When Fox’sGothamreturned from its lengthy midseason hiatus last month, the first two episodes focused on new villainMr. Freeze(Nathan Darrow), who, along with the mysterious Hugo Strange (B.D. Wong), are the latest additions to the show’s rogue’s gallery. While we certainly haven’t seen the last of Freeze, the show will be turning its attention to another villain in the making, Edward Nygma (Cory Michael Smith), the future Riddler, in next week’s episodeThis Ball of Mud and Meanness, airing Monday, March 14.Foxhas released the first photos from this episode, and while we don’t see Nygma in a full Riddler costume full of question marks, it’s clear he’s now heading down the path to becoming this iconic villain.
The episode centers on Gordon (Ben McKenzie) and Bullock (Donal Logue), who investigate a trail of clues left in a museum robbery, which, unbeknownst to them, were left by Nygma in a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse. Meanwhile, Gordon’s past comes back to haunt him when an anonymous person threatens to expose his hand in Galavan’s murder. Also, Penguin’s visit to some old friends leads him to meet his father, Elijah Van Dalh (guest starPaul Reubens), and Bruce practices his street smarts.
Unfortunately, these photos don’t give us our first official look atPaul ReubensasPenguin’s father, but series starRobin Taylordid share aset photowith both actors back in January. What’s most intriguing about this plot description is that it leaves out how Penguin managed to get out ofArkham Asylum, although last week’sA Dead Man Feels No Coldmay offer some hints. One scene featured Gordon waiting outside of Arkham, where he runs into Penguin, who asks for his help, but Gordon refuses. Penguin then goes on a tirade where he yells aloud that Gordon killed Galivan, which was all being watched through surveillance cameras by Hugo Strange.
The photos below make it quite clear that Penguin is not in Arkham, but instead in some sort of mansion, meeting with unspecified characters played by guest starsJustin Mark,Kaley Ronayneand Melinda Clarke. Were they responsible for his release from Arkham? Or did Hugo Strange set the whole thing up? Regardless, it seems this visit will lead to the Penguin meeting his father, which could surely be one of this season’s most memorable moments. It isn’t clear ifPaul Reubenshas signed on for multiple episodes ofGothamthis season, but we’ll have to wait and see.
With just a few days left until this episode airs, it isn’t known if we’ll get an official first look at Penguin’s dad before this new episode ofGothamairs, but we’ll keep you posted with any further updates. What do you think about Nygma slowly embracing his fate as The Riddler? Chime in with your thoughts after checking out these new photos fromThis Ball of Mud and Meanness, which airs Monday, March 14 at 8 PM ET on Fox.
