Gotham's Series Finale: A Disappointing But Expected Conclusion

The recent series finale of Gotham brought closure to a decade of serialized storytelling, but it fell short in delivering the impactful conclusion many fans had anticipated. With barely enough time to wrap up storylines and introduce new characters, the episode felt rushed and incomplete. Here, we delve into the criticisms and reflections surrounding Gotham's series finale.

Expansion Needed: Why It Felt Like a Premiere

The episode's structure was flawed from the outset, as the editorial team chose to cram too many story arcs and character developments into a single hour. A two-part finale would have provided the necessary time to properly wind down the series, allowing for a more satisfying conclusion without feeling rushed or lacking in quality.

Penguin and Riddler's Brief Comeuppance

The scenes featuring the Penguin and the Riddler were notable but ultimately underwhelming. In a series known for its dark and twisted take on the Batman universe, these characters’ moments were disappointingly one-dimensional. Their attempts to add complexity to the story felt hollow and predictable. The reliance on Jeremiah as the primary antagonist also hampered their impact, as it diluted the potential for conflict and intrigue.

Furthermore, the Riddler's character development seemed to take a backseat to more established villains, despite his supposed intelligence and manipulative nature. His scenes, though brief, were a missed opportunity to explore the mind of a villain who often outwits his adversaries with wit and cunning.

Main Protagonists Over Their Heads

Jim and Harvey Dent's roles in the episode were underwhelming. Their over-the-top struggles to prove Gotham needs Batman likely felt familiar to viewers who have witnessed these characters face challenges well beyond their usual capabilities. These efforts were made to showcase their resilience and determination but felt forced and repetitive. While the stakes in their storyline were significant, they were also tired tropes that didn't offer anything fresh or original.

Bruce Wayne’s Return: An Unnecessary Intrusion

The decision to have Bruce Wayne return to Gotham just before the series’ end was a jarring choice. Given the established timeline and the other storylines at play, Bruce's return seemed arbitrary and unsatisfying. His reasoning for coming back to the city—such as Gordon's impending retirement and Penguin's re-emergence—lacked coherence and seemed to serve more as a cliffhanger rather than a natural evolution of the story.

Supporting Characters and Antagonists

Notable supporting characters such as Selina and Barbara, and supporting antagonists like Alfred and Lucius, were given adequate screen time. However, even for these established figures, their roles in the episode felt underutilized or lackluster. Selina and Barbara's reunion was nice to see, but the teamwork between character arcs didn't find as much synergy as one would hope. Alfred and Lucius, while stable presences, didn't manage to leave a strong impression.

The Ultimate Problem: Lack of Coherence

The heart of the issue with the series finale was its failure to serve as an appropriate ending. It felt more like a traditional premiere episode than a show-finishing episode. This mismatch in pacing and narrative structure left viewers with a sense of incompleteness or even a feeling that the story was unfinished. The use of cliffhangers and unresolved plot lines further contributed to this sentiment, detracting from the finality that a series conclusion should provide.

Disappointingly Boring Hour of Television

The episode's overall tone was strikingly mediocre. Given the series' track record of delivering thrilling television, the finale let fans down. It expertly set up cliffhangers and teased future developments but, in doing so, it failed to deliver a compelling or emotionally satisfying resolution. Going into the episode with high hopes, many viewers found the experience to be anticlimactic and unimpressive.

Final Thoughts

While Gotham had its fair share of memorable moments and impactful storytelling, the series finale marked a disappointing end to the saga. Through an overreliance on familiar tropes and a rushed structure, the episode failed to live up to the quality of the show's earlier seasons. Despite the occasional shines, the finale left many fans longing for a more cohesive and emotionally resonant conclusion than what was ultimately delivered.

For fans of the series, it serves as a bittersweet ending, filled with both relief and regret. The episode's missteps raise questions about the overall execution of the series and encourage viewers to reflect on what could have made the final episode more satisfying and memorable.