Rise of the Dark Knight (Film 1 of The Gotham Saga)

The film opens with the logos before it opens up to a shot of Wayne Manor. Four children, Bruce, Vicki, Roman Sionis and Tommy Eliot, are playing a game of tag in the garden. As Bruce runs from Vicki, he runs over the wooden cover of an old well. It falls through and bats swarm around him. The Bats from the movie's symbol and make the screen go dark.




The camera cuts to shots of men unloading a shipment of drugs off of a car outside of Falcone's house. As a couple of guys are bringing some off of the truck, they hear a noise.
"Probably just the wind, keep unloading the shipment." One of the thugs says as they continue to unload the shipment. As they unload the shipment and the thugs backs are turned, Batman snatches one of the thugs from the back of the row. As the thugs turn around one of them calls out "Jansen!? Where the heck did he go?" The camera moves upwards to show Batman on a gargoyle on the side of Falcone's house with Jansen in his hand as he cuts off his air supply to knock him out. The other three thugs shrug and keep unloading the shipment. The thugs start talking as they unload. "Maybe the Batman got to him."
"Batman? Here? PlNashton, he wouldn't dare touch Falcone."
"How do you know it's a guy and not a creature?"
"Are you retarded? Of course it's some nut in a costume. Even if it wasn't it wouldn't matter. All he's done has stopped people picking on families and *explicit*. Why would he come here?"
"Maybe he's stepping up his game?"
"Pfft, I doubt it. We're fine guys."
As he finishes saying this, a thug in the back is snatched up by Batman when the others aren't looking. As one of the thugs tries to pass the new box along to the guy who got snatched away, he says.
"Stalls is gone too!"
"Maybe you were right, maybe the Batman did get to them."
"I'm outta here man!"
As he starts to run away, Batman swings down and grabs him, pulling him up to the roof where he knocks him unconscious. The final thug is shooting at the air now, terrified.
"Where are you!?!"
"Here."
Batman says as he punches him across the face and continues to beat him up until he is unconscious.



The camera jumps to the office of Carmine Falcone who is speaking with Deadshot. Falcone starts off the conversation.
Falcone-"The reason I busted you out is because I am in need of your services."
Deadshot-"I'm listening."
Falcone-"That guy...the uh...Batman, that's what they call him, has started going after my drug shipments. Earlier tonight he took one out on my front lawn."
Deadshot-"And you want me to take care of him?"
Falcone-"You're a smart man."
Deadshot-"This will be easy."
Falcone-"You're the best assassin I know, Floyd, I'm expecting good results."
Deadshot-"I prefer Deadshot."


The camera then jumps to Alfred walking into Bruce's room with breakfast on a tray for him. Once he sees that he is not in bed, he goes upstairs and presses a few keys on the piano. The bookcase slides open so that he can walk into the elevator inside. He takes the elevator down to a section where the old Gotham underground train system and a batcave clashed. He finds Bruce inside, working on the Batmobile. We see his spot in the cave wall that is actually a hidden door is open. Inside is the Batsuit and his equipment. He finishes adding some smaller bat fins to the Batmobile.
Bruce-"Good morning, Alfred."
Alfred-"Good morning, Master Wayne. I trust your new car is coming along well. I'm guessing it will work better than using one of your sports cars."
Bruce-"Hopefully it will. I just finished it."
Alfred-"What are the fins supposed to do?"
Bruce-"They act as help for the brakes."
Alfred-"Will you be here for supper tonight or should I just leave you some int he microwave again?"
Bruce-"I'm not sure Alfred, we'll see how the day plays out."
Alfred-"Did Mister Falcone enjoy your gesture last night?"
Bruce-"Not sure yet, I haven't payed him a visit directly yet. I thought I'd let him wonder along the same lines as his thugs do."
Alfred-"And what do they think of you?"
Bruce-"One thought that I was actually a giant bat."
Alfred-"Well, job accomplished then. You've terrified Gotham's underworld into thinking that you're actually a bat."
Bruce-"If only it was that easy."
Alfred-"At least they didn't shoot you this time."
Bruce-"One of them tried to but the others didn't get the chance."
Alfred-"Maybe you should keep that up so I don't have to keep stitching you up after each night you go out."
Bruce-"Do you think I choose to get hit? I'm just hoping I don't run into any good shots out there."
Alfred-"Such as?"
Bruce-"Assassins or good hit men. Better than the thugs I usually go after."
Alfred-"Well for the sake of your body we had better hope so."
Bruce-"It's a good thing I have you at least. I can't go to a normal hospital every night with bullet wounds."
Alfred-"That may be a bit suspicious."
Bruce-"Just a bit?"
Alfred-"Maybe a bit more."
Bruce-"I'm done here, I'm going to go up to watch the news."
Bruce leaves through the elevator, carrying the breakfast that Alfred made.


The camera jumps to Jim Gordon who is meeting with Commissioner Loeb.
Loeb-"It's good to have you on the force, Gordon. It's always nice to see a new face around here."
Gordon-"I'm just glad I could get this job."
(Someone walks into the room)
Loeb-"And here is your partner. Gordon, I would like to introduce you to Mr. Nashton.
Nashton-"Nice to make your acquaintance."
Gordon-"Likewise."
Loeb-"You should be honoured, Gordon. Nashton here used to be an FBI agent. He was tasked here to hunt for the Batman."
Nashton-"Batman is an interesting subject, I look forward to finding him."
Gordon-"Well Commissioner, thank you for your time and I'm glad to meet you Mr. Nashton but right now I have to run. My wife has to go out for a bit and we don't want to leave our son at home."
Loeb-"Welcome to the force, Gordon."


The camera jumps to a shot of Gotham City. The camera moves down a street slowly, getting closer to the courthouse.
Vicki Vale (voice over): "Hello and welcome back, Gotham. They still have not let us into the courtroom or given us the verdict for the trial of Carmine Falcone."
The scene cuts to the perspective of the news camera and you see the doors opening and Carmine Falcone being let out.
VV: "Once again Gotham, it appears the verdict is not guilty. Back to you, Mike."
The camera man shuts off the camera and our perspective switches.
VV: "I'll meet you after you load the equipment into the car, John, I have to find something to drink."
Vicki starts walking down the street when her phone starts buzzing in her pocket. Pulling it out, she asks:
VV: "Hello?"
BW: "Hello Vicki."
VV: "Bruce? I haven't seen you in ages, where have you been?"
BW: "I was overseas dealing with some stuff."
VV: "Doing what exactly?"
BW: "I'll tell you that another time. Would you like to catch up some time at Wayne Manor next week?"
VV: "Sure that would be great."
BW: "I'll see you then."
Vicki hangs up the phone and walks down the street, the camera fading to black.



