David Mazouz’s Performance As Bruce Wayne
David Mazouz turned 16 earlier this year. Think about that for a second. What were you doing at the age of 16? For the past three years, we’ve not only seen Mazouz physically grow up as a teenager, but also develop his chops as an actor.
In the beginning, his Bruce Wayne was afraid – a child hurt and traumatized by his parents’ death. More recently, however, he’s transformed into a young man looking for justice and to make a difference in Gotham City. He’s gotten into fights, fallen in love, and found his moral compass. It’s safe to say that the boy is finally becoming a man.
It’s far too early for Mazouz to don the cape and cowl on the show, and no one knows if that’ll even happen, but he’s certainly earned the honor. Even if he never becomes Batman though, he’s been an excellent Bruce Wayne.
It’s Unafraid Of Having Fun
The first season of Gotham suffered from tonal inconsistencies. It took itself too seriously at times, while it delved into an overload of campiness as well. By season 2, the show stabilized and embraced what it was, becoming unafraid of having fun.
There’s an underlying serious story here, but it never forgets that it’s still meant to entertain the viewers every week. Whether it be through Harvey Bullock’s quips or the over-the-top villains, there’s a lightheartedness that keeps the show grounded from going full-on procedural TV.
When it doesn’t try to be everything – only what it is – Gotham is one of the most enjoyable comic book shows around. It’s not a perfect ten by any means, but it’s certainly far from boring or joyless.