish eyes.</div>
<br />
<b>Plot B: If You Live Long Enough, You See the Same Eyes in Different People.</b><br />
<b><br />
</b> Over at the Sirens' Club, a gang leader tells Tabitha that her and Barbara's disrespect of Gotham's gangs will no longer be tolerated. He gripes about how she kicked out his brother, but Tabitha points out that his brother hit on other customers and didn't pay his tab. He replies that his brother deserved respect. Barbara enters and asks if an apology will do. When he replies that the only way to settle things is by force, she says, "Thought so." Cue the female League of Shadows members entering and shooting out the gang. Tabitha insists that she could've handled it, but Barbara reminds her that they've got an army at their beck and call.<br />
<br />
One of the female assassins from the last episode (Lelia, according to <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt7969220/fullcredits?ref_=tt_cl_sm#cast">IMDb</a>) seems frustrated by Barbara's use of her power. She reminds Barbara that Ra's chose her and insists that she can't just stay in Gotham. Barbara needs to carry out Ra's legacy. Barbara says she wants to do so and that she's ready to be shown more of the League's secrets. Tabitha says nothing but seems frustrated by Barbara's new calling.<br />
<br />
Lelia takes Barbara and Tabitha to a house and explains that Ra's has owned the property for as long as Gotham has existed (not really sure why he'd be interested in the city prior to the existence of Batman, but one <a href="http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Fridge/Gotham">TV Tropes</a> user speculated that he was drawn by the presence of the Lazarus Pit). Lelia says that none of the assassins have ever seen the secrets Ra's kept, as his chamber remains locked. The key? Barbara's glowing hand, of course. (When is that mark of the demon's head going to wear off, anyway?) She presses her hand to the door, and it slides away. She steps into a room filled with books, busts, helmets, paintings, and all manner of relics.<br />
<br />
Barbara stops in front of a painting from the seventeenth century. The two subjects are Ra's al Ghul . . . and a woman who looks exactly like her.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://itberice.tumblr.com/post/172891189693">Source</a></span></div>
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Barbara says, "All my life I've known that I was meant for more, that there was something deep inside of me that I couldn't explain. I'm home." As she says this, tears well up in her eyes, and the assassins kneel.</div>
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What's this mean? I'd say there are at least four possible options:</div>
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</div>
<ol>
<li>The woman in the painting is one of Barbara's ancestors who just happens to look identical to her.</li>
<li>The woman in the painting is Barbara in a past life.</li>
<li>Barbara is some sort of clone of the woman in the painting. (Yes, I know she had parents in season 1, but they could've adopted her and hidden the truth).</li>
<li>The writers have no intention of telling us how Barbara is connected to the woman in the painting, just like they have no intention of telling us why Isabella just happened to look <i>exactly </i>like<i> </i>Kristen Kringle. </li>
</ol>
<div>
I'll reserve my full judgment on the twist until I find out exactly who the woman is. Still, I feel like this season has taken Barbara's character a little too far. She was more believable in season 2, as you could see the trauma peaking out behind her villainy, and season 3, where you could see her ambition growing as she got more power. But this season would have us believe that Barbara is some sort foretold chosen one, instead of who she really is—the former owner of an art gallery who was fairly innocent and naive in season 1 before she got traumatized and abused by a serial killer, then turned to a life of crime and attempted several murders, and is now vying for control of the city. </div>
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But I'll admit that I like how Barbara's connection to Ra's was revealed through a painting. It's a nice callback to her role as a gallery owner and even suggests that her passion for art may have something to do with a possible past life (maybe even an unconscious search to find that life again).</div>
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As usual, I'm digressing.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO5rhDVomsMdsyQr4QtZdK3a3Z6gXIRBQi8j3-k4FoJvS5QKKnQNBrg6NtDDkQRnXMD6lMea9KketBgUprqxC3dNpoQniXY0zQ9SdAm1A-snInsGV-gM9WwlkkI_igNkyW3ADdquiudUo/s1600/tenor+%25283%2529.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO5rhDVomsMdsyQr4QtZdK3a3Z6gXIRBQi8j3-k4FoJvS5QKKnQNBrg6NtDDkQRnXMD6lMea9KketBgUprqxC3dNpoQniXY0zQ9SdAm1A-snInsGV-gM9WwlkkI_igNkyW3ADdquiudUo/s1600/tenor+%25283%2529.gif" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://tenor.com/view/dug-up-coneofshame-sad-ashamed-gif-10706273">Source</a></span></div>
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Back to the episode. Barbara reads through one of Ra's books, remarking that it explains how he influenced history. Tabitha insists that he was a cult leader who brainwashed his followers, but Barbara argues that the texts she's reading will change the way people view the past. She says the book she's reading contains the work of shamans and mystics, with everything from spells to potions. Tabitha says that the old Barbara would've sold all of Ra's junk to the highest bidder, but Barbara says it's part of her destiny. </div>
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<div>
When Tabitha asks if that destiny no longer includes her, Selina, and the club, Barbara points at the painting. She says it's definitely of her and Ra's 400 years ago. Tabitha says that the woman in the painting looks nothing like Barbara, but Barbara won't listen. She says that she's found her true purpose and she won't let Tabitha spoil it. Barbara then tells the assassins to take Tabitha away and "teach her a few manners." When Tabitha asks why she doesn't do it herself, Barbara replies that it's beneath her.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://barbarakeangifs.tumblr.com/post/172889101072">Source</a></span></div>
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The assassins drag Tabitha out onto the street, and Lelia tells her to leave the city and never come back. Tabitha tries to put up a fight against the assassins, but they beat her up spectacularly. (League of Shadows: 1. Order of St. Dumas: 0.) As this happens, a man watches from a nearby car. Lelia then tells Tabitha that they'll kill her next time. </div>
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After the female assassins leave, the man walks over to Tabitha and offers to help her up. Two more men join him. Tabitha asks who they are. He replies that they've been watching her and the "imposter." He says that he and his men serve the one true master, Ra's al Ghul. When Tabitha says that Ra's is dead, the man replies, "Death is only an illusion." He then tranquilizes her with a syringe and drags her into his car.</div>
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So does this mean that Ra's faked his death to test Bruce? I'm hoping that's what it means. Either that or he <i>did </i>want to die, but this man's group of assassins might try to resurrect him next episode with Lazarus Pit water. If that's the case, I wouldn't want to be in their shoes when Ra's wakes up and finds out he's cursed with immortality again.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Verdict</b></span></div>
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<b>Plot A: </b>So that's it. That's how the Joker is born on <i>Gotham</i>. I do feel like they could've slowed down Jeremiah's arc a little bit; I don't think he should've transformed straight into the Joker on his second appearance. I would've liked to see more of Jeremiah slowly growing into the part, showing hints of a darker nature here and there and struggling with the desire to give into violence <i>before </i>he got dosed with the laughing gas.</div>
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That being said, I did love the transformation. It felt appropriately tragic. While other versions of the Joker were still criminals before undergoing their transformation (such as Jack Napier in the 1989 <i>Batman</i>), Jeremiah was a civilian. Sure, he was cowardly, and he may have lied about his brother, but he lived most of his life in fear that he'd be murdered by Jerome. All he wanted was to live without looking over his shoulder. But as soon as normalcy was in Jeremiah's reach, Jerome took it away from him again. </div>
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While Cameron Monaghan was definitely the star of this episode, I need to give a shoutout to Robin Lord Taylor as Penguin. This episode was a great reminder that there are some lines Penguin won't cross, and it also showed what happens when he gets in over his head with other criminals. The highlight of Taylor's performance was definitely watching Penguin try to steer a blimp with zero experience.</div>
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Also, while this isn't central to the plot, I feel it necessary to mention Bruce's birthday scenes. The kid rarely gets a break, so it's nice to see a few scenes of him having fun and genuinely celebrating with the people he loves. And Alfred's story about the wagon was the most adorable thing <i>ever</i>, especially since, in time, Bruce will find his own "secret place" to keep his car (read: the Bat Cave). It was also cute to see Bruce and Selina getting along again and goofing off. I know that it can't last, though. Every time the two of them make progress, something or someone always gets in the way (whether it's Silver St. Cloud, a magic knife, or Bruce's own stupidity). Still, I'll enjoy the Bat-Cat action while I can.</div>
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<b>Plot B: </b>I'll be honest. I'm not really enjoying watching Barbara lead the League of Shadows. I don't think she should've been involved with them much, after Ra's' death. You know who should be getting more screen time with the League? Bruce Wayne, that's who. You know, the guy who Ra's called "an heir to serve as my knight in the darkness."</div>
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This isn't a gender thing. This is about how Bruce spent the back half of season 3 training under Ra's shaman, only to get a handful of episodes with the League in this season. I feel like having Barbara get involved with the league is another one of this season's missteps. </div>
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Still, I find comfort in the promo for next week. It indicates that Bruce's connection to the League will be coming back to haunt him.</div>
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<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/M5XIUCoTr_s" width="560"></iframe><br />
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<b>Overall, </b>I think this episode was middling. It served as a decent way to introduce the Joker, but I think they rushed the story arc. As for Barbara, I'm having a hard time taking her seriously as the supposed demon's head (and possibly also a reincarnated chick). I hope that the rest of the season makes up for these missteps. When <i>Gotham</i>'s at the top of its game, there's really nothing like it on TV. I'd hate to see it get canceled because of low ratings. </div>
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And while there have been a few annoying things in season 4 (such as Bruce's jerk phase, Barbara's arc, and a mediocre version of Solomon Grundy), there have still been several amazing things (vigilante Bruce, the Sirens kicking butt, Gordon acting more like his future self, Professor Pyg, the villainous team-ups, and Jeremiah Valeska). I don't see how someone could watch the previous seasons and think of season 4 as decreasing in quality; I think it's a definite upgrade. </div>
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I'll be back next week to review episode 19: "To Our Deaths and Beyond." Until then, comment below with your thoughts. How do you feel about Jerome's death? The Joker's birth? What do you think is the truth behind the woman in the painting? </div>
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Have a good week, and remember—don't unwrap a gift from someone you just met, because it was probably sent by the minions of your dead evil twin. </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4675533200914366163.post-11214953007396823332018-04-11T18:00:00.000-07:002018-04-11T18:16:58.221-07:00'Gotham' Recap: "Mandatory Brunch Meeting" (4x17)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifrk3VTbqFUiWYzOyoOqNKQD5noosnF78k10-_qk4r_OZj9u8J_PBSE3Utk6gZRgzsw5p86Wxr5ZPvy16skS113IPKNZZ3vW9Nok7ADRkAUezEBKyeih4pdHt5up1w_oHXF0IckUPKEkc/s1600/Gotham-417-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="626" data-original-width="900" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifrk3VTbqFUiWYzOyoOqNKQD5noosnF78k10-_qk4r_OZj9u8J_PBSE3Utk6gZRgzsw5p86Wxr5ZPvy16skS113IPKNZZ3vW9Nok7ADRkAUezEBKyeih4pdHt5up1w_oHXF0IckUPKEkc/s640/Gotham-417-4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.flickeringmyth.com/2018/03/promo-images-for-gotham-season-4-episode-17-mandatory-brunch-meeting/">Source</a></span></div>
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It's Wednesday, and you know what that means: it's time for brunch.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://justiceleague.blogflop.com/category/reblog/">Source</a></span></div>
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No. Well, yes and no. It's time to obsess over last week's episode of <i>Gotham</i>, if you haven't already done that. If you have, then sit back and let <i>me </i>obsess. Trust me, I'm a professional at it.<br />
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This week's episode, "Mandatory Brunch Meeting," follows three storylines: Jerome's search for a man named Xander Wilde, a battle of wits between Lee Thompkins and the Riddler, and Penguin's attempts to re-enlist Butch as his henchman.<br />
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Warning: the following episode contains suicide, violence, and a rabid bag of rats (okay, that last one didn't actually make it onscreen, but the rest did). Also, I know I say it every week, but this episode contains some <b>SERIOUS SPOILERS. </b>Seriously, if you haven't been keeping up with this season, you might want to steer clear of this recap. This episode has some major twists that won't be as good if you can see them coming.<br />
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And now, without further ado, let's get into the recap.<br />
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<b>Plot A: Prepare for Trouble . . . and Make it Double.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
The episode opens with Bruce walking down a hallway with his vigilante gear on and his brooding mode in full form. He enters a door marked "headmaster's office." Inside is the headmaster, who stands with his back to Bruce. Bruce introduces himself and explains that he's looking for Jerome Valeska. The headmaster replies that he didn't meet Jerome but instead spoke to a man in a top hat. Bruce surmises that it must've been the Mad Hatter.<br />
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Bruce asks what Hatter wanted, and the headmaster replied that he was looking for information about Xander Wilde, a bright student who graduated 10 years ago. When Bruce asks why Hatter was looking for Xander, the headmaster replies that he doesn't know . . . but that Hatter had a message for Bruce. The headmaster then turns to reveal a bomb strapped to his chest and a detonator in his hand.<br />
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Bruce tries to talk him out of detonating the bomb, but the hypnotized headmaster insists that the Hatter is counting on him. Gordon and Harvey then rush in, telling Bruce to step away. He informs them that Hatter must've hypnotized the headmaster, and Gordon shoots a nearby clock, hoping that its tick is the sound that triggers the trance. However, the headmaster, who's wearing a pocket watch, detonates the bomb, and Bruce runs to get out of the way. He, Gordon and Harvey escape unscathed, but the headmaster dies in the explosion.<br />
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Meanwhile, Jerome welcomes Penguin, the Mad Hatter, Scarecrow, Firefly, and Mr. Freeze to his "first ever mandatory brunch meeting," which leads me to note three things:<br />
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<ol>
<li>Apparently, the Riddler wasn't invited to this little shindig. Maybe Jerome was worried that the Riddler would be one of the few people capable of figuring out his entire plan (and sabotaging it, if he wanted to). Or perhaps the Riddler is seen as a second-rate villain among the underworld's elite, thanks to his humiliation at the end of season 3.</li>
<li>It looks like Firefly didn't die in "<a href="http://www.thefangirlinitiative.com/2017/11/gotham-recap-stop-hitting-yourself-4x08.html">Stop Hitting Yourself</a>." I guess guns are only an effective means of murder if the character in question doesn't have <a href="http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/PlotArmor">plot armor</a>.</li>
<li>Also, Firefly's original actress, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm5927737/?ref_=rvi_nm">Michelle Veintimilla</a>, is back (in season 3 and the first part of season 4, the character was portrayed by <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm6843031/?ref_=nv_sr_1">Camila Perez</a>). However, the discontinuity between actresses isn't that jarring, thanks to Firefly's scarred face and the goggles that, when worn cover the upper half of her face.</li>
</ol>
Jerome explains that he needs the help of each villain in the room to turn the city into a madhouse.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://spicywatson.tumblr.com/post/172660640636/mandatory-brunch-meeting">Source</a></span></div>
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(How much you wanna bet that Jerome just walked into his house with a gun and said, "Hey, you're hosting brunch," and Penguin had to roll with it?)</div>
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Jerome then asks Scarecrow how the "you-know-what" is coming along. Scarecrow replies "dreadfully" (translation: wonderfully). Next, Jerome tells Mr. Freeze that he needs a lab. Freeze replies that it should be easy enough. Jerome says that all they need now is for Hatter to return with the information about Wilde.</div>
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Firefly asks how Jerome plans to take over the underworld, but Jerome replies that he could care less about that. He says that he just wants to "paint the town crazy" and doesn't care what happens to Gotham afterward. Firefly says she's in, but Penguin looks increasingly disturbed by Jerome's desire for chaos. However, he remains silent, and Hatter arrives with the information.</div>
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Back at the school, Gordon asks Bruce (now accompanied by Alfred) who Xander Wilde is. Bruce replies that if he knew, he'd tell Gordon, but Gordon asks how he can even trust Bruce at this point. Gordon then asks if Alfred knew that Bruce was going after Jerome on his own. Alfred says yes, yes he did. Nice going, Alfred.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZJn9QKtis8Lo_QCjHrrOlkYg7UWxh81POqynGRMk5BwA66J01OEddsx6u4HC_xRDp9S2RY27xcwRAZkVFoR8gWAg1RPa4yAu5qcqnK7OuNdEsY02psU3-tIigRDD7sqVnRLYSO9GIyWc/s1600/tumblr_nmnt1wmi5F1t88tfio1_250.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="221" data-original-width="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZJn9QKtis8Lo_QCjHrrOlkYg7UWxh81POqynGRMk5BwA66J01OEddsx6u4HC_xRDp9S2RY27xcwRAZkVFoR8gWAg1RPa4yAu5qcqnK7OuNdEsY02psU3-tIigRDD7sqVnRLYSO9GIyWc/s1600/tumblr_nmnt1wmi5F1t88tfio1_250.gif" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://rebloggy.com/post/gifs-disneyedit-big-hero-6-bighero6edit-aunt-cass/116140700795">Source</a></span></div>
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(To be fair, the first chapter of every parenting book does say, "If your child/ward will most likely grow up to become Batman, you should let them chase down dangerous psychopaths on their own.")</div>
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Gordon tells Alfred that if Bruce gets involved again, he will press charges. After Alfred and Bruce leave, Harvey tells Gordon that he talked to an administrator, who said that Xander was a child prodigy who became an engineer at Meyer and Heyes.</div>
