Gotham, the FOX action-drama that took Batman fans through the twists and turns of the beloved city, returns after a successful first season. Culminating with Wayne uncovering what will become the Batcave, the sophomore season, which premieres September 21, will pick up right where the compelling finale concluded. This grand reveal not only sparks Wayne’s interest in investigating his father’s past, but also fuels the new and improved relationship between Wayne and his butler, Alfred Pennyworth, played by Sean Pertwee. After butting heads in season one, fans can expect to see a considerable shift in duo’s rapport, resembling that of a father and son.
Dubbed with the tagline “The rise of villains,” the second season also introduces new anti-heroes like Theo Galavan (played by James Frain) who arrives in Gotham, creating nothing but confusion and chaos. “But there’s definitely an ascendancy to counterbalance that,” says Pertwee. “There’s a birth of good guys like Chris Chalk, who plays Lucius Fox.” On the upcoming season, Pertwee says, “It’s got a more confident air. It’s foreboding and dark, but with a bizarre sense of humor. It’s really operatic. I’ve seen the first episode and it’s quite phenomenal.”
Sean Pertwee as Alfred Pennyworth and Ben McKenzie as James Gordon in “Gotham”; Photo Credit: Warner Bros
Busy filming the new season, the actor was able to jaunt off to Fire Island this summer for a quick break between episodes. “We wanted to go somewhere where I could get back quickly in case I was needed,” he says. Pertwee and his family spent their days barbecuing and savoring the sunsets. “I found myself going into a zen-like state, driving around and looking at some of the houses, lying on the beach, boogie boarding, flying a kite and sleeping like a log,” he says. Among the must-hit spots, Maguire’s on weekdays and Matthew’s for the seafood topped Pertwee’s list. “I think it was one of the best lobsters I’ve ever had in my life,” he says. “I’m a pretty good cook. We also got some baby back ribs to BBQ. It’s delicious, everything al fresco. It’s my idea of heaven.”
On what drew him to the island, Pertwee says, “There’s a quietness and stillness about it…It was like being in a 1980s Spielberg movie. There’s a real sense of innocence on Fire Island, which I loved.”
Click through the gallery of Pertwee’s personal family photo album of his Fire Island getaway.
