There was a time that we didn’t like Fish Mooney on Gotham, but now that’s all changing. Here’s why!
Confession time, we definitely were not fans of Fish Mooney when Gotham premiered. Although we appreciated a strong female character on the show, something about Mooney just rubbed us the wrong way. One of the reasons we found ourselves at odds with Mooney was the way she treated those around her. We get it, you’re the one in charge. But that doesn’t mean that it’s okay to be so harsh on those below you. Even Maroni and Falcone were kind to their underlings (unless they were crossed).
Throughout the first season of Gotham, Mooney’s main goal has been to take Falcone down and become the head of the family. Fine, we can appreciate a girl with ambition. But the way that she felt as though it was hers by right also bothered us. Mooney became obsessed with the idea that she was the only one who could turn things around. Despite the fact that there were others with much more experience than her. What did Mooney have to show to explain this other than her club making money?
When Mooney set up her plan with Liza to seduce Falcone, we actually felt bad for him. Which made us connect more with Falcone than Mooney. Here she was using Falcone’s love for his mother against him. And he would have given up everything just to make sure Liza was safe. It was heart warming. Of course, until he found out the truth and killed Liza for lying to him.
However, it’s the downfall of Mooney’s plan that’s made us actually start to like her. A Mooney that’s had everything stripped away from her is much more grounded, vulnerable, and relatable. We’re able to appreciate how bad ass she is without her being so arrogant about it.
The first thing that happened was we got to see the true friendship between Mooney and Butch. Despite her not having anything, Butch came to rescue her from torture. And she showed true gratitude for his loyalty towards her. So much so, that when Victor came after her again, she didn’t want to leave Butch even though it would mean her capture. Butch did manage to get her to leave, but it seemed like Mooney had great guilt about it. We’re sure that when she does return to the city, Mooney will look for him.
It’s Mooney’s latest story arc on Gotham that has us really starting to like her. For the first time, we’re seeing a Mooney that is totally vulnerable in the dungeon where she’s being held prisoner with others. Although she’s climbed her way to the top of the food chain, she has compassion for her fellow prisoners. Mooney set up a system so that everyone is helping each other. Especially now that they are all being used for their various body parts.
The prisoners and Mooney call themselves a family, and it’s believable. Despite the fact that her plan to free them all involves some of them having to die, it doesn’t seem like they’re dying in vain. The first prisoner that died for the greater good of the rest was thanked when by Mooney, who got on her hands and knees to kiss his forehead goodbye. This might not make up for everything she’s done, but we’re definitely liking her more with each episode of Gotham.