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Jerome, however, is one step ahead of them and has already reached the headquarters for Meyer and Hayes. He greets the secretary with his usual charm.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbDbCyYcOYmqQ3B22ms6zsCwmrVWnTfGbfglhsH01C17nHKoYxuqk4jmqRPweEzPoReHg8wxkMuAH7-nZI0KYgG4SFUZQM0pUmnnm2-QKxOr9IOukCyAu9OlCMYlBROwHR49yw8HOzSUw/s1600/tumblr_p6rkkaxaoX1wqwtnao2_r1_540.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="256" data-original-width="540" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbDbCyYcOYmqQ3B22ms6zsCwmrVWnTfGbfglhsH01C17nHKoYxuqk4jmqRPweEzPoReHg8wxkMuAH7-nZI0KYgG4SFUZQM0pUmnnm2-QKxOr9IOukCyAu9OlCMYlBROwHR49yw8HOzSUw/s400/tumblr_p6rkkaxaoX1wqwtnao2_r1_540.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5f-kDAl7Y3v84eyJ__GxjImzlC9v8eYA4ZbAAbdHaieSjvVhiXoVRLzanumP3CklRrK9sU3F99glgdnd6iBUpRSAkbGhGxb2o5M0DbAeARk0wGQOdUwW_PtKH7gqJEe2XGGqqTNNTqlc/s1600/tumblr_p6rkkaxaoX1wqwtnao3_r1_540.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="256" data-original-width="540" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5f-kDAl7Y3v84eyJ__GxjImzlC9v8eYA4ZbAAbdHaieSjvVhiXoVRLzanumP3CklRrK9sU3F99glgdnd6iBUpRSAkbGhGxb2o5M0DbAeARk0wGQOdUwW_PtKH7gqJEe2XGGqqTNNTqlc/s400/tumblr_p6rkkaxaoX1wqwtnao3_r1_540.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh_7qGDFqagcM2iTDHcoJBOK0QIgqiASyG6I6R9Rv0gzhc454ypU3sNbYRLViAKV7KztHqr5AYgsI2ITM2zezPA5qUsBCEzelRC9MAn1aowMIiqy1SMQNXDNdzLn-ICXp2_nb1AN-0ycQ/s1600/tumblr_p6rkkaxaoX1wqwtnao1_r1_540.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="256" data-original-width="540" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh_7qGDFqagcM2iTDHcoJBOK0QIgqiASyG6I6R9Rv0gzhc454ypU3sNbYRLViAKV7KztHqr5AYgsI2ITM2zezPA5qUsBCEzelRC9MAn1aowMIiqy1SMQNXDNdzLn-ICXp2_nb1AN-0ycQ/s400/tumblr_p6rkkaxaoX1wqwtnao1_r1_540.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://riddlepenguin.tumblr.com/post/172654987417">Source</a></span></div>
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She runs off to fetch security, though Jerome says not to bother, as they're all headless. He then strolls into a meeting. "I've got a business proposition," he announces. "Tell me what I want to know, and you won't get turned inside out." He then asks where Xander Wilde is. When a businessman replies that he's not at the meeting, Jerome retorts that he's not blind. The man explains that Xander never comes into the office; he only communicates with them through a proxy. Jerome laughs at the idea that Xander thinks he could hide from him before asking where to find the proxy.</div>
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When Gordon and Harvey arrive at the Meyer and Heyes building, the businessmen (and women) are running for their lives. Jerome greets Gordon and quickly heads behind a wall for cover. Gordon yells at him to drop the gun, but Firefly enters and uses her flamethrower to distract Gordon and Harvey while Jerome escapes.</div>
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Later on (and after Firefly has also, presumably, escaped), Harvey tells Gordon that none of the employees have ever met Xander. He only communicated through a proxy, and the only one who knew the proxy was Hayes (who's now in a body bag, thanks to Jerome). </div>
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Gordon states that Jerome's whole plan, up to this point, has been about finding Xander. He surmises that Jerome must have personal history with the man. As he contemplates the theory, he notices a photograph of Wayne Plaza, autographed by Xander himself. Gordon realizes that Xander must've designed the building, which means someone at Wayne Enterprises might've met him in person. Harvey points out that this means they have to talk to Bruce, who'll be less than happy to see Gordon.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL-6Q8MN7umRart4_UxSEsbFKe3xef9x7QrkUaI5JG4uDErAqf985hL4S_U63HAzSvLuYq08kkzaiWXI8JxAyCKxilDvFF3KTw0VirODkCX_-3NJ4SgL4pZ4Tvdv8SJuKEB9MqLeuGgf4/s1600/Conan-This-should-be-fun.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="281" data-original-width="500" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL-6Q8MN7umRart4_UxSEsbFKe3xef9x7QrkUaI5JG4uDErAqf985hL4S_U63HAzSvLuYq08kkzaiWXI8JxAyCKxilDvFF3KTw0VirODkCX_-3NJ4SgL4pZ4Tvdv8SJuKEB9MqLeuGgf4/s320/Conan-This-should-be-fun.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.headoverfeels.com/2016/03/21/how-do-the-big-dogs-sleep-scandal-gif-cap-i-see-you/">Source</a></span></div>
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Meanwhile, a woman enters her apartment with groceries. Jerome slinks out of the shadows and asks if she brought any ice cream. She replies that she was wondering when he'd come, and Jerome asks where Xander is. The woman replies that she'll never tell, but Jerome pulls out a knife and says that he can be pretty persuasive. However, she gestures at an empty cage and asks if he's been wondering what it's for. When Jerome admits that he did wonder that, she says it's how she plans to transport him. She then punches him out, calls someone on her cellphone, and informs the person on the end, "I've got him."</div>
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Over at Wayne Manor, Harvey and Gordon ask if Bruce and Alfred have any information on Wayne Plaza that might be connected to Xander Wilde. Bruce, of course, can't help but point out that they've come to him for help on a case they told him to stay away from. Alfred, however, grabs Thomas Wayne's notes on Wayne Plaza and sees that Thomas met with Xander, alone, at Amesley Drive. Bruce remarks that Xander must be important if his father met with him alone, and Gordon says he thinks Xander became a recluse to hide from Jerome.</div>
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Speaking of Jerome, he regains consciousness only to discover that he's in a small metal room with no apparent exits. He notices a camera and laughs at it. "Oh, you are incorrigible," he says. "But then again, you always were. Or was that me?"</div>
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The black and white camera feed of Jerome zooms out, and a man watches it on a video monitor, his back turned to the audience. Jerome taunts him from the cell, first saying he doesn't want to hurt Xander, and then saying he'll squeeze him till he pops. On another camera feed, the man watches Gordon and Harvey arrive at the outside of his hideout. </div>
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From the outside, it looks like a plain metal shed. Gordon presses the intercom button, announces himself, and asks to see Xander Wilde. He opens the door, and the proxy from earlier leads them through an underground bunker. She explains that Xander values his privacy, and unlocks a door by speaking her name: "Ecco 496." She then leads Harvey and Gordon to Wilde, who's now turned off the security feeds. He turns to introduce himself, which leads to a shocking reveal.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitU_7ebjYaDKQPpSz9suF224YNhTjhHJ9CrLMbtqD51ZAWzj5OOqBKjiA9kC6lDJErQrwzf_rag62Hp-R3HI7_iHTM4Pa6fUpFREOZ-c02t-OdX84a8jQGxW5KjqCeAkbcIWm3RQmveP0/s1600/tumblr_p6sl17IHNE1xoj1ico1_400.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="177" data-original-width="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitU_7ebjYaDKQPpSz9suF224YNhTjhHJ9CrLMbtqD51ZAWzj5OOqBKjiA9kC6lDJErQrwzf_rag62Hp-R3HI7_iHTM4Pa6fUpFREOZ-c02t-OdX84a8jQGxW5KjqCeAkbcIWm3RQmveP0/s1600/tumblr_p6sl17IHNE1xoj1ico1_400.gif" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMt49DhNsfNMcAxrHi-FGYj-hdKlZTTUz9sBhC61hHoYAG7wxkgMrkfLpSYGm_0_U_5G-3Aa1zPOiq9C2FLSg_4AMLuShcwE_flxssTPRSXmIKR0frUpMwlL4M7IKcf_ydu8fA9j-e3Aw/s1600/tumblr_p6sl17IHNE1xoj1ico8_400.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="177" data-original-width="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMt49DhNsfNMcAxrHi-FGYj-hdKlZTTUz9sBhC61hHoYAG7wxkgMrkfLpSYGm_0_U_5G-3Aa1zPOiq9C2FLSg_4AMLuShcwE_flxssTPRSXmIKR0frUpMwlL4M7IKcf_ydu8fA9j-e3Aw/s1600/tumblr_p6sl17IHNE1xoj1ico8_400.gif" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://fuckyeahjeremiahvaleska.tumblr.com/post/172693202721/jeremiah-valeska-in-every-episode-4x17">Source</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyXVezCAbYr7Y0pdU1x63EQ8AMSfaatMn4VKWS78ORIkbHIRpunihqasKTG0rq2SqbU8RSeZ8jo8R6F8s5mzO65axy4ANhyphenhyphenUn-SX-nmdKgDMv1lNreQMcaEYIQJ7HldbnOcbq-gum61yc/s1600/giphy-31.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="282" data-original-width="500" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyXVezCAbYr7Y0pdU1x63EQ8AMSfaatMn4VKWS78ORIkbHIRpunihqasKTG0rq2SqbU8RSeZ8jo8R6F8s5mzO65axy4ANhyphenhyphenUn-SX-nmdKgDMv1lNreQMcaEYIQJ7HldbnOcbq-gum61yc/s320/giphy-31.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://giphy.com/sitemaps/google/20171130/gif_details_16.xml">Source</a></span></div>
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I'm not gonna lie; I knew this was coming (it'd been announced that Cameron Monaghan would play two characters at the end of season 4), but it was still a thrill to see him taking on the role of "Xander Wilde."</div>
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Xander then explains that his real name is Jeremiah. He thanks Gordon for solving his mother's murder and for arresting his brother, Jerome. Gordon notes that Jerome never mentioned he had a brother. Jeremiah says it makes sense; his mother's letters said that Jerome never spoke of Jeremiah after he left the circus. Jeremiah explains that despite their identical features, he and Jerome were always very different. Jeremiah was skilled at maths and design, whereas Jerome was skilled at mutilating animals.</div>
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Jeremiah says that when they were ten, Jerome held a cake knife to his throat and set his bed on fire a few weeks later. One night, Uncle Zack took him away from the circus and sent him to St. Ignatius, where he got a new name and a new life. In spite of that, Jeremiah always suspected that Jerome would come for him one day.</div>
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Harvey says that that day is today, and Gordon adds that they need to make sure Jeremiah is safe until they've apprehended Jerome. Jeremiah insists that he's safest inside his home and says that the proxy name he gave to Hayes was a fake. Gordon doesn't believe him and asks why his video monitors are turned off. Jeremiah tells him not to touch his equipment, but Gordon switches the monitors on. The feed from Jerome's cell shows him performing stretches and waving at the camera.</div>
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Gordon says that Jeremiah needs to take them to Jerome, but he says he can't do that. This causes Harvey to ask an astute question:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh526iti7CSniOzXwcV3syGcfwhiPAPog_hkNRdcub5uyOewaWQu0l51EojmB3tIzo8RMrkhuBkbbOm45aGoHDp1snkrBRtIuSjGLide6t6JLfParmlTmAJA8pv8GVSTTuLl1bq44PLbCI/s1600/tumblr_p6s17688lP1xoj1ico1_400.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="268" data-original-width="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh526iti7CSniOzXwcV3syGcfwhiPAPog_hkNRdcub5uyOewaWQu0l51EojmB3tIzo8RMrkhuBkbbOm45aGoHDp1snkrBRtIuSjGLide6t6JLfParmlTmAJA8pv8GVSTTuLl1bq44PLbCI/s1600/tumblr_p6s17688lP1xoj1ico1_400.gif" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://fuckyeahjeremiahvaleska.tumblr.com/post/172668039652/jeremiah-valeska-foreshadowing">Source</a></span></div>
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(If Jeremiah's not crazy already, I guarantee he will be by the end of this season.)</div>
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Jeremiah tells them that the GCPD and Arkham couldn't hold Jerome, but he can. Gordon insists that Jeremiah give him Jerome. Before they can argue about it further, Harvey points out that the video feed shows Scarecrow and Hatter walking down the hallway with Ecco. The building's alarms begin to sound, and Gordon asks if there's another exit. Jeremiah says they can't leave Ecco; she's devoted her life to keeping him safe. Gordon says that they need to focus on getting Jeremiah out first, then they'll come back for Ecco. Jeremiah accepts this and reveals that he designed the bunker to be a nigh-inescapable maze.</div>
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Jeremiah leads Gordon and Harvey through the halls and explains that as a kid, he was fascinated with labyrinths. The maze he created is a 100-acre maze with 42 dead ends. Only one other man managed to find his way out, and it took him three days. (Side note: I'm loving this maze, but it also makes me wish we'd gotten the Court of Owls' maze from the comics last season.) As he leads Gordon and Harvey through the maze, they run into Ecco, who's hypnotized. She fights both of them, takes them down, and grabs Jeremiah. He begs her not to take him to Jerome and insists that his brother will do horrible things to him. </div>
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Harvey and Gordon catch up with Ecco and manage to free Jeremiah from her grip, leaving him free to run to a neon sign marked "the end." However, when he reaches the end, Jerome emerges.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSjna8DltgpHzPm43z8N0CPSFQ_G0tiXniZJb0xMzgqp5FPF9M9b2qgTkNNUnyC2JCQwMYUbL3IxGFWSqsqOMOqjnzfCu9uBambrBFm0gSREkRzO6N9T5ypsYxYeYDcS_7V1qcoVcy6uU/s1600/tumblr_p6s7eqtiaw1xoj1ico1_400.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="268" data-original-width="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSjna8DltgpHzPm43z8N0CPSFQ_G0tiXniZJb0xMzgqp5FPF9M9b2qgTkNNUnyC2JCQwMYUbL3IxGFWSqsqOMOqjnzfCu9uBambrBFm0gSREkRzO6N9T5ypsYxYeYDcS_7V1qcoVcy6uU/s1600/tumblr_p6s7eqtiaw1xoj1ico1_400.gif" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirUvGHT5YNXTjaMIz5c8dT9qSgvLlPOYSV0IcLCSilvqFa6XtQHrS5ZWIoJeJHHekrWmg7ihwv8Cyb3mjRUYtZaKoUS4l7MxCzhE9lQqmJkv71-yHQc-cd3iwEcvM4MdcACClxGu3nFKM/s1600/tumblr_p6s7eqtiaw1xoj1ico2_400.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="268" data-original-width="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirUvGHT5YNXTjaMIz5c8dT9qSgvLlPOYSV0IcLCSilvqFa6XtQHrS5ZWIoJeJHHekrWmg7ihwv8Cyb3mjRUYtZaKoUS4l7MxCzhE9lQqmJkv71-yHQc-cd3iwEcvM4MdcACClxGu3nFKM/s1600/tumblr_p6s7eqtiaw1xoj1ico2_400.gif" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVVZCn9Y8VJAFQNh0pSjAVy-0TPyTGPGNZyCb7GSKaM8zg1nPlXxnY-9f9R1z2dpfnqzx2xKvwMv2BsV0Vs0c-oFpl5S1yjytLjlpjhEeIVdOOym3F_qjV2idjTnvMThBRqo_zdvnK9lk/s1600/tumblr_p6s7eqtiaw1xoj1ico4_400.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="268" data-original-width="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVVZCn9Y8VJAFQNh0pSjAVy-0TPyTGPGNZyCb7GSKaM8zg1nPlXxnY-9f9R1z2dpfnqzx2xKvwMv2BsV0Vs0c-oFpl5S1yjytLjlpjhEeIVdOOym3F_qjV2idjTnvMThBRqo_zdvnK9lk/s1600/tumblr_p6s7eqtiaw1xoj1ico4_400.gif" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://fuckyeahjeremiahvaleska.tumblr.com/post/172675036851/as-a-child-i-was-obsessed-with-labyrinths-so-i">Source</a></span></div>
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Jerome says he's been waiting for this day for 15 years, ever since Jeremiah ran away like a coward. Jerome then yells at Hatter and Scarecrow to kill Gordon and Harvey. Jeremiah says that he always knew Jerome was crazy, but their mother wouldn't listen. He adds that Jerome can't blame Jeremiah for his problems, because he was simply "born bad." </div>
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Jerome asks if that's why Jeremiah made up the story about Jerome trying to kill him. "What was it again?" Jerome asks. "What was it? I put a blade to your throat . . . no, no, no. I tried to light you on fire." Jeremiah protests that even though he didn't exactly tell the truth, they both knew Jerome wanted to kill him, so Jeremiah didn't have a choice; he had to tell their mother a lie so that she'd finally believe that Jerome was crazy. </div>
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I've got to hand it to the writers; this reveal about Jeremiah's dishonesty is brilliant, given that he'll likely become the Joker. The Joker is notorious for telling multiple accounts of the same story in an attempt to gain sympathy or attention. Consider his famous line in <i>The Dark Knight</i>:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFycw-fabF7pvNlqyXRRRukKu8QtzIxGCdjpT4H4jqk_085dRkUPHel4MamTKxJ7N_IrLisfetNQqZImKPUCkdryWQApY1-S9SVfwq2GKohzG5t8LkNurp9EP6laHdvOr3GaSFRkXUaL0/s1600/tumblr_m7jba2YGGY1qg462ao2_250.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="149" data-original-width="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFycw-fabF7pvNlqyXRRRukKu8QtzIxGCdjpT4H4jqk_085dRkUPHel4MamTKxJ7N_IrLisfetNQqZImKPUCkdryWQApY1-S9SVfwq2GKohzG5t8LkNurp9EP6laHdvOr3GaSFRkXUaL0/s1600/tumblr_m7jba2YGGY1qg462ao2_250.gif" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRmmxHNKkKisZfhb0VcOQgu-dphSk_e4vN4SCHXwnMBUtoiLjL1YYhkNI37YL2Er7rN3FxD5bBo55FifVQz7fLo0MV2qUFE4UXSL2MVhng7YtlJxriILRMUykckDsxTeA6nDxBju3J33c/s1600/tumblr_m7jba2YGGY1qg462ao4_250.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="149" data-original-width="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRmmxHNKkKisZfhb0VcOQgu-dphSk_e4vN4SCHXwnMBUtoiLjL1YYhkNI37YL2Er7rN3FxD5bBo55FifVQz7fLo0MV2qUFE4UXSL2MVhng7YtlJxriILRMUykckDsxTeA6nDxBju3J33c/s1600/tumblr_m7jba2YGGY1qg462ao4_250.gif" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7L1z9XpRoNDgSYdKgL7PYbcDZDZVILgTe39evG-yufu08RZ36lZEB97nTtOzlMhhiw8OEgWrDi5yfrtot5q17F5XiVQvBZySGgRxnJWR3N9d2Ckr6ITvuiV291gGny3rIG8DWYOn5yHU/s1600/tumblr_m7jba2YGGY1qg462ao6_250.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="149" data-original-width="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7L1z9XpRoNDgSYdKgL7PYbcDZDZVILgTe39evG-yufu08RZ36lZEB97nTtOzlMhhiw8OEgWrDi5yfrtot5q17F5XiVQvBZySGgRxnJWR3N9d2Ckr6ITvuiV291gGny3rIG8DWYOn5yHU/s1600/tumblr_m7jba2YGGY1qg462ao6_250.gif" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh98rUp3rnSRej2dl8n6Qhi1O8Y0l4KKpT9KWw-K1Vipjdm8p5LJG3DkJQvAuIzJnReB3sEIUXvyAk6EAY10aQaFh6R6lU1hJT8zv8kUy1fhxrtOQhkdO4zNks-HfSrwJuDXbSiJqI-qrM/s1600/tumblr_m7jba2YGGY1qg462ao3_250.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="149" data-original-width="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh98rUp3rnSRej2dl8n6Qhi1O8Y0l4KKpT9KWw-K1Vipjdm8p5LJG3DkJQvAuIzJnReB3sEIUXvyAk6EAY10aQaFh6R6lU1hJT8zv8kUy1fhxrtOQhkdO4zNks-HfSrwJuDXbSiJqI-qrM/s1600/tumblr_m7jba2YGGY1qg462ao3_250.gif" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhamVFt31Y9xwbICn5yHq8jn-P0PyKGHDRQBo1RZW9O6gaR50XO06gRkj8PygWctOQaGu4oG133sB6XN4SQLrHCqab7ETSo-5h8YaUNeyZ89p34sY1Qu90YyiRIxpoelkqbF_onY8Qv7y4/s1600/tumblr_m7jba2YGGY1qg462ao5_250.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="149" data-original-width="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhamVFt31Y9xwbICn5yHq8jn-P0PyKGHDRQBo1RZW9O6gaR50XO06gRkj8PygWctOQaGu4oG133sB6XN4SQLrHCqab7ETSo-5h8YaUNeyZ89p34sY1Qu90YyiRIxpoelkqbF_onY8Qv7y4/s1600/tumblr_m7jba2YGGY1qg462ao5_250.gif" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNneYUoUvi2O1WXbc0MNo-aNATPzIDMm5DnoocurTE6ucQeVm1zvWjH59V6Klgs7f25ugxtk9vXQ28L3VXFTLnH9rLKTpPgSAWz1mm-rba4DacfbLTEs9NcajmrlXngtncg8OzWyn1Wxo/s1600/tumblr_m7jba2YGGY1qg462ao7_250.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="149" data-original-width="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNneYUoUvi2O1WXbc0MNo-aNATPzIDMm5DnoocurTE6ucQeVm1zvWjH59V6Klgs7f25ugxtk9vXQ28L3VXFTLnH9rLKTpPgSAWz1mm-rba4DacfbLTEs9NcajmrlXngtncg8OzWyn1Wxo/s1600/tumblr_m7jba2YGGY1qg462ao7_250.gif" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://tomhiddles.tumblr.com/post/27725936329">Source</a></span></div>
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And then there are the Joker's Freudian excuses in the Batman the Animated Series episode, "Mad Love":</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7mck771KP5XfqiY2qvZu8SkvWA6ds1KlyGdlgNP4mDBHlUyhglkp7PhCGHblfyrAsRfiO0tphl8APMoIr2Wo5dUFBvXm-8AbCj5LCJwaQS_9BJRqIA3tN13Zb2cNFKKEpZUB6-wiN5HY/s1600/WypUJVt.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7mck771KP5XfqiY2qvZu8SkvWA6ds1KlyGdlgNP4mDBHlUyhglkp7PhCGHblfyrAsRfiO0tphl8APMoIr2Wo5dUFBvXm-8AbCj5LCJwaQS_9BJRqIA3tN13Zb2cNFKKEpZUB6-wiN5HY/s1600/WypUJVt.gif" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl82zvvZu0a49uNmcCwaEta7vJAqCxwK9m0QocxeSmuOmmxr8aIUv3QTmCTwi8rohr8V9PGoWtDfm73cb-wMk30Xpa4osixpHz06JoN7AZm31YHBw48ERlbbAkyXoZgSpDaF-cpfGwSN8/s1600/PZdO7Mv.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl82zvvZu0a49uNmcCwaEta7vJAqCxwK9m0QocxeSmuOmmxr8aIUv3QTmCTwi8rohr8V9PGoWtDfm73cb-wMk30Xpa4osixpHz06JoN7AZm31YHBw48ERlbbAkyXoZgSpDaF-cpfGwSN8/s1600/PZdO7Mv.gif" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguC3Ho6cSY65Mi3mQtHSnF_eBSVrwuPLVJjxCbSK43in13fMMVVGUC5zKgLWlHwuHusAZJYSJ6LYi1_C_6ra8HvtAbOgNiaOb9Tq0pIPLAJwkI7DNpYsZHxxiRb6VZ4X_psDb_laQfEnU/s1600/EsA0xx0.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguC3Ho6cSY65Mi3mQtHSnF_eBSVrwuPLVJjxCbSK43in13fMMVVGUC5zKgLWlHwuHusAZJYSJ6LYi1_C_6ra8HvtAbOgNiaOb9Tq0pIPLAJwkI7DNpYsZHxxiRb6VZ4X_psDb_laQfEnU/s1600/EsA0xx0.gif" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfedPhrrub5vunrpebezesNQEFYBvHEDcOdoih01zvAvYaLAIMG2DVnJlGfCtBYgBylSywKME5qrPImEQvFxshugrtKf9MqDUNfi13iAmy-HQgVwSnK5BsAchv0A4F2tpibkVh6UwjBVY/s1600/qCc8YIx.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfedPhrrub5vunrpebezesNQEFYBvHEDcOdoih01zvAvYaLAIMG2DVnJlGfCtBYgBylSywKME5qrPImEQvFxshugrtKf9MqDUNfi13iAmy-HQgVwSnK5BsAchv0A4F2tpibkVh6UwjBVY/s1600/qCc8YIx.gif" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6SPtwhn3FN_DCqf42D8qADODCUfBozTABw4v1a_crcggvymNMW4eCyJZxraAZzFCQpNqOulq9LxnX4hE_mX2njSKWjA25KSwEhC4KmCyiKHuqI0gnxqa7stgWqqa8yp5dyz9GkbgGbzg/s1600/7m4UYRV.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6SPtwhn3FN_DCqf42D8qADODCUfBozTABw4v1a_crcggvymNMW4eCyJZxraAZzFCQpNqOulq9LxnX4hE_mX2njSKWjA25KSwEhC4KmCyiKHuqI0gnxqa7stgWqqa8yp5dyz9GkbgGbzg/s1600/7m4UYRV.gif" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://imgur.com/gallery/rCeoI">Source</a></span></div>
