THE GOTHAM STRATAGEM

THE BATMAN

Written by
Lee Cordner

Season One, Episode Three




















SMASH IN:

EXT. GOTHAM CITY -- NIGHT

The city is rioting. People in the streets, GUNS SHOOTING.
All hell breaking loose. Car BLOWS UP. Riot cops move
forward, dodging bottles and trash thrown at them by rioters.

EXT. ROOFTOP -- CONTINUOUS

Joker is looking down from above. Laughing and smiling.

THE JOKER
Its funny how many people will come if
you say the right thing, ha-ha.

EXT. GOTHAM CITY -- CONTINUOUS

James Gordon pulls up and skids to a halt. He climbs out of
the car, along with a new female partner. Harleen Quinzel,
just transferred.

HARLEEN QUINZEL
Oh my god, whats happening?

JAMES GORDON
The Jokers happening.

OFF SCREEN: Explosion sounds...

James approaches another cop, who is on the radio.

JAMES GORDON (CONTD)
Wheres backup!?

COP #1
That is the backup!
(Beat, looks)
Watch out!

COP #1 pushes Gordon away as- BOOM! A rocket hits his car,
killing him.

Harleen helps Gordon to his feet, hes okay.

HARLEEN QUINZEL
What do we do?

2.

Gordon looks around at the chaos. BOOM! Another explosion
kills 20 or so riot cops.

JAMES GORDON
We need Batman!

The entire city continues to tear itself apart.

SMASH TO:

SUPER: THE BATMAN

SUPER EP: THE GOTHAM STRATAGEM

FADE IN:

INT. BRUCES BEDROOM -- MORNING

Bruce is fast asleep, he has a cut on his cheek. Hes spread-
eagled on his belly, snoring loudly.

CURTAINS OPEN. Alfred sits a tray down next to the bed quite
loudly. Bruce jolts awake, covering his eyes from the sun
beaming through the window.

BRUCE WAYNE
Close the curtains, Alfred.

ALFRED
Lucius is here to see you, hes downstairs
in the lobby. Should I send him up or will
you come down?

BRUCE WAYNE
Whys he so early?

ALFRED
Its after noon, sir.

Bruce looks at the clock. Its 12:44pm.

BRUCE WAYNE
What day is it?

ALFRED
Sunday, sir.
3.

Alfred walks to the door.

ALFRED (CONTD)
I shall tell Mister Fox youll be down in
a moment. Ill make an excuse for you.

Alfred leaves the room. Bruce sits up, he yawns and looks at
the tray. Its toast, with a side of eggs and bacon, along
with a glass of pure orange juice.

He grabs his dressing gown from the wardrobe, sticks a piece
of toast in his mouth and walks out of the bedroom.

INT. LOBBY -- MOMENTS LATER

Lucius is admiring the iron statue of a knight.


BRUCE WAYNE
Lucius, its good to see you.

LUCIUS FOX
I see you made yourself respectable.

BRUCE WAYNE
Well it is a Sunday.

Lucius sees the cut on Bruces cheek.

LUCIUS FOX
I take it youve been in the wars again?

BRUCE WAYNE
Yeah, a couple of thugs at a liquor store
last night. One of them was carrying a
knife. Barely grazed me.

LUCIUS FOX
Well, I have that item you requested. May
I ask, what is for?

BRUCE WAYNE
Its an upgrade for Callie, shes been
bugging out lately. Probably because of
the twenty two years of being in a dusty old
cave.
4.

LUCIUS FOX
How am I supposed to write this off? Its
four hundred thousand dollars worth of
equipment.

BRUCE WAYNE
Ill write you a cheque.

Lucius hands the new core module over to Bruce, the two shake
hands and Lucius leaves.

Bruce walks into the aquarium.

INT. THE BATCAVE -- CONTINUOUS

Bruce approaches Callies monitors.

CALLIE (O.S.)
Bruce - nice to - you.

Callie is skipping words.

Bruce opens the large base and takes out the old core module,
he puts the new one in.

Bruce closes the base, then heads to the keyboard. He starts
typing things in, he then stands back.

CALLIE (O.S.)
System rebooting.

Screen shows a loading bar. 2%, 8%, 44%, 100%.

BRUCE WAYNE
How do you feel?

CALLIE (O.S.)
Well technically I cannot feel, I am a
computer.

BRUCE WAYNE
Good you see youre back, everything
running alright?

CALLIE (O.S.)
Everything is calibrating perfectly.
5.

BRUCE WAYNE
Good.

CALLIE (O.S.)
What is on the agenda today?

BRUCE WAYNE
I thought Id just have a lazy day. Lounge
around, watch a bit of TV. Order a pizza.
Im getting tired of fighting people.

CALLIE (O.S.)
It has only been two weeks since you first
became the Batman, and youre tired already?

BRUCE WAYNE
I just want one day, just one. Ill get
back to it tomorrow, but today I just want
a me day. Is that too much to ask?

CALLIE (O.S.)
No.

Alfred walks down the ramp and through the archway.

ALFRED
Your mail, sir.

Theres four letters. One large one, two smaller ones and one
in a brown envelope with a SMILEY FACE stuck to it.

Bruce puts the other three letters down, and opens the smiley
face one. As he opens it, he sees something he didnt expect.
His niece, Amanda Wayne is coming into town.

BRUCE WAYNE
(Reading)
Dear Bruce, Im just informing you that I
am coming in this Sunday at Gotham Airport
and will be arriving at six oclock. I was
hoping you could pick me up. Amanda.

Bruce smiles

ALFRED
I will ready the Benz at 5:30, sir.
6.

Bruce nods. He walks out of the Batcave.

CUT TO:

INT. GCPD LOBBY -- DAY

A woman walks in. Blonde hair, blue eyes, very pretty. Shes
dressed in black wetlook leggings and shes wearing a purple
shirt. She sticks the bag shes carrying on the floor and
approaches the reception desk.

RECEPTIONIST
Hi, how may I be of service?

WOMAN
(Introducing herself)
Im Harleen Quinzel, transfer from Chicago.
Im here to see...
(Pulls out note)
Detective James Gordon.

