'Gotham' S01E02: "Selina Kyle" - synopsis, photos, videos, and discussion

Gordon and Bullock investigate a child trafficking ring on tonight's episode of Gotham, titled "Selina Kyle". Here you'll find the official plot synopsis, still photos, and video clips. Please use this post to talk about the episode with fellow Batman fans in the comments section below.

Synopsis

Detectives Gordon and Bullock investigate a child trafficking ring preying on Gotham's street kids, including Selina Kyle (Camren Bicondova). Meanwhile, Penguin (Robin Lord Taylor) resurfaces in the countryside and begins to make his way back to GOTHAM, leaving victims in his wake in the all-new "Selina Kyle" episode of GOTHAM airing Monday, Sept. 29 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX.
Cast: Ben McKenzie as Detective James Gordon, Donal Logue as Harvey Bullock, Jada Pinkett Smith as Fish Mooney, Sean Pertwee as Alfred, Robin Lord Taylor as Oswald Cobblepot/The Penguin, Erin Richards as Barbara Kean, David Mazouz as Bruce Wayne, Camren Bicondova as Selina Kyle/the future Catwoman, Zabryna Guevara as Captain Sarah Essen, Cory Michael Smith as Edward Nygma/the future Riddler, Victoria Cartagena as Renee Montoya, Andrew Stewart Jones as Crispus Allen, John Doman as Carmine Falcone
Guest Cast: Carol Kane as Gertrud Kapelput, Frank Whaley as Doug, Lili Taylor as Patti, Richard Kind as Mayor Aubrey James, Drew Powell as Butch Gilzean, Kyle Massey as Macky

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86 comments

5.0

September 29, 2014

The ratings disagree.

Joshua McDonald
September 29, 2014
Actually, the ratings and viewers weren't THAT strong. a 3.2 demo, and 8 million viewers is solid, but its far from great. Granted, it received a boost up to a 5.0 due to the Live +3 (and I'm sure the Live +7 will grant an even greater increase), but that doesn't carry much weight in whether a network decides to renew a show. In ratings comparison:
The series debut of Marvel's Agents of Shield opened with a 4.6, and 11.9 million viewers.
And if you want to get really particular (and admittedly, this was a different time), but Birds of Prey opened with a 5.0 and 7.6 million viewers... ON THE CW.
To keep things relevant, Gotham has competition! Big Bang (which opened with a 5.3, and 17.9 million viewers - that's more than double the viewers Gotham pulled in), then you have the Voice, and Dancing with the Stars. Consider the fact that shows like Gotham tend to average anywhere between a 20-30% decrease from the Pilot to the second episode alone, and things could be grim for Gotham. You also have to consider that Gotham is an EXPENSIVE show.
If Gotham wants to survive, it's going to have to stay pretty steady over the course of this season... and I'm not sure it can. I want nothing more than for this show to prove me wrong, but I've followed tv shows for way to long to give in to that hope.
1. JJ
  September 30, 2014
  Good, sound analysis.
2. Jcool
  September 30, 2014
  Anything over a 3 in 18-49 demo is great. Anything from 2.2-2.5 is Solid. Anything below that and your either a cult show or one of the CBS older skewing procedural's.
  Comparing this with Birds of Prey from 2002 is irrelevant. ER was the number 1 show in 18-49 with a 10.99 in the demo in 2002-2003. Big Bang Theory is #1 by a large margin today with a 5.0 demo rating. Today The CW's highest rated show is The Vampire Diaries at 1.4 demo which puts its a #111 and Arrow is their #2 show with a 1.2 that puts its at #118. Also and a cant stress this enough Birds of Prey wasn't a very good show so it was no surprise ratings fell and it was canceled. Gotham currently is certified fresh on RT with a 90% score.
  Marvels Agents of Shield got renewed with final month ratings of under 6 million viewers and around a 1.8- 2.0 in the 18-49 demo. So Gotham does not need giant numbers to be renewed. Fox and WB/DC have A LOT riding on this much like ABC/Disney and Marvel had riding on AOS. So it would have to drop to under a 1.5 demo to get canceled and i just cant see that happening.
3. Guestman
  September 30, 2014
  Don't forget Monday Night Football.