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And, of course, let's not forget his line from <i>The Killing Joke</i>, after he tells the supposed truth about how he became the Joker after one particularly bad day:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvFX59pKCB1KtL7dQh0QSY9UjC2-uEKyLWAgSiuqWzqx9RHFQFMLRPPo2Jt5Bs4N26ArBwa9i41RQCkCSX9cSJWnQBlyGCiv9TyvO2x24dv7nRlgqWDT_1Gq-Z20rsZVSw9B3E4KALjxo/s1600/joker-origin-killing-joke.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvFX59pKCB1KtL7dQh0QSY9UjC2-uEKyLWAgSiuqWzqx9RHFQFMLRPPo2Jt5Bs4N26ArBwa9i41RQCkCSX9cSJWnQBlyGCiv9TyvO2x24dv7nRlgqWDT_1Gq-Z20rsZVSw9B3E4KALjxo/s1600/joker-origin-killing-joke.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://mygeekwisdom.com/2015/05/23/if-im-going-to-have-a-past-i-prefer-it-to-be-multiple-choice/">Source</a></span></div>
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But I digress. Jeremiah points out that Jerome did kill their mother, but Jerome says she deserved it. After Jeremiah left, she turned everyone against Jerome, and no one ever cared about him again.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiemsNH4QCqmZyrUaM9CA4JGh6m7vBrjItNveQJFU_Fgl7RYXcbHk4Jxe-OPzHaPaRmJYenAJ9kQvTi3j_8epoRnbL0Lwl8RXwjhFmWpUHU7wl4IWl2x0drPgRzdrdPNZCTpDNSWclPjGQ/s1600/tumblr_p6tawvOqEe1v08u1wo4_500.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="245" data-original-width="500" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiemsNH4QCqmZyrUaM9CA4JGh6m7vBrjItNveQJFU_Fgl7RYXcbHk4Jxe-OPzHaPaRmJYenAJ9kQvTi3j_8epoRnbL0Lwl8RXwjhFmWpUHU7wl4IWl2x0drPgRzdrdPNZCTpDNSWclPjGQ/s400/tumblr_p6tawvOqEe1v08u1wo4_500.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://gotham-daily.tumblr.com/post/172685738748/you-turned-everyone-i-ever-loved-against-me-my">Source</a></span></div>
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Meanwhile, Hatter approaches Gordon and Harvey, intending to hypnotize them. Harvey, however, has a particularly effective method for stopping Hatter.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7JdyJkojEz9hc7ipsuWJdo30lliikT_sisK-cf4ZOjfPB-18Ob29hmY39XfFVR-tYjM299k04rMo6BZB6QhHMAqo43SCAaH7V7KrAx-1MzIMZn8ndxox9BCGEvbaoqYqUZf7v3PmrwwY/s1600/tumblr_p6qw7zJeNz1u7xkfso2_400.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="228" data-original-width="400" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7JdyJkojEz9hc7ipsuWJdo30lliikT_sisK-cf4ZOjfPB-18Ob29hmY39XfFVR-tYjM299k04rMo6BZB6QhHMAqo43SCAaH7V7KrAx-1MzIMZn8ndxox9BCGEvbaoqYqUZf7v3PmrwwY/s320/tumblr_p6qw7zJeNz1u7xkfso2_400.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWWqGARBELA_dWA6zwYdvjibePCOlF1KemQ75kXmmINK1hjusP2Y5LAtliW6k7RsRYsBBH7YTRhP9x-Nua7V6y1-ngsW6dipO7VdtTBkUJ1cvVhElHlU6Nrjwus1DWerScWxxK_gC2h7k/s1600/tumblr_p6qw7zJeNz1u7xkfso1_400.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="230" data-original-width="400" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWWqGARBELA_dWA6zwYdvjibePCOlF1KemQ75kXmmINK1hjusP2Y5LAtliW6k7RsRYsBBH7YTRhP9x-Nua7V6y1-ngsW6dipO7VdtTBkUJ1cvVhElHlU6Nrjwus1DWerScWxxK_gC2h7k/s320/tumblr_p6qw7zJeNz1u7xkfso1_400.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://lankybrunettepartdeux.tumblr.com/post/172645049940/harvey-bullock-is-the-best-damn-thing-on-this-show">Source</a></span></div>
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At the end of the maze, Jeremiah asks what Jerome's going to do to him. The answer is simple: kill him, but not before driving him mad, along with the rest of Gotham. Before he can explain further, Scarecrow and Hatter sprint past.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbZ2cV1NqdMN4TpqgSI4lxFPG1oCDW6T_hoWBH7Jkj6vqNs89kjIP2qDRyGuy0PMSbzPl1S2Uii9ID6YPtBurvDOwiCLk-8seqZYzPCQsaLU1j1K0IR0rMT-ashyphenhyphenuRasQGCSSFpIDVQiQ/s1600/tumblr_p6qxkuWhri1wr3s2mo4_400.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="268" data-original-width="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbZ2cV1NqdMN4TpqgSI4lxFPG1oCDW6T_hoWBH7Jkj6vqNs89kjIP2qDRyGuy0PMSbzPl1S2Uii9ID6YPtBurvDOwiCLk-8seqZYzPCQsaLU1j1K0IR0rMT-ashyphenhyphenuRasQGCSSFpIDVQiQ/s1600/tumblr_p6qxkuWhri1wr3s2mo4_400.gif" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkklPdrvD0tGoSAwDofG8vcV7cG8gdcmuYyzwXohI4605zRoJMvn_BLdqsouSOxPIcJfzgSd3t3JE4xLT1btAhk5_yjgSqaoXiHWsiSOZlnH2mM8itbGbWFPxTu0TkvPQ0XgSKRvWRh4E/s1600/tumblr_p6qxkuWhri1wr3s2mo1_400.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="268" data-original-width="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkklPdrvD0tGoSAwDofG8vcV7cG8gdcmuYyzwXohI4605zRoJMvn_BLdqsouSOxPIcJfzgSd3t3JE4xLT1btAhk5_yjgSqaoXiHWsiSOZlnH2mM8itbGbWFPxTu0TkvPQ0XgSKRvWRh4E/s1600/tumblr_p6qxkuWhri1wr3s2mo1_400.gif" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://cobbletop.tumblr.com/post/172645833231/thats-one-way-to-do-it">Source</a></span></div>
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(I know I'm posting a lot more gifs than usual, but the dialogue and delivery in this episode is just A+.)</div>
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As Gordon and Harvey approach, Jerome puts a gun to his brother's head and threatens to kill him. Gordon points out that if Jerome wanted his brother dead, he'd have killed him already. Jerome admits that he's right, drops Jeremiah, and runs off. Gordon and Harvey chase after him, but they exit the building only to find that the woods are empty.</div>
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They take Jeremiah back to the GCPD to put into protective custody, after explaining who he is to Detective Harper. Gordon asks Harvey how Jerome could possibly be planning to turn the city mad. "I don't know," Harvey replies. "I thought it already was."</div>
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Back at Penguin's mansion, Jerome shoots one of the Arkham escapees, before remarking to Firefly that it doesn't make him feel any better. Scarecrow enters and announces that the test subject has arrived. Butch enters, and Penguin quickly clarifies that he's <i>not </i>the test subject; he's a new addition to the team. Jerome rolls with it, saying that Butch is a big, scary guy who could prove useful. Hatter then brings in the actual test subject, an unnamed businessman. Scarecrow sprays him with purple gas, and the businessman begins to laugh wildly. As he laughs, his skin turns deathly pale and his mouth stretches into an unnatural grin. Jerome laughs back and says they'll need more of the gas. </div>
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That's right, everyone: Scarecrow just invented Joker Venom, the iconic gas that makes people laugh until they die with white skin and a smile on their faces.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHaPWFJFLQp1FHM5mWmbgsS9nzfBUTGAt_bKIsmAGUO56BAr5UNvtxSj-M8lQdObr5E4QPcFVivViP8VEEmBt0ciYGEJFAwEpLHAlgGwM7qY18SNy_YLOX4hB4UWgLjOe9a06XzVF9ejM/s1600/Z01GQY.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHaPWFJFLQp1FHM5mWmbgsS9nzfBUTGAt_bKIsmAGUO56BAr5UNvtxSj-M8lQdObr5E4QPcFVivViP8VEEmBt0ciYGEJFAwEpLHAlgGwM7qY18SNy_YLOX4hB4UWgLjOe9a06XzVF9ejM/s1600/Z01GQY.gif" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://makeagif.com/gif/joker-venom-Z01GQY">Source</a></span></div>
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<b>Plot B: Ask a Stupid Question.</b><br />
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In a Narrows warehouse, the Riddler walks onto a stage, surrounded by green lighting and a crowd. "What time is it?" he asks.<br />
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"Riddle time," the crowd responds. The Riddler agrees, saying it's "Riddle Time" at the Riddle Factory. He introduces his first contestant Lars, a former member of the Three Demons gang (which, I'm pretty sure, was the biker gang the Sirens robbed in 4x07).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVTDCdUNdyo_tsBMGnqqceA7xxK0SthX7Z_uKnq4AlY7jvnWSmYqPdW6-UhhUISky2kx_VCSeQUYTd0U4E7LWFkkqKj9S9SQWDSfpYhkcPecMNNnc7XjSyCZ3Hm0SXNPyjx1w50oFLyKk/s1600/tumblr_p6ojhf1YiL1wr3s2mo1_540.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="306" data-original-width="540" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVTDCdUNdyo_tsBMGnqqceA7xxK0SthX7Z_uKnq4AlY7jvnWSmYqPdW6-UhhUISky2kx_VCSeQUYTd0U4E7LWFkkqKj9S9SQWDSfpYhkcPecMNNnc7XjSyCZ3Hm0SXNPyjx1w50oFLyKk/s400/tumblr_p6ojhf1YiL1wr3s2mo1_540.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB4CUAlSnjIi6fy5-9GdZnr5jhVKcaLIY_FpPxYNRZYxSoSsCxW05wtWDinV84rI_aQU8hMQy7OZAaHz6ZMrPTJFnaVK-82SzGwm_Nl3VOib35K2ZdxwbtDUA698dMPv3eFOGu6vWC7T4/s1600/tumblr_p6ojhf1YiL1wr3s2mo2_540.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="306" data-original-width="540" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB4CUAlSnjIi6fy5-9GdZnr5jhVKcaLIY_FpPxYNRZYxSoSsCxW05wtWDinV84rI_aQU8hMQy7OZAaHz6ZMrPTJFnaVK-82SzGwm_Nl3VOib35K2ZdxwbtDUA698dMPv3eFOGu6vWC7T4/s400/tumblr_p6ojhf1YiL1wr3s2mo2_540.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://cobbletop.tumblr.com/post/172600904186/me-too-lars">Source</a></span></div>
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The Riddler reminds Lars and the audience of his rules. First, you have to answer the Riddler's riddle. If you get it right, you ask your own. If it stumps him, you win a cash prize. The Riddler then tells his assistant, Lila, to prepare the timer, which is a giant hourglass filled with green sand (I need to know where he got that. For . . . reasons). The Riddler then asks his question: "Forwards I'm heavy, backwards I'm not. What am I?" and Lila turns over the hourglass.<br />
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After a few seconds of deliberating, Lars says that the answer is the hourglass. The Riddler says he's wrong: it's the word "ton." The crowd then shouts, "Spin the wheel!" Lila obliges, waltzing over to the Riddler's "wheel of misfortune" and giving it a spin. It lands on "rabid sack of rats," and the crowd cheers. However, before Lars can be forced into the sack, someone yells, "That's enough!"<br />
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It's none other than Lee Tompkins. The Riddler asks what brings her to his game. She replies that she hasn't seen him since they froze Penguin, then asks how he's doing. He pointedly remarks that he's doing better than Sofia Falcone. Lee then cuts to the chase: she's shutting down his game show.<br />
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The Riddler asks the crowd how they feel about that, and they boo.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://lightgamble.tumblr.com/post/172652147214/gotham-417-ladies-and-gentlemen-our-queen-has">Source</a></span></div>
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(Sidenote: As Lee makes her ultimatum, a reprise of her <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isXsEZPZHy4">Narrows theme</a> plays. I love the way it starts subtle and grows triumphant. I wish they'd release the soundtrack for this show.)</div>
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The Riddler agrees to Lee's deal and announces to the crowd that they've got their next contestant.</div>
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After Lila preps the timer again, the Riddler presents his riddle: "I can be broken without being held, given and then taken away. Some people use me to deceive, but when delivered, I am the greatest gift of all. What am I?" As Lee thinks, he gloats, saying that she's stumped. She admits that she is, but refuses to give up. She says that she doesn't need to figure out the answer; he'll give it to her because, deep down, he wants to.</div>
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The Riddler replies that there's no used appealing to the inner Ed. Ed Nygma is gone, and the man who's left refuses to be manipulated. Lee replied that she never manipulated or mistreated Ed, but the Riddler says she did. She promised to cure Ed and didn't keep her word. </div>
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With 10 seconds to go, Lee announces that the Riddler revealed the answer to her, just like she said he would. She admits the Riddler's right; she said she'd cure Ed and she never did. In other words, Lee broke her promise. And that's the answer to the riddle: a promise. The Riddler applauds her answer but says the game's only halfway over. Now she has to ask him a riddle.</div>
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After thinking about it, Lee presents her riddle (and as she does, a reprise of her theme plays). "What three words are said too much, meant by few, but wanted by all?" she asks. The Riddler scoffs at the simplicity of the question, but when he tries to answer, he stops himself. He says she's trying to trick him by "awakening a love that isn't there." Lee says that if he doesn't love her, the words should be easy to say. He refuses to say the words, and the crowd boos. The time runs out and the crowd cheers. The Riddler walks offstage, defeated.</div>
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Later on, the Riddler returns the empty warehouse and spins the wheel absentmindedly. As he does so, Lee enters and asks why he set up his game in the Narrows. He could've set it up anywhere, but he must've chosen the Narrows to get her attention. The Riddler denies it, saying he came to the Narrows because the people there love him. Lee retorts that they don't love him, they just came for the money. She says that she can help the people of the Narrows get what they want if he helps her. He asks why she expects him to help her, and Lee replies that she can give him what he wants.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://lankybrunettepartdeux.tumblr.com/post/172644617040/why-would-i-help-you-because-i-know-what-you">Source</a></span></div>
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When he stays still, Lee asks what the Riddler's record is for how many banks he's robbed in one day. Three, he says. She replies that she thinks he can do better. The Riddler then tells her that she's playing a dangerous game. She responds "I know," before passionately kissing him. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://lankybrunettepartdeux.tumblr.com/post/172640765750/youre-playing-a-dangerous-game-lee-i-know">Source</a></span></div>
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Started from the bottom . . .</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIDP85pRVtCzvoOHbxwzDo77CnXUqHFGzRkmznLkpot7O0dhAVHnIYtKFFs1grhtGRNGMc238oZcY8qj57b8kuIw2_1oXAVu78FtRUmDJDGvucoLlsNq154-QHBb_DhwA4rv2VPIxoxcs/s1600/tumblr_p4tpthxrmg1x7xzrpo1_540.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="540" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIDP85pRVtCzvoOHbxwzDo77CnXUqHFGzRkmznLkpot7O0dhAVHnIYtKFFs1grhtGRNGMc238oZcY8qj57b8kuIw2_1oXAVu78FtRUmDJDGvucoLlsNq154-QHBb_DhwA4rv2VPIxoxcs/s320/tumblr_p4tpthxrmg1x7xzrpo1_540.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjizi0WG7r0nPg6jdmNqNDKBjRV3FKrh9ghCDPvTR7ONkns0TAuBnGZo5fUW34FhbjdHdpnXZeft2581hyRXAXuw74NN_Zu31Fm8lWnGZ-v5b4vy8N-FEW1kfi9f450XrIgeEOtHrbOwTI/s1600/tumblr_p4tpthxrmg1x7xzrpo2_540.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="540" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjizi0WG7r0nPg6jdmNqNDKBjRV3FKrh9ghCDPvTR7ONkns0TAuBnGZo5fUW34FhbjdHdpnXZeft2581hyRXAXuw74NN_Zu31Fm8lWnGZ-v5b4vy8N-FEW1kfi9f450XrIgeEOtHrbOwTI/s320/tumblr_p4tpthxrmg1x7xzrpo2_540.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://nygmakins.tumblr.com/post/171353108501/see-jim-competition-already">Source</a></span></div>
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. . . Now we're here.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyvqCf1zPxPR1euas1aF48yOpH0ptdCwEuFmmPjNJOp47MYymM8kwv_DCUGqsoQ_NLa0Ra-LLA6Iz96rl7R6YxlqapzN62kiOSbv362My0QW_rULM6-N23CgKCwpqTRRmIHUPzL7LiEBI/s1600/giphy-29.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="500" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyvqCf1zPxPR1euas1aF48yOpH0ptdCwEuFmmPjNJOp47MYymM8kwv_DCUGqsoQ_NLa0Ra-LLA6Iz96rl7R6YxlqapzN62kiOSbv362My0QW_rULM6-N23CgKCwpqTRRmIHUPzL7LiEBI/s320/giphy-29.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/right-in-the-feels-YDgNB5fm0TaRW">Source</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoMhUI19ffTuwvgWAZhHtrLAtZ3lhPtj0EFuWVf4hsCghYEWAHWfwG-94Q20lMKXk0xEtIj-aO0k4M1YOATCGUdBxZOugPIMb6-sAAGCQDUj4qWgctbuqnJHiA4bZMYz9FX9H1bT_Z0To/s1600/giphy-30.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="500" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoMhUI19ffTuwvgWAZhHtrLAtZ3lhPtj0EFuWVf4hsCghYEWAHWfwG-94Q20lMKXk0xEtIj-aO0k4M1YOATCGUdBxZOugPIMb6-sAAGCQDUj4qWgctbuqnJHiA4bZMYz9FX9H1bT_Z0To/s320/giphy-30.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/tone-B7TYmR8lXoDPW">Source</a></span></div>
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<b>Plot C: Toxic Partnerships.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
After the mandatory brunch meeting, Penguin goes to a dark bar where he finds Butch sitting at the counter. Penguin's eyes widen as he takes in Butch's new appearance, but he quickly claims that he likes the change. Butch asks what Penguin wants. Penguin responds that Butch has probably heard about the Arkham breakout (you know, if the droves of people who almost committed mass suicide weren't enough of a hint that something was up).<br />
<br />
Penguin informs Butch that he just came from brunch with Jerome, who has plans for Gotham. Butch asks what kind, and Penguin replies that he's not sure, but he's seen men like Jerome come to Gotham and flame out. This view is consistent with his reaction to seeing Jerome's attack on the gala in season 2:<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://castyale.tumblr.com/post/130609598269/its-chaos-for-chaos-sake">Source</a></span></div>
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Penguin tells Butch that after Jerome flames out, Penguin plans to take back the underworld and he needs a good man by his side. He insists that with his brains and Butch's strength a takeover would be easy. Butch says no; he's already done that job more than once. He's his own man. Penguin retorts that Butch has nothing. He says that the two of them ran the town once and they can run it again. Butch, however, grabs Penguin by the throat and yells that he's wrong. Penguin can have his old life back, but Butch can't, and Tabitha will never love him again. He then tells Penguin to leave.<br />
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Later on, Penguin returns to the bar with a barrel of waste. When Butch pins him against the counter, Penguin claims that he knows how to turn him back to normal. He explains that the barrel of waste he found was from the slaughter swamp, where Butch was dumped before he became Grundy. The barrel itself is marked with the Indian Hill logo, which leads Penguin to believe that the only one who can reverse Butch's condition is Hugo Strange. (Fair enough; the guy developed an antivirus to a supervirus, raised the dead, and figured out how to preserve Mr. Freeze. How hard could it be for him to de-swamp-ify Butch?)<br />
<br />
Penguin promises to help Butch find Strange if he (Butch) joins Penguin's side. Butch agrees but makes it clear that he's not Penguin's friend. Penguin replies, "I can live with those terms."<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Verdict</b></span><br />
<br />
<b>Plot A: </b>I've said it before, and I'll say it again: I don't know how Cameron Monaghan hasn't won an Emmy for his acting on <i>Gotham. </i>Ever since he dropped his shy, vulnerable act and broke down laughing in the interrogation scene of "The Blind Fortune Teller," I've been convinced that Monaghan is the best possible actor to play a young Joker. He's got this charismatic energy about him; even when he's about to hurt someone, you just can't look away. The Joker is a showman, a liar, a psychopath, a would-be comedian, and a manipulative mastermind—and Monaghan plays each one of those roles to a T.<br />
