Lee gets a new look…

Things ramp up for the poor citizens of Gotham in “Heroes Rise: Pretty Hate Machine.” The show opens with yet another gathering of the Court of Owls. Bruce’s nameless friend takes the council to task for killing the Waynes. Their response is that Thomas Wayne stood against the Court, although he doesn’t have an answer to Bruce’s question about his mother. He also complains that the leader (presumably Nameless here) is gone for years at a time, so they did what they thought was best. Nameless responds in a fairly definitive manner, and urges Bruce to “Give the order.” Bruce doesn’t, looking freaked out, and Nameless claps, cuing the Talons to kill the entire Council. Well, I guess there are some management openings now. Bruce says he won’t hesitate next time. Really? How often does someone order the slaughter of the ruling council of a secret organization?

The GCPD rushes to answer a call, and arrives at the last meeting of the Council. Even Gordon and Bullock are a bit taken aback by the carnage. One of them survives long enough to accuse Gordon of being a traitor and tell them the leader and Bruce Wayne killed them. Everyone exchanges surprised looks. Alfred, of course, says the man must be lying when they get back to the GCPD squad room. Bullock is more curious why the leader would kill off his men, and wonders if that means the bomb is no longer a threat. Gordon dismisses such wishful thinking. After some more disagreements with Alfred about Bruce’s role in the events earlier, Gordon gets told Lee has returned home and rushes off to see what she’s doing with the stolen virus. Hint: Nothing good.

Nygma reports to the evil trio of Barbara Keen, Butch, and Tabitha, telling them Penguin is still alive, which none of them are happy to hear. As their gathering goes on, there are clearly some worsening cracks in the Barbara/Tabitha relationship. Butch is trying to play referee, which is a bit ironic since he really wants to get Tabitha away from Barbara. Nygma tells them the Court has no interest in the criminal underworld (which seems really unlikely to me) and they should worry about Penguin. When Butch wonders why this is their problem, Nygma points out that they all conspired to kill Penguin, and he’s not stupid. Barbara agrees. Nygma gives them an over the shoulder warning about the “army of freaks” on his way out.

Gordon gets to Lee’s place and she greets him in this disturbing, sing-song voice. She’s giving off this vibe that is part barely restrained violence and part Morticia Addams. I like it overall, although I think she went a bit heavy on the eye makeup. She’s playing deranged hostess while not really answering his questions. She talks about what the virus has shown her, and then, after some flirting, tosses him across the room. That virus packs a punch.

Alfred, meanwhile, has figured something out. The house he, Bruce, and Selena stole their owl from isn’t on the map they’ve been using. Bullock wonders if the owl hasn’t been updated, which just struck me as really amusing, but Alfred suggests there are Court locations that aren’t on the map they’re working off. He suggests going back to the Whisper Gang, who they were involved with during the owl heist.

Penguin rants and raves in an apartment hideout, unhappy about the most recent developments. Ivy and Selena largely ignore him as they catch up. Selena is pleased to hear that Bridget is around again, although Penguin and Ivy have lost track of their fledgling army. Selena is acting just as sulky and selfish with them as she was with Alfred last time. Is she trying to make sure she has no friends left? As Nygma and Butch arrive and batter their way in, Selena runs off, but Ivy won’t leave Penguin. That’s a bit touching, but where this loyalty to him came from, I have no idea. Penguin and Ivy bolt through a hidden exit, but Selena runs into Tabitha. Hard.

Bruce and Nameless talk about his feeling lost now that he’s achieved justice for his parents, if that’s what you want to call it. He’s also still upset about not giving the order himself, but Nameless promises him a chance to make up for it. Professor Strange turns up, and is very impressed with the amount of control Nameless has over Bruce now. Strange and some Talons have the bomb, and Nameless says Bruce will trigger it, infecting thousands. Bruce agrees that Gotham must fall by his hand. That’s so deeply disappointing, Bruce.

I’ve been enjoying the Gordon and Bullock scenes a lot on this series, but Bullock and Alfred are developing a vaguely similar rhythm. Bullock comments that he’s going to have give Alfred a badge at this rate. While Leslie dumps Gordon in the trunk of her car, Bullock and Alfred follow up on another lead and end up bursting in on a few Talons with Professor Strange. Improbably, Bullock downs a Talon or two, and Strange surrenders almost before the fight’s over. Other Talons rush off with the bomb, Bruce, and Nameless, who has now been called Sensei. While that’s a general term of respect it’s also a specific character in the Batman comics with ties to Ra’s al-Ghul. Of course, in the comics, he’s Asian. Where’s all the outrage people were directing at Danny Rand being white in Iron Fist (which he’s historically always been)? Alfred catches up with them, and is stunned when Bruce sides with the Sensei. They leave with the bomb and Alfred gets knocked cold by yet another Talon.

