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Gotham – The Loyalty Of Butch Gilzean

By Steve Lam

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Those who watched Gotham‘s latest episode, Welcome Back, Jim Gordon, would have seen the unwavering loyalty of Fish Mooney’s second-in-command — Butch Gilzean, played by Drew Powell.  Knowing the backstabbing nature of various mobsters vying for power in Gotham City, Gilzean’s dedication to Mooney is unique.  Why is Gilzean doing this?  What does he have to gain from protecting Mooney?

Gilzean was introduced in the pilot episode of Gotham and, though not part of the main cast, he’s basically been in every episode to-date.  He seemed like your typical hired muscle and henchman, but lately, after the show’s hiatus, Gilzean started to make some interesting decisions.

In Rogues’ Gallery, Gilzean was approached by an old childhood friend, now mob boss, Jimmy Saviano.  Saviano offers Gilzean a very generous deal — defect to his side and Gilzean will become a partner with Saviano.  Gilzean requires a few days to mull it over.  Mooney has her suspicions that Gilzean might be disloyal, but allows it to play out.  After some time, Gilzean meets with Saviano to reveal his decision.  After reminiscing about some childhood guilt over stolen meat, Gilzean executes Saviano.  Could being Mooney’s bodyguard be that lucrative that Gilzean would give up a partnership and murder his own friend?

In Welcome Back, Jim Gordon, Gilzean ups the ante in his loyalty.  Already securing his own escape with the killing of his captors, Gilzean still goes back to rescue Mooney.  When they’re cornered in Mooney’s former nightclub by the sadistic Victor Zsasz, Gilzean sacrifices himself to make sure Mooney is safe.  He’s eventually captured by Zsasz, and his fate is left unknown.  Those familiar with Falcone’s ways may suspect that Gilzean will be used as leverage to draw Mooney out.  But what is driving Gilzean to make these sacrifices for Mooney?

Because Gilzean, like Mooney, was created specifically for Gotham, we have no comic book inspiration to draw from.  His past history and why he feels he should be dedicated to her will be an interesting aspect for the show to explore.  Could all this loyalty be a front for something he’s keeping closing to his chest?  It wouldn’t make much sense with Mooney out of the good graces of Falcone.  If he did want to make a grab for power, he could’ve just joined Saviano.  Or better yet, double-cross Mooney like Oswald Cobblepot.  He may not be as eloquent as Oswald, but he’s also not stupid.  We’ve seen him surprise quite a number of people.  And you don’t get to be by Mooney’s side if you’re sloppy and unintelligent.

What do you think?  Does or did Gilzean have an endgame with his protection of Mooney?  Or is it pure loyalty?  If so, what type of past history do you think he has with Mooney?

Fox’s Gotham airs on Mondays at 8:00PM EST.

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