Ep 1. Damned If You Do

After the intense and shocking debut season of Gotham, the second season begins with the episode titled "Damned If You Do". The season 2 premiere episode starts with the aftermath of the events that rocked the city in the previous season, leaving it in chaos and crime more rampant than ever before.

Detective Jim Gordon (played by Ben McKenzie) has become one of the few remaining honest cops trying to keep the city under control, but it seems like an impossible task. The criminal underworld, which includes the likes of Fish Mooney, Penguin, and the infamous mobster Carmine Falcone, has taken control of the city, and it seems like there is no hope left. But, Jim's determination to restore law and order in Gotham is what the episode is primarily focussed on.

The season 2 premiere episode shows how Jim is tackling his task, trying to restore order in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. The episode deals with the aftermath of the events that occurred in the previous season's finale. It shows that the city is still reeling from the chaos and disorder that followed, with new criminals and dangers lurking around every corner.

As Jim Gordon allies himself with the aging and ailing head of the Gotham crime family, Carmine Falcone, he discovers that his involvement with the city's criminals might have far-reaching and undesirable consequences. However, he is convinced that there's no other way to bring stability and sanity to the city.

At the same time, the episode also focuses on the rise of Theo Galavan, a wealthy businessman, who has arrived in Gotham with his sister, Tabitha, to "save" the city. However, Jim suspects that they might not be the saviors the city needs but rather, the destructive force it should avoid.

Meanwhile, back in Arkham Asylum, Dr. Hugo Strange (played by B. D. Wong) is using the facility for his own twisted and sinister plans, ultimately setting in motion a chain of events that will have far-reaching effects on the city of Gotham. Through all of this, Jim and his partner Harvey Bullock (played by Donal Logue) must keep the city from falling apart while also investigating a bizarre and startling murder case with a connection to Arkham Asylum.

In "Damned If You Do," Gotham explores the corrupt and violent world of Gotham City, with Jim's character being a symbol of hope and a moral compass who tries to do the right thing, even as the city and its inhabitants spiral into madness and darkness. The episode introduces new characters with complex backstories, adding twists and turns to a plot that is dark and intense.

The cinematography and production design of the series continue to impress in the second season, with a beautiful mix of comic book-style visuals and Noir aesthetics that keep the viewer engaged throughout the episode. The writing is sharp, the acting is excellent, and the episode brings forward the drama and thrill that epitomizes Gotham city.

Overall, "Damned If You Do" presents a compelling start to the second season of Gotham, one that sets up an intriguing season-long arc and introduces new challenges and villains for Jim Gordon and Gotham city. It also shows that, although Jim might be the only one holding the line between order and chaos, he is indeed "damned if he does and damned if he doesn't."