Batman 1966 vs. Gotham Comparisons Part 1 (Heroes)

Hi everyone I'm Jack Red, today I really want to compare two live action Batman shows. Well Gotham is what life in Gotham City like before Batman. Believe it or not a few decades, they attempted to make it happen as a TV show. Almost fifty years later, two great adaptations of Batman comics. Of course this stands as a major difference in time among other things.

I am here to talk about the handful of characters present in both shows. I do think a lot of Batman fans will agree while others will disagree. In the end I am doing this for fun & showing my passion for anything Batman. Honestly I got more than enough to talk about with all characters featured in this blog.

I should mention this will be a lengthy blog. Please take as many breaks as possible. This is more meant for big Batman fans like myself. If you are simply a fan of one or both shows. You are welcome to check this blog series out. Yes you heard me correctly I'm doing more covering as much needed stuff as possible.

Round 1: Batman 1966 James Gordon vs. Gotham James Gordon

This is incredibly different takes on one of Batman's biggest allies. James Gordon has done a lot for the Dark Knight in the comics. They're almost family with slight things separating them. They both want what's best for Gotham City. Of course times has changed from comics to both of these shows. I am still surprised how straight this one is going to go.

In Batman 1966, Commissioner Gordon phones Batman & Robin about everything mysterious or bad going on. Yes he does arrest people on the show usually after they take down the bad guys. But I felt Gotham's Captain Gordon is a better character. He is really trying to stop the corruption in his city. Yes he did some terrible things in the past.

This version of Gordon is much more faithful to the character. In 1966 version, he doesn't do much to help. Yes he gives instruction to his police officers. Sadly that's the most you are going to see out of him. In vice versa, Gotham has much more going  here. Gordon does talk to Bruce from time to time. He is willing to do whatever it takes to stop something really bad from happening.

This version doesn't usually give in to the bad guys. He has saved a lot of people on his own. Sometimes he can pull off miracles taking some risks. Gordon is working very hard to save his city from criminals. They kept giving him a love interest that eventually turns against him. My point is in so many ways this version way more than I expected him to be.

I am being honest Gordon truly stands out for making some difficult decision. He usually doesn't stand down against the likes of The Penguin or Jerome or anything else for that matter. I felt 1966 version wouldn't do much about those same issues. Let's be honest this was an easy win for Gotham. It's time to clean up our streets.

Winner: Gotham James Gordon


Round 2: Batman 1966 Bruce Wayne vs. Gotham Bruce Wayne

Obviously we need to talk about the main himself. In 1966 show, Bruce Wayne is pretty much what you expect of him. He already is Batman with Dick Grayson being Robin and Barbara Gorrdon as Batgirl. This version is one of the best you will ever see on TV I'm not kidding. I am still impressed by Adam West's performance.

In Gotham's case as stated before this was before Batman. Now before anyone gets the wrong idea about where this is going. This isn't going to count against that version of Bruce. In fact it adds more to him prior of becoming Batman. Therefore I still have a fair comparison to do. In one hand we already have Batman while in the other Bruce is on the verge of becoming Batman.

Honestly both actors do an amazing job being Bruce Wayne. More recently on Gotham, Bruce does dress up to take on criminals. In some episodes his butler, Alfred does some training with him. Now this adds more appeal to Gotham's version. In 1966 version as Batman, the police simply can't hold the criminals.

Which means this Bruce Wayne has to be on top of literately everything that could go wrong. This also includes people thinking or knowing he is Batman. They do a lot of interesting stuff to cover that up. By now you probably already knew about some of the ridiculous gadgets. Most of them are called bat this or bat that.

My main problem is if we took parts of both versions. Even Kevin Conroy would be running for his money. I am not sure if I should go with the older, more experienced or the younger, learning Bruce. Both of them are clearly some of the finest characters on both shows. For me it is difficult to simply pick between them.

Thankfully a slight edge goes to Batman 1966 version makes this a bit easier. No disrespect towards Gotham, I really enjoy watching Bruce in all kind of situations they put him in. I see a bright future for that actor. Sadly you simply can not compete with Adam West. He is one of the few actors to truly nail both Bruce & Batman. Do you know how rare that is?

Winner: Batman 1966 Bruce Wayne


Round 3: Batman 1966 Alfred vs. Gotham Alfred

This is going to be a very difficult comparison to do. Just like the previous ones I covered, I do respect both actors as Alfred. Both of them helps Bruce in so many ways. Not a lot of people know this but Alfred is Bruce's best friend. Both Alfred are old, experience, well mannered and patience. I always respected Alfred as a character.

Batman 1966 Alfred does take part in a lot of Batman's plans. Yes sometimes they go side ways but mostly he does the work at hand. In Gotham, he is taking care of Bruce since the murder of his parents. He attempted to help Bruce in many ways including training to fight. Alfred sometimes breaks his word to his master to help him.

Yes this does lead to several heated arguments. You can tell he truly cares about Bruce. Batman 1966 Alfred never had to deal with stuff like that. Also he briefly died but quickly got revived by Batman. Clearly both versions of Alfred are not only loyal but also willing to take risks. You do learn a great deal about Gotham's version.

I kid you not this is going to to be a nail bitter. I felt I should give this to Gotham's Alfred for many reasons. He simply isn't a supporting character like most of Batman 1966 Alfred's appearances. He does try to help Bruce even when he's going over his head relating to what happened to his parents. You can tell he is willing to take risks to help his master.

Winner: Gotham Alfred