Ever since Fox first announced they were developing a prequel series around Batman, the most appealing aspect of the show was that it was based around the future Commissioner James Gordons formative years. Jim Gordon is an extremely understated hero of the entire DC Universe as hes an ordinary man doing his best to fight crime, both regular and super, in a world gone crazy. If Gotham is influenced by any Batman story it is perhaps Year One, which broadened the character of Jim Gordon as he did his best to battle against the corrupt forces of Gotham while hunting Batman before becoming his strongest supporter and, eventually, friend. Gotham is pulling Gordon in the same direction as Year One as hes seemingly tempted by his mentor, Detective Bullock, to embrace a tougher brand of justice as he faces down mobsters and politicians. Interestingly, the show is even influenced a bit by Batman Begins as Gordon comforts Bruce Wayne in the wake of the murders and helps him cope with the tragedy. This will only further show why, out of all the people Batman could have picked, he chose Gordon to help him in his crusade. Ben McKenzie, who coincidently voiced Batman in the Year One animated feature, seems to have Gordons character pegged and is one of the more outstanding pieces of casting in this show. Hopefully Gotham will really explore Gordons character and show why he deserves more credit than he usually gets.
Richard Church has a Bachelor of Arts in English and a diploma in Television Writing and Producing. He is an aspiring writer for short stories, novels and screenplays. He is also an avid fan of comic books and graphic novels.
