Although Camren Bicondova’s version of Selina Kyle has been part of Gotham since the very first episode, she has been largely a peripheral figure in the show’s narrative over the past two seasons. Often flitting in and out of story lines - as well as Bruce Wayne’s mansion - like the lone, street orphan she is, the young Catwoman has regularly found herself entangled in Gotham’s plots without ever being at the center.
In the most recent episode, Selina arrived more-than-fashionably late to a dinner date with Bruce Wayne, much to the young billionaire’s annoyance, and eventually admitted that she struggled with the concept of them dating, displaying another crack in Kyle’s usually unyielding emotional barrier.
The show’s third season, currently running on Fox, will see Miss Kyle faced with even more emotional drama, with her biological mother, Maria, set to make an appearance in later episodes. Selina’s mother will be played by none other than Ivana Milicevic, who is perhaps best known for starring in Banshee on the Cinemax network. Milicevic will have a recurring role on the show and her character - perhaps predictably, given her daughter’s personality - is described as being a tough, streetwise drifter who hides her true personality under a veil of different personas. Maria is also a career criminal who will stop at nothing to get what she wants but her love for her daughter is genuine, with Selina being the one thing Maria truly cares for, despite not being part of the youngster’s life.
The addition of Catwoman’s mother to the Gotham universe will undoubtedly represent Selina Kyle’s most significant story arc yet, but given Selina’s reluctance to form emotional bonds with others, an immediately joyful reunion is unlikely to be on the cards.
Of course, this isn’t the first time Gotham has introduced the parent of a well-known Batman character. Season 2 included an appearance from Penguin’s father, played by none other than Paul Reubens who, interestingly, also portrayed the same character in Batman Returns. That particular addition to the show was well received by fans, with Reubens’ eccentric performance and an occasionally touching character arc that ultimately lead to more emotional damage for Penguin. If Gotham can repeat that success with Selina’s mother, the show - and its Catwoman - will benefit greatly.
With that said, it could certainly be argued that introducing main characters’ parents is a technique Gotham is in danger of overusing. As well as Penguin’s father, the show’s most recent episode, ‘Red Queen’, also hinted at an appearance from the father of one of the series’ main protagonists in a more villainous role that could have massive implications for the show further down the line.
Gotham continues with ‘Blood Rush’ November 7th at 8pm on FOX.
Source: THR
