Gotham (TV Series) Heroes Rise: How the Riddler Got His Name (2017) User Reviews

The wheels are turning

[Kingslaay · 9/10 · 28 April 2017]

After a long wait Gotham has returned with a great episode. It was centred on the transformation and creation of the Riddler. The shows creators definitely know how to build things up since this series is a massive prequel and build up to Batman and many villains.

The Riddler was beautifully portrayed as a fragile creature that was trying to find his purpose even if it meant becoming the most wanted man in Gotham. It was intriguing to see him search for an intellectual equal and constantly fail to do so until he runs into the brilliant Luscious Fox or Foxy who is able to solve his riddles. Nigma was looking for someone or something to define his persona that is central to who he is and wants to become. He feels he has been on this journey long enough. What's interesting is how as a villain he plainly states that he is driven by a worthy opponent and his crimes were driven to find him. In the future we know Riddler will meet the ultimate vigilante who will solve his riddles.

An interesting look at how these arch villains are driven by the vigilante himself. This depth was explored in Nolan's Dark Trilogy that led to the Joker who fed off the Dark Knights crusades.

Also interesting to look at Bruce Wayne and his clone who looks like him but is different in every way. People are wondering if this Bruce will be Batman but I think most are sure the real Bruce will return at some point. Funnily enough the lead of the series had a secondary role and outshone by the Riddler and Bruce Wayne.

An excellent episode, nice to know they have completed the origin story for the Riddler and taken that next leap.

A little worse episode

[ondrejgurica · 8/10 · 31 January 2021]

This part a little weaker, Penguin was pleased in the end, although it was clear that he lives not only in the imaginations of Nygma. After all, it's a prequel to Batman, so he couldn't disappear for a long time. Otherwise, the final birth of the Riddle was handled brilliantly

A new set of story episodes; strained beyond belief

[lor_ · 25 April 2017]

Director TJ Scott didn't help matters by having his actors scream their dialog at each other for nearly an hour, particularly the central figures playing the back-story characters of The Riddler and The Penguin. Series has its extremely loyal coterie of fans (evidenced by higher-than-usual ratings for this dreary episode) but its origins premise is showing much wear & tear.

Though this is the start of an arc focused on the heroes, our hapless heroes, especially on the Gotham police force, were relegated to supporting parts while we watch the villains chew the scenery. Clearly once Bruce Wayne finds his feet and develops into Batman the show should right itself, but I dread sitting through too many more transitional clunkers like this one.

Where is the cleverness of the Riddler's riddles? Where is the panache that the late, great Frank Gorshin stamped indelibly on the role (despite many large-screen followups hamming it up like Jim Carrey)? Instead we have yet another TV show that looks dark, metallic and clammy thanks to no longer shooting on film in these HDV benighted times, with characters and action that keep the viewer at a safe distance rather than drawing one in. Story antics get violent of course, but lack the fantasy and strangeness of earlier efforts set at the asylum or featuring more interesting villains than this geeky approach to the Riddler.

Favorite episode of entire series!

[hsuits-34443 · 10/10 · 23 March 2022]

"How The Riddler Got His Name" is my favorite Gotham episode. It has always been my favorite. By far the best of the entire series. I won't say anything else so that I won't give away any spoilers. Just watch the episode and see for yourself.