RECEPTIONIST
Up the stairs, take a left and head down
the corridor until you reach the evidence
locker. Hes a little busy, so he could
probably use the help.

HARLEEN QUINZEL
Thanks.

INT. EVIDENCE LOCKER -- CONTINUOUS

Gordon is throwing files around, looking for something. He
pulls out a file from the cabinet and smiles, he opens it up.

OFF SCREEN: Knocking on the door...

JAMES GORDON
Come in!

Harleen enters, she looks at the mess and shakes her head.

JAMES GORDON (CONTD)
You must be the new transfer, Harleen,
right?

7.

HARLEEN QUINZEL
Have I come at a bad time?

JAMES GORDON
Oh no, no. Im just sorting some paperwork
out. Commissioners got me tracking the
Batman. Then theres Joker whos been sending
threats to everyone he possibly can. Then of
course theres the board meeting to discuss
taxes, its a busy weekend.

HARLEEN QUINZEL
Seems like youve got a lot on your plate.

JAMES GORDON
Ah, its work. It has to be done.

HARLEEN QUINZEL
I can see that.

Gordon gets up, the two shake hands.

JAMES GORDON
Now grab a file, and start reading.

Harleen smiles, she sits on a chair and picks up the first
file she sees. She starts reading it.

CUT TO:

INT. JOKERS HIDEOUT -- LATER

Joker is sitting on a throne of sorts made up of bricks, hes
twirling a joker card in his hand.

Two thugs walk to him, he holds his hand up, they stop
moving.

THE JOKER
Cant you see that Im watching my show?

The TV is on, the show is a talk show with topical insights
and such. Joker has headphones on, big fluffy purple
headphones. Theres also a half eaten apple sitting on the
arm of the throne, and a rat scurrying along the floor.

8.

Joker laughs.

The two thugs stand there scratching their heads.

THUG #1
Err sir, we need to tell you-

BANG! Joker shoots him in the chest. He falls, dead, to the
ground. The other thug looks on, shocked.

THE JOKER
How rude.

Joker takes a bite out of the apple. Then he applauds before
taking the headphones off and turning off the TV as the show
ends.

THE JOKER (CONTD)
It seems as though everyone is trying to
be me these days. The Riddler, HA! What a
stupid name. At least Im funny, his riddles
dont make any sense.
(Beat, smiles)
He should call himself The Slacker instead.

Joker sees the thug standing there.

THE JOKER (CONTD)
Well? What did you want?

THUG #2
Youre not going to shoot me are you?

THE JOKER
(Serious)
Why would I shoot my own henchman? That
would be stupid.

THUG #2
You shot Jerry.

THE JOKER
Well he was being rude, and he never was
a good henchman. In fact, he wasnt even
a henchman to begin with, he was an
undercover cop.
9.

THUG #2
He was!?

THE JOKER
I dont lie.
(Beat, kicks Jerry)
Three years, and he thought I never knew,
well, thats just another one to put on
the undercover shelf. I must write his wife
a letter.

THUG #2
Use the email service.

THE JOKER
What the hell is an email service?

THUG #2
Its something they use on the internet.

THE JOKER
What the hell is the internet?
(Beat, walks over)
Are you sure youre not the Riddler?
Because youre asking a lot of questions.

Thug #2 hands Joker a piece of paper.

THE JOKER (CONTD)
Ah, I see why Jerry was so eager to speak
with me.

THUG #2
Forgive me for asking, but what do you
need it for?

THE JOKER
Batman has his own car, I thought it would
be prudent to get my own car. Looks great
from the picture, and three thousand bucks!
Were going to have to haggle with the one
selling it.

Joker dismisses the thug, who steps over Jerrys body. Joker
looks at the picture again and smiles, he looks over at the
bin and tosses the apple into it as if it were a basketball.
10.

THE JOKER (CONTD)
Three points for the Joker!

Joker laughs.

CUT TO:

INT. WAYNE MANOR LIVING ROOM -- AFTERNOON

Bruce is watching a reality show called Croc Bites. Waylon
Jones is on TV, showing his trophy collection and belt
collection from when he used to be a wrestler for GWF (Global
Wrestling Federation).

WAYLON JONES (O.S.)
This title, the GWF Heavyweight Championship
was my third title in the GWF. I won it at
Forced Alliance in two thousand and three.
I beat the Great Habul in a no holds barred
match.

Alfred enters and sits a glass of coke down on the table next
to Bruce.

BRUCE WAYNE
Ever noticed how much crap is on daytime
TV? Its pathetic.

ALFRED
I rarely have time to watch television,
sir. Im too busy looking after you.

BRUCE WAYNE
Well you could take a break. Youve been
doing this job for the past forty two
years. My father was a kid when you arrived
from England.

ALFRED
I remember the day I first walked through
those doors. Your grandfather was quite
the intimidating man.

BRUCE WAYNE
I remember, he scared the hell out of me.

11.

Alfred laughs.

He looks over at a portrait of the Wayne parents, a tear
rolls down his cheek.

ALFRED
I often think of what would have happened
if they hadnt gone to that show. Maybe
they would still be alive today.

BRUCE WAYNE
Its my fault, Alfred.

ALFRED
No, Bruce. Its not your fault.

BRUCE WAYNE
Ive been trying to blame Joker and Joe
Chill for the past twenty two years, but
the truth is, if I hadnt wanted to leave
early they would still be alive. Im the
one responsible for what happened.

ALFRED
You were not to know, it wasnt your
fault. That sadistic man killed them, you
did not.

Bruce stands up and looks at the portrait of his parents. He
then looks at Alfred.

BRUCE WAYNE
What am I doing, Alfred?

ALFRED
What do you mean?

BRUCE WAYNE
Batman. I started this because I wanted to
the truth, but after what happened with
Vicki and Edward, everyone that gets close
to me ends up either getting killed or being
taken captive. What if the next time its you?

ALFRED
You do not do this because you want to.
12.

Alfred puts his hand on Bruces shoulder.

ALFRED (CONTD)
You do this because no one else will.
And the city needs hope, that is what your
father wanted, that is what you are doing.
Giving the people of this city hope, and
making them know that even in the darkest
of times, theres always someone looking
out for them.

