Don’t let the name of the new series fool you:
Gotham does not tell the story of Batman. Sure, we met Bruce Wayne on Gotham Season 1 Episode 1, which aired on Fox Monday evening. But he was 12 years old… and he won’t be growing up any time soon.
Instead, the intriguing drama will focus on Detective Jim Gordon and the criminal underbelly of this iconic city; specifically the young men and women who will also evolve (devolve?) into famous villains such as Catwoman, The Riddler and The Penguin.
The latter is played by Robin Lord Taylor – and it’s clear, following one installment of the show, that this actor is a name and a face to watch.
As Oswald Cobblepot, the right-hand man to Jada Pinkett Smith’s Fish Mooney, Taylor is dark and dangerous; while also coming across as insecure and vulnerable.
He wants to rise up the ranks of the mob. He wants respect. He really wants to kill his boss.
But the final scene made it clear that he’s really just a boy at heart, begging and pleading for his life at the hands of Ben McKenzie’s Gordon.
“The important quality for Penguin was sort of an introverted sensibility,” casting director Sherry Thomas recently told E! News. “And you know a beekiness did help, but it wasn’t required.”
Taylor has enjoyed small parts on The Good Wife, The Walking Dead and Taxi Brooklyn. He nearly landed the role of Todd on Breaking Bad, but lost out to Jesse Plemons.
Now, however, it’s clear Robin Lord Taylor is a name people won’t soon forget. To be reminded why, go watch Gotham online via TV Fanatic. And prepare to be scared.
