Spoiler alert, sort of: the latest "Gotham" TV series update has producer Bruno Heller digging deep into the details of a city which spawned Batman and its villains. From conceptualization to plot development, to comparisons to other "superhero" TV series, Heller talks on young Bruce Wayne's darker, grittier Gotham.

Fox is set to kick off the series this fall, showing a side of Gotham never realized in comics or in film; a city of origins, of young Bruce Wayne, of villains before their destinies. The story will revolve around young Jim Gordon (Ben McKenzie), a rookie cop learning the ropes amidst the violence and corruption.

Heller confirmed Bruce Wayne will play a pivotal role in the series, but will not be the dominant presence in the episodes. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Heller confesses the series is only doable if the Batman character isn't part of it: "Certainly from Warner Bros. and DC's business point of view, that's why it can be done."

Heller has a solid track record with serialized shows. HBO's "Rome" set the standard on historical dramas, and CBS's "The Mentalist" is staying strong in its sixth season.

What does "Gotham" offer that other serialized superhero shows haven't? The characters' psychologies are explored in anticipation of the heroes (or villains) they're destined to become. Characters are unmasked and very human.

Heller read as much material on the Gotham universe, primarily the graphic novels. Instead of following through with an available storyline, he chose to start afresh, even reinventing some characters. For example, Alfred Pennyworth (Sean Pertwee) is a protective guardian with a history in the marines.

Bruce Wayne (David Mazouz) is the fragile, soulful boy coming to terms with his parents' murder, the investigation of which is headed by Gordon himself. Heller noted the characters and villains will be introduced cautiously, especially in the case of the Joker.

More on this "Gotham" TV series update are available in this Entertainment Weekly interview.