Azrael (Gotham episode)

Last updated
"Azrael"
Gotham episode
Episode no.Season 2
Episode 19
Directed by Larysa Kondracki
Written by
Featured music
Cinematography byCrescenzo Notarile
Production code4X6219
Original air dateMay 2, 2016 (2016-05-02)
Running time44 minutes
Guest appearances
Episode chronology
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"Unleashed"
Gotham season 2
List of episodes

"Azrael" is the nineteenth episode of the second season, and 41st episode overall from the Fox series Gotham . The episode was written by co-producer Jim Barnes and co-executive producer Ken Woodruff and directed by Larysa Kondracki. It was first broadcast on May 2, 2016. In the episode, Theo Galavan is finally resurrected and begins a killing spree across Gotham City, calling himself "Azrael" while Gordon and Bruce try to arrest Dr. Hugo Strange for his involvement in the resurrection and his inhuman experiments.

Contents

The episode received critical acclaim, with Azrael's introduction receiving the most recognition. The episode received two Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Sound Editing for a Series and Outstanding Cinematography for a Single-Camera Series.

Plot

Having been resurrected by Hugo Strange (B. D. Wong), Theo Galavan (James Frain) is suffering from almost complete memory loss and reciting the sacred book of the Order of Saint Dumas. Meanwhile, Gordon (Benjamin McKenzie) visits Strange to ask him about Karen Jennings' death and the Pinewood Farms program. Strange states that Thomas Wayne started it to heal every disease and denies his involvement. Gordon then shows Strange a warrant to see Victor Fries' corpse but Strange states they cremated him. Strange realizes Gordon made a false warrant so he would admit his lies.

While leaving Arkham Asylum, Gordon runs across Nygma (Cory Michael Smith) in the playroom. Later, Nygma overhears Strange and Peabody (Tonya Pinkins) complaining about Gordon's interference. Nygma suggests that he help them to kill Gordon but Strange refuses. But Nygma's attempt to prove his worth inspires Strange to provide Galavan with a story to give his fractured state of mind a sense of self. Using Saint Dumas scripture while claiming to be Adam Dumas, Strange convinces Galavan that he is the order's ancient warrior Azrael and directs him to kill Gordon.

Bruce (David Mazouz) is told by Gordon and Bullock (Donal Logue) that the evidence won't be enough to imprison Strange. Angered by this, Bruce reveals that he knows Gordon is responsible for killing Galavan, pushing his belief that the law is ineffective at bringing him true justice. While talking with Captain Barnes (Michael Chiklis), Gordon and Barnes are attacked by Azrael, who is forced to flee when the police arrive. While walking through an alley, Azrael sees a poster of Galavan's campaign which causes some of his memories to return before shrugging it off.

Barnes imprisons Gordon in a cell for aiding Karen Jennings' escape. Suddenly, the lights go off and Azrael shows up. He kills three officers and tries to kill Gordon. However, Gordon and Barnes escape to the balcony where Barnes fights with a pipe against Azrael and manages to break his sword and pull off his mask, realizing his identity. Azrael then stabs Barnes when Gordon appears. Azrael tries to flee but Gordon shoots him multiple times until he falls off the building, landing on a TV van. The news broadcasts that Galavan is alive and is Azrael, which Cobblepot (Robin Lord Taylor) witnesses from Dahl Manor. Likewise, Butch (Drew Powell), Tabitha (Jessica Lucas) and Barbara (Erin Richards) watch the report from their mansion, to their shock.

Barnes is transferred to the hospital. Nygma discovers a secret elevator in the hallway of Arkham Asylum, which directs him to Indian Hill labs, to his surprise. Gordon leaves the GCPD while from a distance, Azrael stands atop a bridge watching him.

Production

Development

In April 2016, it was announced that the nineteenth episode of the season would be titled "Azrael", and was to be written by Jim Barnes and Ken Woodruff, with Larysa Kondracki directing. [1]

Casting

Morena Baccarin, Camren Bicondova, Chris Chalk, and Nicholas D'Agosto don't appear in the episode as their respective characters. In April 2016, it was announced that the guest cast for the episode would include B. D. Wong as Professor Hugo Strange, Tonya Pinkins as Ethel Peabody and Stink Fisher as Aaron Helzinger. [1]

Reception

Viewers

The episode was watched by 3.59 million viewers with a 1.2/4 share among adults aged 18 to 49, reaching another series low. [2] This was a decrease in viewership from the previous episode, which was watched by 3.72 million viewers. [3] With this ratings, Gotham ranked first for FOX, beating Houdini & Doyle , fourth on its timeslot and ninth for the night on the 18-49 demographics, behind Blindspot , The Odd Couple , two episodes of Mike & Molly , NCIS: Los Angeles , a rerun of The Big Bang Theory , Dancing with the Stars and The Voice .

