GOTHAM Makes a Night of It for Barbara
Episode 208: “Tonight’s the Night”
[photos: Nicole Rivelli/Fox]
Dreams come true, a lover bids farewell, and an offer is made that may be hard to refuse.
After a stunningly creative dream sequence featuring Barbara Kean, we are shocked by multiple scenes complete with dialog, again featuring Barbara. Eight episodes into a potentially 30-episode season, and we finally see this marginalized actor strut her stuff. She is a clear talent; given the opportunity Erin Richards can be mesmerizing on screen.
Gordon struggles to convince Barnes of Galavan’s duplicity without proof. Then, Kean surprises the GCPD by walking into the bullpen and surrendering. Lee, already not happy with Gordon’s interest in pursuing Galavan, is troubled by Gordon’s willingness to trust Barbara. In a bold move Barnes agrees to allow Babs to escort them to a mysterious site.
Galavan’s master plan appears to be coming to fruition as he summons Bruce to a meeting that could change the future of the city. He details the horrific truths about Bruce’s company and promises to preserve his father’s legacy if Bruce will sell him controlling interest in the company. Bruce is notably disturbed, but unconvinced until Galavan offers up the name and proof of his parents’ killer.
Nygma celebrates the unification of his mind in a bizarre ritual as he buries Kringle’s body deep in the woods. Unexpectedly, he is happened upon by a hunter and is forced to add to his body count … a few times. Smith’s scenes have been amazing this season, but this murderous direction for our soon-to-be-Riddler is an odd choice.
Barbara delights in teasing Jim as they ride in the squad car with Harvey. Jim knows it’s a trap and works to find out her true objective. He does not have to wait long for the trap to be triggered. The squad car is t-boned by a semi-truck carrying a crew of masked attackers lead by Tabitha. Barnes’ renewed strike force is effective as always, which is to say they are not. Gordon is drugged and captured, with Harvey’s fate unclear.
We are treated to yet another rare gem of a scene between Alfred and Bruce. The advisor role that our beloved butler will play for years to come is front and center as Bruce struggles to make a decision regarding Galavan’s offer. Much like the scene between Alfred and Lucius in episode 203, Sean Pertwee evokes sincerity and grace.
As foretold in part by the twisted dream Barbara had at the start of the episode, Jim awakens to find he is playing the part of groom in her twisted fantasy wedding. Promising wedlock or death, Barbara ups the stakes and reveals that she has kidnapped Lee. Harvey shows his detective grit and earns Barnes’ respect by uncovering the location of the wedding.
Harvey and the strike force arrive in time to assist Jim in saving Lee. Barbara leads Jim into a final confrontation that brings a smashing end to this bloody bride’s tale. I was expecting a tragic end, but surprisingly they dusted off this amazing actress and delivered not only a passable episode, but promise of future stories. This one deserves a golf clap.
Bruce nearly sells Wayne Enterprises, but holds his ground as Gordon and the GCPD arrive to arrest Galavan for the kidnapping and torture of Mayor James. Nygma tracks down his last witness to Kristen’s burial to find the delirious and wounded Penguin. I sense a partnership opportunity.
