REVIEW: GOTHAM Episode 1: "Pilot"

REVIEW: GOTHAM Episode 1: "Pilot"

With Gotham finally making its debut on Fox not too long ago, I share my thoughts on the Batman prequel. How was it? Hit the jump to find out what...

Review Opinion
By D117 - Sep 22, 2014 07:09 PM EST
Filed Under: Gotham

I wasn't 100% on the idea of having a show based on Batman, you know without  Batman. But once I started hearing more about it, the more I was convinced. Mainly with Ben McKenzie cast as the lead, who is no stranger to this universe, as he provided the voice of The Dark Knight in the 2011 animated film, Batman: Year One.

But now that I've finally watched the pilot, I'll say that I was impressed, surprised even. First thing that caught my eye was the cinematography, dark, dirty and sufficient to keep me invested. Ben McKenzie and Donal Logue instantly click as Jim Gordon and Harvey Bullock, having great chemistry, butting heads with one another.

The story is very straightforward, diving into the murder of Thomas and Martha Wayne, leaving a young Bruce Wayne (David Mazouz) completely terrified. The interesting thing is how relatively shady things go down, simply trying to keep things tight lipped. And that comes with huge consequences, as trust is subsequently questioned.

It was great to see some cameos from Edward Nygma (Cory Michael Smith), Selina Kyle (Cameren Bicondova) amongst others. Glad to see Jada Pinkett Smith again, who is great as Fish Mooney, but the big surprise was Robin Lord Taylor as Oswald Cobblepot, who was awesome. 

Gotham is heading in the right direction so far, and has huge potential. Great leads in McKenzie and Logue, good story and characters, I'll definitely be sure to tune in next week.

RATING: 3.5/5

GOTHAM KNIGHTS Showrunner Confirms Kevin Conroy Was Being Lined Up For One-Off Appearance As Batman
Related:

GOTHAM KNIGHTS Showrunner Confirms Kevin Conroy Was Being Lined Up For One-Off Appearance As Batman

GOTHAM KNIGHTS Finally Introduces Two-Face In Series Finale - See Harvey Dent's Transformation Here!
Recommended For You:

GOTHAM KNIGHTS Finally Introduces Two-Face In Series Finale - See Harvey Dent's Transformation Here!

DISCLAIMER: As a user generated site and platform, ComicBookMovie.com is protected under the DMCA (Digital Millenium Copyright Act) and "Safe Harbor" provisions.

This post was submitted by a user who has agreed to our Terms of Service and Community Guidelines. ComicBookMovie.com will disable users who knowingly commit plagiarism, piracy, trademark or copyright infringement. Please CONTACT US for expeditious removal of copyrighted/trademarked content. CLICK HERE to learn more about our copyright and trademark policies.

Note that ComicBookMovie.com, and/or the user who contributed this post, may earn commissions or revenue through clicks or purchases made through any third-party links contained within the content above.

staypuffed
staypuffed - 9/23/2014, 4:49 AM
Nice review. I'll watch it whenever it arrives in Australia.
MightyZeus
MightyZeus - 9/23/2014, 5:15 AM
Interesting review. I'll give it a watch when it airs in Australia.
CredibleHulk
CredibleHulk - 9/23/2014, 9:19 AM
I was surprised. It was pretty good. This kind of show is going to have a shelf life though.
The thing that doomed Smallville was it's longevity.
At a certain point I'm sure people are going to stop enjoying the tease and want to see the batman.
Given the quality of this production, I think a full on batman tv show like this could be potentially amazing and epic.
Eghan6
Eghan6 - 9/23/2014, 9:28 AM
Anyone pick-up on the Joker cameo?
MacacoMalandro
MacacoMalandro - 9/23/2014, 9:28 AM
weak pilot.
The bad dialog and stupid decisions make me cringe a lot.
To much stuff happening and forcing characters into the plot just for a tease.
At least the cast is good, but i see that this show will be blunt and dull.
ThedamnBatman
ThedamnBatman - 9/23/2014, 9:35 AM
I gotta say I was pleasantly surprised from the show, it had a strong opening, and a very fast pace for a first pilot.

The young Bruce Wayne though, chews up every scene he's in, I'd like to see more of him and Alfred.

I really hope we do see a long journey of this kid becoming Batman, as in a longetivity, that hasn't been done before.

Enjoyed it and lookin forward to the next
acecomics12
acecomics12 - 9/23/2014, 10:48 AM
I'd give the pilot a 2.5-3/5 but I think this show has the cast to really be something great. We just need to give them a few episodes to find out what type of show it wants to be.
KillerOfSaints
KillerOfSaints - 9/23/2014, 11:10 AM
Yes Eghan...the comedian with Fish
Ceejay
Ceejay - 9/23/2014, 12:48 PM
Utter contrived crap of a first episode. Has a kiddie Selina Kyle already an acrobat working the rooftops as a thief, witnessing the Wayne murders??? Stalking Bruce Wayne at the funeral?? Harvey Bullock and Jim Gordon as partners??? Framing Poison Ivy's dad for the crime?? Getting forensic evidence advice from The Riddler?? Montoya already all grown up and a detective with not only the Penguin her informant but a past lesbian relationship with Jim Gordons wife??

Die hard fanboys only, one stupid episode crammed full of contrived bollocks is enough for me to bail on.
Azazel1
Azazel1 - 9/23/2014, 1:15 PM
Solid opening -can't wait to see where it goes...
ChuckV
ChuckV - 9/23/2014, 2:01 PM
NOT a big fan of origin stories, especially one that's been told repeatedly. Still, the cast was really good, not argument there…. but the storyline is key for success… seems like a tough sell to me but the next few episodes should make the quality of the series clearer.
TheOnlyWoj
TheOnlyWoj - 9/23/2014, 2:31 PM
I thought it was resoundingly mediocre. Why would Bullock/Gordon be in trouble for killing "an innocent man", who shot at Jim and tried to kill him with a knife? What the heck was up with Oswald killing the man with the knife and then the ominous music kicking in WHEN HE ATE THE SANDWICH?! It was like the killing wasn't the shocking event, but eating that sandwich was. It was the weirdest ending to a show I've ever seen.
View Recorder