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And then, in this episode, he flips it all around to play the scared, fidgety, intellectual Jeremiah . . . all the while dropping hints that there's something darker lurking under the surface. The unsolvable mazes, the intention to keep Jerome locked up, the lies about his brother's attempts to murder him—each of these points imply that Jeremiah will become the Joker. I might've had my doubts about the effectiveness of the "secret twin brother" plot twist, but this episode changed my mind.<br />
<br />
Jerome and Jeremiah have one thing in common: they're both masterminds. And when you consider the contingency plans Jeremiah put in place to both escape and catch his brother, along with his affinity for traps and puzzles, you can't help but think, <i>Gotham city is in trouble if this man becomes the Joker. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
And unless Jeremiah is a gigantic red herring (a possibility I'm willing to consider), he will become the Joker. As the Joker says in <i>The Killing Joke, </i>"All it takes is one bad day to reduce the sanest man alive to lunacy." One of the upcoming episodes of this season is literally titled <a href="http://gotham.wikia.com/wiki/A_Dark_Knight:_One_Bad_Day">"One Bad Day."</a> That, combined with the invention of Joker Venom and <a href="https://www.cbr.com/gotham-jerome-joker-set-photos/">promo photos that have been released</a> <u>(</u>don't click if you dislike spoilers), implies that Jeremiah will become the Joker.<br />
<br />
As for the rest of the cast in this plot, I think everyone played their parts well. It's funny to see any scenario where Penguin is the only sane man, and that seems to be his role in this team-up. Also, the background hijinks of Scarecrow and Hatter's partnership continue to be hilarious. I can't wait to see what this "legion of horribles" does next, especially if Jerome dies in the episodes to come.<br />
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<b>Plot B:</b> This is going to sound odd, but I'd like to give a shoutout to the costume designers of <i>Gotham.</i> See, here's the thing about the Riddler in this episode: in some scenes, he's wearing his bowler hat. In others, he's not. This particular hat is a symbol; the decision to don it in "How the Riddler Got His Name" marked the full emergence of the Riddler persona. His decision to discard it prior to "<a href="http://www.thefangirlinitiative.com/2018/03/gotham-recap-reunion-4x14.html">Reunion</a>" (only donning a few similar hats in "<a href="http://www.thefangirlinitiative.com/2017/11/gotham-recap-stop-hitting-yourself-4x08.html">Stop Hitting Yourself</a>") was an outward sign of Ed's belief that he was no longer capable of being the Riddler. If that hat's on, the Riddler's in control, but if it's gone, all bets are off.<br />
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When the Riddler presents his question to Lee, the hat is on, but when she presents her riddle, it's off. I think its absence is a sign that Ed Nygma is resurfacing. And when Lee confronts Nygma after the game's over, his hat's gone again. The Riddler can't suppress Nygma's feelings for her, and his control is slipping (if it isn't already gone altogether).<br />
<br />
Speaking of control, this plot raises an interesting question: to what extent is Lee controlling or manipulating Ed in this episode? I'd say her actions in the game show were fair play, but it's the final scene that makes me wonder about her intentions. The episode makes it clear that Nygma has feelings for Lee, but does she care for him in the same way?<br />
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Sure, they've been friends for most of this season. Sure, he was her right-hand man in the Narrows. But that doesn't change the fact that he killed Kristen Kringle and framed Gordon for murder. Is Lee willing to forgive those crimes to the point where she could fall in love with Nygma?<br />
<br />
Or is she using his love for her as a way to control him? Her words at the end (about giving Nygma what he wanted, as long as he helped her) implies that she's leveraging his affection for her. I'd like to believe that she might love him back and was trying to save Nygma (not just enlist him), but it's more than possible that she's using him.<br />
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I also have to hand it to Morena Baccarin and Cory Michael Smith; it's not easy to compete for attention in an episode dominated by Jerome-centric plot, but both actors played their roles perfectly. Each scene between them had a tension that built until the very end—and then it climaxed in one amazing kiss. Bravo.<br />
<br />
<b>Plot C: </b>I'll be honest; this is probably the part of the episode that slowed it down the most. Given the exciting developments of Plot A and B, I didn't really care about what was going to happen with Penguin and Butch. It's always the same story. Penguin's in power, Butch gets mistreated, Butch turns on Penguin, Penguin loses power, Penguin regains power, Penguin gets Butch to work for him again. At least this time, Butch made it clear that he refuses to act like Penguin's friend.<br />
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And after everything Butch's been through, I don't blame him. He got tortured, brainwashed, had his hand chopped off, and watched his girlfriend's hand get chopped off. It's been a rough four years for Butch Gilzean.<br />
<br />
But I'll be frank: I think that <i>Gotham </i>bit off more than it could chew when it added Solomon Grundy to the show. I don't think they originally planned to turn Butch into Grundy; they probably just wanted to justify keeping the character around and wanted the added bonus of a comic-book twist. And I'd be fine with it if the character was executed well—but he's not. Grundy is the sort of character that's not easy to portray on a TV budget. <i>Gotham</i>'s been using makeup instead of CGI, and it's more tacky than scary.<br />
<br />
Also, in comics such as <i>The Long Halloween, </i>Grundy is a tragic character because no one knows where he came from or who he used to be. All he ever says is parts of the old nursery rhyme, in the same way that Groot only ever says "I am Groot." Grundy hides himself in Gotham's sewers because the world sees him as a monster. You feel sorry for him because you don't know who he used to be, and neither does he.<br />
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In <i>Gotham, </i>you've always known "Grundy" as Butch Gilzean. That becomes the main reason for your investment in this version of the character. If Drew Powell had never played Butch and was only cast as Solomon Grundy, the character wouldn't be nearly as compelling. This version of Grundy (in his hazier episodes) had clunky dialogue and was almost treated as comic relief.<br />
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That being said, I think <i>Gotham </i>has two good options, given that Grundy (or Butch in Grundy's body) just isn't working. Either they turn Butch back into Butch, or kill him. Personally, I favor the latter option. While I miss the old Butch, I think it'd be a bad idea to just turn him back into himself and act like the whole Grundy thing never happened. Killing off the character is the cleaner option. Looking back, it's probably what they should've done at the end of season 3, but I supposed if they had, the fight club plot would've been lacking a fighter, so there's that, at least.<br />
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<b>Overall verdict</b>: This was an amazing episode. If I had to grade it, I'd give an A-, if only for the fact that Plot C was pretty boring compared to the other two amazing storylines. I know this is probably a longer review than usual, but I think that's due to the quality and depth of this episode. Every scene with Cameron Monaghan was an absolute delight, thanks to both the references to Joker mythology and the new spin of Jerome having a brother.<br />
<br />
When I see episodes as meticulously crafted as this one, it annoys me that most superhero fans don't give <i>Gotham </i>the time of day. This is a show that weaves its own mythology. It borrows some elements from certain Batman stories, but it also manages to subvert the audience's expectations. And let's not forget the performances of Monaghan, Smith, and Baccarin. These are actors who know how to create tension and play off of other characters (and, in Monaghan and Smith's case, they can talk to themselves and still be captivating).<br />
<br />
But enough gushing. Suffice it to say that the back half of <i>Gotham: A Dark Knight </i>continues to both entertain and astonish me. But what are your thoughts? Comment below with your opinions. What do you think about Jeremiah Valeska? Who do you want to become the Joker? How do you feel about Lee and Nygma's relationship?<br />
<br />
Come back next week for a recap of episode 18, entitled "That's Entertainment." Until then, lock up your underground bunkers and get out your gas masks. With Jerome on the loose, no one's safe.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/368450813242554671/">Source</a></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4675533200914366163.post-82998497163822282752018-04-04T23:31:00.000-07:002018-04-05T04:04:12.395-07:00'Gotham' Recap: "One of My Three Soups" (4x16)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.showbizjunkies.com/tv/gotham-season-4-episode-16-preview/">Source</a></span></div>
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Riddle me this: what do you get when Ben McKenzie directs an episode of <i>Gotham</i> that includes Mad Hatter, Scarecrow, Jerome, Bat-Cat dynamics, the first official appearance of the League of Shadows, and three bowls of soup? Answer: an amazing rollercoaster of an episode that just doesn’t stop. <br />
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<a href="http://www.thefangirlinitiative.com/2018/03/gotham-recap-sinking-ship-grand.html">4x15</a> was excellent, but this one tops it with the beginning of a villainous team-up that will likely continue until the end of the season. If “One of My Three Soups” is any indication of how great season 4’s final story arc would be, choosing not to renew the show would be crazier than anything Jerome Valeska's ever done.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://okimi79.tumblr.com/post/131293823205/jerome-valeska-appreciation-gifset-goodnight">Source</a></span></div>
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“One of My Three Soups” revolves around three plots: Gordon’s race to stop the Mad Hatter from leading several citizens to their deaths, Bruce’s search for Jerome, and Barbara’s realization of what Ra’s al Ghul’s parting gift to her actually meant. <br />
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Warning: this episode contains excessive violence, on-screen suicide, and mentions of child abuse. If you haven’t watched the episode yet, be advised that the following recap contains massive spoilers and massive fangirling. <br />
<br />
<b>Plot A: We’re All Mad Here</b><br />
<br />
The episode opens in Arkham Asylum. A guard notices an alarm going off, sighs, puts on a pair of headphones, and starts listening to R&B on her Walkman as she walks down the halls. But don’t worry, she’s not being irresponsible—she’s actually going to check on Jervis Tetch (aka the Mad Hatter). The music is to keep her from being hypnotized. <br />
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The guard tells Hatter to get back in his bunk, but he gestures angrily and yells at her in response. She replies that she can’t hear a single word, but he says “I wasn’t talking to you.” Another guard, Tortuga, appears behind the first one—and Tortuga’s not wearing headphones. Tortuga, stuck in a hypnotic trance, slits the other guard’s throat, leaving Hatter free to walk out of his cell. <br />
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Hatter then goes to Scarecrow’s cell. Inside, Scarecrow is busy mixing some sort of thick, black mixture in the toilet. Once he’s finished, Scarecrow uses a jar to contain some of the mixture. After he and Hatter exit the cell, Scarecrow pours the mix over a fuse box, causing a nearby set of doors to open. The smoke then clears to reveal none other than Jerome Valeska. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://millicentcordelia.tumblr.com/post/172398202938/gotham-s4e16-shes-giving-me-the">Source</a></span></div>
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Hatter tells Jerome that they’re not his lackeys, which leads to a bit of bickering in the group. Jerome smooths things over by pointing out that their escape is what matters now; they can stab each other in the backs once they’re out. For now, they’ve got to stick to Jerome’s plan. Jerome tells Hatter to get rid of Tortuga. Hatter tells her that her work is finished, and she slits her own throat (every time I think this show can’t get any bloodier, it proves me wrong). Jerome, Hatter, and Scarecrow then exit through the front gates, followed by several cheering inmates. <br />
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Later that night, the GCPD arrives at Arkham. Harvey asks if Gordon is really up to dealing with the breakout. Gordon insists that he can handle going back to work. Harvey then tells him that 87 prisoners have escaped from the violent ward. He says that the guards think Hatter was the ringleader, but Gordon disagrees. He says that anything this big and crazy has to be Jerome’s handiwork. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://tenor.com/view/sherlock-holmes-robert-downey-jr-firm-grasp-of-the-obvious-obviously-obvi-gif-3604034">Source</a></span></div>
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As Gordon glances over at the other cops, Harvey reminds him that he can’t tell them the truth about Sofia. He needs to be the “hero cop” for others, even if it’s a lie. This is actually a very interesting concept. Ever since killing Galavan in season 2, Gordon has gone down a dark road. It’s almost put me off the character at times, since he did things I never thought the future Commissioner Gordon would do. Gordon, in most Batman media, is the one cop untainted by corruption, but in Gotham, his hands are unspeakably dirty. <br />
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But this episode provides an interesting answer to the discrepancy: perhaps Commissioner Gordon, in this future, only appears heroic and incorruptible because other people need him to be that way. The GCPD needs Commissioner Gordon needs to be a beacon of hope as much as Gotham City needs Batman to be a symbol of terrifying justice for criminals. <br />
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But I digress. The other cops welcome Gordon back, and he addresses them, saying that their top priority is locating Scarecrow, Hatter, Jerome, and their allies. He also warns the cops to have each other’s backs. After giving his speech, Gordon gets a call from Hatter. He asks what Hatter wants. Hatter says that Gordon needs to meet him at Whit Street. "Do it, or I'm gonna kill someone," Hatter adds. "In case you had any doubts."<br />
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Harvey says it’s bound to be a trap. Gordon agrees but says they can’t afford to miss a chance at catching Hatter. Harvey says to send someone else, but Gordon says the GCPD is already spread thin. Gordon needs to go himself. Harvey decides to come with him, saying that Gordon was right: they need to have each other’s backs. <br />
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As they make their way to Whit Street, Harvey wonders if Hatter hypnotized them through the phone, or if they were just dumb enough to walk into a trap.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://imgur.com/gallery/IP73r">Source</a></span></div>
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Once they arrive on Whit Street, Gordon and Harvey see a married couple in wedding attire standing stock-still in the middle of the road. Men begin to exit the cars and approach the cops. Gordon warns Harvey not to shoot, since the men must be hypnotized into working for Hatter. The men restrain both Gordon and Harvey, and Hatter emerges from the shadows.<br />
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Gordon tells him to let the couple go. Hatter says that, originally, he only came to Gotham to do one thing: help Alice. Gordon asks what Hatter wants and what he wants Gordon to do—in the past, Hatter’s traps always made him chose between two equally terrible outcomes. <br />
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Hatter says he wants his sister back, but since Gordon stopped him from getting Alice, Gordon doesn’t get any more choices. He then uses a remote to drop a wrecking ball on top of the couple<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.fanpop.com/clubs/captain-jack-sparrow/images/33965685/title/captain-jack-sparrow-fanart">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Once again, this show doesn't stop piling on the gore. Hatter then promises that more people will die and leaves Gordon and Harvey with a rhyming riddle to decipher.<br />
<br />
After Hatter’s gone, Harvey and Gordon realize that the riddle means that more people are hypnotized—and they’ll all jump off of the rooftops at midnight. They climb a building, only to see that several citizens have already lined themselves up on the edge—and there are several more lined up on rooftops across the city.<br />
<br />
Harvey wonders how Hatter could’ve gotten to hundreds of people at once. Gordon says he must’ve used a radio station. They search all of the citizens’ nearby abandoned cars, but each one is on a different station. Gordon realizes that Hatter’s last command to the people must’ve been to change the station so that Gordon and Harvey couldn’t figure out which one he was broadcasting from. <br />
<br />
Harvey, however, has a solution: he locks himself in one of the cars, much to Gordon’s chagrin, and begins to flip through the radio stations, searching for the right one. It turns out to be WZPZ. Gordon tells him to turn off the radio immediately, but it’s already too late. Harvey gets out of the car, punches out Gordon, and joins the rest of Hatter’s victims on a nearby rooftop. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/116038127876766809/">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Once he wakes up, Gordon drives to WZPZ and calls Harper to tell her which station Hatter’s using. He tells her to wait for his signal once he starts broadcasting. Once inside, Gordon puts a gun to Hatter’s head. He tells Hatter to command the people to step away from the edge. Hatter refuses (even after Gordon shoots him in the <i>hand) </i>says he couldn’t even if he wanted to—he hypnotized the people so that they’d jump if anyone told them to save themselves. Hatter then rushes forward and tells his audience to obey the next voice they hear. He tells Gordon that he can say anything he likes and they’ll still die. <br />
<br />
Gordon approaches the microphone and admits to those listening that he can’t save them. He tells them to save each other. The people on the rooftops near the edge, but as they prepare to jump, each one stops and holds the others back from the edge. They begin to wake up, and Gordon smiles, relieved. <br />
<br />
My basic reaction:<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://rebloggy.com/post/mygifs-mine-the-princess-bride-500-princess-bride-1k-2k-thecreatorclub-noceur/90723306744">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
This is actually a big learning moment for Gordon: he’s always trying to save the day, but it’s time he learned that he can’t always save everyone. He needs to show them how to save each other and trust them to do that. <br />
<br />
Back in Gordon’s office at the GCPD, Harvey remarks that while Hatter won’t talk about Jerome’s plans, they still managed to arrest him and other 47 escapees. He says that Gordon needs a drink. Harvey pulls a bottle and glasses out of a nearby filing cabinet that he hid during his time as captain. <br />
<br />
As the two drink, Gordon says he doesn’t belong in the GCPD and doesn’t deserve to be there either. He should be in jail. Harvey agrees but says that if Gordon had been in jail that night, hundreds of people would be dead. Gordon insists that Harvey was the hero and that anyone can be. Harvey says the reason he risked his own life was because he knew Gordon would save him if things went wrong. <br />
<br />
Gordon says he still feels like the ideals he believed in have become a lie. He says he judged Harvey for too long. Harvey says that what Gordon knows about Harvey is just the tip of the iceberg. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://lankybrunettepartdeux.tumblr.com/post/172396720860/please-dont-sleep-on-how-touchingsad-this-moment">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Plot B: And Thus Begins the Grand Tradition . . . </b><br />
