In The Dark Knight Rises, Chris Nolan understandably avoids giving Bruce Wayne a 10 year old ward to help him fight crime. This is understandable with the high priority placed on reason and realism. Nolan strives for purpose in his epic trilogy - WHY does scarecrow wear a mask? HOW does two face become obsessed with duality? WHY a bat costume? WHY adopt and train an orphaned child? I appreciate the nod to robin at the end, but frankly it seemed like an afterthought. How could Nolan all but ignore such a massive part of the cared crusader's mythology? Well, here's how I would have done it:
Before disappearing, Bruce Wayne had a vested interest in supporting orphaned children. Young Dick Grayson remembers meeting him once, remembers the hidden anger behind his eyes. A rage that burns in everylittle boy after losing everything he loves. He remembers that moment where he knew they were the same.Bruce inspired all the other orphans that ethey could do great things, even without parents. Dick was inspired by the Bat Man. He saw how Bruce took action against the world that robbed him and everything and vowed that when he grew up, he would do his part to rid gothic of crime. To be the Bat Man's greatest ally. Bit after the Dent Act passed, Bruce and the Bat disappeared, and Gotham City was left cured of its darkness. Dick later on joins the police force of the nearest crime infested city - Bludhaven. When Bane and his forces rise up, he immediately transfers back to Gotham.
The rest of the story can remain intact, even the final reveal of his name being Robin Richard Grayson. Other Easter she could be Jason Todd, Tim Drake, Stephen Brown named as other orphans in some way. Or mentioning the circus in some way, conversationally. Even some romantic link with Gordon's daughter to explain the expedient transfer, and add tension. What do you think? Is this an acceptable way to interpret the Bat Family in Nolan Universe? How about sequel with Nighttime and Barbara as Oracle?