Bullock and Alfred return to headquarters and put Strange in a holding cell. Alfred is understandably shaken by his exchange with Bruce. Alfred worries the Sensei (not that they know the name) wants Bruce to detonate the bomb. In another great line, Bullock says he’ll go ask “Baldie-locks,” meaning Strange. Bullock’s instructions about trying to find Gordon or Lee get interrupted when Lee herself walks in, provoking general panic and weapons pointing.

As Lee alludes to Jim waking up about now, he does so. He likely wishes he hadn’t, as he comes to in a coffin. At least she left him a flashlight. Bullock still can’t believe she injected herself, and she responds, creepily, “You say that like it’s a bad thing.” She goes on about her new plan to show everyone who Jim Gordon really is. She has a radio tuned in to one she left Gordon, and says the police will never find him before he runs out of air, but she left him a way out. The catch? She wants him to inject himself with the virus and batter his way out. Lee gloats that she wants to see the look on all the cops’ faces when Gordon gives in and takes the virus. She asks for coffee, and Bullock orders them to get her some and put her in a cell. She ends up in the one next to Strange (which would NEVER happen), they exchange a look and she rolls her eyes. I suspect Dr. Thompkins there isn’t impressed with the Professor. Bullock and Gordon talk on the radio, and Bullock offers what reassurance he can.

Selena is now a “guest” of the Riddler/Barbara/Butch/Tabitha alliance. They ask her why she’s with Penguin and she’s her usual snarky self. That doesn’t endear her to Butch at the very least. There are more signs of the imminent falling out coming between Tabitha and Barbara, as Barbara dismisses Tabitha and Butch so she can plot with Nygma. I think that’s going to be an explosive mess when it happens.

Bullock is worried about Gordon, while Alfred is worried the search isn’t the best use of time. Cold, but maybe true. Bullock comes up with the questionable idea of turning Alfred loose on Professor Strange. Man, there’s going to be Internal Affairs Investigations all over when this is done. Or there would be anyplace less corrupt than Gotham anyway. Bullock takes K9s to Jackson Park, where they’ve figured out Gordon probably is. Lee goes on that Gordon can’t be saved, he’ll take the virus, and it will all be beautiful. Wow, Lee has really checked out.

Alfred has some very simple, direct methods for getting information from the Professor that are definitely not police-sanctioned, even here. Strange, no hero, caves in once he stops screaming. Strange gives up what he has, and Alfred tells him he can go. The highlights are that Strange thinks Bruce is too far gone to be saved, they’re at Wayne Enterprises, and the bomb will go off at five.

Bruce and the Sensei talk about what’s coming, and the Sensei goes on about the man who sees such a great destiny ahead for Bruce. Gordon and Bullock talk on the radio and Gordon notes the battery is dying. Man, she didn’t even leave him a fully charged radio. Bullock urges him to take the virus and they can figure something out later. Gordon considers it, but refuses. Between them, Gordon, Bullock, and Alfred via radio and phone, figure out where the bomb is. Unfortunately, Gordon puts it together just as his battery dies. He won’t save himself, but Gordon won’t let others die for his principles. He jabs himself and tunnels out, just like Lee wanted

Ivy and Penguin are back at what I believe is the same abandoned mansion they started at when they met up. Penguin rants, and Ivy shows how amazingly stupid she is, nothing at all like the brilliant researcher she’s supposed to be. She told Selena everything on a phone call, and sure enough, the Riddler contingent shows up. Their various threats are interrupted when another character we’ve not seen for a while turns up and takes Penguin away. As Butch comments, she knows how to make an entrance.

Bullock finds the spot where Gordon unearthed himself, and is worried. He gives the radio call to clear Union Station and that Gordon is on the way there, infected with the virus. Lee is thrilled, and escapes due to a careless cop.

