Tag: gotham

sunlitroom:

millicentcordelia:

Contrary to his typical method of operating, Oswald is the opposite of manipulative in this scene. He could have tried to blackmail Jim into staying and helping take down Galavan (remember Ogden Barker). Instead he’s supportive, respectful, and puts the best interests of others ahead of his own best interests. So, how does a “depraved sociopath” end up behaving unselfishly, to the point of being noble? He gains nothing, except the knowledge that he’s helping Jim to achieve a better life. This is not “out of character” behavior, it’s the writers’ portrayal of a character who is complex, complicated, and inconsistent-just like people are in real life.

Robin Lord Taylor’s portrayal is a triumph of quietly, intense, “under the skin” acting. Oswald looks like he wants to burst into tears; his lips are tight, his eyes sad, his smile pained.

Heller has promised more character development for Oswald in the second half of the season:  “He’s going to have new challenges. He’s going to come out of this
experience a profoundly changed man. We’re going to explore his psyche
and his family background,via the introduction of Paul Reubens as his
father.”

This is what made much of his season 3 so rampantly silly and a waste of time.  Oswald is completely capable of being deliberately unselfish and self-sacrificing.  His next act almost immediately after these events is to take the fall for Galavan’s murder.