So, does this play out as an origins showcase for the villains of Gotham? I could see some real interesting long-term arcs. The Riddler and Penguin both come to mind.
So many questions though? Will this tie into the expanded universe? How many seasons can this go before they eventually introduce Batman. With Batman active could this show survive with him as a background character and not a lead? I am definitely going to give this a shot.
Originally posted by bubblesthechimpSo many questions though? Will this tie into the expanded universe? How many seasons can this go before they eventually introduce Batman.
well seeing as young Gordon might be around 20 and Batman Gordon is what 50?
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I'm really shocked this won't be on The CW. I have a bad feeling where there will be a repeat of the T:TSCC situation where the ratings just aren't high enough since Fox doesn't own the property and cancels it anyway.
This is a brilliant idea, as it's the closest we're ever going to get to a Gotham Central television show. They don't even need to go with the main Bat rogues, either. Go with crime bosses like Tobias Whale or The Great White Shark and have Black Mask be the show's main villain. You can get a ton of mileage out of this, assuming licensing issues don't get in the way.
You can still get plenty of fan service moments by introducing the rest of the recognizable Gotham PD: Renee Montoya, Crispus Allen, and have a lovable fat guy type play Harvey Bullock. It's what I've always wanted: a TV Gotham Central!
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Then again...
I don't know anything about that Gotham show, and I have no idea if it's anything to do with Gotham Central in any way. I'm guessing not.
This can be really good, but it's all going to depend on how much effort Fox puts into it and whether or not they can get around licenses. For as solid a concept as this is, it could easily wind up becoming Birds of Prey.
(edited by It's False on 24.9.13 2217)
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If it's going to be a younger James Gordon as the main character, you won't see Batman show up unless the series runs for 20 seasons.
That said, Thomas and Martha Wayne could easily be characters. Unless the pilot shows Officer Gordon comforting a young lad who's just tragically lost his parents...
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I really like the idea of having the episodes revolve around the various crime families in Gotham, with a major super-criminal (like say, the Riddler) hanging around in the background of each season until the season finale. Something like Gordon and the GCPD figuring out that someone's playing the mobs against each other while solving their various crimes, and then having to deal with these major threats that are way beyond the cops' ability to handle. I'm sure at some point we get Batman introduced, but if this could run even for two or three seasons before that point, it could be really cool.
I would say they have to do the Wayne murders at some point. If they flash forward two years after it or something then they are throwing gold out the window. Like Big Bad said, you could have the Waynes as first season stars along with a young Bruce maybe even Alfred then at the finale do the murder. Even if they go with him comforting Bruce in the pilot, its not to say Gordon can't look in on him. They can even do the conspiracy game of was the murder, a hit? Maybe that can be their second season storyline.
My hope is that its not another cop show with names, we sorta know. The Wayne murders are too big to ignore or cast aside for the mythos. The other problem is this is Fox. They don't do drama well and nerd stuff either unless its comedy. Arrow is shockingly good and I think a lot of that has to do with the carnage that was Smallville and doing the opposite even though they refuse to call him Green Arrow which is just stupid. You have the rights use them. Which is my great fear for this show is they will kinda skirt the characters, fuck that go balls deep.
List of potential characters that could be used for this show.
Barbara Gordon-Jim's first wife.
Detective Flask-Jim's crocked partner.
Commissioner Loeb-Jim's crocked boss.
Jack Napier-Even though Nicholson will get paid for it, I say do it.
Joe Chill.
The Wayne Family.
The Falcone Family.
The Cobblepot Family.
Dr. Victor Freeze and his new wife Nora.
Lucius Fox.
Ras Al Ghul and the League of Assassins.
The JSA.
Who you can't have: Catwoman, Riddler, Two-Face and a bunch others who are Bruce's age.
The Wee Baby Sheamus.Twitter: @realjoecarfley its a bit more toned down there. A bit.
I don't think they're going to go with a James Gordon that is quite that young. Going back that far would severely limit their options as far as big bads and such. Without that type of connection to Batman's world this would probably come off as CSI: Gotham, which is something that really doesn't appeal to me.
Gordon was a transplant to Gotham when he joined the force; let it be set in the 3-5 years before Bruce Wayne returns. The first episode could set the time line by mentioning the mysterious disappearance of Bruce Wayne and how long he has been interspersed with Gordon's arrival in the city. This would set the stage for the eventual season finale in which Mr. Wayne returns to the city. And an entire season with Gordon and the GCPD tracking and investigating the city's newest vigilante.
Why would Nicholson get paid for them using Jack Napier? They don't even pay the people who actually created the characters they use!
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Originally posted by Mike ZeidlerWhy would Nicholson get paid for them using Jack Napier? They don't even pay the people who actually created the characters they use!
His Batman deal is the most ridiculous thing ever. Not only did he get a cut of the gross as well as a big payday to start off with, but he also had it written in any time, the Napier character is used, he gets a cut. The man is a genius. Its all in the Fatman on Batman podcast where Kev and his friend review Batman '89.
UPDATED with my thoughts and giddiness about this.
Originally posted by The GoonIf anything, this show has to feature a young Chief O'Hara, recently arrived from Ireland, helping Jim Gordon on his beat.
Originally posted by CerebusWasn't Birds of Prey on FOX and that failed.
WB.
And there's a big difference between Laeta Kalogridis, who wrote and ran Birds of Prey for a 2002, post season 1 Smallville The WB audience, and Bruno Heller, who wrote and ran Rome for HBO and The Mentalist for CBS (which I don't watch but my parents like).
As for the network, I don't think there's an issue of whether FOX can commit and back a violent show, which one would think Gotham would be. A lot of their big hit dramas in the past like Prison Break were violent shows, and 24 was one of the most violent shows ever. Jack Bauer was arguably the greatest mass murder ever on television (and will be again), and he was the good guy. At the end of the day, ratings will determine if FOX cancels Gotham.
At the very least, I think (or hope) we can reasonably expect a more "mature audiences" show set in Gotham. It may be based on a comic book setting, but removing Batman from the equation also largely removes the interest of children. (Plus the Nolan films established a non-kid friendly tone already, not that Gotham will be set in that universe.)
Cost. Much easier to do Gotham Law and Order than to do Gotham movie each week. On top of the fact they think fans will get confused when you see Bat-Fleck on the big screen and not on the small screen. The other problem is if TV Batman is better than movie one, it will cause too much headaches.
The Wee Baby Sheamus.Twitter: @realjoecarfley its a bit more toned down there. A bit.
I love these episodes where I go in expecting nothing and end up getting one of the better outings of the season. It's a three-way fight between the Avengers, AIM, and HYDRA, all fighting for the Cosmic Cube.