jamieradford
Joined Dec 2012
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As a big fan of super hero movies and television, I was very much looking forward to the first episode of the Flash. Particularly given Arrow is one of my favourite shows, and this new version is a spin off, or at least heavily connected to that series.
As with Arrow, many of the elements and characteristics of the original comic book hero have been kept, although many are also adapted or even ignored to appeal to a more modern and mainstream audience.
As with the original comic book character Barry Allen (Grant Gustin), is a police scientist, or CSI investigator in this case, who is still a highly moral individual despite his history and profession. This was an important aspect of the character that had to be kept as it was central to who he was. In Justice #8 (2006), Batman says, "Barry is the kind of man that I would've hoped to become if my parents hadn't been murdered." Like the original character Allen is also always late, however unlike the original Barry Allen this version is much younger, and is not married. He does however still reside in Central City.
Of course viewers of Arrow will already be somewhat familiar with this version of Barry Allen, as he was introduced to audiences in the second half of season two of that show. This was a good move by the producers, as it creates an existing connection between the character and the audience before the new show actually airs.
The series starts with a flashback from Allen's past when his mother was apparently killed by some strange (electrical?) phenomenon. His father was jailed for the murder and remains in prison, although Barry believes him to be innocent and has been investigating the death on his own for many years. No doubt, this investigation will be a continuing theme throughout the series, or at least the early seasons.
The circumstances that transform Barry Allen into the Flash are again similar to the original comic book in that he is struck by lightning and doused by a mixture of chemicals. Although in this version a particle accelerator built by Star Labs triggered the storm when it blew up after being turned on for the first time. I suspect this too will play a major part further down the track.
Particularly given Allen awakes from a nine month coma in Star Labs (or at least what was left of it after the explosion), and that is where he discovers his new powers, and also how to use and control them. Star Labs and its owner Harrison Wells (Tom Cavanagh), also supply Allen with his suit. But is Wells helping Allen for purely altruistic reasons, or has he another agenda that will reveal itself it coming episodes?
Jesse L. Martin (Law and Order), plays Detective Joe West who helped raise Barry after his father was sent to prison and works alongside him. His daughter Iris West (Candice Patton), who of course was Allen's wife in the comic book, is more like a sister in this series, although Allen wishes for more.
While it had its faults I really enjoyed the first episode of the Flash, and look forward to seeing the direction the show will take. The production values were high, which is to be expected as DC and Warner Bros. are behind the series, so the special effects were also of high quality. The acting was solid, and the script while not providing anything really new, did allow for some intriguing possibilities in the future.
If you're a fan of super hero shows, and in particular Arrow, I highly recommend giving this series a go. While at this early stage I would not wish to compare the two, one thing that is obvious is the Flash will not be as dark as Arrow. Whether that's a good thing or not, is entirely up to you. 7/10
As with Arrow, many of the elements and characteristics of the original comic book hero have been kept, although many are also adapted or even ignored to appeal to a more modern and mainstream audience.
As with the original comic book character Barry Allen (Grant Gustin), is a police scientist, or CSI investigator in this case, who is still a highly moral individual despite his history and profession. This was an important aspect of the character that had to be kept as it was central to who he was. In Justice #8 (2006), Batman says, "Barry is the kind of man that I would've hoped to become if my parents hadn't been murdered." Like the original character Allen is also always late, however unlike the original Barry Allen this version is much younger, and is not married. He does however still reside in Central City.
Of course viewers of Arrow will already be somewhat familiar with this version of Barry Allen, as he was introduced to audiences in the second half of season two of that show. This was a good move by the producers, as it creates an existing connection between the character and the audience before the new show actually airs.
The series starts with a flashback from Allen's past when his mother was apparently killed by some strange (electrical?) phenomenon. His father was jailed for the murder and remains in prison, although Barry believes him to be innocent and has been investigating the death on his own for many years. No doubt, this investigation will be a continuing theme throughout the series, or at least the early seasons.
The circumstances that transform Barry Allen into the Flash are again similar to the original comic book in that he is struck by lightning and doused by a mixture of chemicals. Although in this version a particle accelerator built by Star Labs triggered the storm when it blew up after being turned on for the first time. I suspect this too will play a major part further down the track.