The camera re opens with a shot of a bum leaning up against a wall with a hand to his ear. As the camera moves closer, we see this is Bruce in a disguise. In his ear is a listening device he is using to listen in on Falcone's conversation in the Falcone dining hall.
Falcone: "Here's your money. Remember to keep your end of the bargain."
Judge: "No problem Falcone, your men will stay out of county."
The camera at this point moves inside of the dining hall.
Falcone: "Pass Loeb's share along to him and remind him to keep out of my business."
Judge: "I'll do that when I stop by later."
Falcone: "Don't back out on me."
Judge: "I wouldn't dream of it."
The camera switches back outside to Bruce who starts walking away from the wall.



The camera jumps to Gordon on patrol with Nashton.
Nashton:"So, Gordon, what made you choose to join the force?"
Gordon:"I was on the force in Chicago. Barbara wanted a change in scenery for our new baby, James and we decided to move to Gotham. Natuarally, I tried out for the police force. What about you?"
Nashton:"My father would beat me. We lived alone, just the two of us. My Mom had died when I was young. I always tried to impress him, I joined tournaments and contests to try and win his affection. He would beat me for winning, telling me that I cheated. I didn't want any more to be hurt by others like that.
They see a couple of men attacking a family.
Nashton: "I can handle it, Gordon."
Nashton gets out of the car and snatches the crowbar away from one of the men, he beats him to the ground until he has broken bones and the man is bleeding. He then proceeds to taser one of the other men before smacking the last guy in the head with the crowbar. Nashton walks back to the car and speaks into the radio.
Nashton: "We have three guys here in need of pick up and an ambulance, send ASAP."
Nashton climbs into the car and smiles before taking off.



The film then cuts to a scene of Batman standing on a rooftop. We see him through the scope of a sniper rifle. Batman turns his head towards the rifle and a swarm of bats start flying around Batman. As Deadshot picks up his rifle, he turns around to see Batman standing behind him. The two engage in a fight which Batman is winning until Deadshot shoots him in the leg. To escape but not get shot anymore, Batman falls off the building.


The scene changes to Alfred coming down the elevator into the Batcave. Bruce is sitting in a chair and Alfred is carrying a first aid kit.
A:"Looks like that streak didn't hold up, did it?"
B:"No, it didn't."
A:"Where'd you get hit?"
Bruce holds up his leg.
A:"I see."
Alfred begins to patch it up.
B:"It wasn't just a thug last night. He was trained. He was able to keep up in the fight for a bit before I got the upper hand. Then he shot me."
A:"Mr. Falcone must have hired him in retaliation for you attacking his drug shipments."
B:"Possibly."
A:"Well, it's a good thing I can patch you up then."
B:"I'm not sure what I would do without you, Alfred."



The scene cuts away to a shot of a man's desk. Various newspapers clippings featuring Batman and people the man suspects to be Batman, including Bruce Wayne are littering the desk. In dark green letters there is the question "Who is the Batman?" The man jams a knife into the desk in frustration before the scene fades out.



Opera music begins to be heard and the camera flashes to the inside of an Opera House. Bat like creatures begin to come down from the rafters all around the audience, causing a little boy to squeal and tug on the sleeve of his Dad's jacket.
Young Bruce:"Dad. Can we go, please?"
Thomas Wayne:"Of course, Bruce. Martha, I need to go get some fresh air."
Thomas signals for her to get up and the three of them leave the Opera House and walk into Crime Alley. In the background, you can see the sign on the theater reading Monarch Theater.
Martha:"What's wrong, Bruce?"
Thomas:"Nothing's wrong with him, I just needed to get some fresh air."
Thomas notices a bum walking down the street towards them.
Thomas:"Come on, let's get out of here."
The family start walking down the alley when Joe Chill pulls a gun on them.
Joe Chill:"Wallet. Jewelry. Now. I want it fast!"
Thomas Wayne:"Take it easy. Here you go."
He puts his wallet on the ground and chill points the gun at Martha.
Joe Chill:"I said Jewelry."
He pulls the trigger when Thomas steps between Martha and the gun before shooting Martha as well. He picks up the wallet and quickly runs off. The young and frightened Bruce drops to his knees and tears begin to flow from his eyes.



The camera jumps to the next scene where Alfred is opening the door for Vicki to come into Wayne Manor. Bruce and her have dinner (Dialogue for this scene coming later).
Vicki Leaves.
Bruce:"I'm going out, Alfred."
Alfred:"Where to this time?"
Bruce:"To take out Falcone's main supplier, Jeremy Watts."

The scene cuts to Batman climbing up the side of a building. We can hear the conversation in the nearby apartment window.
Watts:"So sweet stuff, what do you want to do tonight."
Girl:"I think we've done enough, your hour's up."
Watts:"Oh come on baby, you know you can't resist this."
Girl:"I know I can."
We hear the door shut and Batman jumps through the window and into the apartment. He grabs Jeremy Watts and throws him around the apartment. After knocking him unconscious, he leaves evidence found around his apartment on his body. He pulls out the phone and uses a fake voice.
Operator:"Nine-one-one, what is your emergency?"
Batman:"I'd like to report some domestic disturbances."
Operator:"Can you be a little more specific, sir?"
Batman:"I heard one of them beating the other up, throwing him across the room and just destroying him."
Operator:"The police should be on their way, sir."
As Batman puts down the phone, a bullet whizzes by his ear. Switching to the forensics mode on his cowl, he sees the trajectory that the bullet traveled and sees Deadshot on the opposite building. Batman grapples across and the two fight on the rooftop.
Deadshot:"Falcone told me that you would be here."
Deadshot lands a well placed punch on Batman.
Deadshot:"Said you were trying to stop his drugs from coming in."
Deadshot knocks Batman onto his back.
Deadshot:"So he hired me to take care of you. You may have survived last time but this time, I will be thorough. And because you cost me getting my payment, I am going to make this painful.
Batman drops a smoke pellet, leaving Deadshot coughing for air. As the smoke disappears, Batman appears behind Deadshot and defeats him, knocking him out.


