How would a meeting between an adolescent Catwoman, Selina Kyle, and an eight-year-old Batman, Bruce Wayne, affect the world of the Dark Knight?
Bruno Heller, the creator of “Gotham,” chose to revisit the death of Bruce Wayne’s parents and the origins of future villains. Heller focused on the city’s political corruption, not touching on supernatural elements that previous Batman series had.
In the second episode of “Gotham,” Selina Kyle is portrayed differently because of a new backstory and the brilliant acting of 15-year-old Camren Bicondova.
Seeing the young Selina on screen change from an innocent child to a mature young woman is refreshing. Bicondova is the youngest actress to portray Catwoman, and many viewers are unfamiliar with this concept.
She shows much more sympathy towards Bruce Wayne and is not depicted as seductive or greedy, unlike previous incarnations. Still, Bicondova is able to accurately depict Catwoman’s acrobatic skills and feline mannerisms.
“Gotham” is set before costumed vigilantes and psychopathic criminals; the unmasked Catwoman is more relatable and creates a sense of realism in the series.
Though some aspects of the original Catwoman are gone, the new and interesting Selina Kyle compels many viewers to continue watching this series.
I would rate this four out of five black cats.
“Gotham” airs Mondays on Fox at 9 p.m.
