In the episode, a car explodes during Mario's and Lee's rehearsal dinner and this causes Falcone to go with Gordon to find out the culprit, discovering it's someone he has previously dealt with.
The episode received positive reviews, with critics praising the dark tone and the build-up to the midseason finale.
When Mario is targeted by assassins, Falcone deduces that the Court is responsible and successfully blackmails them into ceasing their attack, not learning their motives, however.
After investigating the matter, Barbara realizes Cobblepot killed Isabella and plans to use the truth to stage a power grab.
In November 2016, it was announced that the tenth episode of the season will be titled "Time Bomb" and was to be written by Robert Hull and directed by Hanelle M.
In November 2016, it was announced that the guest cast for the episode would include James Carpinello as Mario Calvi, Leslie Hendrix as Kathryn, John Doman as Carmine Falcone, and Costa Ronin as Luka Volk.
Word of Chief Barnes' condition spreads quickly through the city, and plans that were perhaps on hold are set in motion.
"[9] Lisa Babick from TV Fanatic, gave a 4.5 star rating out of 5, stating: "I can't imagine what could possibly be in the safe that could destroy the Court of Owls.
"[11] Kayti Burt of Den of Geek gave a 4 star rating out of 5 and wrote, "'Time Bomb' was a particularly bloody episode of Gotham, but it balanced the gore by tying together multiple plotlines in satisfying ways.
Though, in many ways, 'Time Bomb' felt like a transitionary ep — Mario and Lee race closer to the altar, Bruce and Selina discuss their relationship, the noose tightens on Oswald's secret — it was elegantly told.