Ep 3. The Last Laugh

In Gotham season 2 episode 3 "The Last Laugh," the city of Gotham is thrown into chaos when a new villain, the Joker, begins wreaking havoc. The episode focuses on the efforts of the Gotham Police Department, led by Detective Jim Gordon, to track down the Joker and put an end to his reign of terror.

From the opening scene, it's clear that the Joker is not to be underestimated. He's introduced as a clown-masked criminal who raids a chemical factory, causing a massive explosion that leaves several people dead. More significantly, the incident leaves the Joker with his iconic look, as his skin is burned and his hair is permanently dyed green.

As the episode progresses, the Joker's hold on Gotham grows stronger. He's shown to have a particular interest in Commissioner Loeb, who he believes is corrupt and needs to be eliminated. Jim Gordon and his partner, Harvey Bullock, work tirelessly to find the Joker and stop his plans, but the villain is always one step ahead. He seems to enjoy toying with the police, sending them on wild goose chases and leaving clues that don't quite add up.

Meanwhile, the other characters in the show are dealing with their own struggles. Bruce Wayne, still grieving the loss of his parents, takes it upon himself to investigate the corruption in Wayne Enterprises. He enlists the help of his father's old friend, Lucius Fox, who proves to be a valuable ally. Fox is able to provide Bruce with inside information that leads him closer to the truth.

Elsewhere in Gotham, Fish Mooney is still being held captive on an island run by a powerful crime boss named Dr. Dulmacher. She's determined to escape and take revenge on Dulmacher, but her plans are complicated by the fact that she's suffering from a mysterious illness that seems to be getting worse.

All of these storylines come to a head in the episode's climactic scene, where Jim Gordon finally confronts the Joker. The two engage in a tense standoff that showcases their vastly different approaches to justice - while Gordon believes in upholding the law, the Joker sees chaos and anarchy as the only way to set things right. It's a gripping scene that sets the stage for the rest of the season.

Overall, "The Last Laugh" is a standout episode of Gotham that delivers on all fronts - action, drama, and suspense. It introduces one of the most iconic DC villains in a fresh and exciting way, while also giving the other characters room to breathe and grow. The pacing is tight, the acting is top-notch, and the writing is sharp. Whether you're a diehard Batman fan or just looking for a thrilling TV show, this episode is not to be missed.