The inmates of Arkham are loose…

So here we are, at the end of what has been an incredibly strong debut season overall for Ruby Rose’s turn in Kate Kane’s cowl. Can the finale possibly live up to the promise of the season so far? Well, yes, it actually can, even if some of what it does feels a little reheated from earlier on.

Jacob Kane, convinced that Batwoman is responsible for the escape of Arkham’s entire population into the city at large, declares war on her. It’s difficult to see how this is much different from every other episode that he’s insisted she’s a bad guy and he doesn’t see a place for a vigilante in his city, but this time the episode really drives the point home. When he says war, he means it, and it seems the two are on an inevitable collision course.

Until that is, one particular Arkham escapee starts making his presence felt. A powerfully built ex-athlete and former hero to the city, this is someone that neither the Crows nor Batwoman seem able to stop alone. As he continues his apparently random rampage through the city, Jacob and Batwoman agree to a truce in order to take this threat down, but can that truce last?

Meanwhile Beth, having solved the riddle of exactly what’s needed to kill Batwoman and get her revenge, sets her sights on obtaining it. But poor Mouse just wants them to run away together and put all this behind them once and for all, and Hush wants his new face now that he’s carried out his end of their devil’s bargain. What will our favourite murderess do?

It’s a hell of a way to end the season, leaving plot threads open to pick up next time out naturally, but really focusing in hard on the challenges of being Batwoman, both physical and emotional. Kate has a depth of strength and experience in both areas, but even she finds herself sorely tested by the way that things play out. She may have a solid team behind her and some powerful friends, but it’s clear that as we head into Year 2 of her tenure as Gotham’s caped crusader, life isn’t about to get any easier for her.

Verdict: A fitting finale to one of the stronger superhero series for some time. 9/10

Greg D. Smith