The Joker (Gotham Eternal)

Episode 3 of the first season of Gotham Eternal. After discovering the existence of a drug called "Smylethesia", Batman now has a lead onto his Joker case: Hugo Strange, with some help from Catwoman. Meanwhile, Jason decides to take matters into his own hands as the Red Robin, running into Batgirl, Red Arrow and Cheshire.

Cast

 * Robert Pattinson as Batman/Bruce Wayne
 * Zoe Kravitz as Catwoman/Selina Kyle
 * Sophia Turner as Batgirl/Barbara Gordon
 * Ken Watanabe as Hugo Strange
 * Adrien Brody as the Joker
 * Dylan Minette as Red Robin/Jason Todd
 * Jim Caviezel as Black Mask/Roman Sionis
 * James Caan as Carmine Falcone
 * Deanna Dunagan as Dr. Leslie Thompkins
 * David Tennant as Dr. Johnathan Crane
 * Guest Starring Tye Sheridan as Red Arrow/Roy Harper
 * Guest Starring Jamie Chung as Cheshire

Story
Note: The events of Jason Todd’s B Plot take place the night after the events of Batman’s A Plot. Some characters will interject in both plots, just keep note that they are in different time periods.

Batman drives through Gotham’s streets. He has a face of determination. Memories replay through his head as he drives.

Harvey Dent

Get out!

Hugo Strange

Have you ever considered this is your fault Batman?

Jason Todd

One of these days you’re gonna get overwhelmed Bruce. Maybe then you’ll get your head outta your ass

Batman takes a sharp left, and arrives at the gates of Blackgate Penitentiary. He gets out and walks into the prison.

TITLE CARD

Hugo Strange is being moved back to his cell by guards. They grab onto his arms while he’s moved back to his cell.

Hugo Strange

Careful. CAREFUL! Simpletons.

He’s thrown back into his cell, and the guards lock up the door. Hugo sits down on his bed, reading a book.

Hugo

Dylan! I’d like a water. Dylan?

The room turns pitch black as the light cuts out. Once the lights flicker back on nobody is in the cell or any surrounding cells. Batman stands behind Hugo.

Batman

Strange.

Hugo jumps back, a little startled

Hugo

Batman? What a pleasant surprise..

Batman

The drug you used on me in the Asylum. Who manufactured it and how? Where are they?

Hugo

And how would this exchange of information benefit me?

Batman

I won’t rip your larynx out of your throat.

Hugo

Batman! This charade doesn’t fool me. If you were to kill me, you would’ve done it at the asylum.

Batman throws Hugo against the jail bars.

Batman

TALK TO ME DAMNIT! OR I SWEAR TO GOD-

Hugo

Calm yourself! In the case of this very situation, I knew next to nothing about any of my suppliers.

Batman

You said next to. What do you know?

Hugo

I know he had his goons sell it to me inside the Gotham Cathedral, that’s all you brute.

Batman

Inside?

Hugo

He was a man of theatrics, apparently.

Batman

If you’re lying to me Strange, I know where to find you. And as you can see, I know how to get in.

The lights turn back off, and then shutter on again. Batman is gone.

In his room, Jason Todd stares at the ceiling. He feels stuck in the house, and he’s sick of it. He finally decides to go out on patrol despite what Batman says, but if he can’t be Robin, he’ll be something else. He heads down to the Batcave and finds the armory.

Jason

Jesus..

Alfred

Master Jason. Taking a stroll around the cave?

Jason

Alfred! It’s uh- it’s not what it looks like

Alfred

No, it’s exactly what it looks like.

Jason

God, don’t tell Bruce man. Please

Alfred

Do not fret lad. I.. I happen to agree with your urge to crusade. You remind me of a young Bruce. Full of anger, resentment, only one thing to help him get rid of that.

Jason

Wow. Alfred, I don’t know what to say

Alfred

You don’t have to say anything. In fact, you shouldn’t. This conversation never happened. I’d also advise you to look at the design journal over there. Farewell Master Todd.

Alfred leaves the Armory. Jason looks inside the book and finds a prototype design for a Robin outfit, two utility belts connecting to a circular symbol in the middle, a cowl like Batman’s without the ears, and a cape. Jason smiles, he knows what he needs to get to work.

He assembles the costume, attaching the utility belts to the symbol, using an old prototype Batman costume cowl (without any ears), a red Robin top with black pants. He looks at the costume with pride.

Jason

Heh. Who needs Batman.

Jason stands on top of a rooftop as the Red Robin, surveying the city and ready to stop crime.

