Holy ‘Gotham’ Season 2, Batman!

Ben McKenzie, James Gordon on FOX’s Gotham, recently talked with Entertainment Weekly about what’s in store for season two of the show (premiering Monday, September 21st at 8pm). He talked about the show moving away from the procedural approach into a more serialized presentation—giving story arcs more episodes to play out. “I think we made a mistake relatively early on in trying to introduce a villain and take care of that villain in one episode: catch them, send them to Arkham, do whatever,” McKenzie said. “That was just a mistake. We should’ve never done it.”

I really don’t think that was the problem—I believe that either approach could be satisfying when done right. I think the real issue at odds is that the main character, Gordon, is rather “one note.” However, that is more or less the case for every character on the show—except for maybe Donal Logue’s Harvey Bullock. For the most part we’re just seeing shades of one mood from every character. Under different circumstances, I might hold the actors responsible—but when it’s every character and that same sentiment can be extended to every plot, I gotta start thinking it’s the writing.

So: Dear Gotham creators, congratulations for putting together a really good show, getting it on the air and having it picked up for a second season! An accomplishment truly remarkable in today’s cutthroat television landscape!—nearly akin to birthing a unicorn. Seriously, awesome job so far. You’ve assembled quite the rogues gallery of talent to play your characters each week too. My suggestion?—use them more. One sure way to ensure your show has longevity is to get viewers to connect with your characters—and the best way to do that is to make them human. Give them some human moments, plots and experiences. Let’s see Gordon relaxed, joking and enjoying a moment more often—it’s what humans do. It’s just those sorts of moments that will also paint a starker contrast to the o’erhanging gloom of Gotham City itself. If we can see all these characters a bit more like humans that possess the full range of emotions, we’re far more likely to invest in them and, therefore, the show. (Are any of us interested in the fate of a coworker whose every comment is a complaint?) If it’s just a bummer-fest with the bummer squad each week, eh—maybe Joker should hurry up, come of age and finish them all off already. Just a thought. [Example? Weakest part of The Walking Dead: the half season where everyone was just bummed out about the bummer that life had become.]

Now, there’s also talk of bringing in a ton of new villains, which is fun—and McKenzie did go on to say, “The audience really wants to understand who these people are and live with them, sit with them and enjoy them. Whether they’re evil or good, they are entertaining. So that’s what we’re doing in season two.” Well then, maybe everything is right on track and we’re in for a heck of great ride this season. I hope so—I love watching people, who are clearly putting in the effort, win—especially after going through the pains of birthing a unicorn this cool.