Gotham has been going exceptionally strong so far in its fourth season, and "Pieces of a Broken Mirror" seems to continue this trend. What this episode did very well was establishing prominent directions for certain characters, while leaving some reasonably in the dark for future development. One flaw is that like some episodes of the past, it tried to weave too a plot thread too many at times. Alfred (Sean Pertwee) and Edward Nygma (Cory Michael Smith) received glossy, but interesting arcs nonetheless. The signature mature themes and high-production budget was evident, and aside from rushed narrative's to properly catch up, Gotham returned with a great edition to an already impressive season.
4 Reviews
A mature Gotham is born.
louiethepitt3 March 2018
I was getting ready to drop Gotham... this last season and some missteps got Gotham on a wrong and predictable path to cancellation.... but then this Episode came out... this episode brought me Back to Gotham... something has change... it feels more mature, the cinematography is more dark and eerie with very nice shots... the characters have developed so much and the acting feels more natural...it really feels like a breathing living city feel with real people... the way the story interlaced all the characters was amazing...loved the 70s feeling and then that 50s vibe in the dinner...it makes Gotham feel special.
In short this episode has giving me Hope for this series and at least it has my attention for the rest of the Season... if it keeps this level showed in this episode... then I will not go anywhere.
In short this episode has giving me Hope for this series and at least it has my attention for the rest of the Season... if it keeps this level showed in this episode... then I will not go anywhere.
Lots going on
jwwalrath-227-854873 March 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Strong beginning for Gotham's second half.
Visually it looked great. The sets and lighting were strong for this episode. They managed to do killer toys in live-action and not look tacky. In fact, the toyshop fight is probably one of the best fight scenes in the show.
Strong plotting. Liked how all the characters and plotlines were linked around the same building in the beginning. Every subplot just worked well here and there were some really nice character moments.
I do have a couple nitpicks. The abusive boyfriend was too broadly acted for my taste, and why didn't Gordon arrest Nygma? The last I knew he hadn't been cleared of the murders he committed.
Visually it looked great. The sets and lighting were strong for this episode. They managed to do killer toys in live-action and not look tacky. In fact, the toyshop fight is probably one of the best fight scenes in the show.
Strong plotting. Liked how all the characters and plotlines were linked around the same building in the beginning. Every subplot just worked well here and there were some really nice character moments.
I do have a couple nitpicks. The abusive boyfriend was too broadly acted for my taste, and why didn't Gordon arrest Nygma? The last I knew he hadn't been cleared of the murders he committed.
A great episode... Almost
paul-watson-322-641743 March 2018
This episode introduces a new Poison Ivy, and also spurs new storylines for every other main character. It could have been an amazing episode, especially as a season opener - if it wasn't for the writing and the directing.
Few episodes exemplify the time setting ambiguity of Gotham quite like this one. For instance, Gordon goes from a toy store full of classic wooden toys, described as "classics," to his 70s or 80s Cadillac style car - but not before answering his 2010-ish flip phone. The character development, from the fall of Harvey to the newly-discovered powerful Ivy, drives the plot.
However, the shots, from the lighting to the tacky pull-ins, combined with the incredibly cheesy dialogue at points, makes this episode feel more like a soap opera than any episode prior. There were times I wasn't sure if I was watching "Gotham" or "Days of Our Lives."
The story is driven, and the characters are pushed forward. But beyond that, it's simply not a great episode. Be forewarned: Whether due to Fox or internal reasons, this episode becomes a cheesy, soapy story that Gotham can do without.
Few episodes exemplify the time setting ambiguity of Gotham quite like this one. For instance, Gordon goes from a toy store full of classic wooden toys, described as "classics," to his 70s or 80s Cadillac style car - but not before answering his 2010-ish flip phone. The character development, from the fall of Harvey to the newly-discovered powerful Ivy, drives the plot.
However, the shots, from the lighting to the tacky pull-ins, combined with the incredibly cheesy dialogue at points, makes this episode feel more like a soap opera than any episode prior. There were times I wasn't sure if I was watching "Gotham" or "Days of Our Lives."
The story is driven, and the characters are pushed forward. But beyond that, it's simply not a great episode. Be forewarned: Whether due to Fox or internal reasons, this episode becomes a cheesy, soapy story that Gotham can do without.
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