PART FIVE: A NEW DAY BEGINS
CAPTION: PRESENT DAY
INT: BLACKGATE PENITENTIARY, DAY – Richie is still standing at the door of his cell, looking over at Riddler. The guard is still standing behind him.
RICHIE:
Hi, I'm…
Riddler cuts him off, without even lifting his head from his work.
RIDDLER:
Richard Fincher, I know.
Riddler points to a cut-out article pinned to the wall, we can see that he is wearing bright green latex gloves, the headline reads "AMATEUR THEIF ATTEMPTS GCPD BREAK-IN"
RIDDLER:
I heard about your attempt to break into the GCPD evidence room. I was very impressed.
Richie is starting to feel a little more relaxed. He pushes his chest up, feeling proud of himself again.
RICHIE:
Why, thank you.
Riddler is still talking to Richie without turning to him directly.
RIDDLER:
I was impressed at how dim-witted you must be to attempt it in the first place.
The guard behind Richie chuckles to himself and pushes Richie by the shoulder into the cell.
GUARD #1:
Ha. Good luck kid.
As the guard goes to shut the cell door, Riddler yells back to him.
RIDDLER:
Guard Bishop, have you thought any more about my riddle?
The guard looks at Nigma, quite angry with him.
GUARD BISHOP:
No. And I'm sick of these games Nigma.
Riddler turns around and we finally see him in full view. His face is long and skinny, he wears small-round wireframe glasses and has red hair, which is receding.
RIDDLER:
"They are in us all but only some of us are in them?" It's quite easy, even for you.
Bishop is clearly angry at Riddler patronizing him and slams the cell door.
SFX:
SLAM!
GUARD BISHOP:
By the way, the warden wants an update on those cases.
Riddler looks down at his fingernails, rubbing them together like a posh English person; expressing that he is far too busy to do the warden's work.
RIDDLER:
Tell the warden I'll provide more clues when he delivers me a computer.
The guard puts both his hands up and grips the cell door bars, getting really frustrated with Nigma's lack of respect.
GUARD BISHOP:
We've had this discussion before Nigma; you're NOT getting a computer.
Riddler doesn't even flinch, he looks up at Bishop.
RIDDLER:
Then meet me halfway. How about a radio?
The guard is getting angrier and angrier. His grip is getting tighter on the cell door bars.
GUARD BISHOP:
I said no! We got you the chess set, be happy with that.
INT: PRISON CELL BLOCK CORRIDOR, DAY – Guard Bishop turns away from the cell, and yells back to Nigma as he walks up the corridor.
GUARD BISHOP:
Why not play with your new friend? Hehe.
INT: RIDDLER'S CELL, DAY – Riddler looks down at the chess set on his table.
Richie takes his belongings to the bunk beds against the back wall.
RICHIE:
Which bunk is mine?
Riddler turns back to his desk and resumes his work.
RIDDLER:
You will be taking the top bunk. That way I don't have to watch my back.
Richie puts his things on the top bed and then springs up in one move to sit on the mattress.
RICHIE:
Comfy.
He lies back in the bed and stretches his hands behind his head, staring at the roof and thinking to himself.
RICHIE:
Cells.
We see a close up of Riddler's mouth. He is smirking to himself.
RIDDLER:
What did you say?
Richie smiles as he talks, still staring up at the roof.
RICHIE:
The answer, to your riddle. It's "Cells".
Riddler looks up at Richie, impressed.
RIDDLER:
Perhaps not so dim-witted after all.
Richie sits up, dangling his legs over the side of the bunk and studies the wall in front of Riddler; looking over the wall of newspaper clippings.
RICHIE:
What are you working on?
Riddler goes back to his work.
RIDDLER:
Solving cases. The warden pays me with certain "benefits" if I help them decipher clues they can't seem to find.
Richie, still looking at the wall, has a confused look on this face.
RICHIE:
How do you do it?
Riddler sits back in his chair, a little flustered by all of Richie's questions.
RIDDLER:
All the evidence is here, it just takes a keen eye to join the pieces.
Richie jumps down from the top bunk and takes a seat on the bottom bunk. He sits with his elbows on his knees, really trying to interrogate Riddler.
RICHIE:
Can I ask why you do it?
Richie goes to grab one of the newspaper clippings from the desk, which Riddler is currently working on.
As he grabs the paper with his fingers, a pencil slams down hard on the desk, snapping the end. The pencil landed right in between Richie's fingers.
Riddler is still holding onto the pencil and looks over at Richie, he seems eerily calm.
RIDDLER:
Because without something to test my intelligence I'd go completely mad.
Richie's eyes widen momentarily out of complete shock, staring at the pencil that almost penetrated his hand.
He regains his cool, smirks and drops the newspaper clipping.
RICHIE:
Sorry, my bad.
Riddler grabs a pencil sharpener from the desk and starts to sharpen the broken pencil. He does the whole thing with great attention to detail.
Richie puts his hands down by his side and continues to exchange banter with Riddler.
RICHIE:
Could I help?
Riddler turns to Richie with his newly sharpened pen and holds it up like it were a knife.
RIDDLER:
Let's not confuse niceties with companionship just yet.
RICHIE:
OK, I know my boundaries. I'll leave you to it.
Richie jumps up to his bunk and starts flicking through a comic book.
Riddler looks up at Richie from the corner of his eye, he smirks to himself.
Wide shot of the two, Richie lying in bed reading and Riddler at his desk working. A voice comes from the PA speaker in the corner of the room.
Richie looks up from his comic and Riddler remains focused on his work, undeterred. Their cell door slams open.
SPEAKER:
Inmates, cell doors are now open. C-Block inmates have precisely two hours for exercise.
SFX:
CRRRCK
Richie closes his book and looks down to Riddler.
RICHIE:
Want to show me around?
Riddler doesn't even look up to respond.
RIDDLER:
I'm busy.