Everything comes to a head at Union Station. Bruce and the Sensei are there, and they see the crazed Gordon come in. Sensei tells Bruce it’s time to press the button, and Alfred bursts in where they are and yells at him not to become a murderer. The virus-enhanced Gordon trashes a Talon easily to get to the bomb, but then gets distracted by Lee’s arrival. Bruce, Alfred, and the Sensei have their showdown. Things go badly for everyone, and the show ends with an epic disaster in the making, as well as a big hint who. Weirdly, despite cops yelling orders and then Gordon throwing people around with superhuman strength, no one seems to have evacuated the station. I guess they really want to make their trains.

What I liked: Bullock and Gordon are always great together, and Alfred is fitting in well. The revelation about who Nameless seems to be is interesting (and another major divergence from the comics). Evil Lee is an interesting new presence. The Alfred/Strange scene was great.

What I didn’t: I don’t like Bruce being a thrall of the Sensei. I’m not a fan of sulky Selena. I’m getting a bit tired of the Tabitha/Barbara drama, and I think Butch should just cut and run at this point. I don’t buy the Court’s plan has always been a virus created relatively recently by accident.
I don’t like the direction they seem to be heading in for who is behind Bruce’s big destiny.

Taking the week off: Really, the only regular who wasn’t here was Lucius Fox. Maybe he got out of town? I would at this point.

I’ll give this one a 3 out of 5. Next week is supposed to be a two hour finale.

Celebrating their escape… if that’s what you call this

In Gotham, the segment of the season continues with “Heroes Rise: All Will Be Judged.” The show starts with the very odd couple of Penguin and Nygma, locked in adjoining cages that look like huge bird cages, prisoners of the Court of Owls. I really have to wonder, where would you even get cages like that? I mean, seriously, who makes those? The two of them argue and bicker, and it’s entertaining to watch.

Out at Wayne Manor, the house is filled with the sounds of alarms. The Clone wanders in to the study (where something like 90% of the action at the manor happens), where he sees the telltale open window that is Selena’s favorite entrance. Selena and the Clone exchange a few barbed comments and then start fighting.  They’re both very good, and the Clone only gets the upper hand when Alfred comes in and distracts the young cat burglar. This is when Alfred figures out what’s going on, and does decently in his own fight until he pauses, too. These two need to go back to combat training. While this goes on, Bruce and his Nameless Mentor arrive at a deserted mansion on the outskirts of Gotham.

Lee has a very disturbing dream about Mario that results in her taking it out on an innocent glass of wine. While she tries to shake that off, Gordon and Bullock try to figure out where the Court might have a “secure location” if they’ve been around for hundreds of years. With off-screen help from Lucius Fox, they work out that Catherine owns some property near the docks that seems to have some kind of hidden room. Bullock also admits that he’s jealous of Fox’s intelligence, but that may have just been a comedic throwaway line. The place proves to be the usual dingy, rundown, abandoned warehouse kind of scene, and Bullock laments that they never have to go search a place he’d like to go, like a brewery or strip club. They find a really badly hidden door and discover a largely empty room. In the center is a crystal owl like the one Bruce and company stole a while back. Their search is interrupted by the sudden appearance of the crazed ex-Captain Barnes, now decked out in black leather, weird face paint, and toting an ax as a replacement for his missing hand.

Not knowing that he’s busy fighting crazy people, Alfred is trying to call Gordon while Selena nurses her injured head. Selena refuses to help find the missing Bruce, and Alfred goes off on her. I’d agree she had that coming. Alfred finishes his diatribe by telling Selena to never come back to Wayne Manor as he stalks out of the room. Leave the thief you just ticked off alone in the big mansion, that’s a great idea.

While Bullock winces as medics treat him and tries to get a lead on the missing Gordon, Penguin and Nygma bicker more, initially about the width of the blade Penguin is sharpening to kill Nygma with. They argue a lot more, and then Penguin, despite being drugged by Nygma, foils Nygma’s escape attempt, smiling while Nygma gets beaten by the guards.

Bruce and the Nameless Mentor go through another round of trying to lock away Bruce’s pain about his parents’ deaths, which Bruce can’t manage to do. Gordon, meanwhile, finds he is strapped to a chair so that Barnes can try him for… not supporting Barnes’ killing spree, I guess. Catherine is also there, shaking her head over her disappointment about Gordon betraying her. That’s Jim, letting everyone down by trying to prevent the citizens of Gotham from being murdered. Who does he think he is, anyway? Catherine leaves after more vague threats about Gotham’s future.

Lee goes back to Arkham to visit the Mad Hatter, who has taken to speaking in rhyme. They spar with each other, and he lays out his motivations for infecting Mario. It’s a decent plan, in its own twisted way, and Lee has definitely fallen for it. She comes to a disturbing realization about what’s been going on.

