CONNECTING GOTHAM WITH ARROW/FLASH

Now before you say it, I am well aware that the chances of this happening is pretty slim to none. However, both Ben Mackenzie (James Gordon-Gotham) and Stephen Amell (Oliver Queen-Arrow) have said that they would welcome the union. So, let's "pretend" that FOX and The CW are willing and that this going to happen. When I first heard reference of this idea, I scoffed at it. I did not expect to enjoy "Gotham" as much as I have, and did not think that these worlds should be connected. I wasn't able to wrap my head around the idea of Bruce Wayne being so much younger than the rest of the characters involved. Would Oliver Queen begin to train Bruce? That would be lame. And would definitely take away from the Batman character later on. And we've seen some of Batman's foes appear already in "Arrow". We can't have Harley Quinn being old enough to be Batman's mother now, can we?

So, in my head there is 1-2 options. One really, but how things are approached are different. First, lets bring "Gotham" into "Arrow/Flash". Here I would only have a select few characters appear from the FOX series. Characters that will still be around once Batman has come to be, unless they get "Smallvilled" (ie Jimmy Olsen). Since we are only at the start of the series, I would have Jim Gordon, Harvey Bullock, and Oswald Cobblepot. And I would have them all sit in the make-up chair for an extra few moments, and age them. Bring them into the present where we already have Batman protecting Gotham City. Gordon can be white-haired and sporting the trademark mustache. Bullock...more grey and white, and some added weight perhaps. And with Oswald, full-fledged Penguin. It wouldn't be a "spoiler" as things can change as people forget. It would take around 10 seasons on "Gotham". The basis of the story would be pretty obvious, Gordon and Bullock follow The Penguin, meet Oliver, etc etc. Ending with Arrow having the Gothamites pass on a message to Batman.
Same idea really, but in a different approach. Bringing "Arrow" and "The Flash" into "Gotham" would be a reverse effect, with core characters appearing, but along side their younger selves. Meaning Oliver (Stephen Amell) would say play his father as he brings a young Oliver Queen to visit Bruce Wayne. Perhaps Felicity as Oliver's mother, the late Moira Queen. Storyline would have perhaps Falcone or Maroni's men kidnapping Bruce and Oliver, with Jim Gordon working with The Queens, and we'll say Barry Allen aka The Flash playing his uncle (who is a cop in Gotham City for the sake of this) to rescue the boys. It would be a little more trickier to make it work without being too cheesy. Actually, The Flash could technically appear as himself I suppose.

Basic ideas for something likely never to happen. I can't think of any other way that they could make this work. Among a large list of characters, Batman is one of the heavy favorites that fans hope to see in "Arrow/Flash" universe someday. Especially given the lack there of in "Smallville", and that it has been said that they are building their own Justice League in the "Arrow/Flash" universe. Full-grown, butt-kicking Batman is a must. To be honest, I will see how the soon-to-be crossover between "Arrow" and "The Flash" works out first, as well as how long "Gotham" can keep me intrigued with out the goddamn Batman.

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GOTHAM: SURPASSING EXPECTATIONS

A television show set in Gotham City, and there isn't going to be Batman? That show is going to suck. That was my initial thought before "Gotham" made it's debut a few weeks ago. Nobody could blame me for thinking that way really. "Birds Of Prey" was similar in there being no appearance of Batman, other than in the opening credits/dialogue. It was a really weak show, and understandably got the axe quick. Who was the one character that everyone was yearning for in "Smallville"? More so than Wonder Woman, it was Batman. And sure "Gotham" has Bruce Wayne, but my original thought process was that he was too young, his story wouldn't be interesting until he is older and sets out on his journey to become Batman. I was also against the casting choice of Ben Mackenzie as James Gordon in the beginning, having only seen him on "The OC", where he was somewhat of a one-trick pony.

Here we are about to begin the third episode, and so far I was wrong about everything. Mackenzie is showing some range, not an abundance, but more than I saw before. And I am actually curious where he takes the character of Jim Gordon. The background story about Bruce Wayne and how he is coping with the death of his parents is actually interesting to watch so far. Although I do find Alfred to be too much of a hard-ass. I am also looking forward to Selina "Cat" Kyle's story unfolding, who like Bruce, I was thinking was too young to really have a relevant story. And if future characters are as intriguing as this rendition of Oswald Cobblepot becoming The Penguin, I am will continue to forget that Batman isn't here. Unlike some others out there, I don't want the "Gotham" universe to intertwine with the universe of "Arrow" and "The Flash". I want Batman to be in that universe, or at least heavily referenced in it. It would also kind of make no sense for Batman to be 20-30 years younger than Green Arrow and The Flash.

