Explain Gotham

[IHaveAQuestion]

Since it seems to be fairly popular, can someone please explain the appeal to me? I just don't get it. I'm not hating it, but from my understanding it's a Batman show with NO Batman. Why does it exist then? And if it has no Batman then why do some villains like Penguin already exist? What is Batman going to finally appear when all of his "villains" are like 60 years old or something?

Please don't tell me the appeal is that it's "dark"
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[Explanation]

If I may, if Gotham isn't your thing that is fine - but, I like the show for several reasons:

1. The acting from (most) of the cast is really really good. David Mazouz is doing a great job at playing Bruce Wayne (especially for someone who is relatively young). Carmen Bicondova is an amazing Selina Kyle (she has an extensive dance background that I think adds something nice to the character). Of course, Cameron Monaghan's reoccurring character is always a joy to watch (He has Mark Hamill's seal of approval). Cory Michael Smith, Robin Lord Taylor, Morena Baccarin, and Erin Richards are some other of my favorite cast members. They all are really passionate about the show, and it shows in their work.

2. It doesn't take itself too seriously - it always knows when to add some humor. I think the writing for most of the show is excellent.

3. They have created a world that, personally, I love getting sucked into. It is a pretty stylized show, with a great atmosphere.

4. It does have Batman, just not Batman in the way we have seen him before. The show starts off with a 15 year old Bruce Wayne right after his parents have been killed. Most comics/movies I have seen skip a head to him as an adult after that, this gives an interesting look into how he coped with the loss and him adapting to a life without his parents. As the show progresses, we see him start to understand Gotham more, and his training begins. (Season 4 is called 'The Dark Knight'). It is more than a brief origin story, it goes more in depth. But not just with Batman, with all of it's characters. When the show starts off, Oswald Cobblepot is no where near the Penguin (and Bruce Wayne is 15, Oswald is in his mid-to-late 20's so if Bruce Wayne becomes batman in his mid-20's, then the Penguin would be about 40 something - and the Penguin is older than Bruce Wayne so the age difference isn't too far off). And the premise of the show surrounds more around Jim Gordon and the cases he worked, and his rise to Commissioner.

5. It is very creative - especially when it found it's footing around season 3. The show takes things a little bit further than other TV-14 shows are willing to take it. It doesn't water things down in terms of violence or creativity. One episode in particular that I love and feels captures this, is a character sets up a 'Murder Carnival' of sorts. They do a good job of showing a lot of really twisted, creative ideas in such a short span of time.

6. Most importantly: I think, like most adaptations, you have to enjoy it for what it is. You have to separate it from the comics, shows, and movies before it. Appreciate it as something else entirely. (and I am not saying you as in YOU, I am saying you as in the general public).

So, Gotham is one of my favorite shows. If you don't like it, that is fine. I enjoy the fresh take and the more in-depth look at Bruce Wayne's adolescence. I like the characters and most of the storylines. If you don't, then that is okay - I just thought I would offer my reasons for why I liked it since you asked. =)