Things That Go Boom

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Things That Go Boom is the tenth episode of Gotham’s fourth season. It aired on November 30, 2017 and was directed by Louis Shaw Milito, written by Steven Lilien and Bryan Wynbrandt. Guests include Michael Cerveris as Professor Pyg, Anthony Carrigan as Victor Zsasz, Stu “Large” Riley as Sampson, and Christopher Convery as Martin.

In the episode, a brutal war between Sofia Cobblepot and Oswald Cobblepot escalates as both sides attack. Gordon tries to prevent Gotham from being ruined by the fighting while also trying to learn who Professor Pyg really is. Barbara, Tabitha, and Selina work to settle debts to Cobblepot, and Gordon’s ally Lee and Nygma face challenges as they begin ruling the Narrows’ fight club.

Plot highlights:
- In Arkham, Professor Pyg kills an inmate after playing Ave Maria, and Gordon and Fox realize Pyggy’s real face can’t be tracked because of numerous surgeries.
- Sofia visits Gordon and wants to keep seeing him, but Gordon resists.
- The war between Sofia and Cobblepot intensifies. Sofia is captured and then rescued, only to be kidnapped again by Barbara, Tabitha, and Selina.
- Martin is used as a pawn to pressure Cobblepot. Cobblepot initially agrees to a deal, but he secretly orders Zsasz to kill the others. A jet of violence follows when Zsasz blasts their secret club.
- Gordon negotiates with Cobblepot to force Sofia to leave Gotham by nightfall while Cobblepot keeps ruling. Lee and Nygma destroy Sampson’s clinic and, with Lee’s poison plan, prevent Sampson from taking over the Narrows.
- Sofia informs Gordon that she was aiming to free herself, but Gordon uses it to trap her. He handcuffs Sofia and has her escorted to the train.
- Cobblepot discovers Martin is missing. Zsasz intercepts Sofia’s train and learns Martin is a hostage. Sofia, Barbara, Tabitha, and Selina bring Martin to Cobblepot, who surrenders so Martin is freed. Cobblepot places Martin in a car and blows the car up to prevent him from being used as a pawn, declaring war.
- Nygma’s post-freezing symptoms fade, and he begins having Riddler-like hallucinations.
- DNA tests reveal Pyg’s real identity as Lazlo Valentin. Gordon finds Pyg’s cell empty and a guard killed, with a message on the wall: “It’s been fun James – Lazlo.”

Production notes:
- The episode was announced in November 2017 as “Things That Go Boom,” written by Steven Lilien & Bryan Wynbrandt, directed by Louis Shaw Milito. Donal Logue, David Mazouz, Sean Pertwee, and Alexander Siddig did not appear in this episode. Guest cast included Michael Cerveris as Professor Pyg, Anthony Carrigan as Victor Zsasz, Stu Large Riley as Sampson, and Christopher Convery as Martin.

Reception:
- Viewership was 2.59 million, with a 0.8/3 share among adults 18–49, slightly down from the previous episode.
- Critics gave mixed-to-positive reviews. Some praised character dynamics and the setup for future conflicts, while others criticized Cobblepot’s behavior as out of character and felt Professor Pyg overstayed his welcome.
- Sample opinions: IGN gave it 7/10, noting it didn’t fully deliver on a darker path for Penguin; The A.V. Club called it diverting but predictable in places; TV Overmind rated it 4/5; Collider found it slower and less exciting than prior episodes; Den of Geek highlighted a striking moment with Oswald’s power play against Martin.