Gotham: A Look Back at the Batman Prequel That Took a Chance on a Different Kind of Gotham
The world of Batman has yielded numerous television adaptations, from the vibrant animation of "Batman: The Animated Series" to the gritty realism of "Gotham," a show that dared to explore a side of the Bat-mythos never seen before. "Gotham" took the bold step of focusing on the formative years of Jim Gordon, the future commissioner of Gotham City, while Bruce Wayne, still a boy grappling with his parents’ tragic murder, navigated his own lonely journey to becoming the iconic Dark Knight. Though the show’s premise might seem unconventional, it carved out a unique space within the expansive Batman universe, capturing the hearts of fans and critics alike.
A Premise Born From A Legal Drama:
"Gotham" creator Bruno Heller initially set out to create a legal drama titled "The Advocates" featuring Ben McKenzie, who would eventually become the iconic Jim Gordon. When "The Advocates" didn’t find a home, Heller pivoted, recognizing Batman’s inherent appeal for television, but with a twist. Inspired by his son’s love for Batman comics, Heller realized the show’s focus shouldn’t be on the Caped Crusader himself, but rather on the world around him, particularly the young detective tasked with solving the Waynes’ murder.
"From that, a young detective investigating the Wayne murders was a natural concentration of ideas," Heller shared in an interview with IGN. "As soon as that notion hit, that he was the cop that investigates the death of the Waynes…The whole series is right there. It’s Batman as a boy, the origin stories of all those characters like the Joker and the Riddler and the Penguin, but as young people."
A Focus on Origin Stories:
Heller’s vision for "Gotham" was to explore the genesis of the iconic villains often associated with Batman; however, rather than showcasing their mature, villainous personas, he wanted to unearth their beginnings, their struggles, and the events that ultimately shaped their destinies.
"You had one kid’s journey losing his parents, and you had this other kid who had nothing," said executive producer Danny Cannon, highlighting the contrasting paths of young Bruce Wayne and the future Penguin, Oswald Cobblepot. "One was going to build his life up with his butler and with Jim Gordon, and look into his parents’ death and become inquisitive. […] And this other one, the only way he could become a man and become the person he wanted to be was by treading on the skulls of the dead, and making it happen for himself in a nefarious way."
Finding the Perfect Cast:
Casting the right actors was critical to "Gotham’s" success. While McKenzie was "written with him in mind" for Gordon, the same couldn’t be said for the rest of the cast. Many initially auditioned without knowing they were tackling a Batman-related project. Sean Pertwee, who embodied the steadfast Alfred Pennyworth, only discovered the show’s true nature just before his audition. Camren Bicondova, who portrayed the quick-witted Selina Kyle (later Catwoman), found out she landed the role in a charming, albeit confusing, way.
"I think they said, ‘You’re Catwoman,’ but the first thing they said was ‘meow.’ And I was like, ‘What? I don’t understand," Bicondova recalled.
David Mazouz, who brought a young, grieving Bruce Wayne to life, however, knew the role he was auditioning for. He was at the top of the list, having stood out in his previous role on Fox’s "Touch."
"Gotham" offered its cast a platform to explore their characters in ways seldom seen in the Batman universe. The show’s unique premise and casting, coupled with captivating storylines, garnered a loyal fanbase and propelled the show to a five-season run, spanning 100 episodes.
Breaking the Mold:
"Gotham" challenged conventions by taking a more grounded and character-driven approach. Instead of focusing on the often-flashy superheroics, the series delved into the dark underbelly of Gotham, exploring the corruption, crime, and the constant battle for justice. The show also embraced a grittier aesthetic, showcasing a darker, more realistic side of the Batman mythos.
"We showed we were able to play with canon and to play with these classic storylines in a way that was brave in many ways and also unexpected by many fans," Robin Lord Taylor, who brought an unforgettable, nuanced performance to the role of Oswald Cobblepot, said.
Breaking free from the limitations of typical superhero television allowed "Gotham" to showcase the complex moral ambiguity of the characters, who were often forced to make difficult choices in their quest for justice. This added a layer of depth and relatability, making the characters more than just archetypes and granting them a depth rarely seen in other adaptations.
A Show That Pushed Boundaries:
"Gotham" didn’t shy away from exploring the darker aspects of its characters’ backstories, delving into the disturbing realities of Gotham’s criminal underbelly. This approach allowed for a greater understanding of the motivations and complexities of the villains, humanizing them while still maintaining their inherent wickedness.
"It’s a testament to both Robin’s portrayal, but also to showing that you can make what’s essentially, at least PG-13, if not R-rated show on network television by not dumbing it down to the audience, by keeping the plot lines intricate, the characters three dimensional," McKenzie shared, highlighting "Gotham’s" daring approach to storytelling.
Not only did the show introduce viewers to a more nuanced and complex world of Gotham, but it also provided a platform for a more mature and sophisticated portrayal of the Batman universe, pushing the boundaries of what a superhero show could be.
A Legacy of Impact:
Though "Gotham" might not be the most conventional Batman adaptation, it left a lasting impression on fans, critics, and the industry alike. The series’ impact is felt not only in the depth of its characters and storylines but also in its influence on subsequent Batman-related projects.
"Without Gotham, I don’t know that they would be making a show about the Penguin," McKenzie stated, recognizing "Gotham’s" contribution to reimagining these iconic characters in a more compelling and complex light.
The series provided a platform to explore the origins and motivations of beloved villains, further enriching their narratives and cementing their place in the Batman mythos. In essence, "Gotham" served as a testament to the versatility of the Batman universe, proving that even the most familiar stories could be revisited with fresh eyes and a bold perspective.
"Gotham," while a unique and ambitious venture, is ultimately a testament to the enduring appeal of the Batman mythos. It offered a different perspective, a glimpse into a world of crime, darkness, and fleeting hope within the confines of Gotham City, leaving audiences with a renewed appreciation for the enduring power of the Batman universe. Despite its departure from the conventional Batman tropes, "Gotham" proved that even in the absence of the Bat-Signal, stories could still unfold, leaving an indelible mark on the lore of Gotham City.
