Redeeming The Live-Action Mr. Freeze
The last time we experienced Mr. Freeze in a live-action event, we received icy puns and Arnold Schwarzenegger having too much fun with the role. It’s disappointing, too, because Victor Fries has one of the most tragic origins of Batman’s rogues’ gallery – and he’s become the butt of jokes since Batman & Robin.
Thankfully, Gotham has redeemed the character and restored balance to the Bat universe. Over a few episodes, the character’s heartbreaking circumstances and transformation into the villainous Freeze are revisited, while we’re able to learn and sympathize with his motivations. Sure, there’s a twist that doesn’t quite follow canonical history, but the integrity of the character is maintained throughout.
Allowing us to meet Nora also proves to be a masterstroke. When the inevitable happens to her, it breaks our hearts and makes us mourn the loss of a genuinely good character.