Richie is startled by a loud knock at their cell gate and props himself up.
SFX:
KNOCK KNOCK
Standing at the gate are five men staring at Riddler with their arms folded. They are not happy. They all have green Mohawks. We have seen them all before; they're the same men who worked with Riddler to break into Wayne Enterprises.
The one standing at the front of the group points to Riddler.
HENCHMAN #1:
Nigma, you slimy piece of trash!
Riddler does not even turn around. The men continue to yell.
HENCHMAN #1:
We heard you made a deal with the cops. Word is you've sold us out to save your own ass!
HENCHMAN #2:
Rat!
HENCHMAN #3:
You didn't think we'd find out?
The leader of the group starts to enter the cell and approaches Riddler.
Close up of the chest pocket of his overalls, where he pulls a make-shift knife. The blade is jagged and has green tape wrapped around the handle.
The henchman walks closer to Riddler holding the knife in front of him.
HENCHMAN #1:
I'm sorry to say you're not likely to make it for your court hearing.
Richie springs from the top bunk and kicks the knife away, taking the henchman by surprise.
The henchman swings a punch at Richie, which he ducks easily.
Richie kicks the henchman in the back and slamming his head against the bar of the cell gate.
The other henchman looks down at their man, now lying unconscious on the floor.
Richie stands in front of Riddler, who still hasn't turned around. Richie is standing with his arms extended forward and his fists clenched.
RICHIE:
Who's up next? I've got two hours of exercise to get through.
The other men do not hesitate, they prepare themselves to attack Richie.
Close up of a baton hitting hard against the cell door bars.
The henchmen all look over their shoulders, taken by surprise.
The prison guard from earlier is standing beside them, holding his baton and resting the top of it in his other hand.
GUARD #1:
What's going on here?
A view from the floor, Richie looks down at the ground with a look of panic.
The make-shift knife is lying next to his foot.
He quickly kicks it underneath the bunk bed. It slides along the floor and hits the wall.
The henchmen move to the side of the door and the guard stands in their place, looking down at the unconscious prisoner.
GUARD #1:
Somebody better have a good reason for this, or you're all going to the hole.
Without turning around, Riddler yells back to the guard.
RIDDLER:
This man was trying to welcome young Richie to the block, but as he entered, he slipped and hit his head against the bars. Nasty accident really.
The guard doesn't look convinced and looks at the other henchmen.
GUARD #1:
Is this true?
The henchmen all look at each other, and then nod in agreement.
HENCHMAN #2:
Yep, slipped.
HENCHMAN #3:
Clumsy.
The guard points his baton to down the hall.
GUARD #1:
Alright, I want all of you out in the yard while I call in the doc.
The henchmen walk away, two of them stare back at Richie and smiling in a threatening way.
HENCHMAN #2:
Guess we'll be seeing ya 'round kid.
The guard looks back at Richie and Nigma.
GUARD #1:
You two as well, I need everyone out while I clean up this mess.
Riddler yells back.
RIDDLER:
I'm in the middle of something here.
The guard slams his baton down on the desk in front of Riddler, inches from his hands.
GUARD #1:
NOW!
Riddler doesn't even flinch. He just shuts his book and sits back in his chair.
RIDDLER:
Fine. Richard, come with me.
EXT. PRISON YARD, DAY: Long shot of Richie & Riddler are sitting on the bleachers of a small grassy field.
RICHIE:
You could've at least said "Thanks" y'know?
RIDDLER:
I had the situation under control.
Richie smiles, laughing off the Riddler's sheer arrogance.
RICHIE:
Funny, it didn't look like it. They would have killed you.
Riddler looks out into the distance.
RIDDLER:
Unlikely.
Zoom out to show Riddler and Richie sitting next to each other. Richie is looking up at Riddler, sitting one step above, and Riddler looking ahead.
RICHIE:
So, is what they were saying true?
RIDDLER:
Which part?
Richie turns to Riddler. Riddler keeps looking ahead.
RICHIE:
That you've made a deal with the cops.
RIDDLER:
I used them as leverage, yes.
Richie looks straight ahead as well.
RICHIE:
But how could you just turn on your own men like that?
RIDDLER:
They know what their role is in this.
Close up of Richie looking up at Riddler, slightly confused.
RICHIE:
In what exactly?
Close up of Riddler's face, still looking ahead.
RIDDLER:
The bigger picture. They're merely pawns in this game.
Zoom out to show the two men sitting, Richie leans back with a confused look.
RICHIE:
Pawns?
RIDDLER:
Yes. A small sacrifice for what's at stake.
Richie sits himself up again, looking across the field.
RICHIE:
Hmm, well you'd better be careful. Looks like you've got some more friends coming.
Across the other side of the field a small group of men are walking across the field. One of them is leading the pack, a fat short man, and he is backed by a very tall, hulking man and three normal sized men.
Riddler and Richie look out at the field as the men approach.
RIDDLER:
Right on schedule.
We get a clear shot of the group standing before Riddler and Richie. The leader is PENGUIN, who is looking old and very fat. He looks worn and weathered; life in prison has not treated him well. He is balding on the top of his head but the hair he has is quite long and combed over the top. He is holding a shiny black cane and wearing a furry coat that is clearly not prison-regulated; it signifies he is working the system for his own benefit.
PENGUIN:
Nigma. Long-time no see, ay geezer.
Richie stands; ready to defend his new cellmate.
One of Penguin's men steps forward, IGNATIUS OGILVY. He is a giant man, with a bald head and a scar over one eye. He grins like a shark and looks ready to kill. He appears excited by the chance of a fight.
Richie and Ignatius stand face to face. Ignatius towers over Richie but Richie is not intimidated.
From behind them, Penguin yells over to Riddler.
PENGUIN:
Better tell your boy to stand down.
Riddler smiles; starting to admire Richie's bravery.
