Gotham Season 4 Episode 5 A Dark Knight: The Blade’s Path Review

If you would like to read Keith’s review of last week’s episode, click here.

Synopsis: Nygma uses Butch to regain power and identity; Sofia Falcone appeals to Penguin’s vulnerable side; Bruce makes bold moves with the dagger in his possession. (IMDB)

Writer: Tze Chun

Director: Scott White

Rating: TV-14

Running Time: 42mins

Tonight’s episode, aptly named, ‘Blade’s Path’, focused on the aftermath of last week’s events. Bruce was faced with a dilemma unlike before, challenging him as he heads down the inevitable path of becoming Gotham’s famous vigilante.

After being shot by Barbara Kean last season, Butch Gilzean has been in a coma…until now. In order to make room in the hospital, his body is dumped into a swamp which was contaminated with Hugo Strange’s Indian Hill guck. As a result, he rises out of Slaughter Swamp (homage to its comic roots btw) like Frankenstein having lost his memory and going by a new name, Solomon Grundy, a name he overheard playing on a gramophone.

Butch aka Solomon crosses paths with Ed Nygma which made for a hilarious pairing up of partners this episode. With Butch’s memory gone, Ed took this opportunity to team up with him as they face their enemies together.

Meanwhile, Sofia Falcone spent most of the episode trying to get on Penguin’s good side. Unfortunately for her, he wasn’t so easily fooled. He knew what her end-game was and kept her on her toes as she struggled to get on his good side. However, after some cajoling and flattering, it seems she may be getting through to him after all. Oh, Penguin, you and your emotions.

The central theme around tonight’s episode, however, was the story of Bruce and Ra’s Al Ghul. Last week’s episode revealed the importance of the blade Bruce now possesses. Bruce continued to struggle with his never-ending emotions which are the primary backbone of every decision he makes. He discovered that Ra’s must die by the blade he is in possession of. Ra’s Ghul conveyed this message to Bruce multiple times, all but begging Bruce to kill him. Bruce, of course, has made a vow never to kill, so this made for some complications.

Bruce arrived at the Blackgate Penitentiary to do the deed but found himself unable to go through with it once he was inside Ra’s Al Ghul’s cell. Gravely disappointed by this, Ra’s Al Ghul instigates Bruce by promising to return and kill every person he loves. And if that threat wasn’t enough, he goes on to mention his deceased parents. If nothing else will ever strike a nerve with Mr. Bruce Wayne, the mention of his parents most definitely will.

Overwhelmed by anger and blind rage, Bruce goes against his vow and stabs and kills Ra’s as he withers away into a stone-like state. Gordon and Alfred show up as this moment unfolds, taken aback by Bruce’s actions.

Bruce couldn’t come to terms with what he had just done, and immediately opts to fall into the usual cycle of doubt and regret. He makes a decision to burn his vigilante outfit–believing that he is no good to Gotham as a murderer. Alfred, Bruce’s guiding light always and forever, steps in to say that he knows Bruce doesn’t feel worthy now but when he does, the suit and he will be waiting for him.

‘Blade’s Path’ led us down what seems to be the true beginning of Bruce’s journey. Bruce always struggles with his inner thoughts and emotions, which always seem to get the best of him. But now that he has taken a life, it will be interesting to see how this will affect his story going forward as Gotham’s vigilante.

Score: 7.5/10

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