Penguin and Nygma both manage to put aside mutual hatred long enough to realize they’re not going to get anywhere if they keep getting in each other’s way. They agree both to work together and to a six hour truce after they escape. They’re both very intelligent men, so I’d say they have a good chance at making it out.

Bruce gets taken down Memory Lane via magic needle again, but this time we see Nameless’ memory, not Bruce’s. Apparently, the killing of the Waynes wasn’t sanctioned by the Court, and Nameless actually killed the man who ordered it. Nameless then tells Bruce the Court must pay for its crimes (despite the fact that he’s clearly a high-ranking member) and asks if Bruce will help him.

Barnes puts his ax-hand on dramatically, although he was wearing it earlier. Did he take it off to put it back on? He tells Gordon that things could have gone so differently, if only Gordon hadn’t decided to stand against Gotham and Justice. Gordon manages to appeal to their bond as fellow soldiers and law enforcement to die with his badge on, and uses Barnes coming close to pull off a pretty slick trick. Barnes babbled earlier about Lee coming to see him, and now is enraged at Jim’s trick and the sudden arrival of the GCPD. Barnes, still hopped up on the Tetch Virus (the gift that keeps on giving) plunges several stories, then gets up and runs off.

Gordon is freed but Barnes is still on the loose. A frustrated Bullock gets off my favorite line of the episode: “There’s a nut job running around Gotham in a leather jumpsuit with an axe for an arm. I know this is Gotham but c’mon people do something!” he exhorts the squad room. Gordon wants to go bust Catherine, but apparently Barnes’ Strike Force has been around just off- screen all this time, and they’ve already picked her up. This is when Alfred arrives with news of Bruce’s disappearance, and Alfred, Gordon, and Bullock compare notes about the Court. This “secret” organization is becoming pretty damn well known. They collectively figure out the crystal owl Alfred helped steal is important, and he goes to get the pieces.

Penguin and Riddler enact their escape plan, which goes off without a hitch. Score one for the bad guys. Catherine proves utterly uncooperative when Gordon tries to question her, but oddly doesn’t request a lawyer. She also laughs at his belief that she’s the leader of the Court. If she’s not playing mind games with Gordon, I guess that makes Nameless the leader. Catherine’s tune changes when an enraged Alfred learns she’s there, and plays a bit worse than bad cop. Just because things weren’t chaotic enough, this is about when Barnes shows up and attacks the GCPD.

Barnes wades through the cops, using a combination of knockout gas and his virus-enhanced strength. While Bullock was warning the others about Barnes being there, the nutjob apparently went climbing, as he suddenly drops from the rafters of the squad room. He wipes the floor with Bullock, Gordon, and Alfred. Catherine overplays her hand, and he ends up backhanding her, which I have to admit was a little satisfying. Gordon finally manages to down Barnes with a particularly desperate move. The GCPD does love their shotguns.

Penguin and Riddler actually honor their truce, after terrifying a few local homeless guys. Gordon and company try to put the squad room back together. Lee comes in for another very odd scene with Gordon. She still blames him for everything, despite what Hatter told her, and then makes a few cryptic comments. This is also when we find out Barnes killed Catherine, which was really not clear at all from the scene.

Bruce and Nameless go through the “lock away the pain” ritual again, and this time Bruce manages it. From what we see after that, it doesn’t look like this is going to go well for Bruce. Barnes, naturally, escapes again, to Bullock’s (and my) annoyance. Lee steals something and then does something amazingly stupid to end the episode.

What I liked: Riddler and Penguin actually make a great team when they aren’t trying to kill each other. Bullock keeps getting the best lines and reactions. Alfred’s tirade at Selena was well-earned. I won’t miss Catherine the Smug. Hatter’s rant to Lee was actually on the diabolically brilliant side.

What I didn’t: Selena isn’t being cool or aloof, she’s being a brat. Lee’s been acting weird for a while now, and this episode she went past that to loony. The “hidden” room of the Court’s was really obvious. Why is Bruce trusting someone who helped kidnap him and hold him prisoner? Can we keep Barnes in custody for more than five minutes?

Taking the Week Off: The Tabitha/Butch/Barbara trio are nowhere to be seen. Neither is Ivy, the other “army of freaks” members, or Lucius Fox, despite being mentioned a lot.

No, that’s not an ominous looking room or anything.