We see Commissioner Loeb enter his office to see Deadshot tied to his chair with a note attached. The note reads "Tell your boss to try harder." Loeb puts up a note on the bulletin board for volunteer partners to hunt down Batman. The first sign up is Nashton who also signs up Gordon.


The scene changes to Gordon and Nashton on patrol again.
Nashton:"Hey, Gordon, I signed you and i up for that new group they're putting together at the GCPD."
Gordon:"What new group?"
Nashton:"A group of the best of us who hunt down The Batman."
Gordon:"Batman? But he's been helping us."
Nashton:"That's not what the commissioner seems to think."
Gordon:"All he's done has been cleaning up the streets."
Nashton:"From what I heard, he did something to piss off Loeb."
Gordon:"Like what?"
Nashton:"How the hell should I know?"
Gordon:"What's that up ahead?"
Nashton:"Good eye, Gordon."
Nashton drives the police car over to the alley where they find a murder victim with a riddle left next to him.
Nashton:"Did he question get out again?"
Gordon:"How should I know?"
Nashton:"Call it in."
Gordon goes over to the police car and we can hear him in the background faintly as the camera focuses on Nashton looking at the body. A small smile crosses his lips as he looks at it. He holds up the riddle.
Nashton:"Gordon, do you want to take a look at this riddle?"
Gordon walks over and takes it from Nashton.
Gordon: "I have a head but no arms, I have a tail but no legs, I am not alive but I keep people alive. What am I?"
Nashton:"Well, can you figure it out?"
Gordon:"Easy, it's a coin."
Nashton (looking annoyed):"They're are harder ones."
Coins fall out of the pay phone nearby as well as a blank sheet of paper.
Gordon:"It can't just be a blank sheet of paper. Otherwise, what's the point?"
Nashton (in a mocking tone of voice):"Good, you're getting better at this."
The police arrive and the camera fades out.

The next scene we see is a shot of the man's desk again. We see that several paper cutouts have been removed, leaving him with three suspects. The three suspects he has are Gordon, Bruce Wayne and Harvey Dent.



The camera cuts to Bruce in Wayne Manor, watching the news. The reporter, Vicki Vale,is reporting on the murder that Gordon and Nashton stumbled across.
VV:"Just last night, Sergeant Nashton, the man who caught the Question, and rookie cop Jim Gordon stumbled across this crime scene. As with the Question killings, there was a riddle left behind at the scene. No suspects have been caught as of now. This is Vicki Vale signing off, back to you Mike."
Bruce:"Peculiar."
Alfred:"What is, sir?
Bruce:"I don't remember hearing about the Question escaping."
Alfred:"A copy cat perhaps?"
Bruce:"Maybe but in the month that I've been back, I've learned that nothing in this town is that easy."
Bruce and Alfred turn their attention to the TV again.
the news cast flickers out to reveal a mysterious figure that you cannot see clearly. His voice has been digitally modified.
Mysterious figure:"Hello Gotham. Did you like my little puzzle in the alley back there? It was simple but effective. They only get harder from here on out. Why don't you just think? I gave the man in the alley a chance. If he solved the puzzle, he got to survive but he was too stupid to figure it out. Why don't you all just think? If you just used your brain instead of taking up air. If you would just think, my puzzles would be a harmless distraction. But no. I will leave you with a riddle for the life of another one of your citizens. What is it that walks on four legs, then two legs and finally three? Can you figure it out? No? Why am I not surprised? If someone is able to figure this out, I let the hostage I have taken go. To tell me the answer, all you have to do is leave a comment on my website."
The video flickers away and Bruce quickly gets up.
Alfred:"Where are you going, sir?"
Bruce:"To leave a comment."
Bruce gets onto the computer and goes to the website. He enters a chatbox with The Riddler. There is a screen next to it showing footage of the hostage in a death trap.
Bruce types in: The answer is a man. He crawls on all fours as a baby, on two as an adult and on three when he's an old man.
Riddler types in: WRONG!
In the video, the hostage is dropped into the electrical water below.
Riddler types in: The answer was a baby. It crawls on all fours at first but if you cut off two limbs it can only move on two. But if you give it a crutch it can walk on three.
Riddler leaves the chatbox.
Bruce puts his head in his hands, upset that he has failed and killed the hostage. Alfred is sitting in the living room and sees the video, along with the rest of Gotham, on the news, live. Bruce gets up to leave and goes down to the Batcave.


The scene transitions to Jim Gordon locking up his car outside the GCPD building. Behind him, Batman drops down. He grabs him by the shoulder and starts speaking to him.
Batman:"I need someone inside the GCPD. Are you going to be that man, Gordon?"
Gordon nods.
Batman:"That's what I thought. What do we need to bring down Loeb?"
Gordon: "Loeb?"
Batman:"Loeb's on Falcone's payroll, same with Judge Burton."
Gordon:"And you know this how?"
Batman:"By listening. How would we take him down?"
Gordon:"You'd need evidence on him and Judge Burton."
Batman:"We can change this city together, Gordon. I believe in Gotham City. I'll be in touch."



The scene then changes to Harvey Dent in court, at the trial of Deadshot.
Deadshot's lawyer:"Your honor, my client will provide no witnesses for his whereabouts at the time of these attempted murders."
Harvey Dent Smiles to himself.
Judge:"I call a recess so that the jury can decide on the verdict."
Everyone leaves the courtroom and the camera fades out. It fades back in moments later when the everyone comes back in.
Judge:"How has the jury found Mr. Lawton?"
Jury member:"Your honor, on the charge of attempted murder, we find the defendant not guilty."
Judge:"Very well. Court adjourned."
As the camera pans out, we see a shocked expression on the face of Harvey Dent while Deadshot smiles smugly to himself.


The camera switches to the inside of the GCPD Crime Lab where Gordon and Nashton are working to figure out what the paper is for.
Gordon:"Shame about the hostage getting killed."
Nashton (emotionless):"Such a shame."
Gordon:"Yeah."
Nashton:"Have you figured out why The Riddler left the paper?"
Gordon:"Not yet but I think I have an idea."
Nashton:"And what's that?"
Gordon:"The paper is similar to the type of paper you see photos on. But the picture doesn't appear until you develop the image."
Nashton:"Clever, it seems your getting better at this."
Gordon develops the paper to find the words on it saying "I'm among you."
Gordon:"He's among us."
Nashton:"He's a cop?"
Gordon:"Must be."
Nashton:"Do you think it's Loeb? It would explain why he wanted us to go after the Batman."
Gordon: "I'm not sure but this isn't good."