Bruce nods. He understands.

FADE TO:

INT. EVIDENCE LOCKER -- AFTERNOON

Harleen and Gordon are looking over a file together.

HARLEEN QUINZEL
(Finishing sentence)
...its gotta mean something, I mean, Joker
wouldnt have done it if it didnt.

JAMES GORDON
Its a puzzle. But it doesnt make any
sense. Itll take a week to decode it.

HARLEEN QUINZEL
We dont have that long.

JAMES GORDON
We need a little help.

HARLEEN QUINZEL
Where do you suppose we get that?

Gordon smiles.

EXT. ARKHAM ASYLUM MAIN GATE -- AFTERNOON

RAINING. Gordons car pulls up to the barred gate of Arkham
Asylum. The wall is twenty foot tall and guards patrol it
with automatic rifles.

A guard walks to the drivers side window.
13.

GATE GUARD
Can I help you?

JAMES GORDON
(Shows badge)
Detective James Gordon, GCPD. Im here to
speak with Edward Nigma.

GATE GUARD
(To gate opener)
Open the gate!

Gates open. Car drives in.

INT. ARKHAM ASYLUM LOBBY -- MOMENTS LATER

Gordon and Harleen enter, the two get rid of the raincoats as
Doctor Jonathan Crane approaches. Hes quite handsome,
wearing glasses and a beige suit with a red tie.

JONATHAN CRANE
Detective, a pleasure.

JAMES GORDON
I need to speak with one of your inmates.
Edward Nigma.

JONATHAN CRANE
Ah yes, the man who calls himself the
Riddler. Follow me.

INT. MAXIMUM SECURITY WING -- CONTINUOUS

Crane, Gordon and Harleen walk down the row. Inmates of
Arkham Asylum are in cells. Theres one man, Victor Zsasz who
is cutting his wrist with a razor.

JONATHAN CRANE
Forgive Mister Zsasz, hes usually a rather
pleasant soul to be around.

HARLEEN QUINZEL
Didnt he kill twenty three women?

JAMES GORDON
And god knows how many more.
14.

JONATHAN CRANE
That is all in the past. Victor has been
attending rehabilitation sessions as of late.
Hes rather intelligent, and has quite the
expressive mind.

HARLEEN QUINZEL
Why does he cut himself?

JONATHAN CRANE
He does that, says it helps ease the pain
of the thoughts that plague his mind.

The three stop. Riddlers cell is closed.

JAMES GORDON
This it?

JONATHAN CRANE
Hes a rather difficult one, even I havent
been able to figure him out yet. Hes quite
strange compared to the others we have, he
keeps talking about the Batman. That he knows
who the Batman is and when you ask him, he
forgets.

JAMES GORDON
Open the door.

JONATHAN CRANE
Hes been restrained so, he shouldnt
be a problem. Just, stay away from him, he
likes to bite people.

The door opens. Edward Nigma is restrained on his bed, he
looks up as Gordon and Harleen enter.

EDWARD NIGMA
Detective.

JAMES GORDON
Edward, Ill keep this short. I need your
help to solve a riddle.

EDWARD NIGMA
A riddle you say?
15.

JAMES GORDON
Its more of a letter reassignment.

EDWARD NIGMA
Ill help you...

JAMES GORDON
Thank you.

EDWARD NIGMA
But first you must do something for me.

JAMES GORDON
(Sighs)
What?

EDWARD NIGMA
What crawls on walls and sends out webs,
to catch its prey to strike it dead?

JAMES GORDON
A spider.

EDWARD NIGMA
Bravo!

Harleen sniggers.

Gordon shows Edward a piece of paper with a bunch of letters
on it. Edward looks at the paper, he memorises it.

EDWARD NIGMA (CONTD)
I make people laugh until they cry, when
the times comes Ill watch them die. You
see me here, you see me there. Why do you
persist, to trap me with a bear? I wait
until the moon turns full, until I realise
my true potential. As night falls Ill rise
once more, as I knock on Grands door.
(Beat, smiles)
Its a riddle.

JAMES GORDON
Well what does it mean?

Edward shakes his head.
16.

EDWARD NIGMA
Are you stupid?!

HARLEEN QUINZEL
Just answer the question, freak.

EDWARD NIGMA
She called me a freak?!

JAMES GORDON
(Whisper)
Dont insult the guy whos trying to help
us.

HARLEEN QUINZEL
I apologize.

EDWARD NIGMA
The answer to the riddle is tonight at
eight the one who wrote the riddle will
do something on Grand Street.

JAMES GORDON
And what about the bear?

EDWARD NIGMA
Its a riddle you idiot, the bear is just
a way for him to throw you off. GEE DO YOU
NOT KNOW ANYTHING?!

Gordon and Harleen leave the room. Crane closes the door.

JONATHAN CRANE
Did you get everything?

JAMES GORDON
As much as we could.

JONATHAN CRANE
Well Im glad he could help. Is there
anything else you need?

JAMES GORDON
Do you have a Joe Chill here by chance?

Crane looks down.
17.

He checks his list.

JONATHAN CRANE
Ah yes, he was transferred in last week.
Do you wish to speak with him?

JAMES GORDON
Yes.

Then follow me. Harleen and Gordon follow Crane.

CUT TO:

INT. JOKERS HIDEOUT -- LATER

Joker is watching the news, he sees as Riddler is taken into
police custody by James Gordon. He frowns and sniggers.

THE JOKER
Everyones talking about The Riddler when
they should be talking about me. What
happened? Did they go blind? Im the one
they should be focused on, Im the criminal
Gotham City deserves. Not some guy in a snot
green suit with a stupid hat.

A henchman enters.

HENCHMAN
Sir, according to our source at Arkham, the
cop, James Gordon, has figured out your riddle.

THE JOKER
Who helped him?

HENCHMAN
It was Riddler, sir.

THE JOKER
(Sighs)
I guess hes the new hot topic. Everyone
seems to have forgotten about me!

Joker stands up and kicks a ball, it flies across the room
and hits the henchman in the face, knocking the henchman to
the ground unconscious.
18.