Fishsticks

September 29, 2014

Please tell me Penguin kills Fish Mooney very soon. I can not put up with that woman's horrible over the top bullshit acting for a whole season.

Kelvin Murray
September 29, 2014
lol
emanon
September 29, 2014
Penguin's acting is more over the top than Fish's. But both characters are fun.
Kerk Lastnameless
September 29, 2014
Do you like fish sticks?
Guestman
September 30, 2014
I actually liked Jada's role in the pilot. I was taken off guard by it and was left pleasantly surprised because I was expecting her to be one of the more cringe worthy actors on the show. Unfortunately, my fears were proven to be more correct in this second episode. I found her to be far and away the worst performance in this week's episode. Just over-the-top and borderline cartoony. I will say that this episode felt paced better, written better, and not nearly as over stuffed.

Guest

September 29, 2014

Is it me or I'm I the only one who dislikes the Fish Mooney character, I'm just over it.. Falcone should've been the only one not this .... Fish Mooney... Eww .. In other news

emanon
September 29, 2014
Her purpose is to be an adversary that they can triumph over. It would be silly for them to bring down Falcone before Batman even shows up, wouldn't it?
Taiana Aubrey
September 29, 2014
What don't you like about her? Because, l think she's a cool character (IMO)
Rey Velazquez
September 30, 2014
Well they need someone expendable penguin can eliminate to make his rise. She is annoying, no doubt, but just think how much fun it will be to see penguin getting his revenge. Sounds twisted but I'm actually looking forward to it!
1. JJ
  September 30, 2014
  I agree. I think she was created as someone for the Penguin to kill off. I too look forward to her death.
mma895
September 30, 2014
I think they are going to use Fish Mooney as an example to show us how powerful and smart Falcone is

Jesse Hernandez

September 29, 2014

Is it me or I'm I the only one who dislikes the Fish Mooney character, I'm just over it.. Falcone should've been the only one not this .... Fish Mooney... Eww .. In other news some protesting spotted on set

BatmanNewsChris

September 29, 2014

Bruce Wayne was just channeling his inner Patrick Bateman with those sketches!

Ultan Schmultan
September 30, 2014
Anyone know the song and band that was playing?

Rob_wesb

September 29, 2014

Episode really kept me on the edge of my seat, even more than last week's.

Flying Graysons Fan

September 29, 2014

Wow, this Penguin may be even more violent than Danny DeVito.

Cash

September 29, 2014

Although I'm satisfied -- and occasionally impressed -- with the show overall, I have to say, I'm really disappointed at how they seem to be handling the Riddler. Maybe there will be an episode in the future where they delve into his psychology, but right now, they just seem to be playing the "awkward guy who likes riddles" angle. Why does he like riddles? Surely the writers can come up with a better explanation than "he's just a weirdo."

DarkKnightDetective
September 29, 2014
I think they'll probably leave that explanation for another episode.
12stepCornelius
September 29, 2014
Only the second episode in what will surely be a 10+ episode season. There's still time.
Guestman
September 30, 2014
Well, considering this week's episode was titled "Selina Kyle", I am willing to bet we're going to get something similar with Oswald & Edward, too. Give it some time -- I'm certain they'll cover it eventually.
boots
September 30, 2014
i'm kinda okay with him just being a weirdo ~ he can stay in the background where he belongs.

rusty28264

September 29, 2014

Who was the "joker" in this episode

BatmanNewsChris
September 29, 2014
Harvey Bullock called a guy a "clown" before he kicked him in the nuts.
1. Tinny
  September 30, 2014
  Other way around
2. JJ
  September 30, 2014
  I thought it was that kid that Selina was cheering up in the bus. But I don't really have any evidence to support this, just that he was sad looking and had a long face like Joker :D
Batshrine
September 30, 2014
It could be the male abductor. He was the only nameless character who had anything to match. And that was simply cause he never stopped smiling. He was also very non chalant about the missing kid.
1. Bata-man
  September 30, 2014
  I think it was the last scene, when penguin had that truck driver tied up and penguin was talking to his mother for 10 grand......is there any story of the Joker in which he was tortured?
  1. boots
    September 30, 2014
    hahaha ~ Jason Todd. but that was much later.
  2. Batshrine
    October 7, 2014
    You know that's not a bad theory at all. Joker in many incarnations has said in the past he used to get beat.