RIDDLER:
He's not my boy. This one picks his own battles.
Penguin conceits and looks at his man, instructing him to back away.
PENGUIN:
Ignatius stand down. We're here for business not pleasure.
Ignatius looks down at Richie and smiles with his sharp teeth.
IGNATIUS:
Lucky for you, kid.
Ignatius walks back and stands behind Penguin, who is now addressing Riddler.
PENGUIN:
It's good to see you again old friend.
Richie sits back down beside Riddler, who is now engaged in conversation.
RIDDLER:
Oswald, I have been expecting you.
Penguin extends his arms out and laughs back to his men.
PENGUIN:
Expectin'? Hopin' more like it.
Close up of Penguin's face.
PENGUIN:
I hear you've made yourself quite the outcast. We'eard your men turned on ya.
Richie perks up, surprised when he is brought into the conversion.
PENGUIN:
Apparently if it wasn't for this young whippersnapper, you might even be dead by now.
Penguin points his cane at Richie.
PENGUIN:
And what exactly is your name boyo?
Richie puts his thumb to his chest, taking pride in himself.
RICHIE:
Richard Fincher. But most call me Finch. Penguin holds his belly as though he is laughing.
PENGUIN:
Well Finch me boy, you're certainly not a betting man, are you?
Close up of Richie, clearly confused.
RICHIE:
Huh?
Penguin puts both hands on the head of his cane and looks down at the ground, sheepishly.
PENGUIN:
Well, it's just that not many people would hedge their bets on a dead 'orse.
Penguin looks up and points his cane towards Riddler.
PENGUIN:
Y'see, Nigma 'ere has a target on his back. And whoever is standing by 'is side'll likely end up in the ground next to 'im.
Penguin pulls a cigar and lighter from his pockets.
PENGUIN:
That's why I'm 'ere to offer you both a deal.
Close up of Riddler, who cuts Penguin off before he can even make the offer.
RIDDLER:
You want me to break you out of here in exchange for our lives.
Penguin looks up from the cigar he is trying to light, momentarily, surprised that Riddler has predicted his plan.
He then proceeds lights his cigar and smiles; realizing who he is talking to.
PENGUIN:
Haha. You always were too smart for your own good boyo.
Penguin takes a puff of his cigar and blows a big cloud of smoke.
PENGUIN:
Yes, that's precisely what I want.
Penguin walks closer to Riddler and Richie. Trying to make his case.
PENGUIN:
As I hear it, this deal you've made with the coppers, you've only got two weeks left until your 'earing.
We switch to a view from behind Penguin's back, with Riddler and Richie in view above either side of his head.
PENGUIN:
You 'elp me and I'll make sure you live long enough to enjoy your freedom.
Close up of Riddler.
RIDDLER:
I'd need to be outside to hack the system; I can't do it from here.
Penguin scratches his chin, thinking.
PENGUIN:
OK. So, do it when you get out.
Riddler seems confused, which is unusual for him.
RIDDLER:
But how can you trust me to go through with it?
Penguin holds his cane out, pointing at Richie.
Switch to Richie, the cane is sitting under his chin, almost touching his throat.
PENGUIN:
Because if you don't then we'll 'ave to see how tough little Finch 'ere really is.
Riddler looks down at the ground.
RIDDLER:
As I said, he's not my boy.
Penguin smiles to himself.
PENGUIN:
Come off it Ed. The way I see it, 'e's the only one standing by your side.
Penguin drops his cigar on the ground.
PENGUIN:
And regardless, I've still got a lot of friends on the outside.
He stomps the cigar out with his boot, they are surprisingly shiny.
PENGUIN:
Remember Gotham is still my city. You won't be able to fart on the outside without me 'earing about it.
Riddler looks up at him, unimpressed.
RIDDLER:
Charming.
Penguin holds his cane, a hand on each end.
PENGUIN:
So, we'll kill the Finch and then we'll come for you.
Riddler stands up and extends his hand to shake.
RIDDLER:
OK Oswald, you've got yourself a deal.
Close up of Riddler.
RIDDLER:
But I need at least one month after my release to get you out. Otherwise it will be too obvious.
Close up of Penguin, immediately negotiating the offer.
PENGUIN:
I'll give you two weeks before your boy 'ere gets it. A month and then we come for you. The choice is yours.
Riddler and Penguin shake hands, Richie is standing behind Riddler looking awfully confused.
RIDDLER:
Deal.
PENGUIN:
Good.
RICHIE:
Hang on fellas, I didn't agree to any of this.
Penguin turns and walks away. Ignatius stands and stares at Richie for a moment longer.
PENGUIN:
Consider yourselves under my wing until your release. No one will touch you.
IGNATIUS:
Kid, I hope for your sake Riddler follows through. Or I'll finish what we just started.
Close up of Richie, still not backing down.
RICHIE:
I'll be waiting.
Ignatius turns to catch up to Penguin.
Richie sits back down with Riddler, wide shot of the two of them.
RICHIE:
What the hell just happened?! Are you really going to help him escape?
RIDDLER:
Are you worried about him getting out, or that you might end up staying here with him?
Close up of Richie, trying to act tough.
RICHIE:
Penguin doesn't scare me.
Riddler smiles, knowing full-well that Richie understands the threat against him.
RIDDLER:
He should; those people are animals.
His face becomes more serious.
RIDDLER:
Penguin won't just kill you. He will make sure you suffer. I've seen it with my own eyes.
Wide shot of Riddler and Richie sitting side by side, both looking out at the field and not at one another.
RICHIE:
So, will you do it?
RIDDLER:
I will.
Richie looks over at Riddler.
RICHIE:
Thank you.
Riddler stands up, looking down at Richie with a stern look.
RIDDLER:
You shouldn't be so naïve. I'm not doing this for you.
RICHIE:
So why are you doing it?
Riddler peers out in distance with a sinister look on his face; as though he knows something we all don't.
