If you have yet to familiarize yourself with FOX's latest breakout series, Gotham , then believe me when I say that you are truly missing out on some top quality television. Not only does this series give you a firsthand look at Gotham City's criminal underbelly, but it also allows viewers the chance to get to know some of DC Comic's most iconic heroes and villains right from the very beginning of their origin stories. Sounds pretty great, right? Well, thanks to the power of Netflix, any non-watchers of the series (or those who simply want to experience the action all over again) will be able to watch Gotham Season 1 on Netflix starting on September 21, which just so happens to coincide with the exact date that Gotham Season 2 premieres.
Now, obviously, this doesn't give interested viewers much time to stream all 22 episodes in less than a 24 hour time period. (But for those of you who have both the time and will power to accomplish such a feat, then I say God speed!) But for the rest of you out there who are looking for a quick catch-up session before the second season debuts, here are some of the more must-see episodes that definitely deserve a re-watch. (Or first-watch if you're one of the newcomers.) So sound that bat signal and let the marathoning begin!
"Pilot" — Episode 1
The best place to start is always at the beginning and the Gotham pilot is no exception. Not only does this introduce all of our pivotal characters — both good and bad — but it also helps to establish the general tone of the show and give viewers a sense of where the overall storyline is headed.
"Spirit Of The Goat" — Episode 6
Incorporated with a series of flashbacks, this episode gives us a more in-depth look at Detective Bullock's character and one of the sinister villains from his days as a newbie cop, which involves a twist you definitely won't see coming. Also, you might want to think about watching this episode during the day.
"Penguin's Umbrella" — Episode 7
For me, this was the episode that proved just how amazing Gotham is capable of being. Every scene and every character felt more compelling than ever, which helped to propel the plot to a big climatic finish. If you don't find yourself literally on the edge of your seat throughout pretty much the entire hour, then you're doing something wrong. Get ready, because this is what good TV looks like.
"Lovecraft" — Episode 10
As a group of assassins attack Wayne Manor, this gives us a chance to see the interesting friendship/romance blooming between Selina and Bruce. If they only knew what their futures had in store…
"The Blind Fortune Teller" — Episode 16
Sure, a murder at a circus is always interesting, but it's made doubly so when the suspect turns out to be one of the most legendary villains in DC Comcis history — Jerome… or should I really be saying, The Joker? That laugh alone will send chills up your spine.
"Under The Knife" — Episode 20
Milo Ventimiglia shines in his dark role as the "Ogre," who ends up luring Barbara into his lair. I'm honestly not sure what's more disturbing: his character or the fact that I still find him insanely attractive. Oh, and to top it off, poor Edward Nygma does something that leads him down a not-so-innocent path.
“All Happy Families Are Alike” — Episode 22
As you would expect, this show's season finale was chock-full of action and resulted in pretty much everyone trying to kill each other. But bloodshed aside, one of the more intriguing moments had to do with Bruce finding a secret passage way in his father's study. Something tells me things are about to get bat-sh*t crazy. (Pun very much intended!)
Images: FOX; Jessica Miglio/FOX (7)