As the season finale approaches, things get really interesting, in several senses of the word, for the people of Gotham. “Heroes Rise: Light The Wick” was one of their better episodes in my opinion. They cleverly drew on their own history, bringing back both past characters and events to weave an advancement of the current plots.

The episode opens in Arkham, where nothing good ever happens. There’s a running joke that no one would still live in Gotham with all the things that have happened there over the years; that’s even more true for working at Arkham. We do see Captain Nathaniel Barnes, still suffering from Alice Tetch’s plague, the Mad Hatter, and a Talon. It’s an odd combination that gives us a good fight and even some dramatic narration. Barnes is taken to the Court, where Catherine tells him they have similar goals: the judgement of Gotham. But she needs something from Barnes, and apparently Professor Strange is going to help her get it.

Lee Thomkins, bound and determined to do something about James Gordon, brings her report on Frank Gordon’s death to Harvey. He’s surprised to see it labeled as a homicide. Lee is furious, sure that Harvey is part of whatever big coverup she is sure is plaguing the GCPD. When Harvey doesn’t help her, she storms out. Lee is storming a lot lately, actually.

Catherine tells the Court that all they are going to focus on now is the judgement of Gotham. Somewhat ominously, she tells the members to submit names for approval. There are a few ways you can take that, and none of them are really good. While Catherine is plotting doom and destruction, Ivy is trying to find her missing friend, Selena. Eventually, she gets a hint from Tabitha at Sirens to go check out the hospital, and that Selena isn’t doing well.

Gordon is taking a lot of chances at the Court. Back in that same meeting room where everything happens, he gets clever and takes prints off Catherine’s mask. When another member comes in, Gordon covers by asking about the names. The nameless Owl tells Jim that loved ones will be spared from the coming judgements. That sounds positively Biblical.

Ivy uses her skills to get in to Selena’s hospital room and hears the news. Upset, Ivy decides she’s going to take care of Selena since the nurses have already written her off. Ivy’s not the only one hard at work. Strange is complaining about Catherine both holding him captive and hovering over him. He does manage to demonstrate that he’s already had some results.

Off in the mountain fastness of Wherever The Hell, Bruce is being trained by Nameless Man. It’s some kind of paired stick fighting, possibly escrima. As Bruce and some guy duel (hey, there is someone else here!), Nameless keeps preaching that pain and anger aren’t strength. When he releases Bruce from those things, no one will be able to stop him.

Harvey has gotten Jim’s prints run, and Catherine is Catherine Monroe, a very wealthy Gothamite. I kind of wonder why her prints are on file. Generally, you only get hits on prints from criminals (sure, she is one, but has she been arrested? I’d bet against it), military, or professions that require printing, like law enforcement, private investigators, or bonded couriers. Somehow, I don’t think Catherine’s been any of those. At any rate, Jim heads to her place after Harvey gives him the address. Harvey also passes on the news that Lee is pushing hard on the Frank Gordon case and that Barnes is missing.

Gordon doesn’t get far. In fact, he manages to get out his door before Penguin and Firefly confront him. Penguin isn’t stupid, whatever his other flaws are. He’s put together that Nygma was publically demanding answers about the Court and then disappeared. Penguin doesn’t buy the “Nygma escaped” story. He leaves a phone with Gordon and demands to be put in touch with the Court before he goes public, something he knows they don’t like. Sure, threaten the secret society. That seems wise.

Gordon waits for his chance and then breaks into Catherine’s place with ease. He manages to find a card for somewhere at Wayne Industries before he gets cornered. Bluffing his way out, he tells Catherine that he came there to tell her about Penguin’s threat. Curiously, Catherine doesn’t seem all that worried that Gordon figured out who she is and where she lives.

Going back to his allies, Jim meets up with Bullock and Lucius Fox. They are brainstorming about what’s coming next, and Gordon is sure it involves the Tetch virus from some not so subtle hints Catherine has dropped. They realize why Barnes has suddenly gone missing, and Fox ponders the pass card. He thinks he’s narrowed down where Catherine might be working on the virus.

Ivy is filling Selena’s rooms with special plants, using temporarily mind-controlled nurses for labor. Her worry about Selena is actually kind of sweet. From sweet to a lot less so, Nameless Man makes Bruce relive another painful scene from his past: his parents’ wake. Bruce was furious that people were talking about him instead of his parents. Nameless can’t keep his stories straight. He’s been telling Bruce he’s going to make the boy into Gotham’s protector, and then ends this scene by saying they’re going to make Gotham pay. That’s a protector?