The camera cuts to Batman on the outside of the GCPD building. He is using the listening device he used earlier to listen in on Gordon and Nashton. A police officer walks by outside and sees Batman.
Police Man 1:"Oi! Boys, get out here! It's the Batman!"
Several cops, including Commissioner Loeb, Mayor Conroy and Nashton come outside and begin firing on Batman. He escapes by running into an alley until he is cornered by Nashton and Gordon. Gordon begins firing in his general direction but it is obvious he is not trying to hit him. Nashton, on the other hand, attempts to actually shoot Batman. Batman grapples up the wall and glides into the night.


The scene cuts away, showing the man's desk once more. He pulls off the news clippings of Gordon and Harvey Dent, leaving Bruce Wayne. Under the green letters asking "Who is the Batman?" He writes "Bruce Wayne is the Batman." We then hear him dial a number and speak to the person on the other end.
Riddler:"Ah, Mr. Lawton. I am in need of your services." While he speaks, we see him playing with a rubix cube in his hand.


The camera cuts to Wayne Manor. Bruce is about to head out the door.
Bruce:"I'm going out for a bit, Alfred."
Alfred:"Where are you going, Master Wayne?"
Bruce:"I'm going to go meet with Police Commissioner Loeb."
Alfred:"I seem to remember you telling me about him being corrupt."
Bruce:"I did."
Alfred:"Then why are you meeting with him?"
Bruce:"I need to find evidence on him."
Bruce goes out the door and the camera fades to the Commissioner's office.


Inside of the office, the two are having a discussion.
Loeb:"This is a very generous donation of yours, Mr. Wayne."
Bruce:"Just trying to make sure that what happens to my parents doesn't happen to anyone else. And please, call me Bruce."
Loeb:"Well if you will excuse me Bruce, I need to run to the washroom."
Bruce:"Of course, no hurry."
Loeb closes the door behind him and Bruce gets over to his desk and starts checking the drawers. He pulls out money with the seal of both Falcone and The Calculator on it. He sits down quickly has he sees the door handle turning again. Bruce pulls out a pen and starts writing the check before handing it to Loeb, who had just stepped in, and leaving the building.

The scene changes to Bruce in Wayne Manor, he gets a text message.
Text from unknown: Hello, Wayne.
Text from Bruce: Who is this?
Text from unknown: Your mental superior. The one that knows your secret.
Text from Bruce: Tell me your name?
Text from unknown: My name? You'll find that out in time.
Text from Bruce: I think it's time we meet as equals.
Text from unknown: You, Bruce? My equal? Not even close. It's my genius that is going to leave you on the floor, bloody and broken. Do you hear that Batman? Wait for my call.
The phone then rings so Bruce picks it up.
Bruce:"Hello."
Riddler:"Now there's no need to be all grumpy, Dark Knight."
Bruce:"Riddler, what do you want?"
Riddler:"You humiliated, dead but humiliated."
Bruce:"Why?"
Riddler:"Because I'm better than you and I want you to admit it to the world. You've changed things in this city. Your dramatic example has caused people to feel hope. Hope that it gets better. Hope that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Well, I'm going to show them just how wrong they really are."
Bruce:"What are you going to do?"
Riddler:"Do you really think I will tell you? No, no, that'd be boring, Batman. And if there's one thing I'm not, it's boring. I'm going to let you figure that out for yourself. I have a little game for you. A puzzle of sorts."
Bruce: "Go on."
Riddler: "I'll give you a name, that's all you get. We'll see if your detective skills can hold up to my genius. If you solve it, I let the hostage go. The name is Michael Carino."
The Riddler then hangs up the phone.
Bruce:"Alfred, I'm going out."



The scene then changes to inside of Gordon's house. Gordon goes to take the trash out and Batman steps out of the shadows.
Batman:"Hello, Jim."
Gordon:"Jeez, do you mind not sneaking up on me?"
Batman:"Yes."
Gordon:"What do you want?"
Batman:"I want your files on a man, Michael Carino."
Gordon:"Why?"
Batman:"He may be in danger, I'm not sure."
Gordon:"Meet me on the roof of the GCPD in an hour. Be careful, Loeb's set up a massive task force to catch you, he seems to think you're dangerous."
Batman:"Falcone's using him for revenge."
Gordon:"Revenge for what?"
Batman:"Taking down one of his suppliers."
Gordon:"Good for....."
Gordon turns back to see that Batman has already left.
Gordon(cont.):"You."


The scene cuts to the roof of the GCPD.
Batman:"Do you have it, Detective?"
Gordon:"I do."
Gordon hands him the file and Batman flips through it.
Gordon:"You should know that Riddler left us a message saying he was among us. Why would he do that?"
Batman:"He wants to be caught for the recognition but he doesn't want to make it easy on us."
Batman continues to flip through the file.
Batman:"It says he was killed two weeks ago."
Gordon:"So, what do you want with him anyways?"
Batman:"Riddler. Something has to be wrong with his death. Otherwise Riddler wouldn't have sent me after him."
Gordon:"Does he have another hostage?"
Batman:"Yes."
Gordon:"You had better get on that..."
Gordon turns around to see that Batman has left.
Gordon:"...fast."

The camera jumps to a shot of the Wayne Ent. building. The camera zooms in before jumping into the inside of the building. We are now inside of a large warehouse like room. Two men turn the corner and begin walking towards the camera.
Lucius:"I take it you liked the car then."
Bruce:"Yes I did, it came in handy already."
Lucius:"Well that's what I'm here for, Mr. Wayne. What can I do for you today?"
Bruce:"First of all, you've known me since I was a kid. Please, call me Bruce. Secondly, I need two thing, Lucius. One, I need an advanced hacking software capable of hacking into computers that attempt to hack the device the software is loaded on. And two, I need some new gear."
Lucius:"Compared to sneaking out the car for you, this'll be child's play. I can begin work on the software this afternoon. As for gear, I think I have just the thing you need."
The pair of them walk down a couple of isles before Lucius opens up a compartment to reveal equipment. As he explains each one, he shows it to Bruce.
Lucius:"This here is an EMP generator, for shutting down electronics within a three hundred feet radius. And this beauty over here is what I like to call the Cryptographic Sequencer."
Bruce:"What's it do?"
Lucius:"It's a portable hacking device that WayneTech designed for the army to use to break past electronic locks. This item here is a thermate grenade. To the left of it, here, was a cancelled prototype transport. It fires two harpoons in opposite directions and then uses a motor inside to move it across at high speeds."
Bruce:"That could come in handy."
Lucius:"That's what I have for you at the moment, Bruce. Which ones do you want?"
Bruce:"As many as I can have."
Lucius:"I'll drop them off at Wayne Manor later tonight."
The two of them begin walking away from the camera as the lights dim out.
Bruce:"Thank you, Lucius."
Lucius:"Any time, Bruce."