Of course all of this could change as early as tonight's episode, but it may not. And like I mentioned in an article HERE, television shows are better than movies in how they can change the direction of the show over the season. They did it with "Marvel's Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D." closing the season on a strong not after a weaker start. Guess we will find out each week, same Non-Bat-Time, same Non-Bat-Channel.

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EXPANDING DC COMICS/CW's "ARROW/FLASH" UNIVERSE

There are those who hope that this is connected to the universe that will be expanded upon within the "Man Of Steel (2013)" follow-up. A movie that will have Superman now joined by Batman, Wonder Woman, Alfred Pennyworth and Lex Luthor. "Arrow" leading star, Stephen Amell, has stated that he wants the worlds to be connected. Given the popularity of the series that has spawned a spin-off series for the scarlet speedster in "The Flash", it wouldn't be too bad of an idea. Some may say that Marvel is doing this already with "Marvel Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D." However this is a chance to one up the competition by doing it better than them.
On the flip side there are those of course who are against this idea. Hard to argue with them as it is risky to do things in this manner. Especially given the fact that although "Man Of Steel (2013)" was successful, the follow-ups may not follow suit. The television series may falter themselves, with "The Flash" we don't even know if it will be worth watching past the pilot yet, and of course "Arrow" could begin to drop in quality. Either way, together they stand, together they could fall.

Both are right and wrong, however, for the upcoming list we will assume that the television universe that is "Arrow" and "The Flash" combined, and the movie universe stemming from "Man Of Steel (2013)", are completely separate from each other. "Arrow" has given us a few characters so far in the first two seasons. Characters like Deathstroke, Black Canary, as well as the members of Suicide Squad. The show even gave us The Flash himself, but with his being super-powered, it has opened the door for others to begin entering this universe.

Here are a list of characters that should begin to make appearances within CW's "The Flash" and "Arrow" universe....

Green Lantern Hal Jordan

Both of the lead characters of both shows have a deep history with the Green Lantern of Sector 2814. One that may never be portrayed on the big screen. Even if it is just Hal Jordan with no ring. This character needs to appear on these shows. I would prefer him in Green Lantern mode, with the dark setting the green would pop off the screens. Since he does more television than movies really, it would make a good opportunity for Nathan Fillion fans to finally get their wish. Regardless of who played him, Hal is a character that could be on both shows and help unite them at points if they chose to. Who knows, could lead to a successful spin-off himself.

 

Hawkman

One of the high points of "Smallville" was the inclusion of the members of "Justice Society". He may not have been a spot on rendition, but he was a nice addition to the show. Hawkman would almost fit perfectly into the "Arrow" side of things, so far appearing to be the darker of the two series. Perhaps, he could team with Arrow to form a new version of the "Justice Society" or even there own "Justice League Of America". Then again, Hawkgirl could be added to a new "Birds Of Prey" with Black Canary and Huntress. Either way could work.

The Red Hood Gang

No this would include the man who would become The Joker, it does however include Jason Todd, future Robin and/or Red Hood. Personally I would perhaps have this be a subset of the original group in Gotham City that is looking to expand the empire. Of course when they are stopped, they are too preoccupied in Gotham dealing with a Bat problem to retaliate. It would make for a good opportunity to introduce Roy and Jason Todd to each other. Either as a sign of things to come, or even to pay homage to the two currently teaming together with Starfire in the comic book "Red Hood And The Outlaws". Given Ra's al Ghul is somewhere within this universe, and the general tone of the book, Jason would make a good fit even if only an episode or two. Also as the obvious "Batman Teaser".

Zatanna

Preferably with a much darker persona, and a much larger magic display. CGI wise. Not complaining about the version that was on "Smallville" but new shows, darker approach. With The Flash, and a couple others characters reaching "super-power" status, it has opened the door for characters like Zatanna with her magic as well. She could open the door for other characters of the Justice League Dark to begin to appear within the "Arrow/The Flash" universe on television. Likely minus John Constantine given his new show, but there are others like Deadman or even Swamp Thing.