Gordon and Bullock follow up on Fox’s information and find the right lab. They also find a lot of dead guards. The reason for that shows up a moment later: one of the virus test subjects. Bullock and Gordon are losing this fight badly (they should have just shot the guy), when they get an unexpected savior: Hugo Strange. Strange injects the guy from behind while he’s strangling Gordon. Strange gives them some information, and makes a few decent points about why they shouldn’t take him in just yet. Bullock admires the way his brain works in spite of himself, which was funny to see. Gordon tells Harvey to get what Strange gave them back to Fox, while he goes to set up a meeting with Catherine.

Bruce’s fighting has gotten better since Nameless has apparently gotten him to lock his emotions away. While I get you shouldn’t fight mad, fighting with no emotion at all isn’t a really good idea. Planning that way, sure. But fighting? That doesn’t really work. Bruce gets really into it this time, and I feel bad for his sparring partner, Nameless II. They’re really not big on names here at Wherever The Hell.

Gordon gets a test from the Court. They are going to test the new virus in aerosol form by setting it off at a gathering of the Daughters of Gotham. They’re some high society group Catherine decided would make good victims. You have to wonder if they didn’t let her in a while back or something. Gordon gets told to watch the test, and that if he interferes, Talon will kill him. Then, in true supervillain fashion, she leaves after giving Gordon a lot of information. Gordon secretly uses Penguin’s phone to call him and leave hints about where they are. It was good move on Gordon’s part.

Fox locks up the new data and samples from Strange. Then Lee walks in and tries to recruit him for her cause. Lee is disgusted when Fox defends Gordon. When she really loses it is when she gets to the line, “How many people does he have to kill before you see what I see?” Pretty much anytime you get to “only I can see what’s going on,” you sound like a raving lunatic even if you happen to be right. Lee says Fox is just like everyone else here and walks out.

Gordon tries to play his undercover part, but, despite what Lee is ranting about, he’s really not going to sit there and let them gas a room full of people. With a muttered “Screw it” he goes after the Talon. Gordon’s good, but Talons are borderline superhuman, so that goes badly. Gordon’s getting his ass kicked when Penguin and Firefly finally show up. Talons are good, but not notably fireproof. Penguin is still ranting about wanting to meet the Court, and Gordon points out that, “since you just torched their assassin, they’ll probably be in touch.” Gordon goes on to save a girl from the chaos of the gas attack. Weirdly, he hauls her behind him and then closes these fancy metal scroll work doors. It’s a nice visual, but those doors aren’t going to stop the gas.

Catherine gets a call that clearly sets up the relationship between her and Nameless Man. She is NOT the top dog, or owl, at the Court. Nameless and Bruce will be leaving tonight, so I guess they’ll be back in time for the finale. While this goes on, Penguin rants at his place, wondering where “Ivy and the human popsicle” are. Sounds like he’s losing control of his freak army already. That was quick. He’s in for a worse surprise when a Talon shows up.

Ivy’s efforts have finally worked and Selena comes around. Ivy is thrilled, then worried when Selena drags herself out of bed. She’s going to Wayne Manor because she has to kill someone. I really hope we don’t get the low comedy of Selena getting there just as Bruce returns and she mistakes him for the Clone.

Gordon visits Lee in her office, which, all things considered, is brave of him. Lee is packing up. Considering what she believes is happening, that’s actually her most rational move. I can’t say I blame her. She continues to deny Mario was about to kill her, and I guess the crack Gotham Crime Scene Investigations folks never managed to find that knife. After more arguing, she leaves with the stereotypical box to show she’s quit her job clutched in her hands.

Catherine notices the drawer Jim found the pass card under isn’t quite pushed in all the way. That was sloppy, Jim. Somehow, that one drawer lets her figure out everything Gordon did. While she seethes, Penguin gets stuffed into a big cage. In the cage next door is Nygma, who is surprised to see Penguin alive. Penguin lunges for him but can’t reach, which might be a good thing for Nygma at this point. Catherine decides it’s time to up the stakes, and turns someone loose to kill Gordon.

What I liked: Using the Tetch virus as a weapon makes perfect sense, and waiting to spring Barnes until they have their dispersal system was really smart of the Court. Gordon managed a few slick moves, too, like calling Penguin. Strange had perfectly sound motives for saving, but not going with, Gordon and Bullock. Lee’s decision to go also made a lot of sense. Ivy’s friendship for Selena was shown really nicely.

