As Gotham nears its second season, the series has made many promises that it will embrace its comic book roots closer than ever. That’s mostly translated into “more villains” so far, with Mr. Freeze, The Joker, Tigress, and other notable comic book villains joining Gotham’s ranks.
But who says that the villains should have all the fun? Batman has one of the greatest extended casts in comics, giving Gotham a treasure chest of valuable players to adapt for its unique universe. While they don’t all have to be do-gooders, Gotham’s new characters should show it isn’t just the loonies who are evolving with the city. Ahead, we run through the characters that we would love to see on Gotham’s second season.
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Jeremiah Arkham
ย There isn’t a hotter name in the Batman franchise than “Arkham” right now, thanks to the immense popularity of the Batman: Arkham video games. Gothamย should capitalize on the zeitgeist by exploring the root of that series’ mythology, Arkham Asylum’s founder Dr. Jeremiah Arkham. Arkham has a history and origin that’s as twisted as the Asylum itself, culminating in the Doctor’s own mad descent and admittance into the crazy house. As Gotham continues to explore Arkham Asylum, why not introduce the founder as its mentally unstable shopkeeper? Arkham’s presence could make Gordon and Bullock’s visits to the ayslum all the more entertaining, as each visit could see an decreasingly stable Doctor.
Henri Ducard
Alfred can’t teach Bruce Wayne everything. As Bruce continues his evolution into a crime fighter, Henri Ducard would an excellent teacher to push him to the next level. Ducard was one of Bruce’s key mentors in the comics, teaching the young Wayne how to sleuth, brawl, and solve any mystery that may befuddle futureย cases. While Bruce and Ducard didn’t cross paths until Bruce was a young adult, there’s no reason to bump that timetable up a decade in Gotham and make Ducard the foundation of Bruce’s vigilantism.
Thomas Wayne
As Bruce discovers more about his father’s allegedly illicit activitiesย with the corrupt Wayne Enterprises board, why can’t we hear Thomas Wayne’s side of the case? Flashback scenes to Thomas’ heyday would an excellent chance to show what really went down, while also showing that Gotham City had champions even before Jim Gordon. Since it’s probably a safe bet that Thomas Wayne wasn’t involved in any seedy activity, the flashbacks could show his failed struggle to overturn the city’s corruption. It would be a great way to delve even deeper into Gotham’sย history, while also showing that the city can’t be saved through conventional means (only bat-like ones). Plus, it would give Gotham an excuse to use the classic Thomas Wayne “Batman” costume that was introduced during Silver Age Batman stories. The world definitely needs that.ย
Azrael
ย The Order of Saint Dumas has been a part of Gotham City’s history for decades, making it painfully simple for Gotham to introduce its chief agent, Azrael. Gotham’s Azrael could add a little flair to the city’s heroic end of spectrum, offering a vigilante response to the rising villains. But since Azrael has never been the purest of superheroes, his lethal ways could set him on a collision course with Jim Gordon and the GCPD. This would also give Jim a bit of practice with the whole “urban vigilante” routine before a a certain pointy-eared protector shows up. But, as long as Gotham gave Azrael his slick medieval-inspired costume and flaming sword, our comic book itch would be scratched.
Talia Al Ghul
The Dark Knight Trilogy and Arrow have likely removedย Ra’s Al Ghulย from the live-action board for the time being, but a young version of his daughter, Talia Al Ghul, could still be game for a guest appearance. Much like how the young Selina Kyle and Bruce Wayne set the foundation for their costumed relationship in Season One, we’d like to see Bruce and Talia also cross paths as adolescents. Talia could be a harbinger of sorts for the eventual threat of Ra’s, showing Bruce that their are much larger threats outside of Gotham City’s boundaries. Talia’s exotic nature could even be the deep-seeded catalyst to Bruce’s eventual global travels, as he realizes that true power (both good and evil) can lie anywhere.
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What new pieces of Dark Knight lore do you want to see in Gotham? Let us know in the comments!
Gotham Season 2 premieres September 28 on FOX.