It was also the 32nd most watched of the week in the 18-49 demographics and the 59th most watched overall in the week. [4] [5] With Live+7 DVR viewing factored in, the episode had an overall rating of 5.77 million viewers, and a 2.1 in the 18–49 demographic. [6]

Critical reviews

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Rotten Tomatoes (Tomatometer)100% [7]
Rotten Tomatoes (Average Score)8.3 [7]
IGN 7.3 [8]
The A.V. Club B+ [9]
TV Overmind Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svg [10]

"Wrath of the Villains: Azrael" received critical acclaim from critics. The episode received a rating of 100% with an average score of 8.3 out of 10 on the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes. [7]

Matt Fowler of IGN gave the episode a "good" 7.3 out of 10 and wrote in his verdict, "Gotham's version of Azrael was fun, even if it was a bit on-the-nose from a 'Gordon's sins coming back to haunt him' standpoint. Also, Ed Nygma's new role as a cunning evildoer is cool to watch. Strange, however, will most likely cause himself to lose this battle long before Gordon ever makes a definitive move." [8]

The A.V. Club's Kyle Fowle gave the episode a "B+" grade and wrote, "One of the longest-running issues with Gotham has been its futile search for an identity. For almost two seasons now the show has struggled to define what it is and, more importantly, what it has to offer each and every week. That last point is especially significant in today's TV climate, where superhero shows are treated with the same amount of reverence afforded so-called prestige dramas; in fact, the age of Peak TV seems to make superhero shows even more popular, as their blend of episodic and serialized storytelling perfectly fit into models of both binge watching and week-to-week appointment viewing. Every show, to an extent, struggles to define what it is and what it has to offer, but superhero shows like The Flash , Arrow , and Marvel's Agent Carter have moved through those struggles and come out on the other side with a mostly cohesive vision. You know what you're getting from them every week in terms of storytelling, visual aesthetic, performances, tone, and themes. The same can't be said for Gotham, which feels like it's constantly changing shapes, forging new directions before abandoning them and starting all over again. There's no easy answer, but 'Azrael' at least suggests that Gotham does have some redeeming qualities mixed into its failed attempts at being a police procedural, superhero show, and lengthy origin story. When Gotham is good it's not taking itself too seriously while using its supporting performances to craft a story that's actually fun to watch unfold. 'Azrael' succeeds in large part because of the performances, as many of them are firing on all cylinders here." [9]

Andy Behbakht of TV Overmind gave the series a star rating of 4.5 out of 5, writing "Overall, 'Azrael' was a very strong episode that did a solid job with introducing their version of Azrael and with only three episodes left of the season: things are starting to come full circle nicely." [10]

Keertana Sastry of EW stated: "That's how Hugo Strange and his No. 2, Peabody, describe the newly revived Theo Galavan on Monday night's Gotham, 'Wrath of the Villains: Azrael,' and they could not be more right. As the title of the episode suggests, the Order of St. Dumas comes back in a big, big way to the series, but this time it's not Theo pulling the strings." [11]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Azrael (DC Comics)</span> Fictional superhero

Azrael is an alias used by multiple fictional characters appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The original version, Jean-Paul Valley, was created by Denny O'Neil, Joe Quesada, and Peter Milligan, and debuted in Batman: Sword of Azrael #1. The second character to assume the alias was Michael Washington Lane, in Azrael: Death's Dark Knight #1. Both iterations are Christian vigilantes and assassins created by the Order of St. Dumas and/or its derivatives, secretive religious organizations seeking to restore justice to Gotham City through religious extremism. They are typically portrayed as antiheroes and reluctant allies of the superhero Batman and the Batman Family, battling forms of manipulations employed by their respective orders, violent tendencies shaped by tragedies in their life, and proving themselves trusted allies to Batman.

Jim Gordon (<i>Gotham</i>) Fictional character in the Fox TV series Gotham

James "Jim" Gordon is a fictional character adapted to the screen by Bruno Heller. He serves as the main protagonist of the Warner Bros. and DC Comics television series Gotham, portrayed by Ben McKenzie.

"Mommy's Little Monster" is the seventh episode of the second season and 29th episode overall from the FOX series Gotham. The episode was written by Robert Hull and directed by Kenneth Fink. It was first broadcast in November 2, 2015 in FOX. In this episode, Penguin and Butch release Penguin's mother, but is killed by Galavans, forcing the Penguin into his vengeful conquest against them. Gordon, Bullock and GCPD are forced to protect Theo Galavan from him, but Gordon learns the truth behind Galavan's machinations.

