Originally published May 30, 2016. Updated November 29, 2022.
Martin Carr reviews the season 2 finale of Gotham…
With a fire and ice standoff, Russian roulette question and answer sessions and Gordon bound in the basement, Gotham’s finale ‘Transference’ was shaping up to be an interesting proposition. What felt a bit odd though was the lack of finality about the season closer, bearing in mind there had been such focus throughout.
Wong was reduced to a gibbering idiot, with bombs in the basement, monsters being shipped off in what looked like a converted school bus as Peabody remained ineffectual. While the dialogue heavy exchange between himself and Gordon proved a singular high point, alongside McKenzie playing deranged as a cloned inmate. Nygma’s questioning of Lucius and Wayne junior was reminiscent of the Joker in those Rock Steady award winning Batman franchise games. A series of scenes in which Smith was clearly having fun, but the set up and pay off was unfortunately obvious.
Aside from those misgivings what continues to rankle is the reappearance of Fish Mooney. She made a dignified exit over the non-renewal of contracts in season one, while her return here feels like an afterthought, ratings winner and unnecessary addition. As for a ‘secret council’ there has been little or no mention of this apart from the last few episodes. To the point where it feels superfluous and something else which threatens to ruin all this good work.
Firefly and Freeze also felt forced and unnecessary. Granted there was plenty of spectacle but it amounted to not much at all. While the only other satisfaction came in the final minutes when Butch, Penguin and company unleashed hell brandishing Bren guns. That Gotham can so half-heartedly fudge a finale with so much going on, says a great deal for those behind it. As a piece of entertainment ‘Transference’ hit all the right notes, but failed to cohesively gel together into something which did anyone justice.
That Wayne senior started Indian Hill and is therefore responsible in some way for all of this, goes some way to explaining the curious final few minutes. But at the same time its inclusion in those final moments smack of pure sensationalism. Another means of keeping the audience tuned in, because let’s be honest season two was a vast improvement. If they can repeat in season three what they almost managed here, but include a finale which works Gotham might go out in style. Rather than in the back of a meat wagon.
Martin Carr – Follow me on Twitter
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