Board Thread:General Discussion/@comment-183945-20141002195140

Gotham Episode 2 "Selina Kyle"

Tonight's problem in Gotham, a child slavery ring. This happens way too often in the comics, leaving me with the impression that you just shouldn't bring your kids to Gotham City. Like, ever. Selina is once again the highlight of the episode, getting more of a central role this time around. And she talks!

We have a pair of child-kidnappers that lure young street urchins with candy and a sunny disposition right out of Stepford. We get to see miss Kitty with some other kids this time. I like how she immediately knew the couple were dangerous and didn't follow her friends(?) into the truck. Stranger danger, indeed.

The side story with Oswald Cobblepot felt a little stale. After Gordon spared him last ep, he was in self-exile from Gotham. It was sort of interesting to see how he handles himself now that he's off Fish Mooney's leash, but they could have been more subtle. Killing some college kids for calling him "Penguin" (because of the way he walks now after Mooney mangled his legs), yes we KNOW who he becomes, stop shouting it in our faces!

The mayors of Gotham have always been scumbags, and it's good to know this show follows the tradition. After Gordon and a reluctant (as usual) Bullock rescue the kids from the child slavers (who unfortunately got away), the mayor declares that he'll "help" every lost child in Gotham by sending them Upstate to the orphanage. Even rookie Gordon heard about "Upstate children's orphanage", which is more prison for kids than anything. But hey, Mr. Mayors gotta get those brats off his streets somehow, right?

Selina shines as she backtalks a cop trying to load her on the bus for the trip. "Name?" "Go screw yourself." Love it. But while she's rough with adults, her heart opens for kids in distress, as she comforts a crying boy on the bus with some advice on how to survive "juvey" (My personal favorite? "If you ever get in a fight, GO FOR THE EYES!") Of course, the joyful child slavers hijack the bus she happens to be on. Leading to a really well done game of cat and mouse. Girl's got skills! Gordon ends up saving the day, because of course he does. I'm wondering how he got to the site so fast without his own bat-hook. Maybe he hitched a ride on Superman's back?

I won't say anything about the Bruce arc, because it was stupid and unnecessary. I actually think this show would be better with LESS appearances of Bruce freakin' Wayne. There I said it.

Best Selina Moment: Threatening a cop that if he doesn't bring Jim Gordon to talk to her in 3 seconds, she'll scream and tell everyone he touched her. Oh Selina, you totally would have, too.

Bartlebycs Score: 8.0 