Taiana Aubrey

September 29, 2014

Really enjoyed tonight's episode. Must admit they almost lost me with the pilot however tonights episode was really good and l hope it stays that way throughout this season.

thepalaceofawesome

September 29, 2014

I like Jada and Ben's chemistry I know something is going to come to a head with their characters. For the crying fanboys, it is a damn show about Batman's rogues gallery of course it is suppose to be over the top. The Joker and Riddler shouldn't be Gotham's first over the gangsters.

12stepCornelius

September 29, 2014

Really cool episode. Loved that shootout in the pharma supply store. Reminded me of shootouts between thugs and G.C.P.D. in BTAS. And damn, Selina, er Kat, is super stealthy. No wonder she becomes Catwoman. Lol, all those sardines and sordid living are really making the penguin look, uh…penguin-y. Those teeth and nails were gnarly ha. And yeah, geez Bruce is really getting dark with the heavy metal and creepy doodles. I kind of like that angle though, because it shows that besides the thin, blurry grey border between righteousness and madness, Batman is not much different than his rogue gallery enemies, which is something that as we all probably know has always been explored in the Batman mythos.

Only things that somewhat bothered me was the delivery Jada gave with some of her lines (ie., her little speech about how she wishes the penguin were still alive; a bit hamfisted with that and overly dramatic IMO) and I still can't really dig the score for this show. Some of its good, like Bruce talking with Gordon about seeking help and Bruce wanting to buy clothing for the children. But some of it with the crazy orchestra that means to intro in a future rogue (like when the Riddler talks to the chief, Gordon and Bullock about the poison) can sound a bit cheesy. However, I am continuing to be pleasantly surprised with this show and am looking forward to next week's episode!

Kelvin Murray

September 29, 2014

pretty decent episode but still needs some improvement,I'd watch this over a nolan shitfest any day lol.

Queef Police
September 29, 2014
If what youre trying to hint at is that Dark Knight Rises was shit, I am 100% behind you.
1. Kelvin Murray
  September 29, 2014
  80 - 95 percent of Nolan's interpretation was grossly over rated and a pile of pretentious bull shit.
  1. Queef Police
    September 29, 2014
    My god, finally on the same page with someone here. Whats with these kids?!
    1. Kelvin Murray
      September 29, 2014
      The Majority of the sheep fanatics worship Nolan's particular concept of what Batman is to them but have no idea of the fundamental mechanics of the mythology ala the source material.
    2. RMNCB
      September 30, 2014
      Oh calm down. A lot of people liked it. You didn't. Why get nasty about it?
    3. Kelvin Murray
      September 30, 2014
      Fuck Nolan
    4. BatmanNewsChris
      September 30, 2014
      Alright, let's get this back on topic and about Gotham episode 2, and less about your dislike for Nolan's Batman movies.
    5. Kelvin Murray
      September 30, 2014
      good episode imo the series still needs work 8.5

Queef Police

September 29, 2014

I'm thinking a police officer reporting to baby Bruce each episode to give him the status of his investigation is pretty unrealistic, dumb, and doesn't look well in regards to longevity of a series about young batman.

Additionally, this second episode was likely filmed as much as 12 months after the "pilot episode," in which it would have received more network resources. Interested if it really reflected an increased budget or not.

JaymusYawsley

September 29, 2014

The tone was a little more even this episode, which helped. The pilot shifted between deathly serious and over the top goofy so dramatically that I think I got whiplash. This week, while pretty violent and dealing with some heavy subject matter, was a little more fun.

There are still issues, of course. Gordon visiting Bruce all the time will wear thin quickly, Edward Nygma is being used in an interesting way but the performance is... grating, and while I don't have a problem with it, my wife doesn't like Pertwee as Alfred. At all. I'm not the biggest fan of Alfred being portrayed as more of a two-fisted military man rather than a refined gentleman, but that aspect of the character is consistent with his backstory so it doesn't bother me as much. Plus, Pertwee's performance is solid, so it's fine with me.

The focus of the episode, Selina, shows promise. She's obviously an inexperienced actress, but she wasn't bad at all. In fact, some of her quips were delivered quite well. It's still weird having such a young Catwoman, but I (surprisingly) like the character.