Batman/Bruce Wayne

It may not happen, and the reasons could be the same as "Smallville". They also may not want to risk someone portraying a better Batman than Affleck, or not want to have an inferior one on television. Another character that if accepted by the audience, could also get a spin-off series. Some may say that would be too much like "Arrow" already is, however there are a lot of key differences that would separate them, especially if it was written properly could make for a successful show that is different from the one in which it was spawned. FOX isn't going to be giving us the dark knight, their Bruce Wayne is way too young still for that to even be a possibility.

Wonder Woman

Another one who is very unlikely given her new found presence on the big screen via Gal Gadot. She was however very close to getting her own series before there were talks about there being a sequel to the "Man Of Steel (2013)". It is also hard at times not to wonder if Paradise Island isn't out there when we are taken back to Oliver's days as a castaway. Added the new super-power theme with the Mirakuru formula enhancing guys like Roy and Deathstroke, and as well as The Flash making his transformation via his traditional route. Could "save" the character if Gadot's upcoming rendition doesn't work out well.

Of course there is an endless list of characters directly from both worlds that should appear, but highly likely that they will appear at some point. It will be interesting to see if they allow any characters to do double duty. The given reason for Batman/Bruce Wayne not appearing on "Smallville" was that they weren't allowed because Nolan was currently using the franchise. Flash getting his own show makes one think that they will allow it, if they aren't planning to combine them into one universe. He is a key member of Justice League and it would be safe to assume that they plan to expand the roster beyond the trinity of Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman in the movies. One may mention that FOX's upcoming "Gotham" which will feature a young Bruce Wayne. FOX is a special breed. They are also giving one of two Quicksilver's in the upcoming X-Men: Days Of Future Past, while The Avengers: Age Of Ultron gives the other. Hollywood. Sheesh.

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AFFLECK CAST AS BATMAN. WORLD ENDS!

Okay, maybe the world hasn't literally ended, but a lot of fellow Bat-Fans out there sure have been acting as though it has. I've heard about death threats (even to those not even connected to the movie) and a petition for the President of the USA to step in and stop this casting. Seriously stupid stuff, that in all honesty, makes it kind of embarrassing to be a fan. I openly admit, my initial reaction was "F*ck!". For me it had absolutely nothing to do with Affleck or his ability to act or make a good movie. Daredevil wasn't the best movie, but I enjoyed it (minus Afflecks hair aha). So much, that I kind of yearned for him to reprise his role in the Elektra spin-off/sequel. My issue with this casting, was that I haven't heard or seen any movies where Ben had "the voice" to play Batman. A combination of his Boston accent and higher toned voice makes it hard for me to see him as The Dark Knight. Now I am not saying everyone has to be like Christian Bale and his grovelling attempt, however a different style of voice work is essential while dawning the cape and cowl. Biggest issue with George Clooney's attempt at being the Batman was that with or without the mask, you knew Bruce Wayne and Batman were the same person.

Now I am sure some of you are thinking, "Oh, working on his voice is easy." and initially you aren't wrong, however, it isn't as easy as you think and takes a lot of dedication. Not only that, there is always the risk of it being cheesy or over the top (Bale went overboard at times).

Again, this is the only thing that worries me. It was the only thing that worried me about Heath playing The Joker in The Dark Knight. I had never heard/seen him without the accent (Aussie I think). And well, clearly, those worries were put to sleep very quickly. And speaking of Heath Ledger as Mr. J, I remember the proverbial crap hitting the fan over that casting choice as well, I dunno, do you think that an Oscar win and the Box-Office numbers made those doubters eat their words? I believe so. And although I was too young to really hear about them, but I do remember my Dad telling me about how nobody wanted Michael Keaton as Batman back in the '89 Tim Burton movie, and I know I am not the only one who thinks of the first two of that franchise as being the best of them.

 So, the next 2 years shall be spent defending this movie and its casting choices. Hopefully this movie is as awesome as I am expecting it to be. Absolutely loved Man Of Steel, and adding my all-time favorite character to that mix, cannot be a bad thing....I hope ahaha Naw, total confidence in Zack Synder and the cast of this movie. Till then if your going to "question" anything about this movie, then let it be about things like "With Affleck only being 41, what direction are they taking after teasing this will be similar to Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns", or "When are they announcing Brian Cranston as Lex Luthor?" Okay that last one is purely rumor at the moment, but my choice for the role (if it is even part of the upcoming movie).

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