<br />
After the Arkham breakout, Bruce and Selina walk into the GCPD. And let’s just take a moment to appreciate the new suit Bruce is rocking. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.showbizjunkies.com/tv/gotham-season-4-episode-16-preview/">Source</a></span></div>
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It’s definitely a step up from his bulkier suit from the beginning of the season. This one even has the beginnings of an emblem. I only have three questions:<br />
<ol>
<li>Where’d he get it? Did he call up Lucius and say, “Hey, I burned the military-grade suit you gave me because I was going through a teenage angst phase. Can you make me a new one?” Or is there a Vigilante Outfitters I don’t know about? </li>
<li>Where’s the mask? Is Bruce just going to go around fighting crime as himself and not even try to hide his identity? </li>
<li>Why would he walk into the GCPD with the suit on? Even without a mask, that leather getup practically screams “vigilante in training.” </li>
</ol>
Anyway, Selina asks why they had to come to the precinct. She says she wouldn’t have asked him to return the jewelry for her if she knew he’d ask for a favor back. They bicker about why his intentions, and Bruce says that once she helps him out, they’ll be even. <br />
<br />
They walk right up to Gordon’s office (which is empty, thanks to Gordon’s race to stop Hatter). Selina stands with her back to the door and unlocks it without looking as she and Bruce talk. He tells her to get Jerome’s file. She asks why, and he says he needs to get him back in Arkham ASAP. She then sneaks inside to get the file while he stands watch. <br />
<br />
After a few minutes, Bruce gestures through the door window at Selina to hurry up. Harper notices him standing in front of Gordon’s door and, after recognizing him as Bruce Wayne, asks what he’s doing there. Bruce, desperate to distract Harper from seeing Selina, goes into billionaire brat mode. He demands to know where Gordon is. He claims that he needs protection, because Jerome clearly escaped to get revenge on Bruce for helping stop him last year. <br />
<br />
Harper tells him he’s being irrational, and Bruce begins to get out money to pay for protection. She asks if he wants to be charged with bribery. He stammers, as if the thought had never occurred to him, and then breaks down into fake tears. He says he’s just scared and worried. As Harper tries to get him to calm down, Selina sneaks out. She makes a bit of noise getting out, causing Harper to look back at the office. Harper starts to tell Bruce that he can stay at the precinct, but the second she turns back, he’s already gone. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.theodysseyonline.com/2018-oscar-nominees-college-majors?sec=poplifetime&utm_expid=.53hHQ_sIS_GVYl9TPM4psw.2&utm_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Bruce’s (the character, not David Mazouz) acting is hilariously over the top here, and I loved every second of it. Is it a bit cheesy? Sure, but I think Bruce knew exactly what he was doing. He was being as obnoxious and arrogant as possible because he knew that Harper wouldn’t be able to ignore his tantrum. It’s nice to see him weaponizing his “billionaire brat” act again (and not just using it as a way to ignore his true self). <br />
<br />
After leaving the precinct, Bruce meets up with Selina in his car and reads Jerome’s file. He says Jerome’s uncle owns a diner in Gotham. He needs to go there and see if it leads to finding Jerome. Selina asks again why he’s so obsessed with stopping Jerome. Bruce replies that, because he chose not to kill Jerome last year, he feels responsible for everything Jerome does from that point onward. Selina just laughs. <br />
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<a href="https://itsprismatic.tumblr.com/post/172425748303/bruce-and-selina-gotham-4x16-one-of-my-three">Source</a></div>
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She says that not everything is his fault or his responsibility. She advises him to get over himself, especially since it would make him easier to be around. Bruce stares at her, leans in . . . and pulls a Tony Stark. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://mishasminions.tumblr.com/post/154235939084">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Bruce thanks her for the advice and Selina asks if he needs any more of her help. Bruce says Selina doesn’t owe him anything and that she never did. He then drives off. <br />
<br />
Over at the diner Bruce mentioned, cops ask the owner if he’s seen Jerome. The owner insists that if he had, Jerome would be dead, since he (the uncle) hates Jerome for killing his mother, the owner’s sister (Lila Valeska). After the cops leave, Jerome pops up from under the table, with a gun and a hilarious one-liner. <br />
<br />
A little while later, Jerome tastes three soups from the counter. One’s too hot, one’s too cold, and the third one’s just right. He says Uncle Zack was always a good cook and tells a story about how, as a kid, Zack caught him trying to steal a snickerdoodle. That day, Zack made a really good soup. The secret ingredient? Jerome’s hand, which he dipped in a boiling pot of chicken stock. Jerome laughs and says that it’s almost as good as the soup he’s eating now. <br />
<br />
Zack asks if he’s curious about the soup. Jerome asks if it’s poisoned. Zack says it’s not—he set out three soups so that he’d have enough for all of his guests. A man then grabs Jerome from behind. Zack introduces him as a strongman from Haley’s circus. Zack called him after the breakout so that he’d be there to take Jerome down. Zack tells Jerome that the “just right” soup is for the strongman, the cold soup is for himself, and the hot one is for Jerome.<br />
<br />
After heating up the hot Gazpacho soup in a microwave, Zack pours it over Jerome and forces it down his throat.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://imgur.com/gallery/mJSYfsh">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
(<i>Gotham, </i>why must you constantly make me feel sorry for psychopaths?)<br />
<br />
He says Jerome’s mother should’ve dropped him in the river. However, this . . . touching family moment is interrupted by Bruce entering the diner. He asks what’s going on and Zack tells him to leave. Zack says Jerome is a psycho who’s getting what he deserves. <br />
<br />
Bruce says no one deserves to be tortured and tells them to call the cops. Zack tells the strongman to let go of Jerome . . . and get rid of Bruce. Bruce begins to fight the strongman, but his combat skills aren’t much use against brute strength. As Bruce struggles, Jerome picks up a gun that his uncle dropped in the confusion and holds it to Zack. He says Zack should tell him what he wants to know and says Zack knows why he came. <br />
<br />
Zack tells Jerome that the name of the school is St. Ignatius. (The school for what? I don’t know, but apparently St. Ignatius was the patron saint of soldiers and education, as well as the founder of the Jesuit order, according to <a href="https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=56">Catholic Online</a>.) Jerome has Zack write down the school and its address so he won’t forget it. After Zack hands him the note, Jerome shoots Zack in the head. <br />
<br />
He then watches Bruce, who’s still struggling against the strongman. He claps. “Boy billionaire, Bruce Wayne, my savior,” he laughs. “Wow, I did not see that coming.” Jerome tells Bruce that his uncle beat him constantly in childhood.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://byerswiill.tumblr.com/post/172405928151/boy-billionaire-bruce-wayne-my-savior-wow-i">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
Jerome says the only thing funnier than Bruce saving him would be if he saved Bruce . . . or if the guy Bruce saved him from chokes Bruce to death. He decides the latter option is better and tells the strongman to continue. <br />
<br />
As Jerome laughs at Bruce, Selina whips the gun out of his hand and distracts the strongman long enough for Bruce to get loose and punch him out. “Still don’t need my help?” she asks. Selina then cocks her gun at Jerome. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://whitefluffyyeti.tumblr.com/post/172407952801/gotham-one-of-my-three-soups">Source</a></span></div>
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<br /></div>
Jerome leaves, and thus begins the grand tradition of Batman letting his villains escape. Selina says Bruce should’ve let her shoot, but Bruce insists that Jerome is his responsibility and he can’t let him get shot. Selina says he’s not her responsibility and tells Bruce they need to leave before the cops show up. Bruce says it’s not over yet. Selina says he can do what he wants but warns him not get himself killed. <br />
<br />
After she leaves, Bruce find’s Zack’s note on the ground—which makes me wonder if Jerome forgot to grab it before he left, or if he purposefully left the note because he wants Bruce to follow him. <br />
<br />
At the GCPD, Harper tells Gordon that Bruce is on line three. Bruce tells Gordon that he saw Jerome and that Jerome killed his uncle. He adds that Jerome was looking for information about a school, St. Ignatius. Bruce says that he’ll meet Gordon there. Gordon insists that he stay out of it, but Bruce says Gordon can yell at him at the school.<br />
<br />
After Bruce hangs up, Harvey and Gordon set out to find the school and keep Bruce from getting in over his head. <br />
<br />
Meanwhile, Scarecrow stops the police van carrying the Mad Hatter. He gasses the driver and frees Hatter with the help of Jerome. Hatter expresses glee at fooling Gordon, and Jerome agrees—Hatter provided the perfect distraction for the GCPD while Jerome got the information out of his uncle and Scarecrow got his fear toxin. Jerome says that there’s more to do and gets in the driver’s seat. <br />
<br />
<b>Plot C: A League [of Shadows] of Their Own. </b><br />
<br />
As a radio in the Sirens’ Club announces news of the Arkham breakout, Tabitha remarks that the city is going crazy. She says they could be out taking advantage of the situation and doing business while the cops are distracted. Barbara, however, yells at her to turn the radio off. She takes a pill for her migraine and Tabitha asks if she really thinks the pill will help her hand too. Barbara looks at her still-glowing hand and says she’s been researching Ra’s al Ghul to figure out how to fix it. <br />
<br />
Tabitha insists that Ra’s al Ghul was “a charlatan,” but Barbara doesn’t think so. She wonders why Ra’s chose to bring her back from the dead. Tabitha points out that Barbara might not have been dead since she can’t remember the events of her resurrection. Barbara says it hurts to remember. She’s been seeing glimpses of memories, but when she pursues them, it hurts. Tabitha says she needs to push through and get to the memories, but Barbara says it hurts too much. Tabitha insists that Barbara is whining and that she needs to push through the pain because that’s the kind of tough person Barbara has always been. <br />
<br />
Barbara shuts her eyes and her hand begins to glow brighter. She remembers things going dark after she was electrocuted. She sees her own death and then sees Ra’s al Ghul set her down on a table. He says that the world has been cruel to her and that she curses it. He takes a vial of the Lazarus water and pours it into her mouth. Barbara gasps and wakes up. Ra’s says she has a poisonous mind and that people hate her for it. She agrees. Ra’s understands and says Barbara is exactly who he’s been looking for. <br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://hogwartskidsproblems.tumblr.com/post/128130145792">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
(I’m just saying, I thought that if anyone was the chosen one, it was Bruce.) <br />
<br />
Ra’s says he’s got a secret present for Barbara: she’ll become the demon’s head. His army of assassins, the League of Shadows, will be hers to command. Ra’s says that the world is weak and Barbara is strong. She needs to use the league to make the world more like her. <br />
<br />
Babs then wakes up from her memory and sobs. She says that Ra's understood her. Tabitha asks if she remembered anything. Barbara says she did, and says that the gift Ra’s transferred to her—the reason her hand’s glowing—is a beacon. It’s calling the League of Shadows to Gotham, and soon they’ll arrive.<br />
<br />
Later that night, Tabitha asks if they should do anything to prepare for the league. Barbara says they’ll show themselves soon. The lights flicker off. After a few seconds, the lights come back on to reveal several armed men and women. A man at the front of the group says they’ve come for the demon’s head. He asks where he is. Barbara replies, “She is right here.” She shows him her hand, and a female assassin steps forward from the crowd and says it’s the mark of the demon’s head. <br />
<br />
The man says Barbara doesn’t understand what it is. Barbara says she understands enough to know that she’s their new leader. He says that’s not all of what it means and insists that no woman has been allowed to lead the league before. Women can serve in the league, but they don’t get to lead. The female assassin says it’s a stupid tradition and insist that they need to honor Ra’s decision. The man agrees that they’ll have to follow Barbara as long as she has the mark . . . which is why he’s going to cut it out of her.<br />
<br />
Looks like someone's about to pull an Oliver Queen.<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://wildirish23.tumblr.com/post/139168468144/arrow-4x13-sins-of-the-father-the-hand-that">Source</a></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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(But seriously, there have been way too many hand casualties on this show.)</div>
<b><br /></b>
As the assassins draw their weapons, Tabitha remarks that Ra’s gift is more of a curse. Barbara insists that Ra’s chose her for a reason and steps forward. When no one attacks, she tells them that they’re all weak. That’s why Ra’s chose her: she’d see the weakness and fear in them. She tells them that she’s the new Demon’s Head and that they’d better bow down. They do so, and the lights flicker off.<br />
<div>
<br />
In the darkness, several gunshots go off. When the lights come back on, every man in the room lies dead on the floor, while the female assassins, still standing, hold machine guns. The woman who spoke earlier says that they were weak and that the league’s mission is to “cull weakness.” Barbara says it’s not much of a league now, but the woman insists that the female members of the league are hers to command and that hundreds will follow. Tabitha warns that Barbara doesn’t know what she’s getting into, but Barbara says she’s taking what’s hers. She then asks the woman to tell her everything she needs to know. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Verdict: </b></span><br />
<br />
Plot A: While I’m not usually a fan of Hatter-centric stories, this one served three important purposes. The first is that it reminded Gordon even though he’s failed in the past, he can still save people and be the leader the GCPD needs. The second purpose was to keep the GCPD from going after Scarecrow and Jerome. Nothing like the threat of mass suicide to get the cops’ attention. <br />
<br />
The third purpose was to put Harvey and Gordon on equal ground. Gordon’s past failures prove that he’s no better than Harvey, and Harvey’s actions in this episode prove that he can be as much of a hero as Gordon. Both characters serve as each other’s conscience. Gordon pushes Harvey to seek truth and justice, and Harvey holds Gordon back from his more violent impulses (and from satisfying them in the name of justice). Gordon has finally realized that, because of his involvement with Sofia, he can no longer think of himself as above Harvey. <br />
<br />
Plot B: If you’ve been reading my recaps since “<a href="http://www.thefangirlinitiative.com/2017/09/gotham-recap-pax-penguina-4x01-i-cant.html">Pax Penguina</a>,” you probably noticed that I’m typically more interested in Bruce’s storylines than anyone else’s. This episode was no exception. Every scene with Bruce was pure gold—from acting like a jerk to Harper to working with Selina to saving Jerome. <br />
<br />
The last action of that list in particular shows serious character development—it’s one thing to not kill Jerome himself. But to save Jerome at his own risk? Bruce wouldn’t have done that earlier in the season, especially in his brat phase. Saving Jerome marks a serious acknowledgment that Bruce has to take responsibility for his actions, good or bad. Whether or not sparing Jerome in season 3 was the right choice, Bruce has to live with its repercussions . . . even if that means Jerome could become the Joker and do unspeakable things to Bruce’s future allies. <br />
<br />
As for the Bat-Cat interactions, I love how Selina still helps out and saves Bruce even though she thinks his priorities are skewed. This episode does a good job highlighting the difference between the two characters. Bruce believes that his responsibility is to keep Jerome from hurting anyone else by returning to Arkham. Selina, while she doesn’t agree with the idea of Bruce being responsible for Jerome, thinks the best way to stop Jerome from hurting innocent people is by killing him herself. I think this is a direct result of her recent interactions with Ivy—Selina, even if she doesn’t admit it, feels responsible for the people Ivy killed. I think her decision to shoot Jerome was born out of regret that she didn’t do the same to Poison Ivy before things got out of hand.</div>
<div>
<br />
The only complaint I have about this plot is that it’s been two episodes since Alfred returned to Wayne Manor and we haven’t seen him at all. What was he doing this whole episode? Making tea and worrying about Bruce’s safety? We may never know. <br />
<br />
Plot C: This was probably the weakest plot in the episode, but it was still interesting. I’ve been wondering for most of the season why Ra’s would go to the trouble of resurrecting and recruiting Barbara. This episode provides an answer, though it’s not what I would expect. In “Heavydirtysoul,” Ra’s called Bruce his heir. Are the writers going back on that, or is Ra’s letting Barbara think she’s his heir as the means to an end? (On a more minor note, couple of fans on <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/Gotham/comments/886010/gotham_4x16_one_of_my_three_soups_live_episode/?limit=500">Reddit</a> have pointed out that Ra’s originally said he bathed Barbara in the Lazarus Pit, so that’s a bit of a continuity error as well.) <br />
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While I’m still annoyed that we might not get a live Ra’s al Ghul back after all, I was pleased to see the League of Shadows. Ever since he showed up in season 3, I’d wondered if Ra’s was still the head of the league, or if the writers had decided to make him only connected to the Court of Owls (and even to someone as lax with canon as myself, that would’ve been a major mistake). And while we’ve seen a couple of Ra’s assassins in the past, this was the first episode to show several at once in a true league. <br />
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It’s a bit of a letdown that Barbara seems to only have command of the female half of the league, but I doubt the assassins we saw in Sirens are the whole league. As for Barbara and her league, I don’t know what they plan to do next—apart from “culling weakness.” I suppose she’ll probably try to use the league to take over the city.<br />
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Overall, this was a great episode. Scarecrow did get pushed to the side for most of it, but hopefully he’ll get more time to shine in coming episodes. Then again, if the promo is anything to go by, next week’s episode is probably very Jerome-centric: <br />
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Is Jerome the Joker? Only time will tell. If not in name, he’s certainly been the Joker in spirit for the past four seasons. If the Joker is as much of a symbol as Batman, then Jerome has a right to be called the Joker. He symbolizes everything the Joker stands for: showmanship, a sick sense of humor, sadistic violence, and pure chaos.<br />
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Have a good week. And until next time, steer clear of Gazpacho soup. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4675533200914366163.post-24035050855845684582018-03-30T22:00:00.000-07:002018-03-30T22:00:15.720-07:00"I Was Longing for a Home" — Matthew Perryman Jones' "O Theo," Inspired by Vincent Van Gogh<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Content warning: this article contains a brief mention of suicide.