The show still has a long way to go toward being great, but at the very least it's interesting. Plus, just the fact that we have so much nerdy television is something I never would have thought would happen.

Batshrine
September 30, 2014
I have to agree about Alfred. I can get behind him freaking out at Bruce then regretting it. And I know he is worried, but I guess I just prefer a gentle Alfred as opposed to one who is constantly scolding
1. JJ
  September 30, 2014
  I think it's a refreshing change and only makes sense. He is his guardian. He has no idea Bruce is going to grow up to be an amazing hero like the Batman. And without Alfred's help, and Gordon's, he won't. He'll go off the deep end and end up a bad guy.
ThesarkKnight
September 30, 2014
Not all episodes can be serous!
1. JaymusYawsley
  September 30, 2014
  Which is why I liked this one. It was better balanced tone-wise.
  One thing I hope they don't do with Oswald is make him fully psychotic, because that goes against the point of the character. He's perfectly sane (though with some of the crap he's gone through the past two episodes, it's easy to see how he would be pushed passed a breaking point), he's cultured, and he's a gentleman, he just looks like a grotesque. In a city filled with the new colorful criminals, he's old crime in super villain trappings. That's why anytime he gets captured he's sent to Blackgate, not Arkham; he's not insane, and that would insult him more than anything else. Hopefully, his arc will include him pulling himself together, pooling resources, and overthrowing Mooney's operation to seat himself as the "legitimate" head of the organization.
  1. Brandon@BatmanNews
    October 1, 2014
    "he's old crime in super villain trappings"

Kerk Lastnameless

September 30, 2014

I don't know what to think of Alfred. At first he seemed to be at total dick. Now, he looks like he has no idea what to do with Bruce and is just doing his best....which is being a dick. If there is no further development, he'll suck.

Someone said earlier that the girl that plays Selina looks like the young Michelle Pfeiffer. I can totally see it. And she acts like Catgirl would -- clever and quick on her feet, with the heart of gold.

But come on! "Cat"? Really? That's TOO IN YOOOOOUR FAAAAAAAAACE!

Jcool
September 30, 2014
They have been a tad blunt with the references to future selves.
Guestman
September 30, 2014
nailed it with the calling her "Cat" thing. Totally unnecessary! 99% of the audience understands that she's going to be Catwoman! I mean, she's a thief/orphan that runs around in black leather... who else is she going to be in Batman's universe? Lol. Plus, I'm sure the majority of the audience is also going to know who "Selina Kyle" is when she was just depicted in Nolan's TDKR only a couple years ago.
TheDarkKnight
September 30, 2014
Alfred is not a dick he just doing was his boss told him to do if he died!
Cat
October 1, 2014
She likes cats. Makes sense that she wants to be called Cat, especially in today's world where everyone has at least one internet nickname.

Captain Atom

September 30, 2014

Queen Industries/consolidated anyone?

YouKnowWho
September 30, 2014
Don't forget they mentioned the "Dollmaker" in this episode

Jcool

September 30, 2014

I think they need to find a better balance between the real world procedural of Gordon & Bullock and the more comicy aspects. Also is Gordon going to know all of the villains? That seems a tad gimmicky... He has met the Penguin, Catwoman, Poison Ivy, works with the Riddler and we are only at episode 2! And can we stop with the "wink wink" Joker references each episode?

Guest

September 30, 2014

I will just leave this here, because i seen nobody catch it or talking about it. Start the conspiracy theories.

Javon Cooper

September 30, 2014

Awesome once again!!! Everybody break out the Dvr. It's a great show so far. I love the spin of different origins, but keeping it renal and true to the comics. And OMG the doll maker ..

Javon Cooper

September 30, 2014

Jada is everything as far as now. Might have been alil to much power in the first eps. Only because I think she was still feeling it's out. But you can tell from tonight's eps. She is amazing. And I love Gordon. So dope. And Cat. Ha, what a good choice for an amazing CatWoman.

OptimistPrime99

September 30, 2014

Doug and Patti were creep as hell. So Alfred said NO, to getting kid Bruce Wayne a psychiatrist. Yep, that makes sense. It's much better that Bruce Wayne grows to be a Caped Crusader who beats the hell out of bad guys, than a well-adjusted human being. Alfred is freakin' AWESOME!

