Article contributed by Stacey Lannigan
Gotham may have concluded back in 2019, but what better time than now is there to take the opportunity to binge watch or rewatch the show in its entirety? While you’re watching, why not look out for these 10 great moments, listed in no particular order, from Gotham!
“There Will Be Light” (Season 1)
When rookie detective Jim Gordon and his partner, Harvey Bullock, arrive in the alley to investigate the crime scene of the Wayne murders, the first thing Harvey wants to do upon learning who the victims were is to leave. Jim, on the other hand, is already speaking to the witness, the one and only Bruce Wayne. This scene marks the beginning of the friendship which Jim and Bruce form throughout the show and what a heartwarming scene it is! Jim’s attempt to comfort a grieving Bruce with the advice that “however dark and scary the world might be right now, there will be light” is one which could be applied to our own realities and, like Bruce, has definitely stuck with me since hearing it.
Trip Down Memory Lane (Season 5)
It’s time to take a trip down memory lane, or rather an alley in season 5 of Gotham! Desperate to be bonded to Bruce and having failed to win his love, Jeremiah settles for their bond to be one born of hatred. Cue perhaps one of the show’s most psychologically thrilling scenes as Bruce is forced to relive the day that his parents were murdered in a twisted recreation orchestrated by Jeremiah himself. However, it is the alleyway scene that sends chills down viewers spines, especially when Jeremiah reveals that he had already murdered the look-a-like Wayne’s and the couple that Bruce risks losing now is none other than his good friend Lee Thompkins and Jim Gordon, his second father figure.
Batman Reveal (Season 5)
Gotham’s finale takes viewers ten years into the future and revolves around the return of boy billionaire, Bruce Wayne. However, Bruce is not a boy anymore and he’s also nowhere to be seen. Viewers are gifted with is a series of scenes teasing the long-awaited arrival of the bat vigilante and the quick flash of a cape, a shadowy figure, and the roof-top jumping stranger is all paid off with the reveal of a grown Bruce Wayne sporting his new suit. This scene may be the end of the show, but it’s by no means the end of Batman’s adventures and having watched Bruce grow throughout the series of the show, you can’t help but feel a sense of pride as he takes on the mantle of Gotham’s vigilante protector, the Batman.
Penguin Tells Ed He Loves Him. . . Sort Of! (Season 3)
One of the most popular ships in Gotham is none other than Nygmobblepot and shippers were overjoyed when, in season 3, Oswald Cobblepot came to the realisation that he was in love with one Edward Nygma. It might be a cliche romantic moment, but there is no doubting that this scene is one of the best in Gotham as after several pathetic attempts by Oswald, this smitten Penguin finally manages to confess his feelings to Ed…or at least to the empty chair where Ed is going to sit when he tells him for real. After all that Oswald has been through and to see him so enamoured, you can’t help but root for him and hope that his feelings are reciprocated.
Selina and Bruce’s First Kiss (Season 1)
This moment marks the first turning point in the early relationship between Bruce Wayne and Selina Kyle and therefore deserves a place on the list. Despite having a painfully obvious crush on Selina, a wary Bruce passes on the opportunity to kiss her for fear of her having ulterior motives. However, after having bonded over escaping assassins, Bruce receives a surprise visit from Selina who takes it upon herself to make the first move. This first kiss between the two youngsters is everything that a first kiss should be: short, sweet, and slightly awkward. What’s obvious, however, is that Selina might just have underlying feelings for Bruce as well. After all, she didn’t have to kiss him and just look at her little blush after she pulls away!
Penguin’s Showdown With Sofia Falcone (Season 4)
Nothing beats a showdown and that is exactly what we get in season 4 between none other than Oswald Cobblepot and Sofia Falcone. Intent on having Penguin submit and turn over control of the underworld, Sofia Falcone threatens the life of Martine, a small boy Penguin has taken a strong liking to. When Penguin seemingly submits, Sofia releases Martine and Penguin orders him to wait in the car before insisting to Sofia that he will not allow for the child to be used as a pawn against him. The showdown peaks with Penguin pulling out a detonator and causing the car behind him to explode, much to the surprise and horror of his opposition. This scene goes to show not only Penguin’s rage, but his cunningness as Martine’s murder turns out to be staged proving that Penguin’s heart isn’t just his greatest weakness but perhaps one of his most admirable strengths.
Hall Of Mirrors (Season 3)
With the last thing Jerome remembering after returning to the world of the living being trying to kill Bruce, it’s no surprise that he tries once again. When his plan fails, Jerome chases Bruce into a hall of mirrors and that is exactly what Bruce wanted. Believing that his guardian and friend, Alfred Pennyworth, has been murdered on Jerome’s orders, Bruce wastes no time in seeking revenge and the interaction between these two characters in this moment makes this scene one of the best of season 3. With Bruce having the advantage, as well as a shard of broken glass in his hand and Jerome inciting him to go ahead and put the weapon to use, Bruce catches a glimpse of himself in the mirror and chooses not to cross the line. This character-defining moment is a huge step in Bruce’s journey to establishing the rules upon which he will follow as Gotham’s vigilante bat.
Stand For Gotham (Season 5)
With Gotham on the brink of complete destruction and Bane and his army at the doors of the GCPD, it’s time to take a stand and it’s not just the cops who are doing so! Even Gotham’s criminals are joining the fight for the city in an alliance that sees our beloved heroes, such as Jim Gordon and Bruce Wayne, fighting alongside the likes of the Penguin and the Riddler. This unexpected alliance shows that despite their differences, the people of Gotham are able to unify against a common enemy when it’s their home that is under threat.
Mad Hatter’s Tea Party (Season 3)
You can’t have the Mad Hatter without a tea party and this moment is definitely one of Gotham‘s most tense. Blaming Jim Gordon for the death of his sister, Jervis Tetch is hellbent on getting revenge and what better way to do that than threaten the one who Jim loves the most. However, Jim Gordon’s heart seems to belong to two, but that doesn’t stop Jervis as he forces Jim to choose between his current girlfriend, Valerie Vale, and his true love, Lee Thompkins. With one of their lives on the line, watching Jim Gordon come to a decision is a great insight into the mind and heart of our beloved detective!
Bruce Bids Alfred Farewell, For Now (Season 5)
It’s an emotional farewell between these two characters in the penultimate episode of the final season of Gotham. As Bruce Wayne makes the decision to leave Gotham, both he and Alfred share a heartwarming goodbye and this scene proves to be an absolute tearjerker as Alfred advises Bruce that, whilst he never once tried to replace his parents, Bruce is the only son that he will ever have. We know that Bruce will one day return, we can’t help but stare at the screen and sniffle at this emotional adieu between the two characters whose bond is perhaps the strongest of all shown throughout the show.