RIDDLER:
Do you play chess Richard?
Richie looks up at Riddler, confused by his change in conversation.
RICHIE:
No, but you didn't answer my question.
Riddler puts his hands in his pockets, still looking out into the distance.
RIDDLER:
We've only got 27 seconds left of exercise, let's walk back inside and I'll teach you.
Wide shot; Riddler and Richie walk across the yard together.
RIDDLER:
I've got a few weeks left to determine whether you're a worthy opponent.
CAPTION: TWO WEEKS LATER
INT – PRISON CAFETERIA, DAY: Riddler and Richie are sitting alone at a steel dining table. There is no one sitting around them, indicating that Penguin has made it known they're not to be touched. They are both looking intently at a chess board in between them on the table.
Richie throws his hands up in celebration.
RICHIE:
Check! Finally!
Riddler smiles, still looking at the game and ignoring Richie's celebration.
RIDDLER:
Good, you're learning.
Richie still has a bit of smugness about him from his move and rests his chin on his hand.
RICHIE:
How many games have we played? Like, 500? That's the first time I've had you in check.
Riddler takes his move.
RIDDLER:
Yes, but you shouldn't celebrate yet. You need to be thinking ten moves ahead.
Riddler looks up from the board at Richie.
RIDDLER:
After all, isn't that how you ended up in here?
Richie looks down at the board, really thinking about his next move.
RICHIE:
That's different. This is just a game.
A view from Richie's side at table level; we view across the chess board through all the pieces, Riddler has his face down and is studying them.
RIDDLER:
That's where you're wrong. Gotham itself is just a giant game board.
Riddler holds out two pawns, one in each hand, one is black and one is white.
RIDDLER:
You see, white represents the law and black is the criminal underbelly. Both trying to outplay and outsmart the other.
Richie sits up, trying to decipher what Riddler is saying. He is a little confused.
RICHIE:
So, what about you and Penguin? Are you saying you're on the same side then?
Wide shot of Riddler and Richie at either side of the chess game. Richie is looking at the board, now with his hand on a piece about to make a move, Riddler is looking at Richie.
RIDDLER:
A couple of weeks ago you asked why I was helping him.
RICHIE:
I was wondering why you were helping me.
Richie sits back after making his move, they are now looking at each other.
RICHIE:
Your turn.
RIDDLER:
Yes, and I said back then I wasn't doing it for you. Because this is much bigger than you will ever know.
Close up of Riddler making his move. He knocks over a pawn with his bishop piece.
RIDDLER:
Unfortunately for you, you are also just a pawn in this much larger game.
Wide shot of Richie and Riddler, getting more heated in their conversation. Richie holds out his arms, a little offended by what Riddler is saying.
RICHIE:
I'm not a pawn. I make my own moves.
Riddler smirks.
RIDDLER:
Don't be offended. Pawns make up a majority of Gotham's population. They're essential.
Close up of Riddler pointing out the many pawns on the chess board, both white and black.
RIDDLER:
Pawns are the police officers and petty thugs. They work the front line.
Riddler moves one of his pawns, putting it right in the firing line of a bishop.
RIDDLER:
Pawns are crucial for winning. Richie smirks, looking down at the game.
Close up of Richie's hand moving his knight and taking out Riddler's pawn.
Riddler looks over at Richie and smiles.
RIDDLER:
But sometimes they also need to be sacrificed for the greater good.
Close up of Riddler moving his queen and taking out Richie's knight.
RIDDLER:
Ultimately, the important pieces are those working behind the front line.
Richie is angry at himself for not seeing that move coming.
RICHIE:
Damn it!
Wide shot of them both, Richie is now looking back at the board to try and save himself from trouble, and Riddler is still looking at Richie; lecturing him.
RIDDLER:
So, you see; having Penguin on my side, at least for a while, is part of the plan.
Close up of the black king and the black knight sitting next to one another on the board.
RIDDLER:
He considers himself the "King" of Gotham, but really, he's more of a knight.
Riddler is holding the white knight piece that he just took from Richie; studying it.
RIDDLER:
A knight is pivotal to how the game pans out.
RIDDLER:
And as we saw when Batman was killed, it's not entirely over once they're gone.
Wide shot of them playing the game, Richie is making his move and Riddler puts the white knight back down next to the board.
RICHIE:
Your move.
RIDDLER:
You see Knights, while powerful, are also disposable. And the best way to use a Knight is for distraction.
Close up of Riddler's hand moving his Knight piece.
Close up of Richie, now studying Riddler's moves. He is completely confused by this whole analogy but trying to make sense of it as he plays the game.
RICHIE:
This is all well and good, but where do I come in?
Large panel, wide shot of the two, they are both looking at one another – it's become a very serious conversation.
RIDDLER:
What I'm trying to explain is that the matter of you living or dying is not entirely relevant to me.
RIDDLER:
However, if I determine you might be useful later, then keeping you alive is a bonus.
RIDDLER:
And depending on whether Penguin can be trusted to play along, I'll keep him in play as well.
A guard approaches the table where Riddler and Richie are playing, they both look up, not expecting the interruption.
GUARD #1:
Nigma, what are you doing here? You're up for release today.
RIDDLER:
Yes, just finishing up.
Richie smiles in acknowledgement, and as he makes his next move on the chess board, he looks up at Riddler with one last question.
RICHIE:
OK, so one last question: in this metaphor, you consider yourself the king?
Riddler chuckles, standing up and looking down at the board.
RIDDLER:
No, of course not.
Riddler bends down, leaning in towards Richie to tell him something important.
RIDDLER:
I'm the one moving the pieces.
Riddler makes his last move on the board.
RIDDLER:
And that's why I'll always win.
Riddler stands tall.
RIDDLER:
Check mate.
Richie leans back in his chair, not even worried about the loss, just trying to make sense of what Riddler is saying before he leaves.
