'Gotham' Season 1 recap, plus what to expect in Season 2 [SPOILERS]

Season 2 of the FOX drama series “Gotham” is just around the corner. Detective Jim Gordon (Ben McKenzie) will have his hands full with a fresh influx of villains in the upcoming season. Before the show returns next week, here’s a rundown of what took place in Season 1. [Spoiler Alert!]

The Young Bruce Wayne

“Gotham,” at the end of the day, is a “Batman” prequel. Even though the show focuses more on Detective Gordon, the young Bruce Wayne (David Mazouz) is integral to the storyline. In the first episode, Bruce witnesses the murder of his parents in a dark alleyway in Gotham City. He meets Gordon at the scene as the latter arrives to investigate.

They form a small bond as Gordon vows to find out who killed Bruce’s parents. As Gordon struggles to find answers, Bruce develops his own investigative skills and crime-fighting instinct while trying to dig up answers on his own. He uncovers secrets related to his father’s company and starts to understand the evil that lurks even behind the most respectable areas of Gotham society.

Gordon Grows Up

Jim Gordon started the series as a fresh-faced idealistic police officer. With a little help from his more experienced partner, Harvey Bullock (Donal Logue), he’s learned that sometimes there is a very fine line between upholding the law and breaking it.

He has learned to see allies in the police force as possible enemies due to internal corruption and dirty cops. At the same time, he has formed unusual bonds with criminals like Mafia boss Carmine Falcone (John Doman) and Penguin (Robin Lord Taylor).

Mayor Penguin

Oswald Cobblepot started the season as the lowest possible scum in the Gotham underworld society. Also known by his monicker “Penguin,” he has wormed his way up to the very top of the Mafia ranks.

Through a clever use of his wit, manipulative and double-crossing skills, he managed to turn the Mafia bosses against each other. In the end, Falcone decided to retire while Sal Maroni and Fish Mooney both ended up dead. Season 2 returns with Penguin right at the top of the underworld food chain.

Rise of the Villains

Several villains came and went in the first season. However, some took their time to develop into the nefarious characters that will wreak havoc in Season 2. Medical examiner Ed Nygma has transitioned into The Riddler, street-smart teenager Selina Kyle is easing into becoming Catwoman and Gordon’s ex-girlfriend Barbara Keane has snapped into a psychotic rage after a traumatic experience with the Ogre in Season 1. She has featured prominently in Season 2 teasers and will likely cause a big headache for Gordon.

“Gotham” Season 2 premieres on Monday, Sept. 21, 9 p.m. EST on FOX. No release date has been confirmed for Australia.

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