What I didn’t: Catherine’s leap of logic about that drawer came out of nowhere. I kind of wish we’d get some names, or at least hints, off where Bruce is. This freak army of Penguin’s is falling apart fast. Did the Talon kill Firefly? I don’t see why he’d let her live.

Taking the week off: Barbara and Butch were both nowhere to be seen in the one quick visit to Sirens. Alfred also was off screen, presumably taking care, and growing suspicious of, the Clone.

I think this was a pretty good episode, maybe one of their best. I’ll go a low 4 out of 5 for this one. The pieces are falling into place for a hell of a season finale.

Who the hell IS this guy?

Heroes continue to Rise in Gotham, as seen in “These Delicate and Dark Obsessions.” The episode opens with Catherine addressing the Court of Owls. Mostly, she laments the state of Gotham, and tells them a weapon to cleanse the city is being made. They vote, trying to be solemn but it looks silly to me, by holding up feathers, and decide to proceed.

I thought Bruce Wayne might be the weapon Catherine is talking about, since that’s who we see next. He’s still at whatever odd place he was dropped off at, high in the mountains of… someplace they haven’t identified, actually. Maybe Gotham’s version of Nanda Parbat, which Arrow is making use of so much in that series? Bruce is dressed in white robes, which could be either a beginners martial arts gi or some kind of monk’s robes. He talks to an old man who claims to be in charge and is the only person besides Bruce we see here. They talk in general terms about Bruce’s clone and the Court. Their conversation ends on the somewhat ominous note of the man telling Bruce to eat, because he’ll need his strength.

Back at the GCPD, Bullock is trying to rally some enthusiasm into the cops. There’s been no sign of Nygma, and they’re running out of places to look. Gordon is focused on his own mission, looking into the death of his father all those years ago. With some insight from both heritage and personal experience, Bullock provides Gordon with his next lead.

Out at whatever abandoned estate Ivy has so conveniently taken over, she’s pushing Penguin around in an old-fashioned wheelchair that looks like it should be in an Agatha Christie novel. Ivy, uncharacteristically, is in a bubbly, upbeat mood, ignoring Penguin snapping at her. His disposition doesn’t exactly improve when she refers to the plants as her friends. Penguin convinces her to take a message to Gabe, his former henchman that Penguin refers to as a “loyal moron.”

There’s a sort of Gordon family reunion in the next scene. Jim is at his father’s grave when he’s joined by his enigmatic Uncle Frank. Frank warns Jim that the Court has some kind of weapon on the way to Gotham, but he has no more detail than that. Fanatics in the Court want to cleanse the city, which doesn’t sound good at all, and this has happened twice in the past, which has me really curious. Just in cast that wasn’t awkward enough, Jim runs into Lee at Mario’s grave. She’s still a long way from forgiving Jim for what he did. Jim gets rescued, in a way, by a phone call. The lawyer that defended the driver that killed Jim’s father was paid for by Carmine Falcone.

A very overjoyed Gabe hugs Penguin. Ivy looks on, and tells Penguin that there’s something wrong. About as grateful as you’d expect him to be, Penguin repays her kindness by telling her it’s time to part ways. Gabe figures out that Ivy told Penguin not to trust him. As he knocks Penguin out, Gabe says Ivy is a smart girl. Penguin really doesn’t do well with the people he chooses to trust.

Bruce has a weird scene wherever he is, with the mysterious old man. Either the place is magic, or the old man has some powers or both. Bruce is possibly having a better time than Jim, who is at Falcone’s place, demanding answers about the lawyer. Weirdly, Falcone calls Jim “son” after being so furious at him moments ago. Jim gets told who ordered the hit on his father, and it’s a shocking development. But, if nothing else, this is also more confirmation of the Court’s existence .

Jim storms off to confront Frank about his new information. Frank tells him Peter, his father, was going to expose the Court, which doesn’t go well for anyone. The confrontation turns a bit violent, and Frank proves very able to handle himself. I guess it runs in the family.

Gabe, in true villain fashion, boasts about his plan to the captive Penguin. Gave isn’t going to kill Penguin, he’s going to auction off that pleasure. Things are looking grim for Penguin, and they get worse when his only ally, Ivy, gets herself captured because she’s too busy talking to herself to hear the thug coming up behind her.

