The following contains spoilers for Gotham Knights Season 1, Episode 8, "Belly of the Beast," which debuted May 9 on The CW.
As the first season of Gotham Knights rolls on, Turner Hayes has been trying to reinforce the mantra that the Knights are a force for good. It's not easy, given Harper and Cullen Row's criminal background. But they've made the transition with surprising ease.
Duela (the Joker's Daughter), on the other hand, still wants to walk the dark side. It leans into how Joker tried to corrupt Batman in the rare instances they became partners. However, the latest episode remixes the rapport Bruce and the Clown Prince had, finally leaning into the romantic chemistry between Turner and Duela.
Gotham Knights Humanizes Turner & Duela
Sparks unfold when Turner and Duela disguise themselves to infiltrate a gala the Court of Owls is having. They flirt in the belfry and later when they're posing as a couple in enemy territory. In the process, Duela finally lets her guard down, with Turner clearly crushing on her. This shows vulnerability on Duela's part and actually has Turner thinking of something more than the mission. More so, it plays into how they're lost souls trying to forge their own identities.
Sadly, when the ruse is exposed, Turner gets kidnapped. Duela, though, uncharacteristically throws logic and self-preservation out the window. She demands they go back after him, with Carrie Kelley pointing out they shouldn't. They need to live to fight another day. Seeing as the Owls want Turner for some ritual, they have time. It does surprise the team because Duela has always been cold and detached.
Gotham Knights Creates a Better Duality for Duela
Admittedly, Season 1 of Gotham Knights has made a mistake with Duela, not leaning into her vicious nature as much as the source material. It's all words, not actions on her part. But with Duela being someone close to Turner's heart, it creates a strong bond that makes possible corruption a tad easier.
However, letting love in could work in the opposite manner and bring Duela to the light. It's something Turner has faith in, reminding his peers she's better than being some petty criminal. This ties into the theme of legacy and these teens wondering if they're doomed to follow in their parents' footsteps. Duela, after all, wants to break free of the clown's shackles. Thus, a romance with Turner may well help her understand the concept of family even more.
In addition to galvanizing her as one of Turner's focal points, this helps to improve a really wonky love quadrangle. Recent episodes hinted Turner had feelings for Stephanie, but with the latter being pushed toward Harper (fitting Harper's LGBTQ comic arc), the show can easily streamline Turner and Duela's story. Of course, The CW does love drama, but the approach with this Gen-Z pastiche of Batman and Joker flows better. This makes them important to each other as they find their destiny. And ultimately, the show pays homage to the Batman and Catwoman relationship with Turner hoping to save Duela's soul.
Gotham Knights will return Tuesday, May 23 at 9 pm ET/PT on The CW.