To lead an uncomplicated life is to lead a life far outside of Gotham City, where nothing is simple. Season 3 has continued expanding its myriad character connections, and it sounds like we're going to see the biggest threat yet facing the show's strongest bond, that between Bruce and Alfred. When CinemaBlend spoke with Gotham's David Mazouz about this season's final act, I asked how Bruce's time away with his Shaman mentor would affect things with Alfred, and here's what he told me:
There will be a major, major conflict between the two, but Alfred is Alfred. He is Bruce's rock; he is the moral anchor in Bruce's life. He will always be the person that Bruce can always turn to to understand who he is and to get back on the right track. And Alfred will play a very crucially instrumental role, in that Alfred will never waver from that. I think it largely will be Alfred who leads Bruce back to the good side, if you will.
That ties in with the earlier reports that Bruce and Alfred's tried and true kinship would be majorly tested by the introduction of the iconic Batman villain Ra's al Ghul. (Who may or may not be the Shaman.) It's a no-brainer that the boy and his butler will eventually come out of any situation still bound by devotion and loyalty, but there are an untold number of dark and damaging places that their story can (and likely will) go along the way. Even knowing their ties may never break altogether, it's just as interesting to see just how close to the edge Bruce and Alfred can get before reeling things back to a more comfortable zone.
Even with so few episodes left in the season, viewers are still only getting a small taste of what a slightly more evil version of Bruce Wayne looks like, with the Shaman's mystical lessons and fight training working to the mysterious character's advantage. The way David Mazouz put it during our chat, Bruce will be a completely different person upon returning to Gotham City, and he'll exhibit a startling lack of morals or empathy. Alfred clearly comes into play where this is concerned, since the actor says Alfred is a significant element in Bruce's return to the light side.
It sounds like there will be one particular sacrifice of sorts that Sean Pertwee's Alfred makes in the finale episodes that speaks tremendously to the character's allegiance to the Wayne family and its young heir.
The amazing thing about Alfred, which you'll really get to see toward the end of the season, is his incredible devotion to Bruce. You've seen it already, but he is willing to give so much more than I ever imagined for Bruce's well-being. So he is willing to give everything. He has devoted his life to Bruce and his devotion is something that plays a major role later on. It's something that's truly incredible.
To add a visual to your stoked imaginations, some of the promotional shots from the upcoming Season 3 finale really hint at the temporary chasm that shows up in Alfred and Bruce's relationship. And while we only see Alfred's shocked face in this image, it should be no mystery whose hand is holding that sword.
While Bruce and Alfred work on their personal issues, which hopefully brings that weirdo clone back into things, the rest of Gotham City is dealing with Michael Chiklis' power-mad Executioner, and you'll be able to find out what happens as Gotham closes out Season 3 over the next two Monday nights on Fox at 8:00 p.m. ET. To see what shows you'll be able to go batty over in the months beyond, head to our summer premiere schedule.
