When we first meet future police commissioner James Gordon (Ben McKenzie) in the pilot episode of “Gotham,” Fox’s new “Batman” prequel that premiered Monday night, he is in a tight spot.

James Gordon’s portrayal in most media incarnations has reflected his Batman comic history. In Batman ’66, he was the veteran cop, portrayed as an older man.

The upcoming HBO Max Batman spinoff series, Gotham PD, will reportedly focus on James Gordon, forgoing using the Gotham Central comic by Greg Rucka and Ed Brubaker as inspiration. Brubaker, who co ...