Batgirl

Who are you?

Jason turns around and looks up at Batgirl

Red Robin

Uh.. who’s asking?

Batgirl

What? That’s Batman’s tech on you, all of it. Who are you?

Red Robin

The.. Red Robin?

Batgirl

Unmask yourself.

Red Robin

You first

Batgirl brings out batarangs and prepares for a fight

Red Robin

Okay wait! Jesus..

Jason unmasks himself to Barbara

Batgirl

Jason?? What the hell are you doing out here? What are you wearing?

Red Robin

Relax, I’m on patrol. Got a lead, something’s going down over at the Falcone Mansion.

Batgirl

Yeah, my lead! Does Batman know you’re out here?

Red Robin

He doesn’t need to. He’s doing his business, I'm doing mine.

Batgirl

Except it’s not your business, it’s mine. God, whatever. We’ll stake this place out together, the sooner we finish this the sooner you go back home.

Red Robin

Whatever you say.

Red Arrow

Mind if we join in on the fun?

Batgirl and Red Robin turn around to find Red Arrow and Cheshire.

Cheshire

Bad time?

Catwoman walks through a seedy area of Gotham, in her civilian clothes as Selina Kyle. She’s making her way over to her jeweler who also gives information on jobs. A stranger catcalls, she keeps walking.

Stranger

Aye miss? Where you going?

She keeps walking.

Stranger

You’re not just gonna ignore me, are ya?

She keeps walking.

Stranger

Listen here, bitch

He grabs her arm, and she punches him in the face. His other friends swarm her, and she manages to beat them and ward them off, hurting them greatly in the process

Man

Selina! You’re scaring my customers away!

Selina

Chris! I was just on my way to see you.

Chris

No, no more! You’re bad for business lady, I’m trying to run a refined establishment here

Selina

Cmon Chris

Selina shows him a pouch of stolen jewels

Selina

I can make it worth your while.

The two sit in his office, talking shop.

Selina

They’re legit Chris. Now what do you have for me?

Chris

Pendleton Jewelers. They’re just getting a new diamond in, pretty-

Selina

None of that weak shit, Chris. You promised me the big one.

Chris

* sigh* You’re aware of the heat that will be on you if you screw this up right?

Selina

When aren’t I?

Chris

Fine. Gotham Cathedral, the Priest’s robes.

Selina

You’re joking.

Chris

I wish I was. It’s from the oldest times in Gotham, handsewn by the Elliots and given as a gift to the Church. Lined with pink diamonds across the seam, it’s the most valuable thing in this dump. Worth at least $73 million.

Selina

.. What’s my window?

Chris

That’s what’s so great about it, there’s virtually no security presence. Can you believe the church thinks religion is enough to protect that item? And they’re right too! Half the city doesn’t even know how much it’s worth.

Selina

$73 million just sitting there with no security.. seems too good to be true Chrissy.

Chris

Hey you can take it or leave it, I just want my cut.

Selina

Hm. Quite the businessman. I’ll see you tonight, with the clothes.

Selina leaves, and Chris watches her. Black Mask approaches from the back of Chris.

Black Mask

You did good Chris.

Chris

Just tell me you have my money, I didn’t just sell out the most dangerous woman in Gotham for nothing

Black Mask dumps a shoebox full of cash on his desk.

Black Mask

When this is done, I’ll rule the underworld. You’ll be very comfortable with your status in my new kingdom. Have a good night Chris.

Black Mask walks out of the store.

Batman stares at the Cathedral from a rooftop. As he’s about to go down, he sees a streak run across a nearby rooftop. Batman closes in to investigate. He sees Catwoman entering the chapel doors, and he swoops down to confront her. He enters behind her before the door can close.

Batman

I didn’t take you for a religious woman.

Catwoman

God! And I didn’t take you for a stalker!

Batman

What are you doing here?

Catwoman

Like you said, Batman, I’m just going to church

Batman

At 1 in the morning.

Joker

Silence!

Suddenly, the two are grabbed by goons and sprayed with knockout gas. Joker is shown at the altar, dressed in the same ceremonial Priest cloth

Joker

The Sermon has begun. Hehe.

Batgirl and Red Robin face off Red Arrow and Cheshire on top of the roof.

Red Robin

Who are you two?

Red Arrow

I’m a friend of Robin’s. Who’s style you obviously jacked

Red Robin

Please, I don’t have to take shit from this Green Arrow knockoff

Red Arrow

Oh so you do know who I am

Cheshire

Enough, boys. I assume you two are following that anonymous tip I sent to the GCPD?

