| "Pretty Hate Machine" | |
|---|---|
| Gotham episode | |
| Episode no. | Season 3 Episode 20 |
| Directed by | Danny Cannon |
| Written by | Steven Lilien & Bryan Wynbrandt |
| Featured music | David E. Russo |
| Cinematography by | Christopher Norr |
| Editing by | Barrie Wise |
| Production code | T13.19920 |
| Original air date | May 29, 2017 |
| Running time | 43 minutes |
| Guest appearances | |
"Pretty Hate Machine" is the twentieth episode of the third season, and 64th episode overall from the Fox series Gotham. The show is itself based on the characters created by DC Comics set in the Batman mythology. The episode was written by co-executive producers Steven Lilien and Bryan Wynbrandt and directed by Danny Cannon. It was first broadcast on May 29, 2017. The episode is named after the 1989 studio album by American industrial rock band Nine Inch Nails of the same name.
In the episode, Lee, influenced by the virus, decides to seduce Gordon into joining her in the chaos in order to acknowledge his darkness. Her plan involves kidnapping him and then burying him alive in order for him to inject himself with the virus as his only escape. Meanwhile, Bruce and the Shaman continue with their plan to take out the Court and set off the bomb with their intention to bring "the dark hero rise" while Alfred tries to find Bruce before time runs out. Cobblepot and Ivy are also being chased by Nygma and Barbara, who want Cobblepot dead.
The episode received positive reviews with critics praising the character development for characters but criticizing the rest of the subplots.