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