Particularly given Allen awakes from a nine month coma in Star Labs (or at least what was left of it after the explosion), and that is where he discovers his new powers, and also how to use and control them. Star Labs and its owner Harrison Wells (Tom Cavanagh), also supply Allen with his suit. But is Wells helping Allen for purely altruistic reasons, or has he another agenda that will reveal itself it coming episodes?
Jesse L. Martin (Law and Order), plays Detective Joe West who helped raise Barry after his father was sent to prison and works alongside him. His daughter Iris West (Candice Patton), who of course was Allen's wife in the comic book, is more like a sister in this series, although Allen wishes for more.
While it had its faults I really enjoyed the first episode of the Flash, and look forward to seeing the direction the show will take. The production values were high, which is to be expected as DC and Warner Bros. are behind the series, so the special effects were also of high quality. The acting was solid, and the script while not providing anything really new, did allow for some intriguing possibilities in the future.
If you're a fan of super hero shows, and in particular Arrow, I highly recommend giving this series a go. While at this early stage I would not wish to compare the two, one thing that is obvious is the Flash will not be as dark as Arrow. Whether that's a good thing or not, is entirely up to you. 7/10
I must admit to being quite surprised by many of the negative reviews towards Gotham, as I think it is the best pilot I have seen since Sleepy Hollow.
Perhaps some, even though claiming to be looking forward to the series, just cannot wrap their heads around a show about Gotham that does not feature Batman.
To me that's one of the attractions. Of all superheroes, Batman's city has always been the most interesting and included so many more larger than life characters than any other.
While in the Batman films we get to see glimpses of the way Gotham ticks, and some of the background of those characters, Gotham the series will give us a far more detailed explanation.
The first episode introduces us to a young Jim Gordon and his partner Harvey Bullock.
Bullock of course is the grizzled veteran, entrenched in the fabric of the city, while Gordon is the ideological rookie finding out the hard way of how the city functions.
Ben McKenzie plays the young Gordan, and unlike some reviewers here, I thought he did a great job in the pilot. I never watched the OC, and only the odd episode of Southland so had no preconceptions prior to Gotham, which is sometimes a good thing when watching a new series.
Bullock is played by Donald Logue (Law n Order SVU, Sons of Anarchy, Vikings), who also did a fine job. The relationship between the two, will obviously be an important part of the series, and they bounced off each other well. Particularly given it was only the first episode.
Of course another aspect of the show will be to show the origins of Gotham's villains. In the pilot we meet Oswald Cobblepot played wonderfully well by Robin Lloyd Taylor. I've never seen him before, but I think he will make a fantastic Penguin down the track.
A young Selena Kyle/Catwoman is also introduced, although it is mostly in the background. On one such occasion she witnesses the murder of Thomas and Martha Wayne, which is the central theme of the first episode.
However I must admit that I agree with another reviewer that this scene could have been done better, and with a lot more impact. It is probably the weakest part of the pilot, but again unlike others, I thought the dialogue between Gordan and a young Bruce Wayne to be reasonably well done.
Edward Enigma/Riddler also makes a quick appearance.
While mostly keeping true to the familiar faces of Gotham, such as those mentioned above, the makers have decided to add their own villain in Fish Moroney, played by Jada Pinkett Smith. Whether Fish adds or detracts to the story, we will have to wait and see, but what is obvious already, is that she is a nasty piece of work who wants to run the city for herself.
Perhaps what stands out the most in the pilot is Gotham itself.
The cinematography is exceptional for a television series, and this television version of Gotham seems to be based mostly on Chris Nolan's view of the city, which is definitely not a bad thing.
The screenplay seemed quite strong, although of course it is early days, and the cast were also very solid, especially for a pilot.
I was thoroughly impressed with the first episode of Gotham, and while there were flaws, the overall quality of the show more than made up for them, and I look forward to the coming season. A tentative 8/10 at this early stage.
UPDATE AFTER FOUR EPISODES
When I first reviewed Gotham after the pilot, I gave it a tentative 8/10. I may have to change that to a 9, a score I very rarely give.
All the cast are growing into their roles nicely, particularly Ben McKenzie as Gordan and Robin Lloyd Taylor as Oswald Cobblepot. So too David Mazouz as Bruce Wayne. While previously I was a little critical of Gordan and Wayne's first meeting, the relationship is becoming very interesting, as we get to watch the early seeds of Batman being planted in the young Bruce's psyche.
As I also said earlier the creators have chosen to use the same view of Gotham as the Chris Nolen trilogy. Which to me being so recent in memory adds to the series as it seems almost a prequel to the three Dark Knight movies.
The story lines are very well done so far. As much as anything this a political television show, albeit without the politics we know. As bad and corrupt as some of our elected officials may be, they are nothing compared to those of Gotham, which is essentially run by organised crime.
While the series may centre on a young James Gordan, as the title suggests it is more so about Gotham. The layers of corruption that embed the city, and the characters that inhabit it, which of course is what eventually leads to Bruce Wayne becoming Batman.
After only four episodes, Gotham has already become one of my favourite shows, and am really looking forward to see where it goes. 8.5/10
Perhaps some, even though claiming to be looking forward to the series, just cannot wrap their heads around a show about Gotham that does not feature Batman.
To me that's one of the attractions. Of all superheroes, Batman's city has always been the most interesting and included so many more larger than life characters than any other.
While in the Batman films we get to see glimpses of the way Gotham ticks, and some of the background of those characters, Gotham the series will give us a far more detailed explanation.
The first episode introduces us to a young Jim Gordon and his partner Harvey Bullock.
Bullock of course is the grizzled veteran, entrenched in the fabric of the city, while Gordon is the ideological rookie finding out the hard way of how the city functions.
Ben McKenzie plays the young Gordan, and unlike some reviewers here, I thought he did a great job in the pilot. I never watched the OC, and only the odd episode of Southland so had no preconceptions prior to Gotham, which is sometimes a good thing when watching a new series.
Bullock is played by Donald Logue (Law n Order SVU, Sons of Anarchy, Vikings), who also did a fine job. The relationship between the two, will obviously be an important part of the series, and they bounced off each other well. Particularly given it was only the first episode.
Of course another aspect of the show will be to show the origins of Gotham's villains. In the pilot we meet Oswald Cobblepot played wonderfully well by Robin Lloyd Taylor. I've never seen him before, but I think he will make a fantastic Penguin down the track.
A young Selena Kyle/Catwoman is also introduced, although it is mostly in the background. On one such occasion she witnesses the murder of Thomas and Martha Wayne, which is the central theme of the first episode.
However I must admit that I agree with another reviewer that this scene could have been done better, and with a lot more impact. It is probably the weakest part of the pilot, but again unlike others, I thought the dialogue between Gordan and a young Bruce Wayne to be reasonably well done.
Edward Enigma/Riddler also makes a quick appearance.
While mostly keeping true to the familiar faces of Gotham, such as those mentioned above, the makers have decided to add their own villain in Fish Moroney, played by Jada Pinkett Smith. Whether Fish adds or detracts to the story, we will have to wait and see, but what is obvious already, is that she is a nasty piece of work who wants to run the city for herself.
Perhaps what stands out the most in the pilot is Gotham itself.
The cinematography is exceptional for a television series, and this television version of Gotham seems to be based mostly on Chris Nolan's view of the city, which is definitely not a bad thing.
The screenplay seemed quite strong, although of course it is early days, and the cast were also very solid, especially for a pilot.
I was thoroughly impressed with the first episode of Gotham, and while there were flaws, the overall quality of the show more than made up for them, and I look forward to the coming season. A tentative 8/10 at this early stage.
UPDATE AFTER FOUR EPISODES
When I first reviewed Gotham after the pilot, I gave it a tentative 8/10. I may have to change that to a 9, a score I very rarely give.
All the cast are growing into their roles nicely, particularly Ben McKenzie as Gordan and Robin Lloyd Taylor as Oswald Cobblepot. So too David Mazouz as Bruce Wayne. While previously I was a little critical of Gordan and Wayne's first meeting, the relationship is becoming very interesting, as we get to watch the early seeds of Batman being planted in the young Bruce's psyche.
As I also said earlier the creators have chosen to use the same view of Gotham as the Chris Nolen trilogy. Which to me being so recent in memory adds to the series as it seems almost a prequel to the three Dark Knight movies.
The story lines are very well done so far. As much as anything this a political television show, albeit without the politics we know. As bad and corrupt as some of our elected officials may be, they are nothing compared to those of Gotham, which is essentially run by organised crime.
While the series may centre on a young James Gordan, as the title suggests it is more so about Gotham. The layers of corruption that embed the city, and the characters that inhabit it, which of course is what eventually leads to Bruce Wayne becoming Batman.
After only four episodes, Gotham has already become one of my favourite shows, and am really looking forward to see where it goes. 8.5/10
It is not often I will give up on a series as quickly as I did this one, but it was just so bad, I only got half way through the second episode before giving up.
Other than lots of killing of zombies in all manner of bloody ways, the show has virtually no redeeming qualities whatsoever. None of the characters are likable in any way, shape or form, and the script is hollow and inconsistent.
In fact it is actually amazing how loathsome the cast are. How can the makers of this show expect to attract an audience when the viewer cannot invest with any of the lead characters. They really are that unlikeable that I wanted to kill them. However I just settled for switching off the show instead.
These are a group of human survivors who are strangers, with cars,food and weapons, who are on a mission to 'save the world' so to speak, and have joined together to do so,yet will not help any other survivors unless there is something in it for them. They really are a bunch of arseholes.
Another major issue I had was the inconsistent behaviour of the zombies. Zombies are not complicated creatures. See person eat person. Yet in the second episode while walking up stairs filled with zombies, two of the characters are brushing past them, yet hardly any zombies actually reach for them.
Another thing that annoyed me was when they were driving through zombies mowing them down. They left the windows down for God's sake.. Seriously, if you're going to be running over the undead, surely you have the sense to wind up your window so as you do not get splattered, and infected yourself.
Usually when I see a show as bad as this, I wouldn't trash it like this, as no matter what I may think, someone has gone to a lot of effort to produce it and deserves kudos for doing so. But this is one show that should never had gone to air. It is truly awful.
Indeed unless you are a zombie yourself, or at least have the same intellectual capacity as one, I'd steer clear, and perhaps spend the time doing some of those nasty chores you've been putting off. It will be more enjoyable, and they won't get in the way when all the good shows begin their new season in the coming weeks.
Other than lots of killing of zombies in all manner of bloody ways, the show has virtually no redeeming qualities whatsoever. None of the characters are likable in any way, shape or form, and the script is hollow and inconsistent.
In fact it is actually amazing how loathsome the cast are. How can the makers of this show expect to attract an audience when the viewer cannot invest with any of the lead characters. They really are that unlikeable that I wanted to kill them. However I just settled for switching off the show instead.
These are a group of human survivors who are strangers, with cars,food and weapons, who are on a mission to 'save the world' so to speak, and have joined together to do so,yet will not help any other survivors unless there is something in it for them. They really are a bunch of arseholes.
Another major issue I had was the inconsistent behaviour of the zombies. Zombies are not complicated creatures. See person eat person. Yet in the second episode while walking up stairs filled with zombies, two of the characters are brushing past them, yet hardly any zombies actually reach for them.
Another thing that annoyed me was when they were driving through zombies mowing them down. They left the windows down for God's sake.. Seriously, if you're going to be running over the undead, surely you have the sense to wind up your window so as you do not get splattered, and infected yourself.
Usually when I see a show as bad as this, I wouldn't trash it like this, as no matter what I may think, someone has gone to a lot of effort to produce it and deserves kudos for doing so. But this is one show that should never had gone to air. It is truly awful.
Indeed unless you are a zombie yourself, or at least have the same intellectual capacity as one, I'd steer clear, and perhaps spend the time doing some of those nasty chores you've been putting off. It will be more enjoyable, and they won't get in the way when all the good shows begin their new season in the coming weeks.