The scene cuts to Batman sitting in front of the computer in the Batcave, looking at the file. Alfred comes down.
Alfred:"Any luck yet, sir?"
Bruce:"Not yet."
Alfred:"Pity. Have you tried looking into the events surrounding his death?"
Bruce:"He seems like a fine man. He was a manager at GothCorp."
Alfred:"Lots of people may have had a target on his back then."
Bruce:"Yes, but the motivations?"
Alfred:"Revenge, money, greed."
Bruce:"Riddler wouldn't have brought this to me if it was easy, now would he?"
Alfred:"You're probably right."
Bruce:"So what is it?"
Bruce continues to flip through the file.
Bruce:"Killed in his apartment, no one else was home, locked doors, open window but he was on the top floor of the building and there was no fire escape."
Alfred:"So how did the killer get in?"
Bruce:"Most likely through the window. Possibly an acrobat or an expert climber, something along those lines."
Alfred:"When did you say this happened again?"
Bruce:"Two weeks ago."
Alfred:"That's just after the Circus of the strange came into town. Do you think it's just a coincidence that part of the evidence is a ticket stub for it from the show?"
Bruce:"Possibly but it's enough to look into it, when's their next show?"
Alfred:"Tomorrow evening."
Bruce:"I can take Vicki there as my disguise."
Alfred:"Good idea, shall I call her for you?"
Bruce:"No, I'll do that."
Alfred:"Do you even know who it is you're looking for?"
Bruce:"Someone small enough to squeeze through a half open window and acrobatic enough to get up there."
Bruce pulls out a feather with distinctive markings on it before the scene fades out.




The scene cuts out to the show going on. We see various acrobats doing their performances. Each has some strange quality about them that draws people's attention.
Vicki:"Bruce, this is lovely but you really didn't have to do all this to see me again, we could have just met up at Wayne Manor or a coffee shop somewhere."
Bruce:"I thought this would be a little more interesting."
Vicki:"It definitely is."
Bruce:"Why don't we take a look over here?"
Vicki:"Sure."
Ringleader:"It brings me great pleasure to introduce to you all, The Great Siam!"
Conjoined triplets come out and preform impressive acrobatic feats.
Vicki:"Wow, that's amazing."
Bruce:"Sure is."
The scene goes into slow motion as the camera zooms in on the feathers that the triplets are wearing. They're identical to the one found at Michael Carino's apartment. The camera speeds back up to real time as the triplets finish. The ringleader comes out to talk once again as Siam goes backstage.
Ringleader:"Please give a round of applause to The Great Siam! Our next act will (drowned out in the background as the camera focuses on Bruce and Vicki.)"
Bruce:"I'm just going to run to the washroom, Vicki."
Bruce leaves the main hall and gets backstage to The Great Siam's changing room. As he gets close, a guard stops him and tells him to turn back. He punches the guard and drags his unconscious body into a closet. Bruce then steps out in the man's uniform. Bruce, in the uniform, walks into Siam's room. No one is inside the room at the time and he looks for evidence. Inside of the room, he finds the murder weapon (a small caliber pistol) as well as a blood covered costume. Bruce hears the door opening and goes to hide. As the triplets sit down at the dressing room mirror, Bruce steps out of the shadows.
Bruce:"Why did you kill him?"
Siam:"Who are you, are you a cop?"
Bruce:"A concerned third party."
Siam:"It's none of your business, guard. How do you know?"
Bruce:"The murder weapon concealed in the hidden compartment in your desk and the blood covered feathers. One of the feathers was left at the murder scene."
Siam:"I bet you consider yourself pretty clever, don't you? You will never know why we did it. And no one else will know that we did it. The truth shall die with you."
Bruce:"I don't think that's going to happen."
Siam attacks Bruce who grabs an umbrella and uses it to defeat Siam. Once Siam is on the floor, beaten but still conscious he asks him again.
Bruce:"Why did you kill him? Tell me!"
The door bursts open to reveal the ringleader and some other of the circus freaks.
Ringleader:"What have you done to him?"
Bruce:"I know about the murder."
Ringleader:"What, who told you?"
Bruce:"You just did."
Ringleader:"As you can probably tell, guard, we are not just a travelling freak show. We specialize in fixing problems. Falcone had a problem with a GothCorp manager and hired us to take care of him. The manager had evidence on him and we don't want that getting out. Just like we don't want you to get out."
Bruce quickly attacks the ringleader and beats the group of freaks. After they are unconscious he texts Riddler.
Bruce texts:It was Siam.
Riddler texts: And why did he do it?
Bruce texts: To fix Falcone's problem.
Riddler texts: Very good, Dark Knight. You're intellect is a little better than I thought. It appears to be somewhere between a retarded monkey and a rat.
Bruce texts: Where is the hostage?
Riddler texts: The hostage has been released, I suggest you get back to your date now.


Bruce returns out to the main area where Vicki is.
Vicki:"Bruce, the show's over."
Bruce:"Already? Well, that's a shame."
Vicki:"It is. Thank you for a wonderful night, Bruce."
Vicki leans in and gives Bruce a kiss.
Vicki:"Goodnight."
Vicki then leaves the Circus of the Strange as the camera fades to black.


