First Look: Dropping In for Ben McKenzie’s ‘Gotham’ Directorial Debut

Holy directorial debut, Batman! As Gotham’s Jim Gordon, Ben McKenzie has been the hero Bruce Wayne’s city needs, so it’s fitting that he’d do right by the show his first time behind the camera. “I had more fun on set as a director than I’ve had in years. Our cast and crew were phenomenal, and I’m deeply proud of the final product,” McKenzie says of the May 1 episode (8/7c, Fox). “I was nervous, but I found myself answering questions I didn’t realize I knew the answer to.”

Like how to best use this writer (above, with Vince Hickman) as an extra on Day 1 of production back in January. After hair, makeup and wardrobe turned me into a perp, the ahead-of-schedule McKenzie suggested adding the teardrop tattoo. Then, he set about  overseeing me and about 30 more background actors in a chaotic Gotham P.D. scene featuring himself and Donal Logue’s Bullock (top, left and right). Now that he’s tasted the thrill of calling “Action,” McKenzie is ready for more. “I cannot wait to do it again next year, and again and again.”

Gotham, Mondays, 8/7c, Fox