THE JOKER (CONTD)
This is my city! Mine!

Joker looks over at his henchman. He puts his hand to his
forehead and shakes his head.

THE JOKER (CONTD)
Even the hired help is falling asleep now.

Joker sits back down and looks at the newspaper. It shows a
picture of James Gordon, days after Batman rescued him.

THE JOKER (CONTD)
So you want to play with me? Ive got a
game we can play, oh yes, a great big
fantastic game.

He turns the page, and sees an article Where is Batman?.

THE JOKER (CONTD)
But first, to call out the bat.

Joker smiles. He stands up and walks down the steps, stepping
onto the unconscious henchman as he walks into-

INT. SIDE ROOM -- CONTINUOUS

Twenty or so men are standing around a smoky room, playing
pool and listening to the jukebox.

THE JOKER
What are you all standing around for?

THUG
Joker, sir. We - sorry.

THE JOKER
Always apologizing, well, the time for your
apologies is over. Tonight, we strike at the
heart of Gotham. But first, we must bring the
Batman out of hiding, and out of our way. I
have a plan, a great plan.

THUG
What do you want us to do?

19.

THE JOKER
Light the fire and raise the smoke. Tonight
we dance on the Dark Knights cloak.

The thugs around the room nod and approve. Joker rotates his
hand, telling them to leave and perform well.

CUT TO:

INT. INTERROGATION ROOM -- AFTERNOON

Joe Chill, a fat, bald headed man wearing an orange jumpsuit
with the numbers 444 on the label sits across the glass from
James Gordon.

JAMES GORDON
Good afternoon, Joe.

JOE CHILL
What do you want?

JAMES GORDON
I want to talk about Jack Napier.

JOE CHILL
What do you want to know?

JAMES GORDON
Everything, where are his contacts?

JOE CHILL
(Sniggers)
He doesnt have any. Hes more of a behind
the scenes type of guy, plus, who would want
to be caught having a conversation with a
lunatic?

JAMES GORDON
You were his partner twenty two years ago
when you and him, killed Thomas and Martha
Wayne.

JOE CHILL
What are you implying, Detective?

Gordon smiles, he slides a file under the glass.
20.

Chill opens it, it has a file on Joker there.

JAMES GORDON
You didnt kill them, did you?

JOE CHILL
(Nervous)
I did.

JAMES GORDON
No, you see when it happened. You werent
there, Napier had another accomplice, but
it wasnt you. Who was it?

JOE CHILL
Look, I killed them. It was me. I
admitted it to the court, I shot them, both
of them. I left no evidence.

JAMES GORDON
Really?

JOE CHILL
My fingerprints are on the gun, you found
the powder on my jacket. I killed them.

JAMES GORDON
What about the kid?

JOE CHILL
What kid?

JAMES GORDON
Bruce. Martha and Thomas son. He was there
when they died.

JOE CHILL
Oh, yeah the kid. I let him go.

JAMES GORDON
Youre lying.

JOE CHILL
(Whisper)
Please, just believe me.

21.

JAMES GORDON
Who was the second man, Joe?

JOE CHILL
(Scared)
I cant. If I say anything, hell kill
me. I did the crime, I do the time.

JAMES GORDON
(Sincere)
I can get you out and put into a witness
protection program, youll never be found.

JOE CHILL
No. This is much deeper than you think.
If I say anything, nothing can save me.

JAMES GORDON
Just tell me the truth.

JOE CHILL
Guard! Guard I want to go back to my cell!

Guard enters the room. Joe is taken from the room. Gordon
sighs.

INT. HALLWAY B-2 FLOOR 2 -- CONTINUOUS

Gordon leaves. Harleen and Crane are waiting outside the
room.

JONATHAN CRANE
Did everything go you plan?

JAMES GORDON
Not entirely, but, it doesnt matter. Thanks
for your time, Doctor.

JONATHAN CRANE
Anytime I can help, Detective.
(To Harleen)
Maam.

Harleen smiles as Crane walks away. She seems flattered.

Gordon and Harleen start walking.
22.

HARLEEN QUINZEL
So - did he say anything?

JAMES GORDON
That this goes deeper than we think. Can
I trust you to keep that meeting a secret?

HARLEEN QUINZEL
Your secrets safe with me, James.

They leave the asylum.

CUT TO:

INT. BRUCES STUDY -- 3PM

The clouds outside are thundery, black and grey. Theres a
storm coming. Bruce is sitting at the desk, looking at a
website which is called Tracking-The-Bat a website created
by fans of Batman.

BRUCE WAYNE
Dear god, almighty. Batman has teenage
fans.

Alfred knocks on the door. He walks in, Bruce looks over.

ALFRED
A young lady is here to see you, sir.

BRUCE WAYNE
Oh god, if thats Vicki tell her Im very
busy going over some-

Barbara Gordon (18) enters the room with a smile on her face
and a large brown envelope in her hand.

BRUCE WAYNE (CONTD)
Hey Barbara.

BARBARA GORDON
Hi Bruce, my father asked me to drop this
off for you. Said it was important.

She hands him the file. Bruce takes it. Barbara smiles and
looks shy.
23.

ALFRED
I take it you wont be needing anything
else?

BRUCE WAYNE
You want a coffee, or a coke?

BARBARA GORDON
Im fine.

Alfred leaves.

Barbara takes a seat across from Bruce at the table.

BRUCE WAYNE
Youve grown up.

BARBARA GORDON
You havent changed a bit.

BRUCE WAYNE
Hows your mom?

BARBARA GORDON
Shes fine.

BRUCE WAYNE
What about your brother?

BARBARA GORDON
Hes still a little tearaway.

Bruce laughs.

BRUCE WAYNE
I remember when you were a kid, always
tugging at my jacket when I came to see your
father. Seems like a long time ago.

Bruce opens the envelope. As he does a necklace falls out and
hits the ground. He picks it up and looks at it. The necklace
is gold and has rubies, sapphires and emeralds around it.

BARBARA GORDON
What is that?

24.

BRUCE WAYNE
It was my mothers. She was wearing it the
night she died. Why would he send me this?