RICHIE:
You mean, because you're playing both sides?
Riddler stands next to the guard, who is looking down at the chess board and smirking to himself – impressed with Riddler's win.
RIDDLER:
No Richard, because I know how it will end before it's even started.
Riddler and the guard walk off together, Riddler looks back at Richie.
RIDDLER:
Try and remember that once this is all over.
Wide shot of the prison cafeteria, Riddler and the guard are walking towards the exit, Richie is sitting by himself. Some other inmates are a few tables over. Richie yells out to Riddler.
RICHIE:
You forgot your chess board!
RIDDLER:
Keep it, you could use the practice. Perhaps one day we'll play again.
Close up of Riddler exiting the room with the guard, we can see Richie in the back. Richie yells out behind him and Riddler smirks to himself – understanding that it's a hint Richie wants to escape with him.
RICHIE:
Perhaps in a week or two?!
INT: RICHIE'S PRISON CELL, LATE AFTERNOON – Richie is lying on his bed staring at the roof with his hands behind his head. He is thinking to himself.
RICHIE (THOUGHT):
I guess there's nothing to do but sit and wait.
EXT. PRISON FOOTBALL FIELD, DAY – Richie is running laps of the track by himself. He is sweating a lot, trying to keep in shape.
RICHIE (THOUGHT):
I've got no way of knowing if Riddler is going to live up to his end of the deal.
INT: PRISON SHOWERS, DAY – Richie is showering himself.
RICHIE (THOUGHT):
And even if he does, I've got no way of knowing if he'll bring me along.
INT: PRISON CORRIDOR, DAY – Richie is walking back to his cell alone, with the towel from his shower draped around his neck.
RICHIE (THOUGHT):
At least I'll have some time to myself before shit hits the fan.
INT: RICHIE'S PRISON CELL, DAY – Richie arrives at his cell door and is startled by whoever is inside.
RICHIE (THOUGHT):
Or maybe not.
Inside, Penguin is sitting at Riddler's desk facing Richie, and sitting up on the top bunk is his right-hand man, Ignatius, who is grinning at Richie's surprised look.
PENGUIN:
Finchy my boy, meet your new cellmate.
IGNATIUS:
'Ello.
Richie clearly doesn't believe them.
RICHIE:
Very funny. Now please get out.
Penguin walks up to Richie, standing face to face. Penguin is clearly much shorter than him but remains the more intimidating of the two.
PENGUIN:
Look here boyo, it's nothing personal.
RICHIE:
I don't need a babysitter.
PENGUIN:
Unfortunately, you don't have a choice.
Penguin makes his way out of the cell.
PENGUIN:
There's a chance Riddler might set you free and leave us here to rot, so for the next two weeks Ignatius here will be your shadow.
Richie walks up to the bunk and stares up at Ignatius, scrunching up his nose.
RICHIE:
Well if that's the case, can you tell him to take a shower?
IGNATIUS:
Watch it.
Penguin smirks to himself as he walks away.
PENGUIN:
Play nice boys. It's going to be a long two weeks.
CAPTION: DAY #1
INT: RICHIE'S PRISON CELL, DAY – Richie is lying on the bottom bunk; Ignatius is lying on the top bunk. They are both reading. Richie is reading a thick novel and Ignatius is reading a superhero comic book. Ignatius is laughing loudly, and Richie is looking up at him from the bottom bunk, unimpressed with the noise.
CAPTION: DAY #2
EXT. PRISON YARD, DAY – Richie is playing chess against another inmate. Ignatius is sitting right behind him; his large shadow is covering the playing board.
RICHIE:
Mind moving your big head out the way? You're blocking the light.
IGNATIUS:
You'd have better luck moving the sun.
CAPTION: DAY #5
INT: PRISON BATHROOMS, DAY – Ignatius is standing in front of a closed toilet cubical door, we can see Richie's feet under the door with his pants around his ankle.
RICHIE:
Is this really necessary?
IGNATIUS:
Your business is now my business.
CAPTION: DAY #10
EXT. PRISON GYM, DAY – Richie is laying on the bench press lifting weights. He is really struggling. Ignatius is standing above him with his arms crossed, unimpressed.
RICHIE:
If you're going to stand around, you could at least spot me.
IGNATIUS:
I don't need to work out.
CAPTION: DAY #14
INT: PRISON CAFFETERIA, DAY – Richie is eating in the cafeteria, at a table with Ignatius sitting beside him. Ignatius is not eating. It must be lunch because there are other inmates and guards all around.
Close up of Richie slouched down over his food, he is looking at the mushy food on the spoon, unimpressed.
A cane slams down on the table in front of Richie's food, Richie is startled.
Penguin and his men standing above him, Penguin's cane is still extended out and sitting on the table in front of Richie.
PENGUIN:
Sorry my boy, it appears your time is up.
Richie turns and looks up over his shoulder at Penguin. He doesn't seem concerned.
RICHIE:
You're not going to do anything here. There are too many people around.
Penguin spreads out his arm and looks out across the room.
PENGUIN:
Check again boy'o.
Richie looks back in front; there is now no one in the cafeteria at all. He seems impressed.
RICHIE:
Huh. Even the guards?
Switch back to Penguin, and by this time Ignatius has stood up and is now standing by his side with his arms crossed. He is happy that he finally gets to fight Richie.
PENGUIN:
Remember kid, I own this prison.
Richie is holding his plastic knife and fork up.
RICHIE:
Can I at least finish my meal?
Penguin has now backed away and is now lighting a cigar. Ignatius and two of Penguin's other men are standing behind Richie, Ignatius is grinning and rubbing his knuckles.
PENGUIN:
I'm afraid not. Make it quick boys.
Richie springs up and head-butts Ignatius under the chin with his head and simultaneously with his arms spread wide either side, he stabs the two other men with the plastic cutlery in their shoulders.
