Never have I looked forward to an ongoing TV series than I have when waiting for the crime drama that is “Gotham.” Set as a prelude to the inception of the iconic Dark Knight, Batman, the show takes place immediately after and surrounding the events that shaped Bruce Wayne after being orphaned by an anonymous assailant.

With a fully capable cast made up of actors and actresses ranging from very well-known celebrities like Jada Pinkett Smith to rising stars like Robin Lord Taylor, the Monday night series has found a way to hook viewers with memorable and intense performances, whilst simultaneously not relying solely upon characters created in older and more established incarnations of the DC legend.

While many of the lesser-known characters who usually fall to the background of the Batman universe are placed in the foreground with the introduction of then-detective Jim Gordon, a veteran and new Gotham City Police Department detective, the show progresses with impressive yet suspenseful speed as each episode produces a new piece of the puzzle that is Gotham City.

Small gems planted in each episode may be lost on the more casual Batfan, but for the devoted comic book reader, the show provides more than enough references and nods to concepts and the classic lore that has given birth to the multi-faceted heroes and villains that we recognize today.

However, one should not be discouraged from watching this show simply because a person may not be as dedicated to the comics or movies that Batman has found himself tied into, as Gotham creates an atmosphere of its own, and helps the reader understand everything that is occurring.

The dialogue, though occasionally ridiculous, finds its strengths in the creativity of the writers, who always seem to pop a surprise upon the viewer near the end of each episode, drawing you back every week to see how each conundrum should play out.

In short, Gotham is a show for the superhero lover, and the detective lover. It’s a show that finds many ways to attract all types of people and is worth giving a shot. Though the early episodes tend to drag on slightly, the payoff is immense. This series stands its ground among the plethora of superhero-based movies and shows that are being created in this day and age, and is a must watch for anyone who enjoys excitement.

Five stars