Over the past few years, I’ve repeatedly commended Gotham for bringing a host of Batman villains who’ve never been adapted to live action to the small screen. To list off a few, the likes of Hugo Strange, Professor Pyg, Flamingo, Electrocutioner and Azrael can now say they’ve been welcomed into the same living rooms as Penguin, Riddler, Mr. Freeze and Poison Ivy.
Next week, we’ll be able to add Magpie to that tally, believe it or not. Previously, most of her mainstream exposure had come via Beware the Batman, a wonderful CGI-animated series that was cut short after only one season.
Fortunately, we don’t have to wait until then to see Sarah Schenkkan suit up as Magpie because the network has released a generous helping of promo images from her debut episode, “13 Stitches.” On the downside, she’s in only one of them, but it looks like a fair amount of inspiration was taken from the aforementioned Beware the Batman.
Also of note is the return of Lee Thompkins, a character who’s been a series mainstay since season 1. With this being her first appearance for season 5, I can’t help wondering if indeed Hugo Strange implanted any sort of mind control chip in her brain as he did with Edward Nygma.
After mentioning those two, you probably guessed that Eduardo Dorrance won’t be far behind. Having established himself as the new threat in town, he also features in the accompanying slideshow. Just know this could be one of the last times you see him as an ordinary guy before he transitions to the Bane persona.
For more on “13 Stitches,” be sure to check out the official synopsis:
Gordon assembles an unlikely team to protect Gotham from Eduardo Dorrance (guest star Shane West) and his Delta Force. Just as Lee Thompkins resurfaces, Barbara reveals shocking news that will change Gordon’s life forever. Meanwhile, Selina and Penguin team up to outsmart fellow villain Magpie (guest star Sarah Schenkkan) in the all-new “13 Stitches” episode of GOTHAM airing Thursday, Feb. 14 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX.
Gotham returns with new episodes on Thursday, February 14th on Fox.