A question I hear frequently from many of my friends is, “What should I watch next on Netflix?” With access to so many movies and TV shows, it can be hard to decide what to watch, especially when said viewing decision is made in an attempt to escape the never-ending cycle of homework.
Right now, my top recommendation is Gotham. Gotham explores the origin stories of many of the heroes and villains from the Batman universe. The best thing about the show is that you don’t have to be one of those fans that has read all of the comics five times each to enjoy it and understand what’s going on. If you aren’t already watching Gotham, here are my top ten reasons why you should start.
1. The Joker is not the main villain.
The Joker is, arguably, the best Batman villain, if not one of the greatest villains in all of fiction. Because of this, it is tempting to incorporate him in Batman stories as often as possible. However, it is true that you can have too much of a good thing. With the Joker receiving so much of the spotlight, it can sometimes feel like some of the other villains are being put on the back burner. It is refreshing to see many of the other members of Batman’s Rogue Gallery get more attention.
2. But when he is there, he is perfect.
Although he has not yet adopted the name of the Joker, Jerome is, for all intents and purposes, the Joker of Gotham. And he’s pretty fabulous.
3. Harvey Bullock is actually likeable.
When I watched Batman: The Animated Series, one of the first opinions I formed was that Harvey Bullock is a jerk. He was grumpy and, most importantly, mean to Batman. When I started watching Gotham and realized that Harvey was a part of the show, I admit that I was a little put-off at first. But as I observed his character, I discovered that I actually looked forward to his scenes. He’s still a little grumpy, but in a charming sort of way. Plus, he and Jim are friendship goals.
4. All the villains start at different places.
While the show’s focus began on the origins of James Gordon, it has expanded to all of Batman’s major villains. The great thing is that they all start at different levels of evil. As they are introduced, some are really evil, some are kind of bad, and some are completely innocent. However, they are all equally interesting to watch develop.
5. Selina’s sass is on point.
Catwoman would not be Catwoman without her expert levels of sass. Even though Selina is not technically Catwoman yet, she is already the Queen of Sass.
6. The cast is adorable.
7. The characters occasionally give some practical advice.
This usually comes in the form of Alfred giving advice to Bruce, but the other characters tend to give practical advice too.
8. Jada Pinkett Smith is in the show and she’s awesome.
9. Selina and Bruce’s relationship dynamic is perfect.
You can’t have Batman without his on-again, off-again girlfriend, Catwoman. Even though they have not yet officially become their respective alter-egos, Bruce and Selina already exhibit the perfect dynamic of being friends/enemies/kind-of dating.
10. The Bruce and Alfred relationship is the most adorable thing ever.
For me, the true heart of the Batman universe is Alfred and his relationship with Bruce. Alfred is always there for Bruce, no matter what. It’s no wonder that the one thing that my Batman friends and I all want, other than the Batmobile, is an Alfred.