Captain DC

September 30, 2014

Great episode. I love young Selina's portrayal. This episode reminded me of that one BTAS episode.

Gothamite1939

September 30, 2014

I don't know about anyone else but I'm really enjoying this show.
I think the kid playing Bruce is doing a fantastic job. I'm enjoying their take on Alfred and I'm loving the guy who plays Penguin. Also Bullock, I love their take on him and I'm enjoying the guy who plays him performance.
It was great to see more of Selina in this ep, the kid playing her is also doing a good job in my opinion.
I thought this ep was better then the pilot and I really enjoyed the pilot, they have me hooked at least.

YouKnowWho

September 30, 2014

I have to disagree with you on Alfred in this show, he's what I expected him to be. A tough and still caring butler, plus this is kid Bruce we're talking about. He's smart, but still has a bit of naiveness in him so I would expect that Alfred has to disagree with some of his methods

boots
September 30, 2014
this.

boots

September 30, 2014

i really hope i start connecting with Gordon soon because right now i only feel invested in Pengie and Bruce. i totally want to see that kid grow up on this show, so i hope my otherwise lack of enthusiasm doesn't reflect the majority (and will get cured somewhere along the way this season).

definitely enjoyed this episode more than the pilot.

B'sW
September 30, 2014
I'm with you about Gordon. I really do want to care and connect, and sympathize and root for him, but he's just very uneven. There were parts where I loved him (letting Bullock beat up the bad guy who was hiding the kids) and parts where I was like... what are you doing???!!??? I understand that he's supposed to still be naive and trying to go by the book as much as possible, but he's already had to make some compromises, and I don't buy how terrible he is at lying! Also, as the new kid in the team, I would expect him to do a little more watch and observe (with the mayor for example). I'm not sure if my discomfort comes from the acting or the directing/script but as you're saying, hopefully this will get better as the character matures over the season.
I, on the other hand, did enjoy the pilot better. The episode was a little too disjointed for my taste: too many "check-ins". I wish they'd either find a way to connect the storylines better or just choose to have less side stories... every episode will start with a "previously in Gotham..." so, it's ok to let some characters hanging 1 week or 2.
Really enjoyed Selina! She definitely made the episode for me! Looking forward to seeing more of her!

Joe Dee

September 30, 2014

I actually thought this weeks episode was not as good as the pilot, still good overall though, enough to keep me coming back but it is only the second episode so of course there will be mis steps. I don't think they have found the right balance of tone yet, it goes from being campy (the score, the performances) to deadly serious so quick you can get whiplash. Jada Pickett couldn't seem to decide if she was doing a straight up Eartha Kitt impersonation or not and when Bullock was threatening to beat the kid I couldn't tell if he was going for laughs or not it was that over the top. And the villains this week, psychotic Sarah Palin and her pal was lame. I rather they don't dig up obscure Batman villains for the sake of filling screen time every episode. Also, like in the pilot, I found Nygma annoying and shoe horned in. Also, I don't buy the idea of young (or old) Bruce Wayne listening to heavy metal lol, but that's just me. Otherwise I thought the performances were solid, (even Bullock, despite the bit mentioned above) and I really like this Catwoman, probably my fave character on the show so far, although for an episode titled Selina Kyle, we didn't see or learn as much about her as I'd hoped. The show still has areas it needs improvements in , but I'm still in for the ride!

mma895

September 30, 2014

This catwoman is AMAZING!!

TheDarkKnight

September 30, 2014

The scene whare he asked if the truck had a Hemi??!? It's a GMC not a Doge, Ram or Chrysler???

TheDarkKnight
September 30, 2014
Other then that loved it!!!

Unique Jenique

September 30, 2014

I might be in the minority here but I love the sense of disfunctionality between Bruce and Alfred. It shows neither of them are happy with the situation and don't know where to go from there. I feel Alfred's sternness is just his way of expressin his grief annd uncertainty. He doesn't know how to raise a child. Bruce's self mutilation and creepy drawings show his broken psyche - because face it we all know Bats is a little crazy. I still don't know about Gordon popping up at Wayne Manor all the time, but for now it works I guess. I wanna see more between Bruce and Alfred.

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'Gotham' S01E02: "Selina Kyle" - synopsis, photos, videos, and discussion

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