RICHIE:
Fine.
Richie uses the tabletop as a springboard, horse-kicking Ignatius in the chest and knocking him back.
Richie grabs the metal lunch tray from the table and blocks a punch coming from one of the other goons, breaking his hand.
He then uses the tray to hit the other goon in the face, knocking him out.
Richie stands holding the tray in his hand looking ahead at Ignatius. The two other goons are on the floor next to him, one knocked out and the other holding his broken hand.
RICHIE:
I've been waiting 2 weeks for this.
Switch to Ignatius who is taking off his shirt to reveal a huge muscular body covered in tattoos.
IGNATIUS:
That makes two of us.
Richie performs a backflip over the dining table as Ignatius leaps forward and throws down his fist, putting a huge dent in the metal.
SFX:
BANG
Ignatius grabs the table and throws it to the side into the wall.
IGNATIUS:
You're quick boy, I'll give you that.
Ignatius swings some more punches but Richie ducks and weaves them all.
Richie ducks under Ignatius' arm and elbows him in the back of the head.
Richie uses Ignatius' knee as a springboard and tries to jump over him.
As he does this, Ignatius grabs Richie by the foot, Richie is a little stunned.
Ignatius flips Richie and lifts him to the front. Richie is dangling helplessly by his foot.
Ignatius punches Richie hard in the chest and Richie flies back against the wall.
Richie lays on the floor in pain.
Ignatius picks him up by the throat and pins him against the wall. For the first time, Richie looks quite scared. He was not expecting this.
IGNATIUS:
But speed is useless against my strength.
Ignatius cocks back his fist, ready to finish Richie with one punch.
IGNATIUS:
I'm really gonna enjoy this.
Richie smirks.
In a sub-panel, we get a close up of Richie's hand, he is pulling a knife from his pocket – it is the same knife with the green handle that one of Riddler's men attacked him with.
RICHIE:
So am I.
Long shot of the two of them standing there, Ignatius with his fist cocked back and Richie with the knife in his hand ready to use it. They both look up towards the roof as a voice comes over the speaker.
RIDDLER (VO):
Hold it right there!
Penguin, still smoking his cigar, looks up at the speakers – he is angry.
PENGUIN:
Nigma, you're late.
RIDDLER (VO):
I believe it is you who are early. The two-week deadline ends tomorrow. Never-the-less, let's get this over with.
Ignatius lowers his fist and looks Richie in the eye.
In a sub-panel, Richie quickly slides the knife back into his pocket before Ignatius can see it.
IGNATIUS:
Lucky.
RICHIE:
For who?
Penguin walks over to Ignatius and Richie still looking up at the roof, unsure of who are where to speak.
PENGUIN:
Alright Eddy, how do we get out of here?
RIDDLER (VO):
You already got the guards out; I've locked the doors so they can't get back in. Head to the kitchen.
Penguin, Ignatius, Richie and Penguin's other two goons all walk towards the kitchen.
PENGUIN:
So, what, are we supposed to just walk out the front door?
RIDDLER (VO):
There is a delivery truck through the kitchen, which has just dropped off food supplies. In the back are some uniforms and the keys are in the ignition.
INT: PRISON KITCHEN, DAY – Penguin, Ignatius, Richie and the two goons are getting changed into food delivery uniforms.
RIDDLER (VO):
To make things a little easier, the guards will also have their hands full with the rest of the inmates.
INT: PRISON MAIN CORRIDOR, DAY – All of the prison cell doors unlock and swing open.
INT: PRISON CELL, DAY – A random prisoner looks at the open door, he is confused.
RIDDLER (VO):
All prison cells have now been unlocked, please feel free to riot.
The guards look at one another, they are also confused.
The random prisoner sticks his head out of his cell, now excited at what it means.
INMATE #1:
We're free!
EXT. PRISON YARD, OUTSIDE THE KITCHEN LOADING DOCK, DAY – Penguin, Ignatius, Richie and the two goons come out of the door and head towards a white food van that is parked. There is an alert playing over the prison speakers.
PRISON GUARD (VO):
Security breach! All guards please head towards Cell Block C! Prisoners have escaped!
The five men climb into the van, Penguin looks back at the prison and smiles to himself.
PENGUIN:
Eddy my boy! Good job!
INT. FOOD VAN, DAY – Ignatius is driving the van and Penguin is in the passenger seat. Richie is squashed between the other two goons in the back.
IGNATIUS:
How do we get through the gate?
The five men are startled when they hear Riddler's voice coming through the radio in the van.
RIDDLER (VO):
Open sesame.
EXT. PRISON YARD, DAY - A green light flashes on the gate and it opens up as the white food van speeds through.
RIDDLER (VO):
You see Oswald, I'm a man of my word.
INT. FOOD VAN, DAY – Penguin picks up the radio received and talks back to Riddler.
PENGUIN:
We're not clear yet Eddy. What about the police? They'll be onto us in no time.
RIDDLER:
Don't worry Oswald. I've sent the GCPD on a wild goose chase.
PENGUIN:
Good lad. So where to now?
Close up of Richie, completely shocked.
RIDDLER (VOICE):
Remember the night we killed Barbara Gordon?
Close up of Penguin's evil grin.
PENGUIN:
I remember.
EXT. GOTHAM CITY, DAY – The white food van speeds along a city road heading towards the outskirts.
RIDDLER (VOICE):
Good. I will meet you at the main base to get you set up and collect Richie.
EXT. GOTHAM CITY OUTSKIRTS, SUNSET - As the sun is going down, the truck is driving towards the entrance of a large sewer pipe. The hole is big enough for the truck to drive all the way in.
RICHIE (VOICE):
What is this place?
INT: FOOD VAN, NIGHT – Inside the van, Ignatius is driving, and Penguin is looking out the window. Richie is in the back looking at Penguin.