Batgirl

That was you??

Cheshire

Yeah. I was hoping for the Batman. Guess I’ll stick with his sidekicks instead

Red Robin

I’m not a-

Batgirl

Red Robin. Enough.

Red Arrow

Red Robin? (Chuckling) Is he serious?

Cheshire

Aren’t you the Red Arrow? Or would you prefer I stick to Speedy

Red Arrow

Touché.

Batgirl

So what, you wanted our help getting in? What’s your aim here?

Cheshire

I can’t be a concerned citizen?

Batgirl

I dunno..You don’t seem the type.

Cheshire

Fair. They have sensitive information on me. On my family. If we leave it in their hands, I’ll have no choice but to do what they say, and I’m a very dangerous woman.

Red Robin

That’s all great, but how are we supposed to get in there?

Batgirl, Red Arrow, Cheshire

Vents.

Red Robin

Perfect.

Cheshire

Make it to the control room and you’ll be fine, we just need the one data chip.

Red Robin

You got it.

Red Robin grapples over to the building

Batgirl

Wait!

Red Arrow

We didn’t even plan yet..

Batgirl

He’s new.

Cheshire

I like him.

Cheshire jumps over to the building, and Red Arrow and Batgirl follow. They each enter vents and drop down in a hallway across from the control room. It’s locked down with armed guards. They find hiding positions outside the guard POV. They whisper to each other.

Batgirl

Well this is just great.

Red Robin

What now?

Batgirl

I dunno! I could’ve found out if you let us plan.

Red Arrow

You guys talk to much.

Red Arrow shoots an EMP arrow towards the guards, disabling their guns. Cheshire then claws them in their faces and throws them over the staircase.

Batgirl

Are you crazy?

Cheshire

Relax, they’re not dead.

Batgirl

No, but now the whole house knows we’re here.

Cheshire

Which is exactly what I needed

Suddenly, they’re surrounded by the Falcone mob. Roman Falcone himself steps up the stairs and hands the data to Cheshire.

Falcone

All the information on David Cain that you need.

Batgirl

David Cain? You mean Sportsmaster?

Cheshire

Yeah.. figured it was time to pay dear old Dad a visit. Needed the Batman here but, well like I said. His pets will do.

Red Arrow

Cheshire! I trusted you.

Cheshire

Oh I know you did, Speedy. And what a mistake you made. Tata!

Cheshire leaps out of an open window and disappears.

Red Robin

Great. Now what?

Batgirl

Now we surrender

Red Robin

What??

Batgirl and Red Arrow put their hands up, and lay their weapons down.

Falcone

Cmon kid. Make like your big brother and sister.

After contemplating, Red Robin does as he says. Frustrated.

Batman and Catwoman are unconscious and handcuffed to metal chairs. Joker and some goons are in the basement. A goon approaches Batman.

Goon

Let’s see what he looks like under the mask..

Joker

Woah!

Joker shoots a prop gun that says BANG! It doesn’t release from the chamber. The goon gets scared

Joker

Let’s not get too ahead of ourselves, shall we? Now, did you like my joke?

Goon

Of course boss!

Joker

Good!

Joker shoots the goon in the head with the BANG! prop. It pierces through his skull.

Joker

Because it’s the last one you’ll be hearing.

Goon #2

Ha! Good one boss!

Joker

Oh you liked my toy gun? I have a real one too, wanna see?

Joker grabs out a pistol from inside the robe and shoots the goon in the head

Joker

Never did much like a suck up. Now, let’s see what the Bat and Cat are feeling, shall we?

Joker douses water on both Batman and Catwoman

Joker

Wakey Wakey!

Batman

(Gasps) Joker? Where are we?

Joker

Batman! It’s nice to finally meet you again! You know, it’s been almost 2 years since you put me away for that bank robbery?

Batman

What do you want Joker?

Joker

I just want to catch up! Show you how far I’ve come!

Catwoman

Well, this seems more like a personal thing, so if you can just let me outta your hair I’ll-

Joker

What? Leave without these threads? Don’t you like em? I’m wearing $73 million on my body missy.

Catwoman

And how would you know that?

Joker

Let’s just say.. well you need better friends! Haha!

Batman

Leave her out of this Joker.

Joker

No can do Batsy! See my business partner seems to have some business with Ms. Kyle as well! Isn’t that right?

Black Mask

Right as rain.

Catwoman

Sionis? What the hell, let me outta here!

Black Mask

You stole from hundreds of thousands from me! Nobody steals from the Black Mask.

Catwoman

Only hundreds of thousands? Sheesh, I’ll have to up my game.

Black Mask

I just wanted to see your pretty face one last time before you have to leave. Permanently.

Black Mask squeezes her cheeks w two fingers.

Black Mask

I’d watch but, I have a politician to control. Joker you know what to do.

Batman

Politician?

Joker

Didn’t you hear Batman? Mayor Hill has a new point of view. Let’s see what’s on the Telly!

Joker turns on the TV, and Mayor Hill is speaking.

Hill

-that’s why I plan to outlaw all vigilantes! The Justice League has no sanction here, therefore Batman works under his own law!

Joker

What a riot! You know I don’t usually like these politician types but I gotta hand it to old Hilly.

Batman stares at him in anger.

Joker

So serious! My Lord! Oops. Haha! You see Batman, me and you we’re the same coin, just different sides. Light vs Dark, Order vs Chaos, Bland vs Colorful. We’re night and day you and I! And right now, we’ll youre the head of that coin. You represent what Gotham believes it stands for. I’m the tail. The soon to be king of the underworld. The Clown Prince of Crime. And well, the tail sometimes gets sick of being left at the bottom.

Catwoman

So that’s it? You just want to flip the city upside down?

Joker

Wow Catwoman! Don’t remember asking you to speak, but you’re half right!

As Joker is talking, Batman is picklocking his handcuffs

Joker

As an up and coming self made Pharmaceutical, I’m producing what you probably know by now as Smylethesia. The thing is, my current product is very.. Low yield. Enough to get you a high, sure, but I want true results. That’s where you two come in. My lab bat, and my lab cat. Shall we?

Joker brings out a perfume bottle, and aims it at Catwoman’s face

Joker

Ladies first.

Batman breaks out of the handcuffs, and throws the chair at a goon. Before he can reach Joker, another goon grabs him. Joker sprays Catwoman with the gas. Catwoman slumps over in her chair, then breaks out into uncontrollable laughter. Batman can only watch in horror.

Joker

HAHA!!! This is how Batman! This is how I’m going to get the entire city of Gotham to see things from my point of view for a change! Well, I would love to stay, but I have some marketing campaigns to run. Tata!

The Joker runs out of the basement, and the remaining four goons stay there with Batman. Batman is able to break the arm of one of the goons holding him, and throws him at a 2nd goon. He grabs the 3rd goon and throws him at a wall, finding the final goon and punching him in the face.

Catwoman

HAHAHAHHAA- BATMAN- HAHAHA- HELP- HAHAHAHA

Batman

It’s okay. You’ll be alright. Let’s get you out of here.

Batman clicks his headpiece.

Batman

Alfred?

Alfred

Master Bruce? Have you seen the news?

Batman

No time for that, get the Batwing over to Gotham Cathedral, and get Dr. Leslie Thompkins over to the Batcave pronto. It’s urgent.

Alfred

Right away sir.

Meanwhile, Red Robin, Batgirl and Red Arrow are all handcuffed in a boiler room.

Batgirl

Anybody good with picking locks?

Red Robin

Damn near out of mine..

Red Arrow

Question is, how do we get out of here? Security is crazy right now, armed guards swarming the place

Red Robin

Gee I dunno, maybe your girlfriend could help us. Oh wait.

Red Arrow

She’s not- (sighs) Listen just lay off kid. I’m figuring out some stuff.

Red Robin

Oh wow! Figuring out some stuff! Let’s let him figure out some stuff while we all rot down here

Batgirl

Leave him alone. He doesn’t want to be down here either.

Red Arrow

Damn right. I’m needed back in Jump City.

Red Robin

Jump City? You run with those Young Justice League blowhards?

Red Arrow

Yeah. Except that’s a working title, still figuring out a name and all that.

Batgirl

I’m sure Robin’s got that all figured out. Heh, control freak.

Red Arrow

You two got some sort of beef?

Batgirl

No, God no. I just know him well. First one in the Super business that I’ve met. Became my best friend. We dated for a minute, but eh. Wasn’t meant to happen I guess.

Red Arrow

Huh. And what are you, like his brother?

Red Robin

You could say that. Same mentor and whatnot. All being brought up by the Batman, well it makes you close as brothers get I guess.

Red Arrow

I get what you mean. Green Arrow’s no joke either.

Red Robin

What? Dude seems sick

Red Arrow

You would think that, but the funny man exterior’s all for show. Really he’s an asshole with a bow.

Red Robin

Wow. Wouldn’t have called that to be honest.

Batgirl

Guess you two have more in common than you realize. And I mean more than the overbearing father figures.

Red Arrow

Yeah. I guess we do.

Red Robin

Got it!

Falcone

Do ya now?

Red Robin gets in a fighting stance while Falcone does nothing.

Falcone

Relax kid. You’re free to go. All of you.

Batgirl

Yeah? What gives?

Falcone

Frankly, I don’t need the heat associated with three supers in my basement, even if none of you have powers.

Falcone snaps, and two men come in to free Batgirl and Red Arrow.

Falcone

Now go home quietly

The sounds of guns cocking in the distance

Falcone

Otherwise we might have to make a mess.

On a nearby rooftop, the trio stand and watch over the city.

Red Arrow

Can’t believe we just left like that.

Red Robin

Wasn’t much we could do. We’re heroes, not idiots.

Batgirl

Look at that, he is learning.

Red Arrow

Well, it’s been a blast I guess.

Red Robin

Hey uh, I’m sorry about what happened. Between you and that girl.

Red Arrow

Is what it is man. More, less backstabbing, fish in the sea.

Red Robin

I guess you’ve got a point there.

The two shake hands.

Red Arrow

It’s been fun. You ever need a hand, I’m in Jump City. You can look me up.

Red Arrow jumps off the building and grapples away. Batgirl and Red Robin watch.

Red Robin

So what next?

Batgirl

We go home.

In the Batcave, Catwoman is sedated on a hospital bed. Dr. Thompkins watches over her, giving her necessary fluids.

Dr. Thompkins

Okay, she’s fine for now. Whatever she’s been given is out of her system, but she should’ve been taken to a hospital.

Batman

I don’t think she would’ve wanted that. Besides, they wouldn’t know what to do with this. It’s all so.. new. I could give you information that I couldn’t trust with a hospital.

Dr. Thompkins

Well, let her rest then. And Bruce, be careful with your company from now on?

Batman

Noted. Thank you Doctor.

Dr. Thompkins

Not a problem. Take care Alfred.

Alfred

Good night, Doctor.

Dr. Thompkins takes the elevator upstairs, and leaves.

Batman watches over Catwoman, making sure she’s all right.

Catwoman

How many other girls do you watch over in your sleep?

Batman

Catwoman? How are you holding up?

Catwoman

I’m fine Batman, or should I say Bruce?

Batman

What are you-

Catwoman

I’ve been this way hundreds of times. The Wayne Manor estate. I guess I could tell you now that I was scoping out the place, never could quite get in though. Anyways, I recognized the drive, even if I was doped up and in a plane.

Batman

Hm. Great deductive reasoning Ms. Selina Kyle. I can do my research too.

Catwoman

Ha. So it seems you can.

Batman

Stay down here, you need to rest up before you can go on the move again.

Catwoman

Trust me I have no other plans. Whatever Joker did to me- well it really fucked me up.

Batman

Selina, why was the Black Mask working with Joker?

Catwoman

Hell if I know, I barely just met that maniac today. Seems like you two have a much closer relationship.

Batman

When you.. stole from him. Had he dropped any clues surrounding his real motive? What is he trying to gain?

Catwoman

I don’t know Batman, he’s a wannabe crime boss. Maybe working with that asshole is the only way to level up. Maybe he’s just as crazy as the lunatic. It really beats me.

Alfred

If I may add sir, Mayor Hill’s sudden announcement did seem rather suspicious

Batman

Right after Black Mask said something about having a politician to control. Is Hill in their pocket? Because this can’t be their endgame. Whatever Joker’s planning, I have a feeling it’s going to be big enough to change Gotham. For good.

End of Episode.

After Credit Scene
Black Mask is driving the Joker and Hugo Strange to a secret location.

Joker

Oooh, just wait to see what we have in store for you Strangey Baby!

Strange

More lunatics I presume..

Joker

Hey! You played your role in that church kerfuffle just as well as I did, and I rewarded you with freedom! Ya know it takes a loon to know a loon

Black Mask

Quit the yapping. We’re here.

The three exit the car and enter the secret warehouse. Bloody chainsaws lay around, rats scurry around the place, spiders everywhere

Black Mask

This place gives me the creeps.

Random Voice

Good. That was my aim after all.

A man with a knapsack/gas mask combination in his hands approaches the trio.

Joker

Friends, meet Dr. Johnathan Crane! The generous supplier of the main ingredient in my Smylethesia, and the stuff that knocked around the Batman back in Arkham!

Dr. Crane

Please, that’s far too generous. You can just call me the Scarecrow.

Episode End