Note: The inspiration for the Riddler's assumed identity in this episode is a result of:

A) the fact that Frank Gorshin was usually given a second personality for the Riddler to assume during his Bat guest appearances; and

B) Gorshin's appearing on Broadway in the 1969 musical "Jimmy" (in the title role of New York's scandal-plagued Mayor Jimmy Walker)

Also, this is a good opportunity to mention that the solution to the mystery of where the Riddler has hidden the submarines is contained in his riddles back in chapters 6 and 8 – it's a location that existed only on the 1960's Bat show. Anyone think they can deduce the answer?

"Still Wearing The Battered Top Hat, The Unbalanced Riddler Has Become Convinced That He Is The Mayor Of Gotham City. He Has Retained Enough Presence Of Mind To Find His Way Home To His Evil-Smelling Hideout. We Find Him There Now, Demanding To Be Served Crumpets And A Martini."

An irritated Whiskers entered the room carrying crumpets and a martini on a dinner tray. He set it before the Riddler. "Here you are, sir."

"Why, thank you, Betty," the Riddler replied. "But you forgot to curtsy."

Whitey exchanged glances with other the River Rats. "Uhh...Riddler, we wuz wonderin' where..."

"What did you call me? You will address me as 'Mr. Mayor' at all times!"

"Yes, Mayor Linseed. I'm sorry, sir."

"Linseed? What decade are you living in? I'm Mayor Talker...the man of the people...the politico of prohibition! I walk the walk and I talk the talk!"

"Mr. Mayor, we got a call from...uhh, the governor...about these missing submarines. Have you heard anything about that?" asked Whiskers.

"Submarines are a federal issue, not city. I don't see how I can help the man."

"Well, there's this bad man in town named Batman who's trying to steal these submarines, which is why it's so important that we find them."

"Oh, yes; that deluded fellow who's just determined to frighten everyone around him. I believe this Batman would scare the twelve apostles if he could. Perhaps it's time for me take an extended vacation in Europe until the things cool off here."

"But, Riddler..." Whiskers protested.

Refusing to respond to the name, the Riddler ignored Whiskers and sipped from his drink.

"There's nothing like a fine martini after working up a thirst addressing my throngs of admirers! I'd better pace myself, though – there'll be lavish festivities into the wee hours tonight in celebration of my re-election."

Fangs whispered to Whiskers. "Maybe if we bring out that spare green suit, it'll jog his memory."

Whiskers shrugged. "Worth a try. Let's try out some crossword puzzles, too."

"Hey there, Mr. Mayor," Fangs said, picking up a crossword puzzle magazine. "You wouldn't happen to know a six-letter word for an affliction of the hypothalmus?"

The Riddler perked up. Hearing a voice from the radio announce, "...and now, here's your favorite radio broadcaster, Barry Brown," Whitey turned up the volume slightly.

"Hello, citizens of Gotham," said Brown from a location that suspiciously resembled the den of his home. "Do you remember how I promised I'd get to the bottom of this Naval base lockdown? Well, I can now confirm, for those that are 'vitally interested', that it was caused by the theft of four nuclear submarines, each one loaded with a full complement of missiles. They were taken by none other than the Riddler, who easily outsmarted Batman in their latest battle of wits.

"The Riddler was temporarily incapacitated and detained, but soon fooled Batman again and is now back on the loose! Our 'Terrific Trio' didn't even bother to learn the location of the submarines from the Riddler before allowing him to escape! As if Gotham's law enforcement – and what passes for it - didn't err terribly in allowing the heist in the first place, they have now placed you, loyal listener - and every member of your family - in terrible danger! The Riddler is now free to exact vengeance on Gotham in any manner he chooses!"

It was a humbled super trio that gathered at Commissioner Gordon's office the following morning. The Commissioner gestured in exasperation at a pile of newspapers on his desk. The one at the top of the pile contained the blaring headline "Riddler Escapes With Nuke Subs". Only portions of the other headlines were visible beneath it, but the words "Panic", "Failure" and "Evacuation" were evident in equally large print.

"I've been fending off reporters all day," said Gordon. "And the Coast Guard still hasn't found any sign of the missing submarines."

"Unfortunately, neither have we," said Batman.

"We've got to find them – and quick, before the Riddler recovers his senses!" Robin said, smacking his fist in his palm.

"Wherever the Riddler left them, he hid them well," chimed in Batgirl. "Are we sure that he didn't return to Gotham by just sailing the subs back into port?"

"Sure! Like the Penguin's submarine did when they kidnapped the World Security Council," exclaimed Robin.

Gordon shook his head. "Ah, I'm afraid it won't be that simple. I've had every member of the force out combing the Gotham City coastline."

"Quite frankly, I'm stumped," admitted Batman. "Let's review what we've learned of the Riddler in the last 24 hours."

A long moment of silence followed.

"We know that he likes Cocoa Puffs," Batgirl offered. Another long pause.

"We know that his River Rat Gang has dropped out of sight," added Robin. "Probably skipped town."

"It also looks like we've run into a dead end with the Siren," said Batgirl. "She's just been skulking around the hospital grounds. She doesn't seem to have any more idea of where to find the Riddler than we do. I'll keep tabs on her for another day or two just to make sure."

"Hopefully, the Riddler is still as incoherent as when we left him babbling in the hospital," said Robin.

Batgirl tapped her chin. "There's a little bee buzzing in my bonnet and I don't like what it's telling me."

"I do hope that this incident won't cast any embarrassment upon the name of our fair metropolis," said the Commissioner

"Well, this city's populace is nothing if not resilient," Batman assured him. "And I'm sure the rest of the nation will have faith in us."

Chief O'Hara came bustling into the room. "Sor! The Society of Atomic Scientists just called! They say that due to the theft of the submarine missiles, they've decoided to change the hands of the Doomsday Clock! That's the clock that's set so's to illustrate how close the world is to nuclear catasturphe..."

Gordon nodded. "Yes, yes. Go on."

"And they're going to hold the ceremonial changing of the time tomorrow right here in Gotham City, with the television networks broadcastin' it loive all over the country!"

Gordon shook his head. "With multiple nuclear warheads in the possession of a clinically diagnosed schizophrenic, I fear the society will see no alternative but to set the hands to 11:59; a single minute away from the midnight hour denoting global Armageddon."

"I'll call to have the Gotham Civic Auditorium reserved for the ceremony."

"No, the civic auditorium is still undergoing renovations," said Gordon. "So, as with most public ceremonies, it will have to be held in the living room of stately Wayne Manor."