PENGUIN:
Were you alive when Batman returned to Gotham?
RICHIE:
I was, but not in Gotham.
Close up of Penguin looking out his window at the surroundings.
PENGUIN:
Well, this is where he was killed.
Richie's eyes widen, he is speechless.
PENGUIN (VOICE):
Riddler set up an elaborate maze in this sewer network, and we hunted 'im down.
Penguin smirks to himself thinking about it.
PENGUIN:
We strung 'im up just over there actually. Only to find 'ee was a she.
Close up of Richie's eyes, they are starting to glass over.
PENGUIN (VOICE):
Sad because I don't like killin' women, but the Bat had to pay.
One of Penguin's goons laughs to himself.
GOON #1:
She got what she deserved.
Richie's fists clench in absolute rage.
Richie looks over at the goon, trying to contain his anger.
RICHIE:
Did you check the back of the van for food?
GOON #1:
Nope, but that's a good idea. I'm starving.
INT. BACK OF FOOD VAN, NIGHT – Richie and the goon are both in the back of the van, searching through the shelves that are on either side.
RICHIE:
Find anything?
The goon keeps his eyes on the shelves but talks back to Richie.
GOON #1:
Nah, there's not much here. Won't last us long.
Richie stands up and faces the goon.
RICHIE:
It should last a bit longer with one less mouth then.
The goon looks back at Richie, his eyes are wide open in shock.
Richie leaps forward and fly kicks the goon, the goon flies backwards and busts through the back doors of the van.
View from behind Richie, as he looks out the open van doors and see the goon rolling along the ground in the distance.
Penguin and the other goon turn around in surprise to see what the noise was.
PENGUIN:
What the hell was that?!
Richie turns back towards them.
RICHIE:
He jumped. Said he was safer on his own. Should we stop and get him?
Penguin turns back to the front, not fazed by it.
PENGUIN:
Leave the coward. He'll struggle to find his way out of 'ere alive.
EXT. GOTHAM SEWER NETWORK, NIGHT – The food van speeds along one of the dark tunnels.
The truck arrives in the middle of a large room where all the sewer tunnels meet. There is a raised platform in the middle on the area, which is laid out like an office, with computers running along one side. There are crates of guns and ammo on the other side of the platform.
Penguin gets out of the truck and is standing in front of Richie and the other good. Penguin sniffs the air, and the goon behind him scrunches up his face.
PENGUIN:
Smell that boys?
GOON #2:
Sewer water?
PENGUIN:
No, you idiot, that's freedom.
Above them, Nigma leans out over the platform fence.
RIDDLER:
Ah good, you made it. Welcome.
INT. SEWER PLATFORM, NIGHT – Penguin, Ignatius, Richie and the other goon are now up on the platform to meet Riddler. Penguin has his arms out in welcoming fashion, and he is smiling.
PENGUIN:
Eddy my boy, you did well.
RIDDLER:
Well, a deal's a deal. It's not as though you gave me a choice.
Riddler motion behind his back at all the computers and guns ready to go.
RIDDLER:
As you can see, I've been busy getting this place set up. Everything you need is ready to go.
Close up of Riddler.
RIDDLER:
Now come Richie, we should be on our way.
Richie starts walking towards Riddler, happy to get away from Penguin and his men.
Close up of Ignatius' hand slamming down on Richie's shoulder.
IGNATIUS:
Not so fast.
Penguin walks up to Riddler, Riddler already knows what is happening and does not look surprised.
PENGUIN:
I 'ate to be there bearer of bad news Eddy me boy, but we can't let you leave just yet.
RIDDLER:
I should have seen this coming.
Penguin puts his hands on Riddler's shoulders affectionately, trying to console him. Riddler doesn't like being touched by Penguin.
PENGUIN:
No hard feelings okay. It's just that you've proved yourself very useful getting us out and it'd be a shame to not utilize those skills further.
Penguin lets go of Riddler and Riddler brushes his arm, as though to clean himself off.
PENGUIN:
However, this time, instead of busting us out you're going to help us bust in.
RIDDLER:
Where exactly would that be? Switch to Richie, whose ears prick up.
PENGUIN (VOICE):
The GCPD headquarters.
Penguin throws his arms up, becoming theatrical as he sells his pitch.
PENGUIN:
Think about it, they'll never see it coming. There are enough guns and ammunition in there to keep us strong.
Close up of Penguin's evil grin, he is basically licking his lips.
PENGUIN:
Perhaps we'll even take a few of 'em out along the way just to even the playing field.
Riddler has already stopped listening to Penguin and is over by one of the computers, he has already brought up the blueprint plans of the GCPD building.
RIDDLER:
Security will be tight.
Full width panel, with Riddler in front of a keyboard typing and Penguin looking at Riddler.
PENGUIN:
Are you saying it can't be done?
RIDDLER:
Anything can be done; I just need some time.
PENGUIN:
I'm afraid time is the only thing we don't have.
Penguin pulls his gold pocket watch from his waistcoat; it is attached to a thick gold chain.
PENGUIN:
We escaped at roughly sundown and drove most of the night. It's now almost morning. In the event of a jailbreak the local police have 48 hours to apprehend all fugitives before the FBI becomes involved. Which means we have less than 30 hours to take down the GCPD.
Riddler has his hands on the desk in front of him, his head is down, and his back turned to Penguin.
RIDDLER:
Nothing like a challenge. But then we're done?
Riddler and Penguin shake hands.
PENGUIN:
You 'ave my word.
Close up of Penguin, enthusiastically shaking Riddler's hand. Happy that it was so easy to persuade him.
PENGUIN:
Righ'o, now that's settled, what do you need to get started? Whatever you want.
Riddler crosses his arms and scratches his chin.
RIDDLER:
I weaken all men for hours each day.
I show you strange visions while you are away.
I take you by night, by day take you back, none suffer to have me, but do from my lack.
