Gotham, with all its Batman connections, is currently the highest rated comic book series on TV.
Now it’s learned the most infamous Batman villain of all will be making an appearance of some sort by the end of the season.
“We’ve said you’re going to be waiting a bit longer for it, but this is America — nobody wants to wait,” Gotham Executive Producer Bruo Heller tells TVGuide.com. “So, we will scratch the surface of that story, yes. But just scratch it — a little tap on the door.”
While we wait for the Joker, Gotham will focus on developing two Batman villains, Penguin and Riddler.
“Penguin [Robin Lord Taylor] was born a sociopath and was always going down this path one way or another,” Heller offers. “Nygma is someone who becomes the villain, and we see that journey begin in the second half of the season.”
Regarding Riddler, it’s hinted that Nygma may go bad as a result of a broken heart at the hands of Kristen Kringle, played by Chelsea Spack.
“What motivates people to do things is oftentimes love,” Spack says. “He is slowly starting to break through her defenses, but we take two steps forward and then one step back. It’s not smooth sailing for Edward Nygma. It’s complicated for her to have somebody’s feelings in her hand. It’s not as simple as rejecting somebody and having a clean conscience because she’s starting to realize how deeply he cares.”
Gotham airs Mondays at 8pm ET on FOX.