BARBARA GORDON
All I know is that it was on the table
when I came home. There was a note there
too, here.

Bruce takes the note and reads it. His eyes widen, he
realises that the note isnt from Gordon.

BRUCE WAYNE
Oh god, oh no.

BARBARA GORDON
What is it?

BRUCE WAYNE
Were your mother and brother at home?

BARBARA GORDON
No, they werent.

BRUCE WAYNE
Alfred!

Alfred enters a moment later. He sees Bruce as he and Barbara
walk over to him.

ALFRED
What is it?

BRUCE WAYNE
Get her somewhere safe, now.

ALFRED
Where, sir?

BRUCE WAYNE
The panic room under the stairs, get her
there - now.

BARBARA GORDON
Whats wrong?

25.

OFF SCREEN: Wood breaking, door breaking down...

Bruce hears the noise. He grabs Alfred, and pulls him in. He
pulls a book gently from the shelf and it opens a passage.

BRUCE WAYNE
Stay in there, both of you.

BARBARA GORDON
Whats going on?

BRUCE WAYNE
You were followed.

They enter the passage. Bruce closes the door.

INT. LOBBY -- CONTINUOUS

The Jokers Henchman step into the lobby, five of them in
total.

HENCHMAN #1
Knock, knock, anybody home?!

Bruce opens the door, he walks out.

HENCHMAN #2
Well look what we have here lads, a hero.
Come to save the day have you playboy?

BRUCE WAYNE
Get out of my house.

HENCHMAN #2
Its more like a bloody castle mate. Look
at this place, very fancy, the boss will
like this.

Bruce takes a golf club from the bag and looks at the men.

HENCHMAN #1
(Laughs)
Yours might be bigger, but mines sharper.

He pulls out a knife.

26.

HENCHMAN #2
Lets dance, pretty boy.

The five attack. Bruce whacks HM3 over the head with the golf
club. HM2 slashes at Bruce but Bruce dodges and gets tackled
through a wooden rail to the staircase by HM4.

Henchman #1 looks at the others.

HENCHMAN #1
Get him! Ill find the bitch.

Bruce kicks HM4 off of him and gets to his feet but gets
caught in a full nelson by HM5, who is swiftly head butted in
the nose by Bruce, who sweeps his feet out from under him.

EXT. GOTHAM CITY -- SAME TIME

Two white vans are driving along. BOOM! An explosion sends
them rocketing into the air. People watch as the vans
explode, the gas lines under the streets then start going off
one by one. Exploding all the way through Gotham City.

INT. APARTMENT -- CONTINUOUS

A man, woman and young girl are watching the news when-

JOKER APPEARS ON SCREEN. Two people are behind him, both with
sacks over their heads and their hands bound. One is very
young, a boy. The other is a fully grown female.

THE JOKER
Good afternoon Gotham. Joker here, with an
important announcement regarding the abrupt
explosions tearing the city apart. It seems
as though someone let a madman turn on all
the valves at the power station. Oops! Oh
wait, thats me. But do you want to hear
something really cool? Oh I bet you do, you
see. I, like most, have a motive. My motive
is simple, bring me Batman. The police know
who and where he is, you just have to find
him. If you dont, then - well - I guess
these two will die, and another hundred
every hour the Batman is not found.

27.

Joker laughs hysterically.

THE JOKER (CONTD)
Night, night.

Joker causes the system to crash. The emergency channel comes
on the TV.

EXT. GOTHAM CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT -- CONTINUOUS

Cops are running to their cars.

INT. GCPD LOBBY -- CONTINUOUS

The phones are ringing frantically. Gordon and Harleen walk
through a row of desks.

HARLEEN QUINZEL
Is he telling the truth?

JAMES GORDON
Yeah, and hell do what he says unless
we can find Batman.

HARLEEN QUINZEL
How the hell are we supposed to find
Batman? He could be anywhere.

Gordon knocks on Captain Walkers door. He and Harleen enter.

CAPTAIN WALKER
Itll be done- Ill call you back?

INT. CAPTAIN WALKERS OFFICE

Gordon clears his throat, nervously.

Walker puts the phone down.

CAPTAIN WALKER (CONTD)
What is it, Gordon?

JAMES GORDON
What is it?

Walker looks at them.
28.

Gordon laughs.

JAMES GORDON (CONTD)
Have you not heard the phones ringing?
Or the fifty explosions outside? Joker
is tearing the city apart looking for
Batman and hes just told the entire
city that we know who and where he is.
Hes got hostages, two of them and another
hundred. Thats whats happening.

CAPTAIN WALKER
Ive just had the mayor on the phone in
a state about it, Im well aware-

HARLEEN QUINZEL
So youre just gonna sit on your ass and
let that madman tear Gotham apart?

CAPTAIN WALKER
I dont like your tone, young lady.

HARLEEN QUINZEL
Cut the crap, get off your ass and do
something before he kills someone.

CAPTAIN WALKER
Excuse me?

JAMES GORDON
What shes trying to say is we need to
stop Joker, the city will destroy itself
if we dont.

Walker sighs, he walks to the window and looks out of it as
another EXPLOSION GOES OFF.

Harleen and Gordon look on, Walker turns to them.

INT. LOBBY -- CONTINUOUS

Bruce kicks HM5 in the gut and elbows him in the face, he
then turns around and punches HM3 in the face. But HM4 hits
Bruce over the head with a candlestick.

Bruce falls to the ground, hes conscious but wounded.
29.

HM2 pulls out a knife. He grabs Bruce and sticks the sharp
end of the knife to Bruces throat when- BATERANG HITS HIM IN
THE ARM. He turns around as Batman shoots a grapple hook at
him from the staircase. The other 3 henchman see Batman and
run away.

INT. BRUCES STUDY -- CONTINUOUS

HM1 is unaware of Batmans presence in the lobby. Hes
looking around the room, when suddenly- BARBARA GORDON WHACKS
HIM IN THE FACE WITH A BOOK. She then knees him in the groin
and Alfred hits him over the head with a serving tray.

HM1 falls unconscious to the ground.

