TV REVIEWS: FTN Reviews Gotham Season 02 Episode 21: A Legion Of Horribles

So…where to start? Oh! I know…

COURT OF OWLS!!!! COURT OF FREAKING OWLS!!!!

*ahem*. For those who are unaware, the Court of Owls were created by Scott Snyder when the New 52 relaunch of DC Comics occurred. So powerful and beloved was this group (who we’ll find out more about next week I hope) that they’re constantly pointed to as one of the greatest new villains in recent memory, and easily are now among the comic fans favorites of Batman villains. So to have them here in Gotham? Only 4 years after their “birth” in the comics? That shows how much the showrunners love them.

I’ll honestly admit I never thought of Strange having a boss, many times the crazy ones don’t need reasoning for what they do, and Strange has rarely taken orders (Arkham City was once rare occasion he did). But for the Court of Owls to be his boss? And for it to be them that wants to revive the dead? That opens up a whole new can of possibilities, including what likely will be the arc for season 03.

But I’m getting ahead of myself. “A Legion Of Horribles” did a magnificent job of setting up the finale in numerous ways, all the while having fun with the mythology of Batman. As another of his Rogues Gallery appeared in the form of Basil Marko, aka Clayface. Add to that the true resurrection of Fish Mooney, with some powers of her own. Firefly and Selina now together again (as goddess and servant). Nygma holding Lucius Fox and Bruce Wayne hostage. And Gordon seeing some very dark things, this episode pretty much had it all.

While the beginning was a bit slow as it set everything up, it was important to get a moment to breathe before things started rolling. I did like that Harvey had to deal with the “death” (“which time?”) of Theo Galavan, all the while trying to explain what happened without truly revealing what happened. Again, it’s fun to see him as the temporary captain and hate every minute of it.

Then there’s Bruce, who realized that Selina was in trouble because of him, and he needed to get her out. Alfred’s numerous chats with Bruce were great to me as it’s showing their evolving relationship. Him citing Thomas as the reason he’ll let him do what he thinks is right is true to the character. But I doubt he’s done getting his hands into things when the need will arise. Probably next episode.

Once Fox, Wayne, and Gordon were in Arkham, the fun really started to begin. From their foiled plan, to the numerous teases and reveals, it was all scary fun. And to see Clayface (sort of) begin to mimic Gordon was fun. It won’t hold obviously, but it’s a neat call to what the character will likely become.

I’m not sure what to make of Fish Mooney, given everything that’s happened this season, I’m sure there’s a purpose to her rebirth and new powers. Hopefully we don’t have to wait until Season 03 to get the answers.

I want to give special props to B.D. Wong, who did another amazing job as Hugo Strange this week. This time though, he showed both his evil scientist side, and his compassionate side, as he regretted the death of Thomas and Martha, though he didn’t regret having to do it. He even begged Bruce to go away from the path of his father so he didn’t have to do what he did. It was a beautiful take on the character. And though I doubt he’ll live through next episode, I’m going to hope beyond hope he will.

There are a lot of moving pieces going on right now, and the season finale is next week. Will this epic season end as epically as it began? We’ll have to wait and see. Here’s hoping!….COURT OF OWLS!!!