Gotham's new episode plays out classic Joker origin scene
Note: You're about to enter spoiler territory concerning yesterday's (February 21) episode of Gotham – which aired on FOX in the US.
It's only taken five seasons of twisting build-up to get there, but fans of Gotham have finally been graced by the series' one true Joker.
A vat of sickly green acid? Check. A conveniently placed bridge overlooking the chemicals, just begging for a fight to break out? Check. One dramatic collision of good versus evil, with the villain having his ass handed to him? Check.
It was worth the wait, let us tell you.
In the episode, titled 'Ace Chemicals', Jeremiah Valeska's attempt to befriend Bruce Wayne didn't go according to plan, as he tried to fashion a recreation of the night that the hero's parents, Thomas and Martha Wayne, were killed.
Bruce ended up chasing Jeremiah straight into the Ace Chemicals building – which comic book fans will know is the location of the Joker's classic origin.
Jack Nicholson's version of The Clown Prince of Crime took this route too, in Tim Burton's 1989-released Batman.
As the scene unfolded, the two enemies traded blows on some railings directly above the green pool of acid, with Jeremiah accidentally tripping and attempting to do his best impression of Olympic diver Tom Daley.
As the lunatic submerged beneath the deadly liquid, this sealed his Gotham status as the authentic, classic-style Joker.
With consideration to Jeremiah's already chalky skin, that aspect of the adaptation was never going to come into play, though, later on in the episode he was lifted out of the vat and sent to hospital, comatose and covered in angry chemical burns.
It looks like Twitter folks were loving the scenes that played out last night – take a look at some of their responses below.
“Without me you’re just a joke without a punchline” #Gotham final season has been killing it, it’s a Batman fans dream. Cameron Monaghan is so great as Jeremiah aka (Joker).
- Austin Grant (@AustinPlanet) February 22, 2019
#Gotham Jeremiah falling into the chemicals....... omg
- Adolfo Diaz (@BigBoss550) February 22, 2019
i hope it’s the end of jeremiah and the birth of the joker !!! #gotham
- nat 50 (@hesonthefloor) February 22, 2019
Best Joker 🃏 portrayal, maybe tow to tow with great Heath Ledger. @cameronmonaghan did an amazing job fleshing out both Jeremiah and Jerome’s character #Gotham #Joker #JeremiahValeska #JeromeValeska pic.twitter.com/Auvo0GJi4m
- Dexbit124 (@giveemfacts) February 22, 2019
Tonight's #Gotham was a great watch. Can't wait for Jeremiah to resurface as a brand-new monstrosity, a.k.a. the once and future Joker. pic.twitter.com/gL44zuxIfE
- Adam Holmes (@MrAdamHolmes) February 22, 2019
Now we'll have to wait until next week to see what kind of person Jeremiah wakes up as.
Gotham season 5 airs on Fox in the US. No release date has been announced for the UK yet.
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