INT. LOBBY -- CONTINUOUS

Bruce coughs a few times and gets to his feet, he looks up
the stairs and sees Batman disappear.

CALLIE (O.S.)
Sorry it took me so long to think of
something. This new drive is hard to
get the hang of.

BRUCE WAYNE
How did you?

CALLIE (O.S.)
It is built into my software, I can
place a hologram anywhere in the mansion.
If the occupant is placed under hostility.

BRUCE WAYNE
But the baterang was real.

Bruce picks a baterang up from the ground. Its real.

A piece of the wall on the landing on the staircase opens.
Another baterang shoots out, Bruce catches it.

CALLIE (O.S.)
Not everything is a mirage.

Bruce smiles, relieved.

30.

BRUCE WAYNE
Im sure you were going to tell me that,
right?

CALLIE (O.S.)
You never asked about my functions outside
of the laboratory.

BRUCE WAYNE
Well that little gem would have been good
to know a little earlier.

Door opens. Barbara and Alfred leave the study, Bruce quickly
gets rid of the baterangs by tossing them under a table.

BARBARA GORDON
Are you okay? Who were those men? What did
they want?

BRUCE WAYNE
Me. They were Jokers men.

BARBARA GORDON
You dont think - you dont think hes
trying to finish what he started?

BRUCE WAYNE
Well he certainly tried.
(To Alfred)
Alfred, are you all right?

ALFRED
I damaged my favourite serving tray.

Bruce laughs, Barbara laughs too. Alfred shows Bruce the
serving tray, its got a huge dent in it.

BRUCE WAYNE
Im sure theres a hammer in the garage
you can use to bash it back into shape.

Alfred stares on, seriously. Bruce looks at Barbara.

BRUCE WAYNE (CONTD)
It should be safe here now, Alfred, take
her to the kitchen and make her a drink.
31.

BARBARA GORDON
Wait, where are you going?

BRUCE WAYNE
I have something I need to take care of.

Bruce walks towards the aquarium.

CUT TO:

EXT. ROOFTOP -- NIGHT

Joker looks down from above at the city tearing itself apart.
He laughs.

Joker walks over to the two hostages. He takes the sack off
the kid and the sack off the woman, revealing- BARBARA GORDON
SR(MOTHER) and JAMES GORDON JR.

Theyre both crying.

THE JOKER
Oh, dont cry. It makes me sad when
people cry, I like happy faces. Smile!

They cant, theyre too scared.

Joker approaches James, he sits on one knee and pulls out a
card deck.

THE JOKER (CONTD)
Do you want to see a magic trick?

James looks at his mother.

THE JOKER (CONTD)
Shes not going to do a magic trick, so
why are you looking at her?

Joker puts his hand on James chin and gently brings his head
around so James is looking at him again. Barbara winces,
loudly, almost angrily.

THE JOKER (CONTD)
Now, this card here, the black one. Is
a five of spades.
32.

Joker shows him the card.

THE JOKER (CONTD)
But I can change its colour.
(Beat, to Goon #1)
Ill need you, come here.

Goon #1 walks over.

THE JOKER (CONTD)
This is a tricky magic trick, James so
pay close attention. You see, this trick
has to be done just right or it ends up
looking - messy.

Joker quickly slashes the card across Goon #1s throat. Goon
#1s throat is slit and blood pours out as he falls to a gasp
and finally to death. Joker smears the blood onto the card as
Barbara and James scream and cry loudly.

Joker shows the card to James, its now red.

THE JOKER (CONTD)
You see, magic!

Joker smiles as he sticks the bloodied 5 of spades in James
pocket. He then gets to his feet and walks to the edge of the
roof, he looks down over the city.

THE JOKER (CONTD)
Its funny how many people will come if
you say the right thing. HA, HA!
(Beat, pulls out phone)
Now to put on the fireworks.

Joker presses the GREEN BUTTON on the phones keypad. It
dials the number 1800-EXPLOSION.

Joker laughs again.

CUT TO:

EXT. GCPD PARKING LOT -- NIGHT

A woman unlocks her car. A second later- BOOM! The car, along
with twelve others BLOW UP in sequence. Shes killed.
33.

THE WINDOWS ON THE POLICE STATION ARE SMASHED.

INT. GCPD LOBBY -- CONTINUOUS

The explosions send shockwaves through the building. Knocking
the receptionist down, along with seven other office workers.

INT. CAPTAIN WALKERS OFFICE -- CONTINUOUS

Walker hears the explosions, he runs out of his door.

INT. GCPD LOBBY -- CONTINUOUS

Walker looks around. Theres dust and smoke all over the
place.

CUT TO:

EXT. GOTHAM CITY -- NIGHT

The SWAT trucks and cop cars EXPLODE as well. Sending many of
the cops and SWAT officers to the ground. Gordons car drives
up.

INT. GORDONS CAR -- CONTINUOUS

Gordon and Harleen look on, they see the chaos.

HARLEEN QUINZEL
Oh my god!

JAMES GORDON
Come on.

Gordon gets out of the car, Harleen quickly follows.

EXT. GOTHAM CITY -- CONTINUOUS

BOOM! The cop car explodes after a rocket hits it. Gordon and
a cop are knocked back, Gordon lands on the ground but the
cop is killed.

Harleen runs over and helps Gordon up.

HARLEEN QUINZEL
What do we do?
34.

JAMES GORDON
We need Batman!

EXT. ROOFTOP -- CONTINUOUS

Joker looks down from above, looking impressed. Laughing and
smiling, pointing at the chaos down below.

THE JOKER
I love this phone!
(Laughs)
Imagine if it was like this twenty years
ago. Things wouldve been much easier!

Joker looks over at James, he then looks at Barbara and
smiles.

THE JOKER (CONTD)
Now dont be a sourpuss, this interactive
stuff is only the beginning.
(Pulls out magnum)
Just wait for the finale!

Joker walks over to Barbara, but then checks his left wrist.
He has eight watches on, multicoloured.

THE JOKER (CONTD)
Its nine thirty, what am I forgetting?

GOON #1
Here, your medication.

