Fox's superhero prequel series "Gotham" is currently continuing its run with the second half of its first season, but despite is stellar cast, it's not complete without the one and only Joker, who is rumored to debut in the show before the first season ends, Slash Film reported.
"Gotham" has been successful enough since its debut that it was renewed for a second season last month, and was also expanded from its original 16 episodes to a total of 22 episodes. The story focuses on the life of Detective James Gordon, who becomes more and more entangled in the dark side of Gotham City ever since he investigated the deaths of Thomas and Martha Wayne and befriended their young son Bruce.
During the past few episodes, viewers have been getting a glimpse of the early lives of Oswald Cobblepot a.k.a. Penguin, Edward Nygma a.k.a. The Riddler, and more, all of whom become some of Batman's most dastardly foes in his later life. However, it's not complete without his mortal enemy, the Joker.
When asked about the Joker, executive producer Bruno Heller told TV Guide, "We've said you're going to be waiting a bit longer for it, but this is America. Nobody wants to wait."
He shared that viewers will get a glimpse of him before season one wraps up, saying, "We will scratch the surface of that story, yes. But just scratch it, a little tap on the door."
It's quite vague, and Heller kept mum on whether or not the Joker's storyline is what fans will get to see or possibly the Joker himself or even whether the future Joker is going to be a young boy like Bruce.
It will be interesting to see how "Gotham" swings Joker's origin story though, as it was never fully established even in the original DC comic books, according to CNET.
In some stories, the Joker used to be called the Red Hood, who fell in a vat of chemicals escaping Batman. He survived, only to end up with green hair, white skin and a wide grin. Another story even has the Joker being granted immortality by chemicals from a meteorite.
Whatever happens though, before Batman's most famous nemesis makes an appearance, "Gotham" will still introduce viewers first to the future parents of Dick Grayson a.k.a. Robin, as well as the supervillain The Scarecrow. Heller also hinted that the remainder of the season will focus on the Penguin's continued descent to villainy, while The Riddler starts to emerge.
Heller shared, "Penguin was born a sociopath and was always going down this path one way or another. Ngyma is someone who becomes the villain, and we see that journey begin in the second half of the season."
"Gotham" airs every Monday at 8 p.m. on Fox.