Butch leads Penguin and his men to the warehouse where Gertrude is being held, as Penguin plots his revenge on Galavan for kidnapping his mother.

Gotham‘s seventh episode has actually bounced back a bit as the confrontation between Penguin and Galavan heats up into an all-out war of bullets. The show has gotten past the rather silly villain aspect, instead refocusing on almost a mob story, similar to last season’s best aspects.

We’re into a pretty straight power play as the two jockey for power, which has other repercussions, such as others seeing Penguin’s weakness and forming their own gangs.

I was a fan of the jockeying for power between the various mob factions in the first season, and this episode hearkens back to that.

The rest of the episode focuses on Nygma, who is dealing with his committing murder. We get to see some more of the aspects of what he’ll become to be, the Riddler, but the story feels very off. It’s all rather too soon. Corey Michael Smith’s acting in the role is solid though. His split personality is done really well, and prevents the episode completely melting down.

Robin Lord Taylor continues to steal the show as Penguin, really bringing out the hurt and anger in the character this episode. He’s been the highlight of the series, and one of the reasons I stick around.

This episode is the highlight of the season, not a high bar, and one of the best of the series actually. Hopefully we see more of this, and less of the campiness.

Overall Rating: 8.5