Joker takes two pills from goon 1, Barbara and James look on
as Joker puts the pills in his mouth, but looks around
strangely. He gulps the tablets.

THE JOKER
Thats better.

Joker looks at James.

THE JOKER (CONTD)
I have a cold, it helps with the sneezing.

CUT TO:

35.

EXT. SIDE STREET -- NIGHT

Two homeless guys are standing in an alleyway warming their
hands over a barrel fire. One with a hat, one without a hat.

BATMOBILE SHOOTS PAST. Blowing the hat off the man.

The two men look at one another, theyre senile.

HOMELESS GUY #1
Did you just see that?

HOMELESS GUY #2
Youre hats on fire.

HG1 looks at his hat, burning away in the fire. Then looks
down the street.

EXT. GOTHAM CITY -- CONTINUOUS

The Batmobile continues hurtling through the city streets.

INT. BATMOBILE -- CONTINUOUS

Batman is looking at the monitor, hes following the road
that leads to Wayne Tower.

CALLIE (O.S.)
Dead end ahead, Bruce. Take a right.

BATMAN
Got it.

Batman turns the wheel right.

EXT. GOTHAM CITY -- CONTINUOUS

The Batmobile heads down the same stretch of street where
Gotham Bank is, he sees a white van parked outside, and the
alarm is going off. Theres no cops.

EXT. BANK OF GOTHAM -- CONTINUOUS

Two Joker mask wearing thugs emerge from the bank with bags
of cash in their grasp. The throw the bags into the van and
get in. As they do, they see Batman across the street.
36.

THIEF #1
Its the bat!

Thief 2 pulls out a heavy duty shotgun and starts firing upon
the Batmobile.

INT. BATMOBILE -- CONTINUOUS

Batman presses the red button on the hilt of the gearstick.

EXT. BANK OF GOTHAM -- CONTINUOUS

The Batmobile fires two BEAN BAGS at speed at the two men
from its headlights. The two thieves are laid out.

Batmobile screeches its tires and hurtles forward.

CUT TO:

EXT. GOTHAM CITY -- NIGHT

Gordon punches a Joker rioter in the face, Harleen shoots
one in the knee as he goes for her with a knife.

Harleen looks around, she then hears HELICOPTER BLADES. She
looks up, theres a chopper heading for the tower on the far
end of the street.

HARLEEN QUINZEL
Gordon!

JAMES GORDON
Can you handle it?

HARLEEN QUINZEL
Yeah, Ive got it.

Gordon tackles another rioter to the ground as the cops begin
to contain the riot. Harleen runs down the street towards the
tower.

EXT. ROOFTOP -- CONTINUOUS

Joker stands there, he watches as the helicopter lands on the
helipad.

37.

Joker turns to Barbara and James, he bows to them.

THE JOKER
Thank you for your - company, but I
must be going now. My men here will take
care of you.

GOON #1
Youre not going to kill them?

THE JOKER
(Shoots goon 1)
What sort of man do you think I am?

Joker sticks an envelope into Barbaras pocket, he smiles.

THE JOKER (CONTD)
Pass that on to your husband, will you?
Ta, my dear.

EXT. GOTHAM CITY -- CONTINUOUS

Gordon slaps the cuffs on another rioter, he looks at the
cops who seem to have everything under control.

Gordon takes out his mobile phone, he dials a number.

JAMES GORDON
Damn it, Barbara, pick up.

EXT. ROOFTOP -- CONTINUOUS

Joker enters the chopper, but Barbaras phone rings. He hears
it and steps out, looking at Goon 2.

THE JOKER
I thought you took their phones?

GOON #2
That was Johns job.

Joker shoots G2. Barbara and James cry, in fear.

Joker reaches into Barbaras pocket, he pulls out the phone,
flips it open and puts it to his ear.

38.

THE JOKER
Hello?

EXT. GOTHAM CITY -- CONTINUOUS

JAMES GORDON
Barbara, is that you, theres a lot of
disturbance.

EXT. ROOFTOP -- CONTINUOUS

Joker muffles the phone.

THE JOKER
Power it down!

The helicopter powers down until theres silence.

THE JOKER (CONTD)
She cant come to the phone right now,
can I take a message?

EXT. GOTHAM CITY -- CONTINUOUS

JAMES GORDON
Who is this?

THE JOKER (O.S.)
Lets just say, I like jokes.

JAMES GORDON
No. Where are they!?

THE JOKER (O.S.)
The tower on Bleak street.

JAMES GORDON
Im on Bleak Street!

THE JOKER (O.S.)
Then you should hurry. Bye.

Gordon realises, he pockets the phone and runs towards the
tower in the distance, the same tower Harleen went to.

EXT. ROOFTOP -- CONTINUOUS
39.

Joker hangs up the phone.

THE JOKER
Youre knights coming to rescue you.
(Laughs)
I guess the finale has arrived.

Joker pulls out a gun. He grabs Barbara by the hair and drags
her towards the chopper, which powers up again.

He keeps her as a human shield, and points his gun at the
door.

EXT. SANTIAGO BAR AND GRILL -- NIGHT

Batman drives down the street, hes getting closer to
downtown Gotham when all of a sudden- BANG! A gunshot sounds.

Batmobile parks, door opens and Batman steps out. He sees a
man emerge from the bar and grill. Hes wearing Jokers
costume, his face paint, hes identical.

BATMAN
Joker!

FAKE JOKER
Well if it isnt the Batman.

Batman takes two baterangs from his belt, he throws one. FJ
dodges and he throws another. It hits FJ in the face and
knocks him back against the car. Batman runs over, grabs FJ
who slashes a knife through his armour. But it hits the steel
plating.

FJ grabs Batman and throws him into the passenger side window
of the car, smashing the window as Batmans head goes through
it.

FJ punches Batman, then tries to stab Batman in the throat,
Batman grabs FJs wrist before the knife contacts his throat
and pushes it away. Batman knees FJ in the stomach, and then
cracks him over the back of the head with his elbow.

FJ falls to the ground, laughing. Crawling to the curb where
he looks up at Batman.

40.

FAKE JOKER
You really are thick.

BATMAN
Your games are over.

