Can Gordon save the city from Gruber and reclaim his badge? Read our recap of Gotham season 1, episode 12, “What the Little Bird Told Him” here!
Freed
Gruber is on the loose with Danzig and raising all kinds of hell. The GCPD wants them captured so badly that Commissioner Loeb is willing to let Gordon help. The Commissioner gives Gordon 24 hours to bring Gruber in if he wants his job back. Bullock gets dragged into the deal and has to help or else he’ll be sent to work at Arkham as well.
It seems like Falcone is working hard to get back to the status he wants, and that means offering no mercy. He also tells Liza that she should be independent and find a husband. But Liza manages to talk him out of it.
Little does Liza know that Mooney has a plan, one that includes faking Liza’s kidnapping and holding her ransom to Falcone.
After some digging, Nygma finds out that Gruber’s actual name is Jack Buchinsky. His plan all along was to be transferred to Arkham. A hit on the stolen van leads them to the electronics store where Gruber left his old equipment. They find the owner writing, “I will not betray my friend,” over and over on the walls.
The newspaper dubs Gurber as the Electrocutioner for his work with electroshock therapy. Nygma suggests that the detective use rubber boots on the case for safety. Leslie stops by the GCPD and shows him a doll that Gruber had named “Mr. M” made for curses. The doll looks suspiciously like Maroni.
Making plans
Falcone calls Penguin for help, but when he tries to leave Maroni’s shop, he’s electrocuted. A bomb is dropped and blows the place up. Gordon tells Maroni he knows he used to be partners with Gruber. The plan is to use Maroni as bait for Gruber, but before they can leave, Penguin lets loose that he has a meeting with Falcone. Not sure how he’s going to work his way out of this one.
With nowhere else to go, Barbara heads to her parents’ house. Barbara doesn’t get a warm welcome. But they do agree to let her stay for a few days. What Barbara doesn’t tell them is that she left Gordon.
When Mooney calls Falcone to act as a mediator, he sees through her act. She tells him that all she wants is for him to leave Gotham forever and he can have Liza. Falcone agrees, but Mooney isn’t ready to celebrate. Zsasz doesn’t think Falcone should give up yet. Though he wants to go after Mooney, Falcone just wants Zsasz to act as a bodyguard.
As Maroni is questioning Penguin about what he said about Falcone, the building starts acting funny. All of the lights are blowing up and taking everyone out. Gruber is making his way in. Before he can take Maroni though, Gordon stops him. Though his gun is rendered useless, he’s able to fight Danzig. With a simple cup of water he disables Gruber’s weapon and captures him.
Back on top
A press meeting is called, and Gordon gets his badge back. He warns Bullock that he’s done being careful. Bullock can’t believe what he’s hearing but is happy to go grab a beer with his partner.
Penguin finally shows up at Falcone’s and reveals the truth about Liza. But it’s not what Falcone wants to hear. He wants proof, but Penguin has none to offer. When Falcone meets Mooney at her club, he refuses to sign anything until he sees her. It becomes clear that Mooney and Liza are lying. Falcone kills Liza himself while Mooney helplessly watches.
Zsasz is ordered to lock up Mooney and Butch, and Falcone promises them pain. Penguin reveals himself as the little bird that told Falcone about Liza.
Leslie goes to visit Gordon again to ask for the doll back, but Gordon thinks she’s there for other reasons. Of course, he’s right, and Leslie fumbles for an explanation. But he understands what she really wants, and gives it to her.