I get it, more or less, but I’m betting Bullock doesn’t feel like thanking Gordon for telling him all about the Court. In his usual smart-ass style, Bullock comments that if the Court is running Gotham, they’re doing a horrible job. They talk about the weapon, and the need to take the warning seriously. With the Court having fingers everywhere, they are concerned about getting a warrant and keeping it secret. This gives Jim an idea, which worries Bullock. I keep flashing back to Harvey’s wonderful line about, “You think you’ve been careful up to now?” Given what Jim ends up doing, I don’t blame Harvey Bullock for being worried.

Bruce starts to learn that his nameless captor isn’t just some randomly crazy old man. With a variation of acupuncture, the man takes Bruce back to the fateful night in the alley when his parents were killed. It’s shockingly real and jarring to Bruce, who is in no mood to listen to the man’s cryptic comments about memory at this point. Again, I don’t blame him. That must have been amazingly traumatic for Bruce.

Jim’s bright idea is asking a favor from his ex. That’s a dicey proposition for someone in a normal situation. For Jim, with the ex in question being Barbara, it’s worse. But, she decides to pitch in with all her manic insanity, and Tabitha comes along for the ride. They eventually uncover the existence of a Dock 9C. Even being “interrogated” by Tabitha and Badagara’s tender mercies, the luckless man they’re asking doesn’t want to talk at first. They get a small bit of information but then the Talon shows up. The Court’s expert killer makes short work of all Barbara and Tabby’s thugs, as well as the man they were interrogating. Barbara and Tabitha wisely flee at this point. They did learn that whatever the weapon is, it’s already in Gotham.

Penguin is seething at this latest reversal, but Ivy seems supremely unconcerned. After extorting a promise to be nice from her fellow captive, Ivy gets them free via her mind controlling perfume. The actress is doing a decent job of occasionally reminding us that this version of Ivy is very attractive young woman with a child’s mind, and a lot of that comes through both this episode in general and this scene in particular. Her “super” really illustrates it well as she gives her new slave instructions. Once the tables are turned, Penguin talks about his own version of an auction. It’s not one that bodes well for Gabe.

Catherine addressed the Court, and decides that Jim Gordon must be killed. While all this goes on, Gordon shares Barbara’s information with Bullock. In addition to the weapon already being in the city, the crate had the Indian Hill logo on it, which Harvey calls the Freak Factory. Uncle Frank calls, seems genuinely surprised to learn that the weapon is in the city already, and asks for a solo meeting with Jim.

Penguin learns some unpleasant things with Gabe under Ivy’s sway. His temper runs the way it usually does, and I think we’re done with Gabe now. Ivy makes an interesting suggestion for what lies in Penguin’s future. This is going to get very interesting, although likely not good for Gotham.

Jim’s meeting with his uncle starts off as something like an emergency briefing about the state of the Court. Frank gives him a lot of information quickly about what the Court is doing next, how they’re reacting. He then, finally, offers what I’d call definitive proof which side he’s on as he pulls off his next scheme to get the Court to trust Jim. It was dramatic, it surprised me, and it made a lot of sense in retrospect.

Bruce has another scene with The Man With No Name. Nameless talks about what Bruce needs to do, and what Gotham needs him to become. He also talks about Bruce becoming a symbol, which sounds like part of his origin in some versions. Clearly, this is the big lead up to at least part of Bruce’s training to become Batman. I’m not sure who this man is supposed to be. The obvious answer is that he’s some version of Ra’s Al-Ghul. The reasons I don’t think it are that 1) Ra’s was never part of Batman’s origin until the Christian Bale movies, so it’s not exactly something they need to recreate, and 2) With Ra’s being such a big part of Arrow, I don’t know that they’re going to want a different version on another tv show so soon. Things end with Jim doing just what you always tell your kids not to: taking a ride with a stranger.

What I liked: I end up not liking her appearances a lot of the time, but Barbara (and her sidekick Tabitha) were used just about dead perfect here. Ivy’s handling of Penguin’s situation was nicely done. I’m intrigued by whatever mess Bruce is in. I’m not as wild about the Court of Owls storyline, but it’s being done well.

What I didn’t: It seems like it’s a little early to start Bruce’s training, at least as far as the show goes. I also think it’s a bit weird he hasn’t tried a bit harder to get the name of his teacher/captor.

Taking The Week Off: This week, cast members on vacation include Nygma, no doubt resting up after last week’s exploits, Selena, and Alfred, probably spending time with Bruce’s clone. Butch also doesn’t join Tabitha and Barbara.

There was nothing really spectacular this episode, but nothing really bad either. I’ll give it a solid 3 out of 5.