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Azrael has risen out of the depths of Theo Galvan. Hugo has become his father and lord. His first task to kill the sinner James Gordon!
Azrael:
Theo has come back from hell. But his mind is adrift and he cannot find an anchor. He is quoting whole passages from a book about the Order of St. Dumas. Hugo takes the book and shapes Theo into Azrael. Azrael was a knight who avenged the order and was raised from the dead. The persona of Azrael has be implanted over Theo. He has become Azrael and is out to slay sinners.
Given his holy sword, put in his armor and set upon the target of James Gordon, Theo out for blood. Azrael has moves and skills that are amazing. He is very much the proto-Batan. He hides in darkness, has a cool cape and costume, and changes his voice. One of his run-ins with Jim, is seen by Bruce. You can see the wheels spinning and we know Bruce is going to file this away for later use.
Barnes distracts Azrael and leads him to the roof. Barnes tries to beat him down but only unmasks him. Barnes is surprised and caught off guard to see Azrael is Galvan. Azrael’s sword is broken (never settle for reproductions) but he manages to stab Barnes. He is blown off the roof by Jim’s gun. He escapes a several story drop and crash onto a coroner’s van and runs off, but the press has seen him.
The end of the episode leaves us with a very Batman shot of Azrael standing on top of the bridge wit the moon behind him. He is not done with Gotham yet and he still has his task of killing James Gordon.
James Frain is an amazing actor. Karen and I have gushed over his work in Orphan Black and here. It looks like he took some notes from Tatiana Maslany about playing multiple rolls on the same show. He totally became a different person. He showed us earlier in the season his capability to play a grand chess master and shadow master. Now he turns his acting chops to the roll of avenging demon knight! What will the last three episodes hold for him? I don’t know but I can’t wait to see!
Azrael’s Lord & Indian Hill’s Master:
Hugo and Ms. Peabody observe Theo from safety. She sees only danger and someone in need of drugs. Hugo however sees an opportunity. The resurrection has left Theo in flux and Theo is torn between his old life and the teachings of the Order of St. Dumas. Ed reminds him that everyone needs a story. Hugo takes his life into his hands and enters the room. He sets himself up as Theo’s father and Lord and uses the text to shape Theo. He gives Theo the persona of Azrael. This latches Theo’s mind in place and gives Hugo control. He gives Azrael all the tools he needs and sets him on the path.
Hugo is confronted by James and reads all of his tells. But when he is left in a dangerous spot, he unleashes Azrael on James. Hugo sees the success of implanting personas and makes it the next step in his Indian Hill process. The Scarecrow’s drugs, Indian Hill’s treatment room, and personas will be used to create an army. The next persona up for use, The Mad Hatter! Our question is who will that be implanted on? Jerome or, shudder, Fish?
Azrael’s Prey:
Jim and Bullock bring the info about Hugo to Bruce. Bruce snaps at them for not pursuing Hugo. Bullock says Barnes wouldn’t even acknowledge the info since the only witness is dead and the leads are cold. Bruce says the law will not work so we have to go beyond it. Jim has a talk and shares that they have to do things the right way and that Bruce is better than this.
Jim’s confrontation of Hugo get’s him the info he needs to know, but also get’s Azrael set on him. Jim and company try to take Azrael out but have no luck. Jim is trying his best to convince Barnes that Hugo is up to bad things. Barnes will not accept that Hugo brought Mr. Freeze back and that more bad things are coming. Barnes sends Bruce home and throws Jim into lock-up for setting Karen free. But the bars of the GCPD will not protect Jim from Azrael. He smashes through the window and all of Barnes attempts are thwarted. It is only after Barnes sees Azrael’s face that he realizes that what Jim has said is true. Jim is safe and free for now!
Ed:
Ed is the master of riddles and puzzles. He has seen that force and will will not help him survive in Arkham. Therefore he has learned each inmate’s story and issues. He plays them off each other to bring peace in the midst of madness. He is in charge. He shares his knowledge with Hugo letting him know he can help. Hugo is not hearing it, until Ed shares that each person wants to be heard and has a story. Ed sees folks being taken down the hall. He escapes to find it a dead end. He enlists the help of his fellow inmates and get the supplies to find the hidden elevator. He discovers Indian Hill, but will he escape it or be captured and given a new persona?
Closing Thoughts:
We have three episodes left in this season. It has been an amazing ride and a HUGE turn around from last season. I’m so excited to see where we will be taken in the last three episodes and where it will lead us next season! The writers, actors and crew have done an amazing job and this episode is just one example of the great work. We owe you a lot Undercover Agents. Your feedback and support have been great this season and we need you to continue over these last few episodes. We are so thankful for you!
Music Inspired by Gotham:
We shared a few clips in the podcast of Aigner Julius aka Shadownightlp work. You can find him by searching for Shadownightlp on Soundcloud or clicking here.
Commissioner Cougar’s Comic Corner:
Batman: Sword of Azrael (1992-1993) Amazon Link
You can also get those four issues and a few more for a slightly higher price in Azrael Vol. 1: Fallen Angel
Amazon & ComiXology Link
From ComiXology: The beginning of one of the most controversial comics characters of all time.
There’s a new hero in Batman’s world, whether the Dark Knight likes it or not!
Jean-Paul Valley has just been told by his dying father that his family is part of an ancient secret society known as The Order of St. Dumas-and that he is the latest in a long line of deadly assassins! Now with his psychological conditioning complete, Valley has been transformed from a computer science major into the unstoppable weapon known as Azrael. But when he is forced to target the heroic Batman, he starts to question his life and duty.
Legendary creators Dennis O’Neil and Joe Quesada are joined by comic industry superstars Barry Kitson, James Pascoe, and Kevin Nowlan.
From Karen: This will help to establish that there has been, and will always be, an “Azrael” for the Order of Dumas. Passed down from generation to generation. They’re conditioned to be it’s hand of vengeance. An assassin with the sole intent of taking down the Order’s enemies.
News:
Blog & Poll:
Have you voted in the Gotham Villains Poll? Check out Justina’s (a.k.a. The Green Butterfly) “Before The Bat” blog and poll and cast your vote!
The next episode is “Unleashed”: Azrael is on the loose in Gotham City, which sparks Penguin’s need for revenge. Meanwhile, Bruce enlists the help of Selina Kyle to help track down Professor Strange, as he evades arrest for his experiments in the all-new “Wrath of the Villains: Unleashed” episode of GOTHAM airing Monday, May 9 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX.
Here is the promo:
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