The Dark Knight’s constabulary colleague is set to receive his own television show, after it was revealed by Deadline that FOX has issued a straight-to-series order for a show centred on Commissioner James Gordon. The concept itself, which has been pitched as a prequel, is entitled Gotham, and will chart his preliminary years as a detective on the force. Additionally, while the origins tale won’t feature the caped crusader himself, the studio confirmed a roster of villains will appear “that made Gotham famous.”
Following a reported bidding war between various TV networks, FOX claimed the live-action series, which will be produced under Bruno Heller – creator of The Mentalist – and Warner Bros. Television. The announcement comes in the wake of Marvel’s TV debut with Agent’s Of S.H.I.E.L.D., which launched on ABC just last night. With Gotham set to join Arrow in DC’s TV line-up and the planned spin-off focusing on Grant Gustin’s Flash, it seems celluloid isn’t the only medium that the two comic titans are battling for.
Though Pat Hingle and, more recently, Gary Oldman have played Gotham’s senior police officer on the big screen, it’s unclear at this time who will step into Jim Gordan’s shoes for FOX’s prequel series. Furthermore, the network failed to mention any specific launch date, though it seems safe to assume Gotham will begin its run during the 2014-2015 season.
Either way, Heller and Warner Bros. TV have an archive of comic book lore as their source material should they choose an existing narrative arc to adapt. Jim Gordan was first introduced to the Bat universe back in 1939 with Detective Comics #27 and has appeared regularly in the comic book canon as Batman’s noble ally.
Undoubtedly, the network will hope that Gotham fills the vacant space in lieu of the homicidal Dexter. Given the depth of Batman’s universe, though, FOX’s new show is certainly brimming with potential. But what do you think? Are you intrigued by the prequel series? Give us your thoughts below.