Episode seven follows an assassination attempt on Commissioner Gordon, forcing the veteran officer to flee Gotham for safer pastures. The episode also discusses the systemic chasm between the courts and law enforcement and issues dealing with the criminalization of urban life.
The episode opens with public defender Barbara Gordon winning another case. However, Barbara is criticized by her father for letting a known criminal walk free on a technicality. Barbara’s profession as a defense attorney constantly puts her at odds with her officer father, who sees crime as more black and white than gray. Their conversation is cut short exiting the courthouse as a lone gunman appears ready to shoot. Luckily, fellow Officer Corgan – a good guy with a gun – fires his weapon killing the assailant. A hit has been issued on Jim Gordon’s life. Bullock and Flass call for a shock and awe strategy to root out the culprits. But Gordon calls for them to work the case strategically. Barbara and Renee immediately organize a protective detail for Jim, which includes Corgan and another officer, Marcus. Despite his protesting, he finally caves, relocating to a safe house.
Meanwhile, Batman does his part to investigate. He discovers the price for Gordon’s head has doubled, causing every thug, gunman, and hood to join the parlay. Viewers are introduced to the episode’s main villain, Onomatopeia (Reid Scott). The masked assassin earned his namesake by imitating sounds he hears around him – speaking like the action bubbles from the original Batman series starring Adam West. It’s oddly terrifying seeing a masked figure only converse in sound effects.
As night falls, Gordon’s entourage comes face-to-face with Onomatopeia and his gang of shooters. The animation shines here as the fight scenes feel real and visceral. And Onomatopeia’s henchmen are equal-opportunity brutes, packing heat for Barbara and Renee. Soon, Batman and the gang’s leader face off, one on one. Batman struggles a bit as the masked killer is a skilled fighter, mirroring a lot of Batman’s offensive moves. Eventually, Batman gets the best of him, solidifying his victory punch with a deadpan “pow.”
“Moving Target” is a thrilling episode centering on the unmasked heroes and introducing commentary on criminality. Jim, Barbara, and Renee hold their own in a good, old-fashioned beat ’em’ up-action caper. It felt reminiscent of action films of the 1980s and 90s. Barbara and her father’s disagreement about law and order is a common societal issue. For many, if you break the law, or do something wrong, you should pay the consequences. But just as quickly the law can convict, the same rules can exonerate, which Barbara did for her client. One can’t only be for the law when it benefits their stance.
Another important discussion was Barbara and Renee’s clash about being from Gotham versus living outside the city. Barbara prides herself on being a Gothamite, advocating for the community in which she was born and raised. But Renee quickly reminds Barbara she was privileged enough to leave the metropolis for the suburbs, away from the rumored peak of crime and other ills with urban life. While Barbara means well, she is still somewhat of an outsider moving with a savior complex.
Rating: 8/10