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNQug9tlwqi-to_cb4Jmra38_m1VqPm_9pvAXJqVYlRzxrnI_jMBnsUYHUMF8Q7PKTbVaYe5skivDndNRq5tuCa9gynbnwO7wrejZy0Y-mAnJ6cw_Kr8u_jTWJ79qZPMwsKwNwIY-zN7XL/s1600/matthew+perryman+jones_purple+scarf_am+songwriter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNQug9tlwqi-to_cb4Jmra38_m1VqPm_9pvAXJqVYlRzxrnI_jMBnsUYHUMF8Q7PKTbVaYe5skivDndNRq5tuCa9gynbnwO7wrejZy0Y-mAnJ6cw_Kr8u_jTWJ79qZPMwsKwNwIY-zN7XL/s1600/matthew+perryman+jones_purple+scarf_am+songwriter.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://americansongwriter.com/2012/07/matthew-perryman-jones/" target="_blank">Source</a>.</td></tr>
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Today, on the 165th birthday of Vincent Van Gogh, I'm thinking a lot about him and his influence on the arts. Not only has he been a muse to other painters, but also to artists working in other media, like <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/features/loving-vincent-van-gogh-douglas-booth-armand-roulin-hugh-welchman-dorota-kobiela-a7994186.html" target="_blank">animation </a>and music. One of the many great pieces of art inspired by Van Gogh is the song “O Theo” by Matthew Perryman Jones, from his 2012 album <i>Land of the Living</i>. Here he is performing it live:<br />
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Much of the genius of this song lies in its meticulously crafted lyrics. On the second listen, I noticed how several of the lines seem to refer to specific works by Van Gogh. For instance, "into a sky filled with birds" brings to mind "Wheatfield with Crows," while "I made a bed out of hay" sounds like "La Siesta." These little hat tips never feel obvious or gimmicky: they simply flow with the rest of the song, giving a fuller picture of Van Gogh's life through his works.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLAAaNA3lfO3hMiBode_etCPAdWkDFcRAa5dLFVkhFFJ-qc10J7ypI2XZx_O25kQplRpm3wv6CeRXxWxtmG_hh9eSnxWrzhzWszzj4qBi1vsfiievuuDjgV61_PHQqwJVTSizUbNDyHIoD/s1600/Van+Gogh_The+Siesta.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLAAaNA3lfO3hMiBode_etCPAdWkDFcRAa5dLFVkhFFJ-qc10J7ypI2XZx_O25kQplRpm3wv6CeRXxWxtmG_hh9eSnxWrzhzWszzj4qBi1vsfiievuuDjgV61_PHQqwJVTSizUbNDyHIoD/s640/Van+Gogh_The+Siesta.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"La Siesta," 1889. <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Vincent_Van_Gogh,_il_meriggio_(la_siesta),_1889-1890,_03.JPG" target="_blank">Source</a>.</td></tr>
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And this song is basically the story of his life: beginning with Van Gogh's career before painting, Jones takes us through all of the failures and griefs that made Van Gogh the man and artist he was. From being chased out of missionary work by censorious pastors (“the righteous raised their stones”) to his disastrous relationships with women (“And my heart was still unknown”) to his eventual suicide (“a field of fallen sparrows”), Van Gogh's life was certainly one of tragedy. And yet, Jones never comes across as maudlin or pitying. On the contrary, he gets down to the core of Van Gogh's story, one about loss and longing and trying to fit into a world that doesn't seem to want to make a place for you. With just a few lines or phrases, Jones is able to convey not just events in Van Gogh's life, but the mood and the melancholy they produced as well. Similar, in a way, to the short, choppy strokes with which Van Gogh painted his canvases, Jones's words are brief, but bold and striking.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGd3Fr0ax1y1qnIwxU8LT4smzblM1om0guxEvz3t7whgk0PY6lrllGCcNf6EmtXHVdPGFaZO711aF6jzJ8sIYOlnF7YXkFhC6C0gd2peoENTfsq1RVZ_bcFJe27piNsvElajrlg2uNGATx/s1600/Van+Gogh_Wheatfield+with+Crows.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="786" data-original-width="1583" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGd3Fr0ax1y1qnIwxU8LT4smzblM1om0guxEvz3t7whgk0PY6lrllGCcNf6EmtXHVdPGFaZO711aF6jzJ8sIYOlnF7YXkFhC6C0gd2peoENTfsq1RVZ_bcFJe27piNsvElajrlg2uNGATx/s640/Van+Gogh_Wheatfield+with+Crows.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Wheatfield with Crows," 1890. <a href="https://www.vangoghmuseum.nl/en/collection/s0149V1962" target="_blank">Source</a>.</td></tr>
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Throughout this journey, the song grounds itself in the refrain of “O Theo,” recalling the way in which Van Gogh grounded himself in the love and support of his older brother. <a href="http://vangoghletters.org/vg/" target="_blank">As Van Gogh's letters reveal</a>, Theo was his financial patron, his confidant, and one of the few people to whom he felt truly close. In this song, the phrase almost seems to take on a new shade of meaning with each repetition, growing more and more desperate as it becomes more apparent that, ultimately, Theo will not be able to save his brother. A large part of this effect comes from Jones's vocals, which are passionate without feeling overdone. That slight sound of gravel in his voice makes it perfect for a song about a weary wanderer.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn44HtJsIiFcQ4NKAetWRALG3alh8bLEwL1BUR8C2YLE8lg8hFw7jhh76JzukMpFYncVta7q9skaPFS_8gAexf69UU646ixXl8D2MtJqUTlBIN3XvxdMX5Gko5Nt_VJvHmBWRMhlckA6ui/s1600/Van+Gogh_Starry+Night+over+the+Rhone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn44HtJsIiFcQ4NKAetWRALG3alh8bLEwL1BUR8C2YLE8lg8hFw7jhh76JzukMpFYncVta7q9skaPFS_8gAexf69UU646ixXl8D2MtJqUTlBIN3XvxdMX5Gko5Nt_VJvHmBWRMhlckA6ui/s640/Van+Gogh_Starry+Night+over+the+Rhone.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Starry Night over the Rhone," 1888. <a href="https://weeklyartpost.wordpress.com/2016/06/05/starry-night-over-the-rhone-vincent-van-gogh/" target="_blank">Source</a>.</td></tr>
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Though he may not be as well-known as some singer-songwriters, Jones is a true artist, and a great lover of art, as “O Theo” shows. Its brilliant lyrics, its beautiful melody, and the haunting, expressive voice of its singer make it a fine tribute to a great artist. <br />
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<b>What's your favorite song about art or an artist? Let me know in the comments below.</b></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4675533200914366163.post-67770434337754505812018-03-30T08:00:00.000-07:002018-03-30T08:00:15.788-07:00The 5 Best 'Star Trek' Original Series Episodes<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnB6FjSNSLjerImzhG3dApDEfYqZ0cPzRLrvOrk1UFU2vzlJVuOCmtLcff-JzFQcvzT_hJHt9d1YvCLFtD3XPK6W-bTDWRDNfIIci4bgQUkzMKjUXsegSs2nqhDIr7XebEnCLyrZZOFAAt/s1600/f3aa45ca0cea28cda7780a7e0bbf9eeeac3f93c9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnB6FjSNSLjerImzhG3dApDEfYqZ0cPzRLrvOrk1UFU2vzlJVuOCmtLcff-JzFQcvzT_hJHt9d1YvCLFtD3XPK6W-bTDWRDNfIIci4bgQUkzMKjUXsegSs2nqhDIr7XebEnCLyrZZOFAAt/s400/f3aa45ca0cea28cda7780a7e0bbf9eeeac3f93c9.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.startrek.com/database_article/star-trek-the-original-series-synopsis" target="_blank">Source</a></td></tr>
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In honor of what would have been Leonard Nimoy's 87th birthday last Monday, I thought it would be worth counting down the five best <i>Star Trek</i> Original Generation episodes. Though it only ran for 3 seasons and was hit or miss on some of the episodes, the show was a forerunner of the science fiction TV genre. It was a launching point for a series that's still going strong over 50 years later and more importantly, it taught a generation of children that they will never be as cool as gangster Spock.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUALRZv0KDWGrJgMRy0roPDFATkR6EpROvLav2shyp2Qx8TKt48ZH74T4cD7QleU2REy8F8DPzFWTNFrfcTCNoBqaZxK595MJQKJBKb04I9xpknMBJ54VHoBfZQDaBSQgx6NViIzdoomoZ/s1600/Gangsta+spock.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="621" data-original-width="500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUALRZv0KDWGrJgMRy0roPDFATkR6EpROvLav2shyp2Qx8TKt48ZH74T4cD7QleU2REy8F8DPzFWTNFrfcTCNoBqaZxK595MJQKJBKb04I9xpknMBJ54VHoBfZQDaBSQgx6NViIzdoomoZ/s400/Gangsta+spock.png" width="321" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://sihisha.deviantart.com/art/Spock-bones-gangster-382181437" target="_blank">"I made him an offer he logically could not refuse."</a></td></tr>
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Without further ado, the 5 best original generation episodes as selected by me. Spoilers for a 52-year-old show to follow.<br />
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<b>5. "Space Seed"</b><br />
For <i>Star Trek</i> fans, Khan Noonien Singh is a man who needs no introduction. Survivor of the Eugenics Wars of the 1990s and a genetically superior being, he is a ruthless man who is every bit Kirk's equal. Good villains are hard to write and Khan is the definition of a good villain.<br />
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He gets more fleshed out in the movie <i>Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan</i>, but his contribution to <i>Star Trek </i>lore starts here. And without this beginning, he never could have made William Shatner achieve <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRnSnfiUI54" target="_blank">meme-worthy levels of anger</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6yDCpcvltdhyphenhyphenTuudyobvRoWE7KJkpIrX1OCcH-fEORuWv8vzA6bQzilx_EbOYZSqa8rC2GXztSsDmMXZpMc0Fskk0DBfZ6nOhkVMgkVU86EDS_IKlNgDvYVBPsAovh8EApTMqKxpSekVY/s1600/angrywill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="336" data-original-width="400" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6yDCpcvltdhyphenhyphenTuudyobvRoWE7KJkpIrX1OCcH-fEORuWv8vzA6bQzilx_EbOYZSqa8rC2GXztSsDmMXZpMc0Fskk0DBfZ6nOhkVMgkVU86EDS_IKlNgDvYVBPsAovh8EApTMqKxpSekVY/s320/angrywill.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://chriscrespo.com/netflix-pick-662016-star-trek-ii-wrath-khan/" target="_blank">Source</a></td></tr>
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The value of the episode may lie more in its later influence, but it's still very solid overall. Khan's charisma and brutality are exceptional and the crew's initially rosy view of him from their history classes teaches an important lesson about romanticizing the past.<br />
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The Eugenics War plot-line also sets the stage for later lore that bridges the gap between Earth today and the Federation of the future, even if it didn't come to pass in the real world. I'll assume people were too busy playing Pogs in the '90s to bother with genetic manipulation.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZA5WRqTq3MY0yEEzzqRIapLgRCh4H5YLJEZmw6KHOdTiPLjANDB08BRRZ8B3xvsl7AnYCw_M5GoEDBotqaOPiUDWYfoxCJgqvo-hE9rYfngtuoXHOmXPaGRFXkbtECYXv2eJWzUcKhgoO/s1600/pogs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="620" data-original-width="930" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZA5WRqTq3MY0yEEzzqRIapLgRCh4H5YLJEZmw6KHOdTiPLjANDB08BRRZ8B3xvsl7AnYCw_M5GoEDBotqaOPiUDWYfoxCJgqvo-hE9rYfngtuoXHOmXPaGRFXkbtECYXv2eJWzUcKhgoO/s400/pogs.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.sweetyhigh.com/read/pogs-history-90s-kids-080516" target="_blank">The savior of humanity</a></td></tr>
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<b>4. "The Trouble with Tribbles"</b><br />
For a show set in a galaxy alleged to be inhabited by all types of life forms, most aliens in <i>Star Trek </i>look like stuff from earth but with extra antennae or forehead ridges or something.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrrDKWHnZfSK4KFF8O8pSOLFnd6kewvRagQWQ0MiafLwd48P710ag8TRoRHMU1c3UA-Op2tc9VpmJjEAHcMY1hTOLOOnLXXJynzJONwnj31oapfZo6-I2Mhcp3VoFAT4zfTPQszR5B14qu/s1600/alien+dog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrrDKWHnZfSK4KFF8O8pSOLFnd6kewvRagQWQ0MiafLwd48P710ag8TRoRHMU1c3UA-Op2tc9VpmJjEAHcMY1hTOLOOnLXXJynzJONwnj31oapfZo6-I2Mhcp3VoFAT4zfTPQszR5B14qu/s400/alien+dog.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.metv.com/stories/star-treks-unicorn-dog-is-adorable-help-us-identify-him" target="_blank">Totally not a dog</a></td></tr>
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With all these not-humans running around, it's nice to see something like Tribbles that are a bit more original, even if they look like they came from a discount craft store. "Born pregnant," these adorable little guys are the stars of the show as little cooing fuzzballs that quickly reproduce and fill up a space station.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaia0vuJdoYMx4zIWZolzc8ySSjj6d0bzUAeFxYwLL0DcUJMcmiJN64bOkmTXBzw4tAinCzljSKSQUswckjqKABdj9p6CnlEQY3uNpuRjGuuG5Wc3whIfwvkHMjT8rk8dpgv6EUje86RUh/s1600/tribble.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="660" data-original-width="880" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaia0vuJdoYMx4zIWZolzc8ySSjj6d0bzUAeFxYwLL0DcUJMcmiJN64bOkmTXBzw4tAinCzljSKSQUswckjqKABdj9p6CnlEQY3uNpuRjGuuG5Wc3whIfwvkHMjT8rk8dpgv6EUje86RUh/s400/tribble.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Trouble_with_Tribbles" target="_blank">Source</a></td></tr>
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The memorability of the Tribbles is what gives the episode its staying power in the minds of <i>Star Trek</i> fans, but there's a lot more going on than just that. The Klingons' vying for power on a space station creates political intrigue as well as continuity from the previous Klingon episode on Organia. The episode is also humorous in classic <i>Trek </i>fashion, with Scotty preaching the virtues of single malt scotch a mere 7 episodes before he <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VT4d7PIFFKM" target="_blank">saves the galaxy by drinking an alien under a table</a>. It also features the best bar fight in <i>Star Trek</i> bar none (none).<br />
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Other <i>Star Trek</i> episodes are serious or have high-minded morals, but "The Trouble with Tribbles" is just plain fun and benefits from not taking itself too seriously. Lots of other science fiction could benefit from lightening up the mood a bit like this episode does.<br />
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<b>3. "Balance of Terror"</b><br />
While the Romulans eventually succumbed to J. J. Abrams and awful '80s shoulder pads, at the beginning they were an enemy to be feared.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.startrek.com/database_article/romulans" target="_blank">"At least we didn't invent gauges" -Romulans </a></td></tr>
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"Balance of Terror" marks their first appearance in <i>Star Trek</i>, and the build up of tension between the <i>Enterprise </i>and a then-unknown enemy. The <i>Enterprise </i>responds to several distress signals in the neutral zone where decades earlier the Federation fought a war with the Romulan Star Empire. As the <i>Enterprise </i>reaches the ruined outposts they discover a cloaked vessel that may be behind the attacks.<br />
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A stand-off ensues, with each captain playing a delicate chess match while trying to control the fears of their respective crews. Airing only four years after the Cuban missile crisis, this episode reeks of the gamesmanship and posturing of the Cold War-era and probably hit very close to home upon its initial release.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.startrek.com/database_article/balance-of-terror" target="_blank">Source</a></td></tr>
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It's an episode that begins with a wedding and ends at a deathbed. It explores bigotry and mistrust and the weight forced upon leaders as they make decisions with dire consequences on the line. And most importantly, in an era of jingoistic McCarthyism, it manages to fairly portray the enemy not as some other, but as relatable beings who bear the same weight as the crew of the <i>Enterprise</i>.<br />
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In the end, the <i>Enterprise </i>gains the upper hand. Rather than submit to the Federation, the Romulan commander commits suicide, lamenting "I regret that we meet in this way. You and I are of a kind. In a different reality, I could have called you friend."<br />
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<b>2. "This Side of Paradise"</b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://memory-alpha.wikia.com/wiki/This_Side_of_Paradise_(episode)" target="_blank">Source</a></td></tr>
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A more low-key pick than some of the others on this list, this episode is a personal favorite of mine and Leonard Nimoy's best work as Spock.<br />
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The <i>Enterprise </i>is tasked with assessing what is believed to be a dead colony after the entire planet was bombarded with deadly radiation. Much to the crew's surprise, the colonists are very much alive and living in a virtual paradise. It is revealed that the flowers on the planet produce spores that induce feelings of euphoria and protect the colonists from the radiation. The colonists then use these spores to indoctrinate the crew of the <i>Enterprise</i>, leaving Kirk alone to try and save the day (which he does).<br />
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The episode's strength lies not in the broader plot, but in the romance between Spock and Leila, a botanist who had a history with him back on Earth. Spock, as a half-Vulcan, could never reciprocate her love until the spores put him in a state of bliss.<br />
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After so many episodes of seeing Spock act cold and impersonal, the sudden change is a delight and Nimoy's performance tugs at the heartstrings. Spock is truly happy with Leila and by embracing his Vulcan heritage, he had to give up the emotions and desires of his human side. When freed from the spores' effect, an impassioned Leila begs him not to leave, but Spock insists he must, stating that we all have to live with the purgatories we create.<br />
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In the end, the crew leaves paradise, but not before contemplating what they left behind.<br />
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<b>1. "The City on the Edge of Forever"</b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.treknews.net/2017/04/06/city-on-the-edge-of-forever-50/" target="_blank">Source</a></td></tr>
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Science fiction often gets looked down upon by mainstream fiction as puerile wish fulfillment rather than serious culture, but every once in a while something in the genre far surpasses expectations and reminds us why this genre can be so compelling to us.<br />
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In this episode, written by Harlan Ellison, Kirk and Spock travel back in time in an effort to fix the original timeline after an overdosed Dr. McCoy accidentally changes history. Transported to Depression-era America, Kirk falls in love with Edith Keeler, a social worker in New York with ambitions for peace.<br />
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After finding McCoy, who will save Keeler from a car accident, Kirk learns that it was by saving Keeler's life that the timeline was altered. Keeler was supposed to die in the car accident, and if she lives, she will found a peace movement that will delay the US's entry into World War II and ensure the Nazis' victory.<br />
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The episode is brilliant in its build up to the final choice of whether to let Keeler live or die and highlights the struggle between the individual and society. Keeler's idealism and ambition in another time could change the world for the better, but in this moment they hold humanity back.<br />
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Though not the first or only time <i>Star Trek </i>ventures into the past, it is by far the most effective. So many works that follow will try to replicate the magic, but miss the little touches that make "The City on the Edge of Forever" one of the best works of the genre.<br />
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<b>What's your favorite<i> Star Trek</i> episode? Sound off in the comments below.</b>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4675533200914366163.post-74246737595555705942018-03-28T17:00:00.000-07:002018-03-28T17:00:21.937-07:00'Gotham' Recap: "The Sinking Ship, The Grand Applause" (4x15)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.farfarawaysite.com/section/batman/gallery11/gallery26/gallery16/gallery.htm">Source</a></span></div>
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It's Wednesday, and you know what that means. <i>Intense, burning anxiety because the week is almost half-over and you still have a whole laundry list of things to do? </i>Well, yes, but it also means it's time for another <i>Gotham </i>recap. So quit your stress for the next few minutes, because it's about to get real.</div>
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This week's episode, "The Sinking Ship The Grand Applause," is definitely one of my personal favorites. It revolves around two storylines. The first involves Penguin and the Riddler's plot to kill Sofia Falcone. In the second, Bruce and Selina attempt to recover a stolen necklace.</div>
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Warning: the episode described contains heavy violence, and the following recap contains heavy spoilers. </div>
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<b>Plot A: Sofia Falcone vs. the World.</b></div>
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We open on a shot of a goon reading a copy of <i>Detective Comics </i>(how meta). The goon is one of two men watching Martin (the mute boy that Penguin befriended earlier in the season). Martin tears a piece of paper off of his notepad, only to find that someone has left a message: <i>Do you want to escape? </i>He tears off that sheet and finds another: <i>Go to the kitchen. </i>Martin, under the excuse of needing to go to the bathroom, wanders into the kitchen. The next note on his pad tells him to turn on the gas stove burners but not to light them. He does so and then returns to the living room.</div>
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The goons, noticing the weird smell of gas, both leave Martin to check it out. Martin looks at the next note, which tells him to plug his ears. He does so, right before an RPG tears through the kitchen. After a few seconds, the smoke clears to reveal his rescuer.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://baskervilleshund.tumblr.com/post/172155218015">Source</a></span></div>