It fades in to Bruce and Alfred in the Batcave.
Alfred:"What is it that we are down here obsessing over this time, sir? I read an article in the paper about what the lack of sleep will do to people. Paranoia, obsession but dressing up like a giant bat and terrorizing criminals doesn't appear to be in the list."
Bruce:"Very funny. I need to find the Riddler."
Alfred:"Have you tried tracing his texts to you?"
Bruce:"I have but he's bounced the signal across various countries-hang on a second! I didn't tell you about the messages. How did you find out?"
Alfred:"I borrowed your phone."
Bruce:"When?"
Alfred:"Just the other night."
Bruce:"And you decided to go through my messages?"
Alfred:"I needed to find a number in there."
Bruce:"Whatever, I have more pressing things to deal with like how to find The Riddler."
Alfred:"He sent you the last message and the one before that. He'll contact you again as soon as he gets another hostage I would presume."
Bruce:"The problem is, we don't want another hostage, now do we?"
Alfred:"No, I suppose not. Have you done any more work in ridding the police force of it's corruption?"
Bruce:"Not much."
Alfred:"I guessed that much. How about that assassin fellow who was following you a few weeks ago? He was let out of his trial a few days back."
Bruce:"I have more important things to deal with than an assassin. I can deal with him after I find Riddler."
Alfred:"Hmm, yes I suppose so."
Bruce:"Gordon told me that Riddler left them a message saying that he was a cop."
Alfred:"That narrows down the pool of suspects."
Bruce:"Yes, but which cop?"
Alfred:"I wouldn't have a clue, sir."
Bruce:"I need to find this man."


The camera flips to a shot of Wayne Tower, the camera slowly approaches the top floor of the building. Once inside, we see a meeting taking place between Wayne Enterprises and The Kuttler Accounting Corporation.
Noah Kuttler: "And as you can see, a joint operation between Wayne Enterprises and The Kuttler Accounting Corporation would be a power house."
Lionel Wolf (CEO of Wayne Ent.):"Thank you, Mr. Kuttler. The board will consider your proposition. This meeting is over, we'll be back to you with the answer within a few weeks."
Noah Kuttler:"Of course, Mr. Wolfe. I understand these things take time. I thank you for taking your time to speak with me today, I know being CEO can be a busy job."
Everyone begins to leave.
Lionel Wolfe:"For an offer like this, any time."
Bruce Wayne walks into the room, Lionel looks over to see him.
Lionel Wolfe:"Bruce, my boy. What are you doing here?"
Bruce:"I'm just here to speak to an old friend of mine, Lucius Fox."
Lionel Wolfe:"Lucius? Between you and me, he's a bit of a nutter."
Bruce:"I wouldn't say so."
Lionel Wolfe:"Well, I'll leave you to your chat then."
Lionel walks out of the room with the rest of the board members, leaving Lucius and Bruce.
Lucius:"Hello once again Mr. Wayne. I see you received my call."
Bruce:"Yes, I did. Thank you for coding this for me, Lucius."
Lucius:"It's my pleasure, Bruce."
Lucius reaches into his coat pocket and pulls out a CD. He passes it over to Bruce.
Bruce:"I'll see you soon, Lucius."
Lucius:"Bye, Bruce."
Bruce leaves the boardroom and the screen fades to black.

The camera opens into a shot of Bruce in the well. His Dad comes into view.
Thomas:"Bruce, it's going to be okay."
The camera cuts to Thomas carrying Bruce into Wayne Manor, Vicki running along beside them. Meanwhile, Tommy and Roman look on, unconcerned.
Thomas:"There was nothing to be afraid about, Bruce. They only attacked you because they were afraid of you."


We see the same eyes that were flowing with tears open in bed. He quickly sits up, deeply inhaling and exhaling.
Alfred:"Bruce, Bruce, wake up."
Bruce:"What is it, Alfred?
Alfred:"You told me to wake you up so you could catch a bit of shut eye before going about your usual nightly activities."
Bruce:"Thank you."
Bruce gets out of bed and leaves, leaving Alfred in his room.
Alfred *shouting to him*:"Don't forget, you have a charity ball to attend."


The camera jumps to Gordon lying in bed with his wife, Barbara and their son, James. Gordon slowly gets out of bed, not wanting to wake them.
Barbara:"Jim? What are you doing?"
Gordon:"I just need to go get some fresh air."
Gordon leaves the room and goes outside to the fire escape and begins smoking. Batman drops down to the fire escape in front of him.
Gordon:"Hello again."
Batman:"Hello, Jim."
Gordon:"You really like scaring people, don't you?"
Batman:"I came here for a different reason. We need to get one step ahead of Riddler, he's beating us at every turn."
Gordon:"And how do you propose that we do that?"
Batman:"We have to figure out who he is, narrow down our pool of suspects."
Gordon:"Who do we have in our pool right now?"
Batman:"Loeb, perhaps even Lieutenant Flass of the Major Crimes unit."
Gordon:"So in short we have nothing."
Batman:"It's a start. Can you look into them?"
Gordon:"I can look into Loeb but I don't think I can do much about Flass."
Batman:"Forget about Flass for now, we can deal with him later."
Barbara (from inside of the bedroom):"Jim, who are you talking too?"
(turns around first)Gordon:"I'm just on the phone, Barbara."
Gordon turns back around to see that Batman has disappeared again.


The camera jumps to the Batcave. Bruce is installing Lucius' software on it when Alfred comes down.
Alfred:"Master Wayne, I hope I'm not disturbing you, but the charity ball at the Gotham Museum is starting in an hour."
Bruce:"Is it really that time already?"
Alfred:"I'm afraid so, sir."
Bruce gets up and begins walking towards the elevator. The doors close to turn the screen black.


