Gotham: Penguin’s Umbrella is the 7th episode of the season and all hell breaks loose now that it’s known that Gordon didn’t kill Cobblepot and the latter is back in Gotham. It opens up with just about everyone in the police station shocked when they see Cobblepot walking up declaring he’s back, especially considering Gordon was just put in handcuffs. Shock isn’t the only reaction that Gordon has to worry about as Fish learns of this too, presumably through a contact in the GCPD, and she calls for Gordon’s head. Even Bullock is angry with Gordon and when they’re both alone he knocks Gordon down and draws his gun on him. Despite Gordon assuring him that he has a plan so they both don’t end up dead, Bullock still attempts to kill him until Gordon takes him down and gains the upper hand. Everything is falling apart very swiftly for Gordon, who now can’t get in touch with Barbara and so he rushes to their apartment but he’s too late. Two of Fish’s goons are already there holding Barbara hostage and Gordon comes in with his gun already drawn. Barbara finally knows the truth about Gordon not killing Cobblepot but obviously this isn’t an ideal situation. And ultimately Gordon doesn’t have a choice but to knock one of them out and shoot the other so they could escape. But Gordon knows it’s far from over as he takes Barbara to the train station so she could leave town in hopes of her being safe while he executes his plan. However he doesn’t tell her that there’s not much hope for his plan to succeed with him coming out of it alive since practically the entire city will be hunting for him. Is this it for Gordon or will he find allies in time to turn the tide?

One thing this episode would improve on greatly from last week was the action. It started off with Gordon in his home but the later scene in the police station where Gordon faces off with Zsasz and his 2 henchwomen was easily the best action scene so far this season, and the boldest. And I can’t see a shootout taking place in the police station right after every single officer walks out leaving Gordon all alone not having repercussions. Captain Essen would initially want to stay but Gordon wouldn’t let her considering everyone else walked out. So I’m curious as to what kind of repercussions this will have, whether good or bad. Gordon would eventually gain allies but he would still go ahead with his initial plan to fight back against those part of this corruption as a last resort effort. It was entertaining watching this unfold and there were glimpses of a future Commissioner Gordon in these scenes but I couldn’t help but chuckle at the special unit helping him considering they’re the ones who got him into this mess. And Fish would finally have more interesting things to do as the war between Falcone and Marrone would heat up with Marrone finally showing some of his hand. The build up the past few episodes for this to take place would be worth it. So there was plenty of action all over this episode.

SUMMARY

Gotham: Penguin’s Umbrella was an action-packed episode that put the series back on track with its surprising story and great character development. Gordon’s shootout with Zsasz was intense and shocking with everyone leaving the station and most likely changes the dynamics going forward. Falcone was finally an impressive character and I was glad to see Fish doing more than being a judge for auditions. But Cobblepot would steal the spotlight with his memorable scene as well as his role in all the events that took place. So I’m excited to see what stories are ahead now that the Cobblepot murder mystery story line has been resolved.