Penguin and his men, even Richie, are looking at Riddler completely baffled. It looks as though he wasn't even speaking English.
PENGUIN:
Huh?
Riddler rolls his eyes, sick of dealing with people who are beneath his intelligence.
RIDDLER:
Sleep. I need to rest.
Penguin pulls his cigar out of his mouth, quite angrily, and barks back.
PENGUIN:
Sleep?! You just said there was not enough time!
Riddler walks over to Penguin to reassure him it is no joke.
RIDDLER:
The adult brain operates at its optimal level with eight hours of sleep. I can do more in 4 hours with a full night's rest than 24 hours half-awake.
Penguin puts the cigar back to his mouth and dismisses Riddler.
PENGUIN:
Fine, get your sleep. You've got four hours. There's a cell downstairs with a bed. We'll keep you in there just in case you're up to something.
Ignatius puts his hand on Richie's shoulder.
IGNATIUS:
Hey boss, what about this one?
Penguin is trying to light his cigar with a lighter, not even bothering to look up.
PENGUIN:
Riddler spared his life, so he's free to leave. He's of no use to us.
Richie, knowing that he needs to stay by Riddler's side, tries to plead with Penguin.
RICHIE:
But I could be useful.
Penguin laughs to himself.
PENGUIN:
You've got spark kiddo, but Ignatius will likely break you in half if you stick around.
One of Penguin's henchman is trying to push Riddler towards his cell but Riddler isn't budging.
RIDDLER:
You might want to ask him how he ended up in prison before you send him away.
Penguin walks stands in front of Richie and asks inquisitively. Richie answers sheepishly.
PENGUIN:
So, what'd you do boyo?
RICHIE:
I was caught breaking into the GCPD.
Penguin breaks out in hysterical laughter.
PENGUIN:
HAHAHA. Well aren't you full of surprises?!
Penguin wraps his arm around Richie and walks with him. Richie looks relieved.
PENGUIN:
Why didn't you speak up sooner? You could come in very 'andy.
Penguin pushes Richie towards Riddler.
PENGUIN:
Put 'em in a cage together.
Penguin puts his cigar back in his mouth.
PENGUIN:
I don't trust either of them enough to walk around free.
CAPTION: HOURS LATER
Riddler is lying on a bed, fast asleep.
A hand shakes his shoulder and he opens his eyes, immediately annoyed.
RICHIE:
Nigma, wake up.
RIDDLER:
What do you want? I've only been asleep for 2 hours and 9 minutes.
Richie is crouched by Riddler's bed and is speaking quietly. He is holding the same knife with the green blade.
RICHIE:
The coast is clear, we can make a break. I kept that knife.
Riddler, realizing why he was woken, rolls away from Richie and tries to go back to sleep.
RIDDLER:
Oh, that's all.
RICHIE:
What do you mean? I only stayed back so I could help you escape. We must leave now.
Riddler is talking with his eyes closed.
RIDDLER:
There's no point. The odds are not in our favor. My best move is to give Penguin what he wants and then leave him to his own devices.
Richie, who has now moved towards the cage door, is clearly angry Riddler isn't going to budge.
RICHIE:
He might get what he wants and the kill you.
Riddler keeps his eyes shut.
RIDDLER:
Perhaps, but unlikely. Penguin knows I'm too valuable to kill.
Richie is now over by the door, using the knife to open the lock.
RICHIE:
Well, seeing as you're locked in a cage, you're clearly not as smart as you think.
The lock clicks open.
RICHIE:
I'm not making the same mistake. I stayed to help you but if you want to stay, you're on your own. This is your last chance.
Riddler is still rolled with his back to Richie, Richie is watching for his path to be clear.
RIDDLER:
I'm staying. Goodbye Richie.
Richie turns back to Riddler before he leaves.
RICHIE:
Can I ask you one question before I go?
RIDDLER:
Is it a riddle?
RICHIE:
Kind of.
RIDDLER:
Then yes.
Close up of Richie.
RICHIE:
Why did you wait until the last minute to break us from prison? I was only seconds away from killing Ignatius, or maybe from him killing me.
Wide shot of Richie standing at the cage door and Riddler lying on the bed.
RIDDLER:
I wanted to know whether you were capable.
RICHIE:
Of killing him?
RIDDLER:
Of doing what it takes to stay alive.
RICHIE:
Well, thanks, I guess.
RIDDLER:
For what?
Close up of Richie, looking down at the ground. Worried about what life could have been like.
RICHIE:
For saving me from going through with it. I've never taken a life before.
View of Riddler's back lying down, from where Richie is standing, no view of his face.
RIDDLER:
Nor should you ever have to. You will always have that choice.
RICHIE:
I guess you're right.
Richie looks down at the knife he has just used to pick the lock.
RICHIE:
Riddler, I think you should take this. If the time comes where you have no choice, you might need it.
Richie goes over and places it under Riddler's pillow.
RICHIE:
I'll leave it here.
We see Riddler's face. His eyes are open now, and he is thinking about saying something.
RIDDLER:
Richard, before you leave.
Richie turns, hopeful that Riddler has changed his mind and will go with him. Riddler is now sitting up.
RIDDLER:
If you want to escape, find the manhole marked #46. It's the only one that's unsealed.
RICHIE:
I thought they were all welded shut to trap Batman?
Close up of Riddler, looking down and ashamed of himself.
RIDDLER:
I guess it was my attempt at levelling the odds.
Riddler lies back down and turns away from Richie. Richie is now outside the door and looking back at Riddler with mixed emotions.
RICHIE:
Good luck Riddler. I hope we cross paths again someday.
Close up of Riddler lying on the bed with his eyes closed, smirking to himself.
EXT. SEWER TUNNELS, DAY – Front shot of Richie running down the sewer tunnel, reminiscent of iconic Batman scenes.
RIDDLER (VOICE):
No question about it.