My Review of "Gotham: Season 5 Episode 7: Ace Chemicals"

Major Major Spoilers Ahead!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Gotham finally answered the long standing question as to who the Joker is. Ironically, this episode aired almost exactly one year when they introduced Jerome Valeska.

Jeremiah Valeska returned and his plan was genius. He always has backup plans on his backup plans. The dinner scene between Jeremiah, Bruce, Alfred, and Thomas and Martha Wayne was brilliantly executed and the dialogue by Jeremiah was epic!!

While Jim and Lee are investigating bodies found in the Narrows, they happen to arrive at Ace Chemicals and are captured by none other the Mad Hatter and Ecco (Harley Quinn). Despite his small role, Benedict Samuel did a great job!!

While Selina planned on finding a way out of Gotham and then killing the Penguin, she couldn't let Jeremiah succeed in reenacting the death of Bruce's parents. She ultimately stopped Jeremiah from killing Jim and Lee. I loved the small redemption arc for Selina, and Camren Bicondova once again gave a great performance.

The ultimate showdown between Bruce and Jeremiah was the huge buildup, and it delivered in every way. Though how it happened was not how I predicted it, while punching Bruce and telling him how much they need each other, Bruce moved out of the way and Jeremiah slipped and fell into the vat of chemicals. Theory confirmed, Jeremiah Valeska is the Joker.

As to what happens with Lee and Jim, I have no idea. And I still don't know what she is mad at him for, but we will find out in the future.

It is then revealed that Jeremiah survived and is now brain dead, but we all know he will eventually wake up. Cameron Monaghan, in my opinion, has now surpassed Heath Ledger as the greatest actor to play the Joker.

Selina then apologizes to Bruce for not helping him the night his parents were murdered and that she has not done enough, but Bruce tells her that she has done more then enough. I'm glad they somewhat reconciled and their chemistry in just that one scene was great.

Meanwhile, Penguin, Riddler, and Barbara forged a uneasy alliance to escape Gotham by building a submarine. Riddler and Penguin's reaction to finding out that Barbara was pregnant was priceless.

Overall, Gotham continued its hot streak and delivered on the origins of the Joker, well shot action scenes, well written dialogue, great reveals, and strong performances from Cameron Monaghan and David Mazouz. Best episode of the entire series, no doubt in my mind.

Out of 4 stars I would give it...

4 out of 4 stars