I definitely enjoyed this episode more than the previous two. I liked the concept of the Balloon Man. I'm not sure if that's what people here are referring to as being "kiddy"... but if that's it, dudes, come on, that's a
nasty way to kill a person. I didn't see anything kiddy about it.
The whole idea of vigilantes starting to rise in Gotham is a good one and it's a nice foreshadowing for Bruce who will become the ultimate vigilante. In that regard, it was interesting to see how much Gordon disapproves of that concept. It will be interesting to see how his views change and he comes to accept Batman. Assuming, of course, that we ever see Batman in the show - which may never happen.
The lesbian subplot seems like a dead weight that drags the show down. Oh well. I guess that we need "drama at home" for Gordon as well, and in that vein I wonder if Jimbo-The-Lawful-Good-Policeman-Guy knows that Barbara is a stoner
t: Hopefully, this thing won't go on for long. Though I'm sure it will.
Harvey Bullock is absolutely the most interesting character in the show so far. He's funny, he's not shoved down our throats and he's played by a good actor. I wonder if he'll undergo some character development or if he'll remain just the funny, slimy secondary anti-hero. Either way I'm fine with it.
The subplot with the mob is beginning to drag for me. The veiled threats between Falcone and Mooney are not that awesome, to be honest. Though I suppose that Maroni could shake things up. There is always Penguin as well. I imagine that with this show, fans of the characters would be happy with the way he gets so much spotlight and is slowly, but obviously shaping up to become quite the threat.
I like the interaction between Alfred and Bruce. Sure, this is a very different Alfred than the fatherly Michael Caine... but he's starting to grow on me. He's not a kind old man, but I believe that he doesn't care any less for Bruce than the other versions of the character.
So, overall, to me this episode was an improvement. Will continue to watch.