The biggest reason I named myself the plot master is because every great movie has a great plot, and without a one the movie is doomed to fail (Spider-Man 3, take notes). These Batman movies have been the best comic book movies for one reason only, great story. Not just the action or the cool gadgets, its the story that sets Batman apart. The realism that makes you believe in this world more so than any other comic book adaptation. With that being said Batman 3 is nothing short than a treat to all lovers of comics and movies, Nolan once said in a interview that he is treating Batman like a original film and the fact that it is a comic book is irrelevant. Now I don't all the way agree with this but he has not limited Batman to simple dilemmas like his predecessors, he has tested the girth of not just Batman but more so Bruce Wayne. So to figure out where Nolan is going, we have to examine some clues from where he has been.
You've changed things forever: As we all remember in TDK the Joker talked to Batman in the interrogation room about the world Batman has created. The Joker tells Batman that not only has he re-shaped Gotham and the citizens (good and bad alike) but that he does not fit in the new world he has created "to them your just a freak like me!". This clue helps us understand that everything about Gotham is going to change, Gotham is lost and in need of leadership, Batman is the Dark Knight because he isn't a squeaky clean front man to lead people into the way of justice, he is the hero that you never see, he takes down mobsters and pimps, not dirty politicians. This clue also lets us know that Gotham will always see him as an outsider no matter what, even if his name gets cleared to truly be the Dark Knight people must fear him.
It's about choices: From the every beginning Bruce Wayne has always made the choices no one else will face and in TDK he made the ultimate choice to take on dent's crimes, to be a martyr. This clue reveals if Batman's name is to be cleared it won't of his doing, he will take the burden for as long as he can.
Don't be a hero: One of the more obvious reasons that sets Batman apart from most of his super peers is his method of justice. In TDK his will was tested when he became enraged at the lives loss at the hands of the Joker, but if you pay close attention to the first and last scenes where batman and the Joker are face to face you will see a different emotion on the face of the Caped Crusader and it is a look of frustration. When Batman had had enough of the Joker he locked the door of the room and began to beat the Joker into telling him where Rachel and Dent were, this was the most aggressive act batman had ever preformed and what does the Joker do? Laugh, and with each hit he laughs harder and harder and finally says "you have nothing to threaten me with, nothing to do with all your strength" this angers Batman but there is a clue to be noticed, although Batman can hit and bumble villains to the ground he has sworn to not kill no matter what, falcone even mentioned Batman having rules, this could mean that Batman's next villain will be someone who can push Batman even further into the abyss.
Be more than a man: There has always been a major difference between Bruce and Batman, they are the direct opposite and for good reason. But with the city on the hunt for Batman and Bruce as lonely as ever, both these alter egos find themselves at the same place in life. Several references are made by Dent and Bruce about the legacy of Batman ending, Bruce was even ready to retire as the masked vigilante until Bent stepped in. Rachel also said something pretty powerful in her farewell letter to Bruce saying "The day won't come when you no longer need Batman" this clue lets us know that even if he wants to stop Batman is as much a part of his life as breathing air.
Can't stop now: There has always been a major difference between Bruce and Batman, they are the direct opposite and for good reason. But with the city on the hunt for Batman and Bruce as lonely as ever, both these alter egos find themselves at the same place in life. Bruce is grieving over the loss of his friend and Batman is being hunted. Several references are made by Dent and Bruce about the legacy of Batman ending, Bruce was even ready to retire as the masked vigilante until Dent stepped in. Rachel also said something pretty powerful in her farewell letter to Bruce saying "The day won't come when you no longer need Batman" this clue lets us know that even if he wants to stop Batman is as much a part of his life as breathing air.
With all the clues that I have gathered I have come up with a few possible plots for my next editorial that we could see in the next Batman film, keep an eye out for it