Ep 1. Better to Reign in Hell

In the season 3 opener of Gotham, titled "Better to Reign in Hell," viewers are thrust back into the chaotic world of the city that spawns Batman. The episode starts with a glimpse of the aftermath of the season 2 finale, which left plenty of questions hanging in the balance.

After giving us a brief glimpse of the chaos, the episode quickly moves on to introduce us to the main characters at play. Jim Gordon, the former GCPD detective, has found himself working in the Indian Hill confrontational facility, a secret and mysterious laboratory located beneath Gotham City. There, Jim's job is to bring in the escaped inmates and to stop them from causing further chaos in the city. Meanwhile, Oswald Cobblepot, a.k.a. Penguin, is running for office in a corrupt attempt to solidify his grip on the city.

The show then introduces us to a new and dangerous villain: The Court of Owls. With a mysterious connection to the Wayne family and a deep history in the city, the Court represents a major threat to the safety and stability of Gotham. But it's not just the Court that poses a threat to the city, as other villains continue to lurk in the shadows, waiting for their next opportunity to strike.

As the episode progresses, several plotlines unfold, each revealing a different facet of the city's power structure. We see Jim trying to bring in the Indian Hill inmates, only to be caught in the middle of a dangerous game between the Falcone and Maroni crime families. Meanwhile, Oswald continues his campaign for mayor, even as he faces resistance from rival candidates and the city's entrenched power brokers.

In addition to these storylines, the episode also introduces several new characters that could potentially have a significant impact on the show moving forward. One is Valerie Vale, a reporter who takes an interest in Jim and his quest to bring down the bad guys. Another is Ivy Pepper, the young girl who previously appeared as a minor character but has now undergone a physical transformation, leaving viewers to question how she may use her new powers to impact the city.

All in all, "Better to Reign in Hell" sets up a promising third season for Gotham. The stakes are higher than ever before, with new players entering the scene and old adversaries returning to challenge the city's heroes. With a strong cast of characters and compelling storytelling, this episode leaves viewers excited to see where the show will go next.