Fox may be looking to cash in on the success of super hero movies by developing a comic book-based TV series. ‘The Mentalist’ creator Bruno Heller has made a deal to produce ‘Gotham’ a show that would explore the early days of James Gordon, the man that would eventually become known as Commissioner of the Gotham City police force. Heller is scripting the pilot and will executive produce the series. The network appears quite eager for this as they ordered it “straight to series” meaning they didn’t even need to see a pilot episode. This is going right on the air!
In addition to Gordon, the series “will focus on the villains that made the fictional city famous.” There is no indication, however, that Batman will appear. It’s quite likely that the show will be set prior to the Caped Crusader’s introduction. This marks a huge break from most incarnations, as usually, it is Batman’s presence that prompts the emergence of his colorful rogue’s gallery.
It should be noted, however, that this is Fox who has committed to this series, whereas The CW currently airs ‘Arrow’ and is potentially set to spin off ‘The Flash’ and even Wonder Woman in ‘Amazon.’ That would effectively split the DC universe into different networks, dashing any hopes of seeing Batman or his allies in the same world as Oliver Queen and company.
Most recently, the character of James Gordon was portrayed by Gary Oldman in Christopher Nolan’s trilogy. The character has also been played by Pat Hingle (in the 80s-90s Batman films) and Neil Hamilton (in the 60s TV show).
This news just happens to coincide with the launch of ‘Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.’ on ABC, a series which ties into Marvel’s cinematic universe.
So what do you think? Are you interested in seeing the early days of Commissioner Gordon? Or a Batman-free Gotham City? Or is this just a way to cash in on ‘Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.’s’ success?
Source: Slash Film, THR