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Meanwhile, Samson announces his rule in the Narrows by explaining to a crowd that he expects to be paid for protection. Lee watches from the crowd, wearing a hood over her face. She looks visibly distressed and leaves after Samson illustrates his point by shooting a man in front of his family.</div>
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Over at the GCPD, Gordon explains to Harvey that Carmine Falcone said Gordon didn't know what he'd brought to the city. Gordon assumes that he meant Professor Pyg, which means someone must've told Falcone that Sofia hired Pyg. If they get Falcone's informant to act as a witness, they can bring Sofia down for good. Harvey asks why Gordon doesn't come clean himself. Gordon says his testimony isn't enough, but Harvey says Gordon's just staying quiet to protect himself. <b><br />
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Gordon insists that he's trying to do the right thing and offers Harvey his badge back. Harvey agrees to return to the GCPD, but he warns that eventually, Gordon will have to pay for what he did. Harvey then tells Gordon that his first move will be to track down "Skinner," an ex-assassin that worked for Falcone.</div>
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In Arkham, one of the guards tells Penguin about a message the Riddler left for him over the phone. The message is a riddle. Oswald solves it, declaring the answer to be "a knuckle sandwich." The guard agrees and then promptly punches him in the face. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/rip-XigPPziVmFp2E">Source</a></span></div>
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Meanwhile, Harvey visits a candy shop owned by an elderly woman named Agnes, aka the Skinner. Agnes says she's retired, and Harvey says he's just there to ask about Falcone's eyes and ears in Gotham. Agnes is reluctant to tell him, but Harvey says that if Agnes doesn't tell him what he needs to know, he'll tell her grandkids (who are in the store) about how she used to skin people alive. Agnes gives in and says that the only person Falcone really trusted was the bookkeeper, who "always smelled of fish." Harvey realizes that she means Mr. Penn (the man who kept track of the licenses when Penguin was in control). </div>
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While that's going on, Sofia vents her frustration over Martin's escape. She tells Victor Zsasz to go to Arkham and kill Penguin. He agrees and asks if he can bring a friend along, one who just got out of the hospital. The friend? Headhunter, the assassin who worked for Penguin until Penguin stabbed (and seemingly killed) him in "<a href="http://www.thefangirlinitiative.com/2017/11/gotham-recap-day-in-narrows-4x07.html">A Day in the Narrows</a>." Sofia says she doesn't care if they both go, so long as "Penguin dies choking on his own blood."</div>
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Speaking of Penguin, Harvey goes to visit him in the Arkham infirmary. Harvey says he's got questions about Penn, but before he can ask Penguin anything, he hears screams and cries that there's someone with a gun. Harvey goes to check it out, only to find Zsasz and Headhunter in the hallway. He draws his gun tells them to leave, but they refuse. Zsasz tells Harvey to walk away, but he won't back down. </div>
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Suddenly, Arkham's alarms go off (though that really should've happened the second Zsasz showed up), and guards start running out of the building. Zsasz says they'll come back later. A few seconds later, the guards yell that Penguin has escaped. Harvey rushes to a nearby window and sees the Riddler wildly waving a gun before getting into a van with Penguin and driving away.</div>
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Once they're safely away from Arkham and back on the streets of Gotham, the Riddler explains that he assumed the assassins would come for Penguin after he freed Martin, so he used their attack on Arkham as a diversion to rescue Penguin. (He also begins to tell the story of how he tracked down Martin, which involves Zsasz, disco, and the Riddler dressing up as an old Polish woman, but Penguin cuts him off.) After hearing that Martin is safe, Penguin decides to focus on killing Sofia. The Riddler decides to enlist an old ally, after removing his hat to look a little more like the regular Ed Nygma.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://lightgamble.tumblr.com/post/172161476739/gotham-415-hello">Source</a></span></div>
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Penguin enters and explains that he freed the Riddler, and the Riddler freed him. The Riddler says they'll have to come up with another plan since Lee can't help them without the support and resources of the Narrows behind her. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://bosswaldcobblepot.tumblr.com/post/172173286159/bonus">Source</a></span></div>
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Lee interjects that she wants to help take down Sofia, but the Riddler says she can't help, since all of her old capos now work for Sofia. Lee insists that she'd shoot Sofia herself, but the Riddler doesn't believe it. Penguin says that what matters is finding muscle, which leads Lee to suggest Solomon Grundy.</div>
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The Riddler goes looking for Grundy in the sewers. He calls out that it's Ed and that he's smart again. Once he finds Grundy, the Riddler says they need a brute for cannon fodder. Grundy, however, is acting very quiet. The Riddler asks what his problem is, before realizing the intelligence in Grundy's (usually vacant) expression. Grundy (aka Butch) says that the Riddler's not the only one who got smart. The Riddler, realizing how much trouble he's in, tries to plead for himself by insisting that while he and Butch didn't get along in the past, he helped Grundy. Butch, however, grabs the Riddler by the neck and says that <i>Ed Nygma </i>helped him, but Ed's not here anymore, and neither is Grundy. </div>
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Back at Lee's place, Penguin paces. He wonders why the Riddler has been gone for so long and says he was foolish to trust him. Lee tells Penguin to calm down, but he refuses to do so. He says he can't wait for the Riddler and decides to leave.</div>
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As luck would have it, Penguin runs right into Gordon and Harvey. Desperate to defend himself, Penguin grabs a bottle from a nearby man and smashes it against a wall. He tells them that Martin is alive, but he can't prove it yet because the boy won't be safe until Sofia's dead. Gordon says they both want the same thing: to make Sofia go away. The only difference is that Gordon wants her in jail. He tells Penguin that he needs Mr. Penn before he can bring Sofia down. Penguin, upon realizing that Penn was yet another traitor in his empire, flies into a rage, prompting this comment from Harvey:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwRtgw7hVpBjgXfnoLDJq4tx4MXs2zt2o1oMZpeMppgFQ_YSXi4dPNSrOvjyi8aLV8PyI4CCzoiagJ2RxLAQDKbdRKshkNri1ivsA1eAwYY5qTTvrTcFekj4O1xOYfuvEgV7O9069Im-I/s1600/tumblr_p60z5aXqod1rnbsgko2_250.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="270" data-original-width="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwRtgw7hVpBjgXfnoLDJq4tx4MXs2zt2o1oMZpeMppgFQ_YSXi4dPNSrOvjyi8aLV8PyI4CCzoiagJ2RxLAQDKbdRKshkNri1ivsA1eAwYY5qTTvrTcFekj4O1xOYfuvEgV7O9069Im-I/s1600/tumblr_p60z5aXqod1rnbsgko2_250.gif" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://m0oranshi.tumblr.com/post/172158885847/oswald-being-oswald-waving-a-broken-bottle-around">Source</a></span></div>
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Gordon tells Penguin to calm down and offers to let him go if he gives them a lead on Penn. Penguin doesn't trust Gordon's offer, but Harvey points out that it's only a matter of time before Sofia finds him anyway. Penguin offers the name of a certain resort outside of town, mentioned by Penn, that offers special therapy. He says that if Penn's hiding, he's probably there. Gordon thanks him and offers his hand. Penguin goes to shake it, but Harvey handcuffs him from behind. Harvey says that he didn't agree to look the other way. </div>
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Lee sees this from across the street. As Harvey shoves Penguin into a cop car, Zsasz and Headhunter arrive. Zsasz said he overheard them talking about Penn and asks if Penn is important. He gathers from their expressions that he is. Zsasz says he'll find Penn himself, and asks if they want to do things "the easy way or the fun way." Gordon and Harvey pull out their guns. "The fun way it is," Headhunter says. </div>
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Once the gunfighting begins, Penguin ducks down in the car to avoid being shot. Lee, taking advantage of Gordon and Harvey's distraction, gets into the front seat and drives off with Penguin. Gordon notices her driving away, and Zsasz and Headhunter decide to leave. Gordon tells Harvey they need to get to Penn before Zsasz, and Harvey says they need to get a car before they can do that.</div>
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Over at the Sirens' Bar, Barbara is suffering from migraines and find that drinking doesn't help. She tells Tabitha it feels like she's been hit in the head with a brick. A few seconds later, Butch shows up with the Riddler tied up in a sack. Barbara mocks Butch, thinking she's talking to the dumb Grundy. He promptly says "Hi, Barbara," causing her to freak out.</div>
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Butch then tells Tabitha that the Riddler was working with Penguin to stop Sofia. Butch says that, given everything the Riddler did to Tabitha, she should be the one to kill him. Tabitha tells him not to go, but he says he still needs to get back to his old self and leaves.</div>
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Barbara stumbles, weak from another migraine. After regaining her balance, she tells Tabitha that they should send the Riddler to Sofia, who'll torture him for information, use it to stop Penguin, and kill the Riddler for them. She says it'll produce the same end result without the headache of dealing with the Riddler themselves, and Tabitha agrees. In other words:</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.mandatory.com/living/1226619-lazy-bum-actually-sign-high-intelligence">Source</a></span></div>
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In all fairness, laziness is a fairly credible reason not to kill someone yourself, compared with typical <a href="http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/BondVillainStupidity">Bond Villain Stupidity</a>.</div>
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At the Falcone Mansion, Zsasz informs Sofia that Gordon and Harvey are looking for Penn. She says they need to find him first, prompting Zsasz to ask who's a bigger priority: Penguin or Penn? She says they're both at the top of the list.</div>
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Back in the Narrows, Penguin thanks Lee for coming to his rescue. She says she just needs him to get at Sofia. Lee says that since the Riddler and Grundy are AWOL, they've only got one option left. This turns out to be Mr. Freeze, who's holed up in some sort of super-cold cabin/apartment/lair. Penguin asks Freeze for help, but Freeze says that the last time Penguin called on him for aid, he promised to help Freeze reverse his condition (you know, the one where he can only survive in freakishly cold temperatures). </div>
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Penguin says that neglecting Freeze was a mistake he won't make again, and Lee points out that Freeze needs money to fund his research. She says that since Sofia wants Penguin, Freeze can deliver him to Sofia in exchange for the money he needs. Freeze admits that he's been working on a special device and tosses a silver ball with a blinking red light to Penguin. As Freeze pulls out his gun, Penguin protests, asking if his brain will be affected like the Riddler's was. Freeze says he doesn't care and promptly freezes Penguin into a block of ice. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://tenor.com/view/the-office-michael-scott-embarrassed-steve-carell-turn-tables-gif-5482488">Source</a></span></div>
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Back at the Falcone Mansion, the Dentist (who you might remember from <a href="http://www.thefangirlinitiative.com/2017/12/gotham-recap-things-that-go-boom-4x10.html">4x10</a>) tortures the Riddler, who's bloodied but not broken. The Dentist admits that the Riddler's got impressive strength of mind, and Sofia tells the Riddler that if he doesn't tell her where to find Penguin, the torture will only get worse. The Riddler just laughs at her and offers an odd puzzle: "I can be done with the teeth, the eyes or the mind. What am I? I can be Humorous, but I'm never funny. What am I?" </div>
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Sofia stabs him in the leg. The Riddler says he told her where to find Penguin, she's just too stupid to figure it out. (For the record, it's unclear if the riddles had answers or were intentionally nonsensical. A few Reddit users theorized on the <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/Gotham/comments/86grym/gotham_4x15_the_sinking_ship_the_grand_applause/">episode discussion</a> that the answer to the second question is "bone." I think the answer to the first question might be "Narrow," but I'm not sure.)</div>
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The torture session is then interrupted by thugs who say that someone's brought Penguin for Sofia. Freeze rolls in the block of ice with Penguin inside. When Riddler sees it, he laughs under his breath. Freeze says he heard Sofia was looking for Penguin and that Penguin had never been a great boss. She asks if Penguin is still alive. "Maybe," Freeze replies. He then gives her his price: $100,000, which she readily pays.</div>
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Zsasz enters. He takes one look at the frozen Penguin and says, "I'm not even gonna ask." Zsasz then tells Sofia that he found out where Penn's hiding. Sofia tells her men to take the Riddler to the docks and shoot him, while she and Zsasz will go get Penn. As they leave, the ice sculpture begins to thaw. </div>
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But where is Penn? Well, as Gordon and Harvey find out, Penn is in a "resort" where adult guests are dressed like babies and being treated as such. Harvey's reaction is basically:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilbIKy_pQYJmYIhL1WwHAz79aT4pwkrWPWJ5sEco4d8ljn2D8R9oR9X9ItZk-6uI5FVHKWasZkuwHlNI-H5tP7XmFJMbc_5c_7zO-q2HkLoXC5cOhkX4Mtp9rTnlgmVNd4qXcC6YG_3AI/s1600/giphy-28.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="557" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilbIKy_pQYJmYIhL1WwHAz79aT4pwkrWPWJ5sEco4d8ljn2D8R9oR9X9ItZk-6uI5FVHKWasZkuwHlNI-H5tP7XmFJMbc_5c_7zO-q2HkLoXC5cOhkX4Mtp9rTnlgmVNd4qXcC6YG_3AI/s400/giphy-28.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/kh8r7XKSmxJzW">Source</a></span></div>
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They quickly find Penn and grab him before he can run away.</div>
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Back at the mansion, the ice breaks apart, thanks to the device Freeze gave Penguin. He emerges and points a gun at the Dentist. He asks where Sofia is and, after getting a reply, pistol whips the Dentist. Penguin then calls Lee, who asks if it's done. Penguin says they need to meet at the resort, and then they can kill Sofia. After he hangs up, Penguin notices the Riddler's bowler hat sitting on a nearby desk. He asks what happened to the Riddler, and the Dentist says he didn't give Penguin up. Penguin asks where the Riddler is now, and the Dentist tells him he's been taken to the docks to be killed.</div>
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Meanwhile, Penn explains to Gordon and Harvey that he worked for Falcone years before Penguin came into power. When Sofia came to town, Falcone ordered Penn to keep an eye on her. Sofia found out, so Penn cut a deal with her. In exchange for his safety, Penn gave her information about Penguin and hired Professor Pyg (however, he told Falcone about Pyg right away). At that moment, Sofia, Zsasz, and Headhunter enter the resort, guns blazing.</div>
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As they run through the resort and dodge gunfire, Gordon tells Harvey to leave with Penn. Harvey says Gordon is the one who needs to leave since he's already been shot. Gordon insists that he can make it and orders Harvey to leave. Gordon runs through the kitchen as Sofia's men pursue him. He manages to shoot them down, but Sofia shoots him, and it's all he can do to limp away from her.</div>
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At the same time, Harvey manages to get Penn out of the resort. Lee drives in and asks where Sofia is. Harvey replies that she and a wounded Gordon are still inside. Lee gives him the car and goes into the resort. As Harvey drives off, Zsasz and Headhunter shoot at his bumper before giving up and doing what all assassins do at the end of a long day:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsbKbYXYFieqPJ0q1fz6wKZLpKHpnT0qFDs2YEmG63KNd1yRaBL-jXpdoFekheElvk_n6GPqiYSO1kQxOwKUBXIL8MFaiNmc1CyRbMUEdyy_fhKipy_8xyda9uoBkofbGrUkTdNbxWQZc/s1600/tumblr_p61j0qEhKv1vkej0oo7_400.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="180" data-original-width="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsbKbYXYFieqPJ0q1fz6wKZLpKHpnT0qFDs2YEmG63KNd1yRaBL-jXpdoFekheElvk_n6GPqiYSO1kQxOwKUBXIL8MFaiNmc1CyRbMUEdyy_fhKipy_8xyda9uoBkofbGrUkTdNbxWQZc/s1600/tumblr_p61j0qEhKv1vkej0oo7_400.gif" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://oswaldgaybblepot.tumblr.com/post/172166510217/victor-zsasz-415">Source</a></span></div>
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Back inside the kitchen, Sofia tells Gordon that he's a disappointment. She shoots him again, asks why he couldn't just let her have her revenge, and shoots him <i>again</i>. Gordon says it wasn't about her; it was about keeping corruption out of the GCPD. She says that's the point; her father controlled the GCPD for years, and she wanted what he had. Gordon points out that she had her father killed, and she replies that she did it because he was also a disappointment. </div>
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However, Sofia makes an offer. She claims she still cares for Gordon and tells him to beg for his life. He gathers his strength, sits up, and tells her to go to hell. She raises her gun, but is suddenly shot in the stomach . . . by Lee. Lee, after making sure Sofia knows it's her, shoots her again, this time in the head. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisV4vhRpkehZYd2XyeRIwir7jhpKpFiwqEXqrr9m7NAwmYEiiGTFN4zSMy6R-Yr9T4mdTO-iwEFubJA1P94et2Sh9dk84qn4uxIYUrsS99aukSGgqS9MFWhDfnRUPXQKRxjwW1r4ggKVM/s1600/tenor+%25281%2529.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="374" data-original-width="498" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisV4vhRpkehZYd2XyeRIwir7jhpKpFiwqEXqrr9m7NAwmYEiiGTFN4zSMy6R-Yr9T4mdTO-iwEFubJA1P94et2Sh9dk84qn4uxIYUrsS99aukSGgqS9MFWhDfnRUPXQKRxjwW1r4ggKVM/s320/tenor+%25281%2529.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://tenor.com/view/girl-power-idont-think-so-the-incredibles-elastigirl-gif-7488182">Source</a></span></div>
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Lee is the last thing Gordon sees before he blacks out. </div>
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Down at the docks, Sofia's thugs taunt the Riddler and prepare to shoot him. He waits for it and hears gunshots but remains unscathed. The Riddler turns to see both men shot down and Penguin holding a gun. The Riddler quickly grabs one of the thug's guns and asks if Penguin killed Sofia. Penguin says he didn't because Sofia had already left the mansion to pursue Gordon. The Riddler points out that he could've stayed at the mansion and waited for her to come back. Penguin replies that if he'd done that, he wouldn't have gotten to the docks in time to save the Riddler. </div>
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The Riddler asks why Penguin would give up his revenge for him, and Penguin replies that trust is hard to find in Gotham, but he trusts the Riddler. He pockets his gun, and the Riddler does the same.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTJ2u5HtCaB4HwhsDMLgcv8IJ8aC6c17ROhV4CrdDMttCGSBGAgrqcAYL7ItKFYO1yfQN9lQOP9vjfl6GKmaMFD78hRw9w9dquMxGw7juoruYywg61wAcYkWhIUT6vwAwljexUxJqfIUE/s1600/tumblr_p61wa9SlVn1r4d3w4o1_540.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="220" data-original-width="540" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTJ2u5HtCaB4HwhsDMLgcv8IJ8aC6c17ROhV4CrdDMttCGSBGAgrqcAYL7ItKFYO1yfQN9lQOP9vjfl6GKmaMFD78hRw9w9dquMxGw7juoruYywg61wAcYkWhIUT6vwAwljexUxJqfIUE/s320/tumblr_p61wa9SlVn1r4d3w4o1_540.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_rGd0Kbu3BOze_y95bN0QLNaCqYg7_vcGboV-aDO7FdKXQQI4hINkYYUQ33yujgs39sexXIiNySQSSUDZC4UO7Tisgiv0JisKFhjEgcqQ06g2onmZlV_Ou6IaSWV1KdJK3TYxzAx_btg/s1600/tumblr_p61wa9SlVn1r4d3w4o2_540.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="220" data-original-width="540" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_rGd0Kbu3BOze_y95bN0QLNaCqYg7_vcGboV-aDO7FdKXQQI4hINkYYUQ33yujgs39sexXIiNySQSSUDZC4UO7Tisgiv0JisKFhjEgcqQ06g2onmZlV_Ou6IaSWV1KdJK3TYxzAx_btg/s320/tumblr_p61wa9SlVn1r4d3w4o2_540.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGlduiSq7QeUcaY9elf-T_22GXY0d7sb7qwY_V_BdR4KdcGh7wYV3cl9DvcMXXf-P82mKOcxNdVUcfh_zNZ_kiyHxTnLgsqvwKH3_EZ5qMQvNVeXdqRMnVXyAl6iyOw-CqmLSgGcgjqqY/s1600/tumblr_p61wa9SlVn1r4d3w4o3_540.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="220" data-original-width="540" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGlduiSq7QeUcaY9elf-T_22GXY0d7sb7qwY_V_BdR4KdcGh7wYV3cl9DvcMXXf-P82mKOcxNdVUcfh_zNZ_kiyHxTnLgsqvwKH3_EZ5qMQvNVeXdqRMnVXyAl6iyOw-CqmLSgGcgjqqY/s320/tumblr_p61wa9SlVn1r4d3w4o3_540.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://bosswaldcobblepot.tumblr.com/post/172172365624">Source</a></span></div>
