Ever since Jerome Valeska was killed off of Gotham, fans have been clamoring for clues of his return, and it looks like the show is doing just that!
Jerome was introduced on Gotham in the first season as a character who was eerily similar to the infamous character the Joker. Not only did he have the look and the laugh, but he had the whole attitude down. When Jerome was brought back in the second season with a longer arc, fans quickly grew to love him. Like Jerome said, “There’s nothing more contagious than laughter!”
Many theories began to float around that he was the Joker himself, but he was said to actually be the cause for the idea of the Joker, rather than him being one person. It doesn’t seem like fans of Gotham are really buying this, though. The only thing that caused the whole theory to come to a halt was his early death. Just three episodes into the second season and he was killed by Theo Galavan in an attempt to make himself seen as a hero, when he was actually the one who got Jerome out of Arkham.
When Indian Hill was introduced just a few episodes later, and it was revealed that bodies were being taken from the morgue, it seemed like there was a pretty good chance Jerome could return. Ever since the show came back from break, even more clues have come up. In Gotham 2×12, fans were teased with some giant graffiti that just had to be a nod to the Joker/Jerome. Episode 2×13 showed us Ace Chemicals, which has connections to the Joker in the DC Comics.
Wonder who painted that graffiti? #HaHaHa #Gotham
— Gotham TV Writers (@GothamTVWriters) March 1, 2016
Plus something that drove fans crazy was when Hugo Strange looked into a room at Indian Hill where he’s keeping Galavan (who was killed), along with some others that aren’t completely identifiable. However, the one right behind Galavan looks like it could definitely be Jerome.
On Gotham 2×14, “This Ball of Mud and Meanness,” fans will get to see Lori Petty guest star as Jeri, who looks just like a female version of the Joker. This probably isn’t directly tied to Jerome, but it’s still a nod that we might be seeing him again in the near future.
Personally, I’m team bring Jerome back as soon as possible. His time was much too short lived, especially when you look at how much excitement he brought to the fandom. I look forward to seeing what changes might be made after his time at Indian Hill and whether he will be a fully fledged Joker afterwards. Either way, I hope the show stops its teasing and has his return sooner rather than later.