The critical acclaim and insane amount of fan fervor received by NBCs Hannibal has proven two different, but equally noteworthy things about the state of modern broadcast television: firstly, that if a show is well written, well shot, and well acted enough to garner huge buzz, then it doesnt matter how violent or disturbing or controversial the material is: just so long as the trophies, Top 10 lists, and feature articles keep on rolling in, the network will continue to air it. And secondly, its also proven that even if the ratings for such a disputable show arent exceptional heck, even if theyre sort of terrible that a strong, vocal contingent of passionate viewers can possess the power to keep that series on the air, at least for a tad bit longer. If Heller and his team are truly are interested in making Gotham into a series that's more than just safe, ratings-guaranteed filler for Monday nights, but instead something thats as bold and daring and unapologetically gutsy (no pun intended) as NBCs prize program, then easing up on Nygmas kooky office antics and Selina Kyle's "cute" visits with Bruce Wayne while emphasizing the series quotient of pitch-black-storytelling and horror movie-esque imagery is the best way to start accomplishing that. Sure, the show might lose some younger viewers (who, lets be honest, probably shouldnt even be watching Gotham as it is now), and no, the amount of violence or lack thereof doesnt necessarily make or break a shows quality but at the very least, it would represent a significant step in the right direction for the series, as well as serving as a nice repudiation of the milquetoast methodology it's abided by thus far in favor of something substantially more interesting.
