It’s a dark time in Gotham. But really, when isn’t it? The fifth and final season premieres tonight (8PM ET on FOX) and it’s looking dark. Like black hole dark. But from the darkness will come a spotlight and a hero to finally answer the call.
We’re finally seeing our nascent bat emerge. And no one’s happier about it than David Mazouz, who plays young Bruce Wayne. “Exactly. I’ve been waiting for it. I don’t know about you but I’ve been waiting for.”
It’s Not That Bad.. It’s Worse!
David isn’t old enough to drink, but talked with The Cocktail anyway, and told us we’re way beyond things going from bad to worse. No, this season goes from worse to cataclysmic. “The government has abandoned Gotham. the bridges have blown, the tunnels are gone. No choppers are out on the island. It’s completely isolated. So that means resources are running very low. And everybody is vying for power and vying for survival.”
“It is chaos in Gotham City right now. I don’t know when it’s not chaos in Gotham City but it’s really chaos in Gotham City. You have to trust me when I tell you.”
Partners In Crime Fighting
The show started as more of an origin story of Jim Gordon when he was just starting out and struggling to live up to the idealism of a safe, clean Gotham. But now that Bruce is in his late teens, he has a rich and powerful ally. “They’re finally becoming partners. It’s really exciting because, and Bruce and Alfred as well.”
It may not be optimal for a seasoned cop to rely on a teen to stop the colorful baddies. But circumstances being what they are, it’s all there is. “It’s a really scary place. People are dying in the streets, there’s blood everywhere, and Bruce is just kind of doing whatever he can to try and help out the GCPD and really become a partner to Gordon in this new era.”
And David says deep down, Jim knew this day was coming. “Gordon always respected Bruce and knew that he was capable, but knew that he.. Bruce is young. Bruce is still a teenager, so he was always skeptical of letting Bruce come along with him and be a true partner to him in bringing down villains.”
The relationship will kick into high gear starting with tonight’s episode. “There’s a really special moment in the first episode where Gordon really kind of embraces Bruce and let’s him know ‘listen, I trust you. I trust that you know what you’re doing and are going to be okay.'”
“It’s a really special moment, and it’s Bruce becoming a man and people seeing him as that completely now and he’s not hindered by his age anymore.”
So Many Villains, So Little Time
FOX only ordered a half season to wrap up the series. But with so many bad guys grabbing power, there’s a lot to do. “We’re packing everything into the last bit.”
David says that makes every moment intense.
“It feels like the writers took at 22 episode storyline for one season and fit it into these 12 episodes. It is so completely action packed. Every single second is full and moves the story along.”
“We’re constantly on our way to an explosion or battle or clash. There’s so much going on, I can’t wait for people to see it.”
The Critic’s Cocktail Recommendation
An ice-cold martini, just like they make at the Iceberg Lounge. Make it a double. Sounds like you’re gonna need it!
Cheers!
Critic's Cocktail 