Finally got around to watching the episode. Thought it was very good.
Last season was rough, but it was partly the network's fault. They unexpectedly doubled the planned run of episodes in season one, forcing the writers to suddenly stretch their story into twice the number of episodes. Here, in season 2, the writers have had time to regroup and reassess. There's been no shortage of admittance from the cast and crew that a good chunk of season 1 didn't really work. Here we'll get to see whether this show can really achieve something with its concept.
As for the episode - everyone knows I love the shows campy tone, so the gaseous Arkham inmate etc. were all fun to watch. I'm still not a fan of Barbara but I can see how she could become a villain I love to hate. The seeds of the "Jim does something bad" storyline were already sewn in season 1, but I'm conflicted on the execution of this plot development here. On the one hand, it feels rushed. On the other hand, after the sluggish pace of last season, a more peppy pace is not unwelcome.
Eddie's brief appearance was fun. The Penguin is a highlight, as always. I can't get enough of that guy. In part because he's so well portrayed, and in part because I've been thirsting to see a live-action Penguin for some time. He's one of the more interesting characters on the show.
Selina, as usual, seems shoehorned into the plot rather than organically related to it. Her abrupt support of Fish last season was jarring, and her new alliance with Penguin doesn't alleviate that. Hopefully we get more development for her character because right now she just seems to be bobbing along the current of the story, popping up randomly here and there with little coherent explanation. I get that Selina has always been traditionally portrayed as a conflicted character who sometimes does good and sometimes does bad... but we need a sense of motivation.
I hope Bullock isn't sidelined for long because he's a highlight of the show and we need more of him.
A few characters were written out. Sionis was killed off... unfortunate, as while the portrayal of the character was rather bland, I thought they could have done something more with the Black Mask storyline in the future.
Loeb made his exit, and I have to say... kudos to the actor for making me feel sorry for the character. I know Loeb's a scumbag but his dejected resignation still made him seem pitiable. The fact that he was forced out through some rather dirty methods instead of a more just and honest approach probably added to that feeling.
Galavan and his "sister" seem like they will be the main villains of the season. Not sure what they are after, but they seem interesting enough.
Jerome continues to alternate between being brilliant and annoying. I think the actor has a good thing going but he still needs to iron out the kinks. Nicholson and Ledger balanced their over-the-top portrayals with more subtle, nuanced moments and those are lacking here.
Overall, great episode, and a promising start to season 2.
☆☆☆☆
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. Zsasz and Selina working for the main man is great. 
