Gotham Knights Episode 5 Review

By Paul Maglietta

Photos courtesy of The CW

Are we finally getting on track? Well if episode 5 of Gotham Knights is any indication of at least the potential this show has then I am feeling slightly more optimistic. There is a lot going on in this episode and I am very happy to report that I found more good than bad in it (finally). As always some good first. The family drama is front and center in this episode and for the most part it works well. Let’s go piece by piece first with Stephanie Brown. Until now Stephanie seemed like she lived the perfect Gotham Princess life with her family situation only being mentioned briefly to Cullen, now we get to see what a train wreck her home life really is. If anyone has had a family member or friend who had trouble with alcohol or substances there is a fair bet that this episode’s incredibly accurate depiction of a family member in crisis and how it impacts the people around them. Between dealing with her mother and attempting to warn Carrie, Stephanie got some real respectable character development this past episode. Speaking of Carrie we are now finally seeing what the cost of vigilante life is doing to her. In a world where most comic book properties have foregone the secret identity troupe it is refreshing to see it again and even more refreshing that we did not get a standard hero getting caught hero-ing moment. Showing Carrie struggle between the mission and civilian life was great in this episode and as long as they use it sparingly I think it will be strong for the show. And lastly we have the weaker (but not necessarily bad) dynamic between the Row siblings. In this episode we find out that Harper had been involved with one of the various Gotham mobs even to the point of dating the son of the boss, and after some unnecessary tension we find out that she only took the job to pay for her brother’s surgery. Although noble, the writing and dialogue were clunky and again I feel like the show plays it exceptionally safe in terms of giving all characters justifiable reasons for doing bad things. There is nothing wrong with writing characters with more relatable flaws over relying on well worn writing techniques. And now the bad.

I really really cannot stand Turner and sometimes I feel like the writing room hates him too. It feels like when they write for him they pick a writing characteristic out of a hat and that is how he is for the episode. The plot armor is way too strong for him and he never feels unique in the cast. His current defining traits are the sword he still carries, his always perfect hair, and that he is good at everything. Apparently this week now he is also reckless with no fallout, which is also apparently doing it for Duela (who adds some much needed comic relief this week). I find that whenever he is the main focus, which tends to be a dramatic line before commercial, I roll my eyes at the cringe and look forward to getting back to some of our other characters. Maybe if he had some relatable faults, like getting punched while fighting or his plans not working out, I would find him more interesting but as of now still the weakest part of the show.

And lastly I have to mention Harvey because it feels like he is on his own much better show. Despite the fact he does not interact with the main cast as much I still find Misha Collins’ portrayal of Harvey Dent to be the best aspect of the show. They even managed to make a Batman Forever reference, Dr. Chase Meridian as played by Nicole Kidman, not only work but further Harvey’s story and make us want more. Is he developing a split personality? Is he being brainwashed by the Court or something worse? Give us more Harvey and his investigation into this mystery and the audience, and apparently Lincoln’s March’s wife, will only want more.

Episode 5 finally sets the show up for more success but I worry that with the season already passed its halfway mark and renewal looking slim for most CW shows that it may be too late.

Star City Rating 3 out of 5