Cameron Monaghan confirms that his character Jerome will soon return to Gotham. Since the beginning of the series, Gotham has packed in tons of Easter eggs for the Joker. Given the show's focus on the origins of Batman's greatest foes, this makes sense, but it also served to continually tease the audience without any real payoff. All of the 'HAHAHA' graffiti and incorporeal laughter, however, eventually gave way to Jerome Valeska - and Gotham's Joker was born.

Though fans have been told Jerome isn't the Joker, he seems like the closest thing Gotham will ever get. His sociopathic behavior, ties to the circus, and penchant for theatricality have all made him a perfect proxy for the Clown Prince of Crime. Although his initial reception was mixed, fans have come to love what Monaghan has done with the character across his scattered appearances. Jerome may never be a full-time villain, but that doesn't mean he won't continue to terrorize Gotham in the future.

Sean Pertwee, who plays Alfred, and Cameron Monaghan both sent out tweets over the past week, confirming the return of Jerome in an upcoming episode of Gotham. Pertwee's tweet shows the episode in question was shot last week (see below), so it could arrive before the midseason finale.

The Fan Is About To Be Hit ...With The Mother Load @Gotham @cameronmonaghan #SetLife pic.twitter.com/BKtCt7Eg95— Sean Pertwee (@seanpertwee) November 11, 2017

All I want to do is post spoiler pictures from @Gotham. I want to share with you guys. Can't wait.— Cameron Monaghan (@cameronmonaghan) November 13, 2017

This week, Gotham will continue the hunt for Professor Pyg while pushing Bruce further and further into the darkness. Next week, meanwhile, looks to be the midseason break, considering how early Gotham premiered this fall. Given that, it may not be until the spring premiere of the show that Jerome returns.

During his last appearance, Jerome was brought face to face with Bruce. Their exchange not only marked the highlight of Monaghan's time as Jerome, complete with a creepy new visage, but also connected him with his potential future foe. Gotham season 4 then began with Bruce stepping up as a vigilante, but he's yet to take on any of the city's big foes. Scarecrow was teased as a potential adversary, but he disappeared shortly before Bruce hung up his mask. Perhaps, however, the return of Jerome will bring the proto-Batman out of retirement.

In the meantime, Michael Cerveris is certainly filling Gotham's depravity quota with his villainous turn as Professor Pyg. Hopefully, he won't be dispatched too quickly and he and Jerome can square off in a future episode. Whether it's this year or early next, Gotham fans won't have to wait much longer for Jerome to return.

MORE: Victor Zsasz Is The Real MVP Of Gotham Season 4

Gotham continues Thursday, November 16 with 'A Dark Knight: Let Them Eat Pie' on FOX.

Sources: Sean Pertwee, Cameron Monaghan