"Tonight's the Night" is the eighth episode of the second season and 30th episode overall from the FOX series Gotham. The episode was written by Jim Barnes and directed by Jeffrey Hunt. It was first broadcast in November 9, 2015 in FOX. In the episode, Galavan sends Barbara after Jim Gordon, while trying to make a business deal with Bruce Wayne. Nygma has a run-in with Oswald Cobblebot.

"A Bitter Pill to Swallow" is the ninth episode of the second season and 31st episode overall from the FOX series Gotham. The episode was written by Megan Mostyn-Brown and directed by Louis Shaw-Milito. It was first broadcast in November 16, 2015 in FOX. In this episode, Tabitha sends a group of hitmen to kill Gordon after Galavan's arrest. Gordon and Barnes investigate Galavan's penthouse for clues until they're ambushed by Tabitha's hitmen.

"The Son of Gotham" is the tenth episode of the second season and 32nd episode overall from the FOX series Gotham. The episode was written by John Stephens and directed by Rob Bailey. It was first broadcast on November 23, 2015, in FOX.

"Worse Than a Crime" is the eleventh episode of the second season, 33rd episode overall and the mid-season finale from the FOX series Gotham. This episode is also the last episode to use the subtitle "Rise of the Villains". The episode was written by series developer Bruno Heller and directed by Jeffrey Hunt. It was first broadcast in November 30, 2015 in FOX. In the episode, Gordon has his final showdown against Galavan, who has kidnapped Bruce to end the legacy of his family.

"Strike Force" is the fourth episode of the second season and 26th episode overall from the FOX series Gotham. The episode was written by Danny Cannon and directed by TJ Scott. It was first broadcast by FOX on October 12, 2015. In this episode, a new commissioner of GCPD, Nathaniel Barnes, decides to create an elite unit called "Strike Force" to take down the criminals and crooked people efficiently. Meanwhile, Penguin gets caught up in business deal by Theo Galavan, while Nygma asks Kringle for a date.

"Scarification" is the fifth episode of the second season and 27th episode overall from the FOX series Gotham. The episode was written by Jordan Harper and directed by Bill Eagles. It was first broadcast in October 19, 2015 in FOX. In this episode, the alliance between Galavan and Cobblepot needs the help of a group of family arsonists. Cobblepot then discovers the reason behind Galavan's intentions.

"Mr. Freeze" is the twelfth episode of the second season, 34th episode overall and the mid-season premiere from the FOX series Gotham. This episode is also the first episode to use the subtitle "Wrath of the Villains". The episode was written by Ken Woodruff and directed by Nick Copus. It was first broadcast on February 29, 2016 in FOX. In the episode, having just killed Galavan, Gordon returns to the GCPD, who's currently investigating a killing spree of a man who freezes people. Meanwhile, Cobblepot pays the consequences of killing Galavan.

"A Dead Man Feels No Cold" is the thirteenth episode of the second season, and 35th episode overall from the FOX series Gotham. It was written by new series writer Seth Boston and directed by Eagle Egilsson and first broadcast on March 7, 2016, on FOX. In the episode, Gordon and Bullock continue their quest to stop Victor Fries, now dubbed "Mr. Freeze" by the media, with the help of his wife, Nora.

<i>Gotham</i> season 2 Season of television series

The second season of the American television series Gotham, based on characters from DC Comics related to the Batman franchise, revolves around the characters of James "Jim" Gordon and Bruce Wayne. The season is produced by Primrose Hill Productions, DC Entertainment, and Warner Bros. Television, with Bruno Heller, Danny Cannon, John Stephens, and Ken Woodruff serving as executive producers.

"This Ball of Mud and Meanness" is the fourteenth episode of the second season, and 36th episode overall from the FOX series Gotham. The episode was written by Jordan Harper and directed by John Behring. It was first broadcast on March 14, 2016 in FOX. In the episode, Bruce sets out to find "Matches" Malone, the man who killed his parents. Meanwhile, Gordon investigates Kristen Kringle's disappearance, worrying Nygma.

"Mad Grey Dawn" is the fifteenth episode of the second season, and 37th episode overall from the Fox series Gotham. The episode was written by Robert Hull and directed by Nick Copus. It was first broadcast on March 21, 2016. In the episode, Gordon and Bullock investigate a pair of clues in a museum, unaware that Edward Nygma is the perpetrator. Meanwhile, Bruce continues living in the streets with Selina and Cobblepot meets a man who knew about his mother.