FAKE JOKER
Theyre not my games, Batman.

FJ wipes off the face paint, revealing no scars. Batman steps
back, and gasps.

FAKE JOKER (CONTD)
You should see the look on your face.

BATMAN
Where is he?

FAKE JOKER
Well he wouldnt be robbing a bar and
grill, now would he? Right this minute,
your friend, that cop Gordon. Hes going
to be seeing something - terrific.

BATMAN
(Grabs FJ)
Where is Joker!

FAKE JOKER
(Laughs)
You cant save them both. One is going
to die tonight, but who?

BATMAN
Tell me where they are!

FAKE JOKER
The tower on Bleak Street. Better be quick,
the boss is likely pressing the trigger as
we speak.

Batman punches FJ so hard that it knocks him out. Batman runs
over to the Batmobile and gets in. He drives down the street.

CUT TO:

41.

EXT. ROOFTOP -- NIGHT

Harleen bashes through the door, Joker pulls the trigger and
shoots her in the shoulder. She hits the deck, but can still
move.

THE JOKER
Ah, err - oops.

Harleen sits back against the wall, clutching her shoulder.

THE JOKER (CONTD)
Who are you?

HARLEEN QUINZEL
(Reaches for gun)
Im-

THE JOKER
Ah, ah, hands off the gun.
(Beat)
Give me one good reason why I shouldnt
shoot you in the head.

Gordon comes through the door, he sees Harleen on the deck.
Blood dripping from her shoulder. He sees James, bound and
tied on his knees and he sees his wife in Jokers clutches.

Gordon aims his gun at Joker, who places his gun at Barbaras
head.

JAMES GORDON
Let her go, Joker. Shes nothing to do
with this.

THE JOKER
Well you are, and this was the only
way to grab your attention. It wasnt
my plan to still be here, I left a little
note in your wifes pocket. But when you
called - OH - I just had to stay. Youre
supposed to be dead, and if it werent for
the Batman you would be.

JAMES GORDON
Fine! Kill me instead! Just let her go.
42.

THE JOKER
Throw your gun over the edge.

Gordon does it without hesitating. He then throws Harleens
gun away and faces the Joker with his hands up.

JAMES GORDON
Okay, now let her go.

THE JOKER
(Laughs)
I was never going to kill her.

Joker aims his gun at the young James, he pulls the trigger.
JAMES is shot in the chest, blood spurts onto the rooftop.
James lifeless body falls back against the ground.

JAMES GORDON
No!

Barbara screams. Joker kisses her on the cheek and THROWS HER
AWAY. Harleen looks on, helpless and shocked.

Gordon and Barbara tend to James, who is dead. Joker gets
into the helicopter, he does a HATS OFF pose and laughs
before the helicopter takes off and flies away.

Harleen cuts Barbaras bounds, Barbara takes her gag away and
she cries in pure pain and agony over her sons death.

JAMES GORDON (CONTD)
(Crying)
No, no. James, Im so sorry, this is all
my fault. I- I, NO!

Gordon cradles James, Barbara has her head on James still
warm chest, crying her eyes out.

Harleen sheds a tear, and a dark figure emerges from the
doorway. Its Batman, but hes too late.

HARLEEN QUINZEL
Gordon.

Gordon looks at her, he then sees Batman.

43.

JAMES GORDON
(Angry)
My son is dead, where were you?!

BATMAN
(Sincere)
Im sorry.

JAMES GORDON
NOT GOOD ENOUGH!

Batman looks at James corpse. He bows his head.

JAMES GORDON (CONTD)
You saved me! Why didnt you save him?!

BATMAN
Im sorry, Gordon. Im so sorry.

Batman turns away, he walks off. Harleen is still clutching
her shoulder, Gordon and Barbara continue to weep over their
dead son.

EXT. ALLEYWAY -- CONTINUOUS

Batman steps into the alleyway where the batmobile is parked.
He sees the Woman in Pink standing there, he walks over.

WOMAN IN PINK
Dont feel regret, it was not your fault.

BATMAN
What would you know about anything lady?

WOMAN IN PINK
I know more about you than you think,
Bruce.

Batman looks at her, she smiles and walks down the alleyway
into darkness. Batman looks on, confused.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. THE BATCAVE -- TIMELESS

Bruce is sitting on his chair. Watching the news.
44.

VICKI VALE (O.S.)
After the riots that took Gotham by storm
last night, the police have issued a
statement concerning the safety of our
streets. They have said, that the Joker,
the man responsible for the riot, is still
on the loose and that this is still a
dangerous time for all of us here in Gotham.
Detective James Gordon, is in mourning today
after the death of his son at the hands of
the Joker...

Bruce mutes the volume. He sighs and puts his hand to his
head as Alfred enters the room. He puts his hand on Bruces
shoulder.

BRUCE WAYNE
I couldnt save him, Alfred.

ALFRED
You did what you could, but sadly it was
not enough. You cant blame yourself.

BRUCE WAYNE
I cant do this anymore, Gordons son
is dead because of me.

ALFRED
This is why you must sir.

Bruce looks at Alfred and listens.

ALFRED (CONTD)
That man has done unspeakable things. He
needs to be brought to justice and you are
the only one, who can do it. Gotham needs
you, they need Batman.

Bruce looks at the Batsuit, he sighs.

BRUCE WAYNE
Has Gordon called?

ALFRED
Yes.

45.

BRUCE WAYNE
When is it?

ALFRED
Tuesday, at three oclock.

BRUCE WAYNE
Thanks, Alfred.

Bruce leaves the Batcave.

INT. BRUCES BEDROOM -- DAY

Bruce sits on his bed and looks at a picture of his mother
and father smiling. Hes only a baby in the picture.

BRUCE WAYNE
What do I do?

Bruce continues to look at the picture. He rubs his forehead.
Bruce turns to the wall, where he sees a picture of Joker in
the newspaper clippings hes been collecting lately.

Bruce walks to the wall. He stares at the Jokers picture.

BRUCE WAYNE (CONTD)
(Convicted)
I will find you.

CLOSE ON: Jokers picture

FADE TO BLACK:

RUN CREDITS