The camera jumps to the Charity Ball. Bruce walks inside with Vicki Vale.
Vicki:"Oh, Bruce, thank you so much for inviting me here."
Bruce:"It's my pleasure, Vicki."
Vicki:"Well, we can talk about what your pleasure is later."
Bruce smiles slightly as they walk inside.
Bruce:"I'll go get us some drinks, one moment."
Bruce walks over to the drinks table and fills up two glasses. One is filled with wine and the other with ginger ale. He walks back over to Vicki, who is mingling with some people. He hands her the glass of wine.
Vicki:"Thank you, Bruce. This is Harvey Dent."
Harvey:"Bruce."
Bruce:"Harvey."
The two shake hands.
Vicki:"Oh, you two know each other?"
Harvey:"Yeah, Bruce and I here were flatmates in University."
Bruce:"So, what have you been up to, Harv?"
Harvey:"Oh, not much. I've been trying to become DA here but for now I'm in internal affairs. And, between the three of us, it's a tough job. Cops have been accused of being corrupt, which I am not surprised about in this town, but every time I try to investigate them, Loeb blocks my path."
Bruce:"If it's so corrupt, why do you still stay?"
Harvey:"Because I believe in Gotham City. I believe that it is not beyond saving. Just look at the Batman, he's doing the job that the corrupt officers won't do. He's a symbol of hope in the streets."
Bruce:"Yeah, but who really gave him the power to do that."
Harvey:"We did. All of us did. All of us who just stood around and let crime and corruption plague our city. He has sparked new faith in this town. Together, with the help of the Batman, I believe that there are enough good people in this city to rid it of the problems that plague it."
Music begins to be heard in the background and Vicki grabs Bruce's hand.
Vicki:"How about we go dance?"
Bruce:"I think that's an excellent idea."
The two of them go to the part of the hall where the guests are dancing and begin to dance with each other. Suddenly, a bullet rips through the window, hitting a woman who had walked in front of Bruce. The guests begin to scatter and scream. Bruce looks through the window that the bullet had sailed through to see Deadshot.
Bruce:"Vicki, run!"
Deadshot enters through the window.
Deadshot:"Bruce Wayne, you're on my list."
Bruce dives behind the drinks table as Deadshot takes a shot.
Deadshot:"Come on out, Bruce. There's no use hiding. There's no escape for my targets. No matter where you hide, I will find you and kill you. I'll give you one last chance, come out and make it easy."


The camera cuts outside to Vicki Vale running away from the scene. A man (we only see his back) approaches her.
Unknown man:"Miss Vale, I've been instructed to take you home."
He grabs her arm.
Vicki:"Who are you? Let go of me!"
He smashes the butt of a pistol into her head to knock her unconscious.

The camera cuts back inside to show Deadshot notice something moving under the table Bruce hid behind and goes to see. Underneath is an older woman whom he shoots in the head before Bruce attacks him from behind. The two brawl hand to hand before Bruce is able to knock him out. He straightens his suit and quickly leaves the museum out the front doors.

The scene transitions back to Bruce sitting in the Batcave the next morning. Alfred is inside with him.
Alfred:"Did you read the headlines this morning, sir?"
Bruce:"No I didn't, what did it say?"
Alfred:"Mob hit man and assassin found unconscious after interrupting charity ball. I wouldn't assume you'd have anything to do with that?"
Bruce:"Me? Nah. You know me, drunk party goer Bruce Wayne."
Alfred (chuckles first):"Have you checked up on Miss Vale since yesterday evening."
Bruce:"No, I haven't."
Alfred:"Sorry for prying, I was just wondering if she got out okay."
Bruce:"She got out of the museum fine, I ensured that."
Alfred:"Good."
The Batcomputer suddenly goes black behind Bruce.
Alfred:"Master Bruce." He singals towards the computer.
Batman quickly turns around and begins hitting keys on it to run Lucius' program. Words begin appearing on the screen.
Words on screen:"Hello, Bruce."
Bruce types:"Riddler."
Words on screen:"Obviously, who else could have the intellect to pull off something like this? I have someone here for you. They're just dying to meet you, so am I."
Bruce types:"Who is it."
After Bruce types this, a window appears on the screen and it begins to trace Riddler's location, showing Bruce a map of Gotham and narrowing him down slowly.
Words on screen:"Now, now, that's cheating."
The windows all shut down and Bruce tries to re open them to no prevail.
Bruce types:"Who is the hostage, Riddler?"
Words on screen:"You forget, I'm the one that asks the riddles here. Speaking of riddles, I'd say it's time for one. I breathe oxygen, but I do not have a mouth. I can brighten up dark times, but used wrongly I can terribly ruin good times. I move around a lot, but I do not have a body. Who am I?"
Bruce types:"Enough of these puzzles. Why are you doing this?"
Words on screen:"Because I am your superior. I want you to know that you are beaten. I want you to know that I am better than you while you lay on the gravel, begging for my mercy. At that moment, you will know that the Riddler is better than you."
Bruce types:"Fire. The answer to the riddle is fire."
Words on screen:"Very good, Dark Detective. I think you know where to look for your next clue."
Bruce leaves the computer, tapping a few keys on it and runs upstairs to the fireplace. On the screen, we see the program re open and it narrowing down The Riddler's location. Words appear (on the program window, not from Riddler) that say: Alerting Detective Gordon.


On the fireplace is a note that reads: If you wrote all the numbers from 300 to 400 on a piece of paper, how many times would you have written the number 3?

What has a mouth but can't chew?

Bruce thinks about it for a moment.
Bruce (muttered):"120 times, river. 120 times, river. 120 Avenue at River Street!"
Bruce rushes back down to the Batcave and the camera cuts away.

The Batmobile races down the streets of Gotham to the building that Riddler specified. Batman leaves the Batmobile in an alley and rushes into the building. He runs upstairs to find Vicki Vale in a death trap similar to the Bronze Bull. The room itself is a large rubix cube. Batman has to push around the flame throwers in the room, which moves the other weapons around so that both he and Vicki can get out alive. As Batman is rotating the equipment around, he hears the police frequency in his cowl.
Officer:"The SWAT team is converging on location with GCPD units at 120 Avenue at River Street."


The scene cuts outside to Gordon and Nashton outside as the SWAT team pulls up. A man steps out of one of their vehicles.


It cuts back to Batman moving around more weapons, nearly burning himself.

Back outside.
Gordon:"Anderson!"
Anderson:"Gordon!"
Nashton:"You two know each other?"
Gordon:"He used to work at the SWAT team in Chicago."
Anderson:"And you always hated how I was better than you, didn't you?"
Nashton:"Boys please, the Batman is in there, we're going to need to save our strength instead of squabbling."

Back inside, Batman continues to try and avoid getting killed while dealing with the puzzle.


Back outside.
Gordon:"Fine, but I don't think we have to worry too much."
Anderson:"Why not?"
Nashton:"He's an outlaw, a vigilante. You know how those vigilante types can get."
Gordon:"He's been taking down criminals, not cops."
Nashton:"And that means he won't?"
Gordon:"Well....uh...no....I guess."
Nashton:"That's right, we have to be prepared. He's most likely going to try and kill us."
Gordon:"But there's no need for it! Batman hasn't attacked anybody!"
Nashton:"And you're going to wait for him to? We have to take him on now!"
Anderson:"Enough of this! Men, take your positions by the door!"