"Prisoners" is the sixteenth episode of the second season, and 38th episode overall from the Fox series Gotham. The episode was written by executive producer Danny Cannon and directed by Scott White. It was first broadcast on March 28, 2016. In the episode, Gordon is sent to prison after being framed by Nygma into the murder of Theo Galavan and Carl Pinkney. Meanwhile, Cobblepot continues to bond with his father while his stepmother and step-siblings plan to kill him. This episode also has the fewest cast members as only Ben McKenzie, Donal Logue, Robin Lord Taylor and Cory Michael Smith appear.

"Into the Woods" is the seventeenth episode of the second season, and 39th episode overall from the Fox series Gotham. The episode was written by producer Rebecca Perry Cutter and directed by Oz Scott. It was first broadcast on April 11, 2016. In the episode, Gordon tries to clear his name after having escaping from Blackgate Penitentiary with help from Nygma, not knowing Nygma is the one who set him up.

"Pinewood" is the eighteenth episode of the second season, and 40th episode overall from the Fox series Gotham. The episode was written by co-executive producer Robert Hull and Megan Mostyn-Brown and directed by executive producer John Stephens in his first Gotham episode directed. It was first broadcast on April 18, 2016. In the episode, Bruce and Alfred set to find out information about a program called Pinewood Farms which had something to do with Thomas Wayne's death and involvement while Gordon sets out to find The Lady and Dr. Strange continues his experiments.

"Unleashed" is the twentieth episode of the second season, and 42nd episode overall from the Fox series Gotham. The episode was written by executive producer Danny Cannon and directed by Paul Edwards. It was first broadcast on May 9, 2016. In the episode, Azrael continues his killing spree across Gotham City while Dr. Strange tries to evade arrest for his experiments.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">A Legion of Horribles</span> 21st episode of the 2nd season of Gotham

"A Legion of Horribles" is the twenty-first and penultimate episode of the second season, and 43rd episode overall from the Fox series Gotham. The episode was written by supervising producer Jordan Harper and directed by Rob Bailey. It was first broadcast on May 16, 2016. In the episode, after Azrael's death, Professor Strange resurrects Fish Mooney. Meanwhile, Bruce sets out to save Selina, who has been attacked by Bridgit Pike, now calling herself "Firefly". This episode marks the return of Jada Pinkett Smith to the series, after her character was killed off in the first-season finale. On January 29, 2016, she announced her return to the series. She previously stated that she wouldn't return for the second season. This episode also marks the debut of Clayface. The title is a reference to a passage from the 1985 novel Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy.

References

  1. 1 2 "Episode Title: (#219) "Wrath of the Villains: Azrael"". The Futon Critic. Retrieved May 3, 2016.
  2. ↑ Porter, Rick (May 3, 2016). "Monday final ratings: 'NCIS: LA' finale and all others hold". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on May 4, 2016. Retrieved May 3, 2016.
  3. ↑ Porter, Rick (April 19, 2016). "Monday final ratings: 'Supergirl' finale adjusts up, 'NCIS: LA' adjusts down". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on April 20, 2016. Retrieved May 3, 2016.
  4. ↑ Porter, Rick (May 10, 2016). "Broadcast weekly Top 25: 'Empire' and 'NCIS' lead the week of May 2–8". TV by the Numbers . Archived from the original on May 11, 2016. Retrieved May 10, 2016.
  5. ↑ Levin, Gary (May 10, 2016). "Nielsens: 'Person of Interest,' 'Good Wife'". USA Today . Retrieved May 10, 2016.
  6. ↑ Porter, Rick (May 23, 2016). "'Big Bang Theory' tops total gains, 'Vampire Diaries' and 9 others double in 18-49". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on May 26, 2016. Retrieved May 23, 2016.
  7. 1 2 3 "Wrath of the Villains: Azrael". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved May 3, 2016.
  8. 1 2 Fowler, Matt (May 2, 2016). "Gotham: "Azrael" Review". IGN . Retrieved May 3, 2016.
  9. 1 2 ""Wrath of the Villains: Azrael" · Gotham · TV Review · Gotham briefly remembers that it's okay to be fun · TV Club · The A.V. Club". avclub.com. 3 May 2016.
  10. 1 2 Behbakht, Andy (May 2, 2016). "Gotham Season 2 Episode 19 Review: "Azrael"". TV Overmind . Retrieved May 3, 2016.
  11. ↑ "'Wrath of the Villains: Azrael': Hugo Strange manipulates a newly resurrected Theo toward destruction as Gordon continues searching for justice for the Wayne murders". Entertainment Weekly . May 2, 2016. Retrieved May 3, 2016.
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