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Over at the hospital, Gordon wakes up. He asks Harvey how he's still alive (considering he got shot four times, I'm wondering the same thing). Harvey replies that Lee took care of him until the medics arrived. He also remarks that Sofia is currently in a coma (guess headshots aren't as effective as they used to be). </div>
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Gordon says that once he's out of the hospital, he'll come clean about Sofia and Pyg. Harvey says that if he did that, the only person who'd benefit would be Gordon himself. He'd get to feel like a martyr, but the GCPD would lose their leader. He tells Gordon that the only way to pay his debt is by living with it, just like Harvey's had to live with the things he's done. Gordon then asks where Lee is. Harvey says she went back to the Narrows to deal with "unfinished business."</div>
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What kind of unfinished business, you ask? Oh, you know. Just taking back her turf, telling Samson to leave, and smashing his hand in with a hammer.</div>
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Back at the Sirens' Club, Barbara's migraines continue. Tabitha tries to talk to her about the danger of Penguin coming after them now that Sofia's gone, but Barbara yells at her to shut up. After Tabitha leaves, Barbara notices that her hand is glowing. She looks at it, and then looks at the crowd . . . only to see a familiar face.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8MDfk14j5xVgmgA7IeOArHUHro0EWTqv7-MTpLgN7AzGpjBCD5uADwjDDcZrVOzA7CIQP03UTfDkVrXfMyF3z3_YfLARq-u9QMw0D2embgw5YlNT42izHTOvOSSoPlw0ZIMXfPJuwlzk/s1600/tumblr_p62ccny8761unsbsso5_400.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="197" data-original-width="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8MDfk14j5xVgmgA7IeOArHUHro0EWTqv7-MTpLgN7AzGpjBCD5uADwjDDcZrVOzA7CIQP03UTfDkVrXfMyF3z3_YfLARq-u9QMw0D2embgw5YlNT42izHTOvOSSoPlw0ZIMXfPJuwlzk/s1600/tumblr_p62ccny8761unsbsso5_400.gif" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmz0CbbMYkky5Lv1EBZCkfmZJFYcbnnInZN8vQ8lFiLI9NhxrDngldL-Ehp7VyNPDLvCtp5kxiiqJESYygogQV2US_hUFMIBRp6Xl_5ItV944-tWk_Bn-496wVJaQMW3a-AU4m3MKc9Co/s1600/tumblr_p62ccny8761unsbsso6_400.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="197" data-original-width="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmz0CbbMYkky5Lv1EBZCkfmZJFYcbnnInZN8vQ8lFiLI9NhxrDngldL-Ehp7VyNPDLvCtp5kxiiqJESYygogQV2US_hUFMIBRp6Xl_5ItV944-tWk_Bn-496wVJaQMW3a-AU4m3MKc9Co/s1600/tumblr_p62ccny8761unsbsso6_400.gif" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://itberice.tumblr.com/post/172181415813">Source</a></span></div>
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Looks like Ra's al Ghul is officially back in town. </div>
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<b>Plot B: My Ex-Girlfriend Still Misses Me, But Her Aim is Getting Better</b></div>
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In the halls of Wayne Manor, Bruce hears rustling from the kitchen. He creeps around the corner with a poker in hand, only to find Selina rooting through his cabinets. She comments that she can't find any food, and he asks what's wrong.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSgfPDzeUdYYpdSajBvJG3GdJz60SCRWdfYe_LXC0SMWRQ0YOIeZKJz3nnBjP_rpOsNvmMIcmWzjoSg8Sk50yZe0G9KSAqg-mGp9o5P6TMtI5rDzwItMxOvO5Ce3wzWJ5p57p3S4M72J0/s1600/tumblr_p60tj4N67s1vszc6ro2_1280.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSgfPDzeUdYYpdSajBvJG3GdJz60SCRWdfYe_LXC0SMWRQ0YOIeZKJz3nnBjP_rpOsNvmMIcmWzjoSg8Sk50yZe0G9KSAqg-mGp9o5P6TMtI5rDzwItMxOvO5Ce3wzWJ5p57p3S4M72J0/s400/tumblr_p60tj4N67s1vszc6ro2_1280.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw7uhr5nn5BB1QOXjmXKf-SRFkBCUbo44GamzMex9Wbd6K-pzKm4YT_1jpxBakkKjkb74XBQsBXzBUnlHVg2qIZYhQ4ZFwQTh8Kvl7vimMbabwXYSa0u95DCUQBI9jkOtFgc69H9FtTJA/s1600/tumblr_p60tj4N67s1vszc6ro1_1280.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw7uhr5nn5BB1QOXjmXKf-SRFkBCUbo44GamzMex9Wbd6K-pzKm4YT_1jpxBakkKjkb74XBQsBXzBUnlHVg2qIZYhQ4ZFwQTh8Kvl7vimMbabwXYSa0u95DCUQBI9jkOtFgc69H9FtTJA/s400/tumblr_p60tj4N67s1vszc6ro1_1280.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK_8ZypmKlDjQBa88LxqHpeYvp37ZWFDEajVv0PtruZKk37n19XMOE_cXfI8AuXgoQZKq4R72tJRNgJy-rKo6-J-tqLms-dzGCQVK3bopwrj5z-uBMErv9tw7dWAoUdmhlfFqCdHhdCBo/s1600/tumblr_p60tj4N67s1vszc6ro3_1280.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK_8ZypmKlDjQBa88LxqHpeYvp37ZWFDEajVv0PtruZKk37n19XMOE_cXfI8AuXgoQZKq4R72tJRNgJy-rKo6-J-tqLms-dzGCQVK3bopwrj5z-uBMErv9tw7dWAoUdmhlfFqCdHhdCBo/s400/tumblr_p60tj4N67s1vszc6ro3_1280.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://softboysam.tumblr.com/post/172155318380/i-need-help">Source</a></span></div>
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Selina says she needs help, which Bruce translates as "money." She explains that she stole something and wants to get it back from the fence. She'd steal it back herself, but the fence isn't a pleasant character, so she figured it'd be safer to pay. Bruce wonders why she doesn't just get the money from Barbara. Selina says she doesn't want to get Barbara involved. </div>
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When Bruce asks why she even wants the item back, Selina admits that it's the necklace she stole from Rowland Charles' wife. She tells Bruce she didn't know Ivy was going to kill him, and he realizes that she feels bad about being involved with the crime. He tells her he'll get the money, and adds that there are oatmeal raisin cookies in a nearby tin. </div>
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Once they arrive at the fence's place, Selina remarks that Bruce is different. In her exact words, he "was a total douchebag" at the club, but now he's not. He tries to apologize, but she cuts him off.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://alecblushed.tumblr.com/post/172154650767/youre-just-different-different-how-you-were-a">Source</a></span></div>
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The fence, Floyd, arrives with thugs in tow. Selina says she's there for the necklace, but he says his cameras caught her trying to steal it the night before. She offers to pay twice what she got for it. Floyd remarks that Bruce must be Selina's "bank." He then outright tells her that instead of paying to give back the necklace, he'll just take the money and anything else valuable that they have. </div>
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As he's in the middle of his threat, Bruce throws a figurine to Selina, who uses it to whack one of the goons. A fight breaks out, which Bruce and Selina win (although Bruce does get hurt). Selina grabs the necklace and is ready to leave, but Bruce, naturally, drops some money next to the beat-up thugs. </div>
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Back at Wayne Manor, Bruce puts some ice on his wounded stomach. Selina asks if he can return the necklace instead of her, and he surmises that that's the real reason she came to him. She says that even though she didn't kill Charles, she was there when he died, and asks what she's supposed to tell the family. "Sorry for stealing your jewelry"? Bruce replies that, sometimes, that's enough.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Verdict</b></span></div>
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<b>Plot A: </b>I really enjoyed this plot, for a number of reasons. For starters, it was genuinely heartwarming to see Penguin and the Riddler become friends again, and that change didn't feel rushed. Both characters have struggled with trusting each other in the past, and they both regained that trust by making sacrifices for each other in this episode. Also, I didn't realize how much I missed seeing the Riddler and Penguin play off each other. That scene with the "chilly Trojan horse" plan was <i>golden. </i></div>
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As for Sofia Falcone, I feel like it was the right time to get rid of her. She's been a good villain for most of the season, but she was becoming too untouchable. While I do think it's a bit unrealistic for her to have survived a headshot, I also understand why the writers decided to leave her in a coma. </div>
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Falcone and Maroni are already dead, which makes her the only villain left in Gotham with ties to the old-fashioned mob. Killing off Maroni was a risky but well-executed move on the writers' part. It showed early on that no one in the show was invulnerable and confirmed that the show was creating its own twist on Batman's mythology. Killing Falcone was a little more questionable; it cemented Sofia's control of Gotham but at the cost of killing off a major character in the Batman mythos.</div>
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If the writers were to kill off Sofia for good, they'd run out of mob characters to draw from (unless they want to drag out someone more obscure, like Rex Calabrese, or turn Grundy back into Butch for good, which would be a little cheap). These characters help contrast the more colorful supervillains of <i>Gotham</i> and keep the world grounded at times.</div>
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But I digress. Plot A did a good job of weaving several characters into a well-paced storyline. It also had some serious impacts on the rest of this season. Penguin and the Riddler are friends again, Lee's back in power, Sofia's dethroned, and Ra's appears to be making a comeback. </div>
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As for Ra's al Ghul, I think there's a lot of questions that won't be answered until at least the next episode. Is Ra's really in the club, or is Barbara hallucinating? What's the power that Ra's transferred to Barbara back in episode 5, and how will she use it? Is Ra's alive, or is he in Barbara's head somehow? Is he going to be resurrected in his own body or start using hers? Honestly, there are a lot of ways this could go. I'm just glad that Ra's doesn't seem to be gone for good. </div>
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<b>Plot B: </b>While the quest to get back Mrs. Charles' necklace may have been insignificant, it served the purpose of bringing Selina and Bruce back together—and for that, I'm grateful. Watching the two of banter back and forth and fight alongside is always fun, especially since both characters are getting nearer to their comic book counterparts. </div>
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Was this plot an excuse to make Bruce and Selina friends again? Yes, but that doesn't make it a bad storyline. It also served to remind that audience that while Selina doesn't think of herself as a hero, she does care about people and doesn't want to hurt the innocent.</div>
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Plot A may have a longer-lasting effect on the season as a whole, but Plot B was just as fun to watch. Banter? Check. Awesome fight scene? Check. Bat-Cat one episode closer to fighting Jerome together, as seen in the promo below? <i>Check. </i></div>
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<b>Overall, this is one of the best episodes of season 4 and arguably one of the best out of the show. </b>Just one day after it premiered, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt7679128/ratings?ref_=tt_ov_rt">189 IMDB users</a> had rated it at an average of 9.3, making it the highest-rated episode of the show on so far on IMDB even above "Heavydirtysoul" and "The Gentle Art of Making Enemies" (my personal favorite).</div>
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There are certain episodes of <i>Gotham </i>where I'm tempted to fast-forward through certain storylines, but this wasn't one of them. Each plot was riveting from start to finish. And from the looks of the promo for next week's episode, things aren't about to slow down.</div>
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<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3UmaLrqRQdo" width="560"></iframe><br /></div>
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I'll be back next week with another recap, if I haven't fangirled myself into a coma (which is entirely possible). For now, comment below with your thoughts on this episode. What's your theory on Barbara? What do you want to see in the rest of the season? Who's been the best villain this season?</div>
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Until next time, stay safe and avoid baby resorts. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4675533200914366163.post-11075259069442232552018-03-26T17:00:00.000-07:002018-03-26T17:00:11.733-07:00Fandom Foods: Happy Waffle Day!March 25th was National Waffle Day, so to celebrate such a glorious holiday, I would like to provide you with a recipe for your everyday, typical waffle and then offer some tweaks with fandom twists.<br />
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First, here is your ordinary waffle recipe, the bare bones of our fandom foodie fun:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4kvdzSkSzC8vy1G0YvTadIs0_K9BonqRIgIHPFWM41zYROaKEOqTlgwOSAg4vrI6VeVj0bd6oBck9Ee53VgBmOu2QXMfzpJevc2ALIrmwdP12-rolEAlnrHUPWEkudqoAc-HMfr0XLxM/s1600/waffle-heart-2697904_1920.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4kvdzSkSzC8vy1G0YvTadIs0_K9BonqRIgIHPFWM41zYROaKEOqTlgwOSAg4vrI6VeVj0bd6oBck9Ee53VgBmOu2QXMfzpJevc2ALIrmwdP12-rolEAlnrHUPWEkudqoAc-HMfr0XLxM/s640/waffle-heart-2697904_1920.jpg" /></a><br />
<h3>
<b>Typical Waffle Recipe</b></h3>
2 cups all-purpose flour<br />
<div>
1 teaspoon salt<br />
4 teaspoons baking powder<br />
2 tablespoons white sugar<br />
2 eggs<br />
1 1/2 cups warm milk<br />
1/3 cup butter, melted<br />
1 teaspoon vanilla extract<br />
<br />
In a large bowl, mix together flour, salt, baking powder and sugar; set aside. Preheat waffle iron to desired temperature.<br />
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In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Stir in the milk, butter and vanilla. Pour the milk mixture into the flour mixture; beat until blended.<br />
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Ladle the batter into a preheated waffle iron. Cook the waffles until golden and crisp. Serve immediately.<br />
<h3>
<b><i>Stranger Things </i></b></h3>
Now, to put a fandom spin on these tasty treats. If we're talking waffles, then we HAVE to start with <i>Stranger Things</i>, right? El loves Eggos, but that doesn't mean we can't make hot, fresh, and homemade waffles.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="https://media.rbl.ms/image?u=%2Ffiles%2F2016%2F08%2F31%2F636082794530557422-122783537_eggoIsLife.gif&ho=https%3A%2F%2Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net&s=900&h=ac43ef1ba8bf3b85a8cf5f7c57ebb58bfff9fec144ce100d34b404f37af927d0&size=980x&c=3967588429" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(<a href="https://www.theodysseyonline.com/eleven-reasons-we-love-eleven">source</a>)</span></div>
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<b>Suggested Tweaks: </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Though, you could always just buy Eggo Waffles...<br />
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<b>Suggested Toppings: </b><br />
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French Fries (secondhand fries are fine) <br />
Ice Cream <br />
Apples <br />
Whipped Cream <br />
Snack Pack Chocolate Pudding<br />
<h3>
<b><i>Six of Crows</i> series</b></h3>
If you haven't read <i>Six of Crows</i> or anything by Leigh Bardugo for that matter, then I suggest you stop reading this post and pick up something by her immediately!<br />
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<img alt="Image result for six of crows" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51J5zgGCRPL.jpg" /></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Six-crows-01-French-ebook/dp/B01LZL3VAW"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Why is the French Edition so pretty?!)</span></a></div>
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One of the characters in the series is a girl named Nina, who is an accomplished magic user and avid waffle appreciator. She adores these fluffy, sweet treats. Thus, I present tweaks and toppings that I'm sure would be Nina (and Inej) approved. Since the country Nina comes from is based a lot on the Russian culture, I added some Russian flare to breakfast. </div>
<div>
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<b>Suggested Tweaks: </b><br />
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Add Cognac (brandy), condensed milk, and caramel to mixture and give it a traditional Russian flavor. For a non-alcoholic substitution, instead of using Cognac, replace with peach, pear or apricot juice.<br />
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<b>Suggested Toppings:</b><br />
More Caramel and chocolate never hurt!<br />
Walnuts (if not allergic)<br />
<h3>
<b><i>Teen Titans</i></b></h3>
<i>Teen Titans </i>(the original, not <i>Go!</i>) is about teenagers fighting crime, but more importantly, it's about friendship and the time we spent with the ones we love. Each team member has their own unique personality, so I thought that I'd give you several options about how to better your waffle experience. <br />
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<img alt="Waffles. it from a show.. Teen Titans!!!!" src="https://static.fjcdn.com/pictures/Waffles_931f70_101089.jpg" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(<a href="https://funnyjunk.com/funny_pictures/47365/Waffles/">source</a>)</div>
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With the team in mind, here they are:<br />
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<b>Suggested Tweaks:</b></div>
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Instead of regular eggs, make sure to use vegan substitutes. Beast Boy is vegetarian, but I'm positive he would much prefer the vegan recipe. Here's a recipe from the <a href="http://www.theflamingvegan.com/view-post/5-Ingredients-Easy-Vegan-Waffles">Flaming Vegan</a>: </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<b>Ingredients: </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
2 cups of all-purpose flour<br />
<div>
2 cups of unsweetened soy milk<br />
4 tablespoons of vegetable oil<br />
2 teaspoons of baking powder<br />
1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract<br />
1 pinch of salt<br />
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<b>Instructions: </b></div>
<div>
<br />
Step 1: Grease the waffle iron with a drop of vegetable oil and turn it on<br />
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Step 2: Mix the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl<br />
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Step 3: Add the soy milk, vegetable oil and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients<br />
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Step 4: Whisk the mixture by hand until it forms into a smooth batter<br />
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Step 5: Pour the batter into the waffle iron according to its instructions.</div>
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Second option might be to dye the waffles purple for Raven.<br />
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<b>Suggested Toppings: </b></div>
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<b><br /></b>Have a mustard dipping sauce on the side to satisfy Starfire, chocolate chips for Robin, and lots of crispy bacon for Cyborg (just, don't tell Beast Boy). </div>
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<h3>
<i><b>Persona 5</b></i></h3>
<i>Persona 5 </i>has become my latest obsession. It's a strategy game which revolves around the idea of teenagers, who usually do not have that much power in society, having the ability to change people's hearts for the better.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="360" src="https://steemitimages.com/0x0/http://u.cubeupload.com/sesatn00b/maxresdefault1.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(<a href="https://steemkr.com/gaming/@gamehouse/persona-5-our-no-1-game-of-2017-original-content-as-always">source</a>)</div>
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When it comes to food, there are many options in the game. Some food even gives you health or magic boosts. So, since Persona takes place in Tokyo, I wanted to offer Japanese flavor options. </div>
<div>
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<b>Suggested Tweaks: </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Add Matcha to the mix.<br />
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<b>Toppings: </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Assorted Fruit (pineapple, apple, strawberries, banana, berries) <br />
<br />
Red Bean Paste<br />
<h3>
<b><i>Voltron Legendary Defender </i></b></h3>
<i>Voltron</i> is a show about a group of people fighting to save the Galaxy. One of the characters, Hunk, is a brilliant chef, so when he's faced with alien food, he can get pretty creative.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Image result for voltron hunk food" height="179" src="https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/voltron/images/8/8f/7._Hunks_food_looks_great.png/revision/latest?cb=20160720025535" width="320" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://voltron.wikia.com/wiki/File:7._Hunks_food_looks_great.png">source</a>)</div>
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Here are some suggestions to help inspire you to think outside the box with your breakfast, just like Hunk!<br />
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<b>Suggested Tweaks: </b></div>
<div>
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Colored dye <br />
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Lemon juice <br />
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<b>Suggested Toppings: </b></div>
<div>
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Cut into triangles to signify Al markings<br />
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Boysenberry syrup <br />
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Star-shaped sprinkles<br />
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Incorporating fandom into anything can be fun. Having your passions shine through will brighten your day and get the creative juices flowing in new and exciting ways. Though Waffle Day has passed, know that if you so choose, waffles and fandoms can be enjoyed whenever you feel like it. If you like books AND waffles, be sure to follow my friend Jaime at her blog <a href="https://booksandwafflesblog.wordpress.com/">here</a>.<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Have you ever made fandom-inspired waffles? </h3>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0