The camera cuts inside as Batman has almost finished the puzzle. He nearly gets fried by one of the flame throwers when he turns it.


The camera cuts back outside to the SWAT preparing to break into the large building.
SWAT Leader:"Ready men?!? Three! Two! One!"
As he gets to one, a battering ram bashes through the door.


The camera cuts back to Batman finishing the puzzle. The Bronze Bull's trap door falls open, releasing Vicki. Batman quickly picks her up.
Batman:"It's going to be okay. Can you walk?"
Vicki:"Yeah, I think so."
Batman:"Good."


The camera cuts downstairs to the SWAT team entering the bottom floor and searching for Batman. One of them makes their way upstairs to the next floor. He breaks down a door and finds the Rubix cube room.
SWAT 1:"What the hell?"
He exits the room and Batman drops down from the ceiling and performs an inverted take down from AC.

He drops him down the to the second floor and returns to the third floor, where he is hiding Vicki.
Batman:"Stay here and keep hidden."
While the camera remains up there, we hear the voices of the SWAT team.
SWAT 2:"What happened to him?"
Anderson:"This is why you don't let Batman get to you. The place is hot, spread out and find him. We leave no rooms unchecked, no furniture not turned over, understand me?
SWAT team:"Yes sir."
Batman continues to pick of the team after they split off, one by one. Once they are out, he touches the side of his cowl to contact Gordon.
Batman:"Gordon, I need intel."


We go outside to see Gordon leave the area around the police when he gets a call.
Gordon:"Hello?"
Batman:"What are the officers doing outside? Sending in more SWAT?"
Gordon:"No, I was just about to contact you. Loeb is calling in a bomb to demolish the building. You need to get out of there."
Batman:"I need to get the hostage out of here."
Gordon:"There's a hostage?"
Batman:"Yes. How close is the bomb?"
Gordon:"It's getting closer, you have about a minute."
Batman:"That'll have to be long enough."
Gordon:"The building was built back in World War 2, it has a bomb shelter in the basement. Get down there."

The camera cuts back to Batman, getting Vicki down to the bottom level of the building. There's a metal trap door to the bomb shelter. Once they get inside, the camera cuts away to show the bomb being dropped into the center of the large building while the police and SWAT back away quickly. Once the dust has settled, the SWAT team moves into the rubble. The SWAT team moves into the bomb shelter to take out Batman. After he defeats the group, the camera cuts outside. During the struggle, he is shot in the leg.


The camera cuts to the inside of a helicopter where Commissioner Loeb and a pilot are sitting.
Pilot:"Commissioner, he's taken out all of Unit Three, sir!"
Loeb:"This will not do at all. I trust you put your best man on the job."
Pilot:"Yes sir, he's our best leader but there are hundreds of places to hide in there."
Loeb:"Send in another two squads, I want him on my wall."


The camera returns to the inside of the shelter, Batman is hiding Vicki and himself under the stairwell. Once they hear footsteps coming down, Batman sends his arms through the week floor panels and grabs one of their feet. He pulls them down and knocks them unconscious. He throws a smoke bomb into the room and takes them out with stealth, avoiding confrontation due to the bullet wound. Hearing the next group on their way to the disturbance, Batman pulls out batcall from his belt and activates it. Batman steps out of the darkness and smoke from the smoke bomb. After taking out these men, he grabs Vicki and starts taking her up the stairs.


The camera cuts to the cops outside.
Nashton:"What the hell is that?"
Gordon:"Bats."
The Bats swarm the cops and SWAT teams outside as Batman runs outside, carrying Vicki to the Batmobile in the alley. He places her in the car as the cops try to get themselves together. The Batmobile speeds by the cops.
Nashton:"He's getting away, get him!"
Various officers get into their cars and take off after Batman.


The Officers pursue Batman through the city, through tunnels, over bridges and streets until Batman is able to use them by using the rooftops. Batman is able to get back into the Batcave without being detected. He lies Vicki down on the bed and calls Alfred down so he can help her recover. Bruce sits in a chair in front of his computer. Words begin to appear onscreen.
Riddler types:"The SWAT team paid me a visit, good thing I travel light."
Batman types:"Who are you?"
Riddler types:"I have many names, many masks. You of all people should be able to understand this. But you can call me Riddler.
Batman types:"Why do you do this? Innocent people could have died."
Riddler types:"That's what people do, they die. The riddle of life, what is it all for in the end? Well, they won't get to find out."
Batman types:"I will stop you."
Riddler types:"No you won't. You're not smart enough. I'm superior to you in every way."
Batman types:"We'll see."
Riddler types:"That we will. Have you found my last present for you?"
Batman types:"What do you mean?"
Riddler types:"Oh, so you haven't yet. You never thought to take off the girl's coat, Bruce?"
Batman moves over to Vicki and removes her coat, gently, revealing a bomb vest.
Riddler types:"You see the timer, you know what to do. I'm looking forward to the next time..."
Batman slowly removes the bomb vest from Vicki. He takes the vest carefully over to another table and defuses the bomb. Vicki starts to wake up on the table and sees Batman without the cowl on.
Vicki:"Bruce?"
Bruce:"Yes. Alfred will be down in a moment to help you. I'm sorry, I have to go."
Alfred comes down in the elevator with medical supplies and Bruce goes into it. The camera fades to black.



The camera fades into focus on the rooftop of the GCPD with Gordon. Batman appears behind him.
Batman:"You called?"
Gordon:"Yes. We have another problem."
Batman:"When do we not?"
Gordon *chuckles*:"Reports have been sent in regarding the Bludhaven Mob Leader, Black Mask. Sources indicate that he has moved to Gotham."
Batman:"Will that be all, Detective?"
Gordon:"Not quite. I did some digging into Loeb and searched through his emails. I found a few regarding both Carmine Falcone and Black Mask."
Gordon pulls up the printed out emails.
Gordon:"Loeb informed Falcone that he was breaking off their arrangement due to the Black Mask providing him with more for his services."
Batman:"We can fix this, together."
Gordon:"How do you know?"
Batman:"Because I believe in Gotham City."
Gordon:"You'll look into the Black Mask case?"
Batman:"Yes. You'll look into Loeb?"
Gordon:"Of course."
Batman:"Together, we can change this city."
Batman runs over the edge of the building and glides into the night.


The credits roll.



(Credits found on original fancast and overview article)


Batsuit: