PART SIX: LIGHT FADES
EXT. GOTHAM CITY, SUNSET – Richie climbs up and out of a manhole in the middle of an empty street. The manhole cover has 'GC46' labelled across is. It's the afternoon; skies are clear – Richie, having not seen light for some time, shields his eyes with this hand.
RICHIE:
Where the hell am I?
Wide shot of him in the street, looking into the distance before the beautiful Gotham cityscape on the horizon, with the sun setting behind it. We can faintly see the GCPD sign on top of the building.
RICHIE:
I've got to warn them before it's too late.
Richie runs off towards the GCPD building.
RICHIE:
Let's hope I still have time.
EXT. TOP OF THE GCDP BUILDING, SUNSET - Gordon opens the door to the roof top and walks outside, similar to the very first scene. He has a cigar in his mouth and lifts a match to light it.
He lights it and blows out a big cloud of smoke. His head is dropped towards the ground, clearly sad.
Gordon gets a surprise and turns, beaming, towards the voice.
RICHIE (VOICE):
I thought you'd quit smoking.
Richie in a cat-like pose on top of an exhaust fan vent – perhaps consciously by Richie, the pose is reminiscent of Batman.
RICHIE:
I was hoping you'd come out here. I couldn't risk coming through the front door.
Gordon, still much larger than Richie in size, wraps his arms around his grandson. He holds him close. Richie smiles and hugs him back.
GORDON:
Thank god, you're OK.
RICHIE:
I'm fine grandpa. Honestly.
Gordon holds Richie out by the shoulders, straight back to business.
GORDON:
Where have you been? The city is in absolute chaos.
Wide shot of Richie and Gordon talking. We only see the silhouettes of them talking on the rooftop, with the sun setting behind them.
RICHIE:
What do you mean?
GORDON:
You and Penguin's crew weren't the only ones to escape.
Close up of Gordon; waving his arms around, obviously distressed by it all.
GORDON:
Riddler opened all the jail cell doors to create a distraction. Half of the inmates managed to get out. I was called in to support. The rest of our men are out trying to catch these guys.
Gordon wraps his arms around Richie, cradling his head.
GORDON:
The important thing is that you're OK. Let's get you inside so you can shed more light on where they might be hiding.
Richie holds himself away from Gordon, trying to tell him something important.
RICHIE:
No grandpa. I'm not here for that. I came to warn you. You won't need to find them. They're coming for you.
Gordon is confused.
GORDON:
Wait, what? Who?
Wide shot of Richie and Gordon talking, silhouettes again against the sun. Richie has his arms thrown out trying to explain the severity of the situation and Gordon's hands are up resting on his head, clearly trying to absorb what he's hearing.
RICHIE:
Riddler & Penguin, they're planning an attack on the GCPD.
GORDON:
Good God. When?
RICHIE:
At midnight. I escaped so I could warn you.
Richie now puts his hands on Gordon's shoulders, for once giving the orders.
RICHIE:
Grandpa, listen. You need to gather your men. You need to ambush them. Strike first.
GORDON:
Where are they?
Close up of Richie, he is keeping a brave face, but his eyes are glassy.
RICHIE:
In the sewers. Where they killed mom.
They both look out at the sunset.
GORDON:
I'm sorry you had to go down there Richie.
RICHIE:
I'll be fine, as long as we end this thing tonight.
Wide shot, silhouettes again, the sun is almost down completely. Gordon is pointing Richie towards the door, but Richie is trying to turn the other way.
GORDON:
Richie, you need to come in and brief the team.
RICHIE:
I can't, my works not done.
Same wide shot, Richie is starting to walk the opposite way.
GORDON:
What do you mean?!
RICHIE:
I need to get back to Riddler.
Close up of Gordon, trying to convince Richie to stay.
GORDON:
But why? Stay with me and we can end this together.
Richie turns back, waving his arms, clearly a little over- emotional now.
RICHIE:
Because I've already come this far! I've earned his trust. Otherwise, when this is all over, he'll still walk free.
Close up of Richie, trying to plead his case.
Grandpa, Riddler is the reason we started this. We must see it through.
Gordon's head drops, knowing there is no reasoning at this point.
GORDON:
OK, you're right. What's your plan?
Wide shot, the sun is barely showing now. Their silhouettes are apart, and they are discussing details.
RICHIE:
Riddler helped Penguin escape, I figure if I bring him back to you, I can testify against him.
GORDON:
If we can prove he hacked the prison system, he could go away for a while at least. I'm sure the men he ratted out will be happy with that.
RICHIE:
I just need to get back before you attack Penguin, so he can't escape.
Mid-shot of Gordon, not happy but satisfied with Richie's plan.
GORDON:
Fine. You have one hour Richie. In and out. My men will be ready to move at 1900 hours. Take my radio and let me know when you're clear.
Gordon hands Richie his radio, Richie assures him with a smile.
GORDON:
Use channel 14. It isn't monitored.
Richie turns to run. Gordon yells from behind him.
GORDON:
Be careful son. Remember, my men don't know who you are. You are on your own until you get back here.
Richie runs and leaps from the top of the building.
Front view we see Richie sliding down a telephone wire, Gordon is standing on the rooftop behind him, looking on.
EXT. GOTHAM CITY, DUSK – Richie's silhouette, with the sun going down behind him, is leaping from rooftop to rooftop. He is moving fast.
RICHIE:
Got to hurry.
Richie jumps and lands on a rooftop, running front on.
Out of nowhere a fist flies around the corner of an air vent and smashes into Richie's chest.
Richie lays on the ground holding his chest, in great pain, looking up. The assailant is standing over him casting a large shadow.
From Richie's view on the ground, we look up to see Ignatius towering above him with a big grin.
IGNATIUS:
Why the rush? We've got all the time in the world.
Richie slowly stands up shrugging his arms and a sheepish grin on his face. He tries quickly to talk his way out of the situation.
RICHIE:
Ignatius, good, you're here. I was doing some recon. The GCPD building is practically empty.
Ignatius laughs.
IGNATIUS:
Hahaha. You think I'm stupid boyo? I've been tailing you since the sewer. I 'eard you and Gordon, I know you're a rat.
Ignatius leans in towards Richie, the smile on his face widens, like a shark about to eat.
IGNATIUS:
I 'appen to love the taste of rat.
Richie drops his head, knowing he's been caught out.
Suddenly he springs into the air and round-house kicks Ignatius across the face.
RICHIE:
I hear they have quite a kick!
Richie lands gracefully and stands in front of Ignatius ready to fight. Ignatius is furious. He arches his back and tenses his muscles, showing true physical dominance.
IGNATIUS:
A'right kid, let's finish this once an' for all.
Ignatius swings his mighty fists, smashing through the air vents on the rooftop, while Richie does his best to duck them.
His third punch hits Richie hard in the chest, knocking him to the ground.
With a loud roar, Ignatius puts all his weight into a downward haymaker, trying to finish him while he's down.
IGNATIUS:
ARRRRRGH!
Before he lands the punch, Richie rolls back on his neck and uses his arms to spring his legs upward, kicking Ignatius under the chin and breaking his teeth.
Ignatius doesn't fall but he walks backward a few steps, half- dazed. He is holding his jaw; blood is oozing through his fingers.
Before Ignatius gains focus, Richie leaps into the air and performs a full somersault on the ground and comes out of it with both feet flying towards Ignatius.
Richie kicks both of his feet hard into Ignatius' chest, sending him flying over the edge of the building.
Just as Ignatius falls backward over the edge, Richie grabs his ankle at the last minute.
The giant is dangling from the edge as Richie holds him up – in agony from the weight he is holding – demonstrating his sheer strength.
RICHIE:
I'm not letting you go that easy.
Ignatius grins to himself.
IGNATIUS:
It's me or you boyo. If you let me up, I'm gonna kill ya.
Richie thinks for a moment, looking off to the side.
He turns back and smirks to Ignatius as he lets go of his leg, dropping him to his death.
RICHIE:
You're right.
Ignatius' eyes are wide open, truly scared for the first time as he begins to fall.
IGNATIUS:
NOOOOO!
Close up of a chain whipping through the sky.
The chain wraps around Ignatius' chest as he falls.
IGNATIUS:
OOOF!
Ignatius comes to a complete stop, his fall is broken by the chain holding him up, which is wraps tightly around his chest.
Switch back to Richie, standing on the ledge of the business and holding the other end of the chain.
RICHIE:
Hang around Ignatius. I'll deal with you later.
Richie fastens the other end of the chain to a radio tower structure on top of the building.
RICHIE:
Get familiar with those chains as well, because you'll be back at Blackgate soon enough.
Richie is standing on the edge of the building with his hands on his hips, proud of his decision to let Ignatius live.
The radio in his belt makes a noise.
GORDON (OVER RADIO):
Richie, can you hear me? What's your position? My men are nearly ready to move out.
Richie switches back into action. Holding the radio to his mouth.
RICHIE:
I got a little side-tracked. Can you buy me a little more time?
GORDON (OVER RADIO):
Are you OK?
Richie starts running again, towards Penguin's hideout. He is talking into his radio as he runs.
RICHIE:
I ran into Ignatius; he saw us talking. He's tied up on the adjacent building.
GORDON (OVER RADIO):
Ignatius will have to wait; we don't have any spare men. They'll all be on their way to you soon.
The sun is almost completely down, and Richie is now running as fast as he can down the middle of an empty street.
RICHIE:
OK. I'm almost at the sewer.
GORDON (OVER RADIO):
Please hurry. You only have about 30 minutes.
Richie is lifting the manhole cover from the middle of the street.
GORDON (OVER RADIO):
I've been stationed here at the GCPD if you need. Every officer in Gotham is headed your way.
INT. GOTHAM SEWERS, NIGHT - Richie falls down the hole and lands in the shallow sewer waters below.
GORDON (OVER RADIO):
I'll stay off the line from now on until I hear from you.
Wide shot, as Richie runs down the dark and empty sewer tunnel alone, as fast as he can to get Riddler.
GORDON (OVER RADIO):
Good luck.
INT. PENGUIN'S SEWER BASE, NIGHT – Richie is sneaking towards a well-lit opening in the sewer tunnels. He crouches behind some crates. We can hear Penguin talking to his men.
PENGUIN (OVERHEARD):
A'right, eve'thing packed 'n ready?
Switch view to the full base, Penguin's men are packing weapons into the back of vehicles. Penguin is smoking a cigar and screaming at his men. We can see Richie's head peaking over the top of a crate in the far corner.
PENGUIN:
Pick up the pace. Only a few 'ours left.
Richie sneaks behind some of Penguin's men without them knowing.
He springs towards a ledge and pulls himself up.
He sneaks up to the cell door where he left Riddler.
RICHIE (WHISPERS):
Riddler?
Richie gets to the front of the cell and looks in. It's completely empty and Richie is confused.
RICHIE:
Riddler, I've come to… Huh?
PENGUIN (VOICE):
Surprised?
Just as Richie realizes Penguin is behind him, he is hit hard in the back of the head with the butt of a cane.
We look up from Richie's point of view, his eyes half-closed over, Penguin is standing over him with cigar in his hand and two of his goons standing behind.
PENGUIN:
Amateur.
CAPTION: MINUTES LATER
INT. PENGUIN'S SEWER BASE, NIGHT – Richie comes out of his daze and looks around; his hands are bound at the back of a chair.
Switch to Penguin standing in front of him, he is angry. A smoking cigar is resting on an ashtray next to him. Besides the ashtray is Richie's radio. There are about a dozen men standing behind Penguin.
PENGUIN:
Well, well, look who came crawling back. Where've you been hidin'?
Richie plays coy, showing that he is not scared by Penguin's theatrics.
RICHIE:
I would have thought that was obvious. I picked the cell lock and escaped. You made it easy.
From behind Richie we see Penguin lean in and whisper into his ear.
PENGUIN:
An' what about dear Eddy?
RICHIE:
Huh?
Wide shot, Penguin swings his cane and whacks Richie hard across the jaw, blood spurts out.
PENGUIN:
Don't treat me like an idiot, kid. I know you escaped together.
Richie hangs his head, clearly in pain.
RICHIE:
No, no, that's not true. Penguin yells like a fierce animal.
PENGUIN:
LIAR!
Richie looks up at Penguin, trying to plead his case.
RICHIE:
Honestly. I escaped alone. Riddler said he was going to stay and help you.
Penguin gains his composure again and puts his arms behind his back.
PENGUIN:
So why did you come back then?
Richie looks up at Penguin, trying to convince him they're on the same team.
RICHIE:
I only escaped was to prove my worth. I went to the GCPD and did some recon.
Penguin pulls a seat up to the front of Richie, now interested in what he has to say.
PENGUIN:
We didn't need your help. I've got Ignatius scouting already.
Richie smirks.
RICHIE:
I know, we spoke. He's hanging back there.
Penguin is facing Richie; they are both sitting down. We can see behind Richie's back he has a small wire and is trying to take off his handcuffs.
PENGUIN:
So, do you have an update for me?
RICHIE:
I interrogated one of them. That's where I got the radio. He said they have no leads on your whereabouts. They're distracted by the other escapees. The GCPD building will be practically empty all night.
PENGUIN:
Good.
Penguin stands up and looks at his watch.
PENGUIN:
Well, Ignatius best 'urry because we're ready to move.
Richie looks up at Penguin.
RICHIE:
What time is it?
Penguin looking at his watch and humoring the boy.
PENGUIN:
Almost seven. You got somewhere else to be?
Close up of Richie's hands, the handcuffs come off.
SFX:
CLICK
Richie is happy with himself.
RICHIE:
Yeah, anywhere but here.
Just then a smoke canister flies through the room and lands behind Penguin.
Penguin is completely startled.
PENGUIN:
What the 'ell?!
The canister lets off a huge bang, and purple smoke pours out.
SFX:
BANG!
From the dark of the sewer tunnel, a dozen GCPD officers move in towards them, heavily armored and holding guns.
GCPD OFFICER #1:
Everybody down on the ground NOW!
GCPD OFFICER #2:
We will not hesitate to shoot!
Penguin looks back at his men, pointing his cane towards the GCPD officers.
PENGUIN:
Don't just stand there, get 'em!
As Penguin's men move towards the GCPD and Penguin is distracted, Richie leaps forward out of his chair for the radio.
Before he can grab it, Penguin's cane comes down hard on the table, almost crushing Richie's hand.
PENGUIN:
I knew you were a rat.
Quickly, Richie does a low spin kick and knocks Penguin off his feet.
He grabs the radio and makes a run for it.
Wide shot of Richie is leaping over crates to escape, dodging bullets that are flying everywhere. Penguin is still on the ground, watching him escape.
PENGUIN:
You'd better hide boy! Next time we meet you're a dead man!
Penguin, still on the ground, pauses and looks up as the GCPD surround him, their guns pointed at his head. He surrenders without hesitation.
PENGUIN:
A'right, you got me. I'll go quietly.
EXT. GOTHAM CITY STREETS, NIGHT – Richie pops up from the same manhole he entered through, in the middle of the road. Only half-emerged he desperately tries to contact Gordon through the radio.
RICHIE:
Can you hear me?
INT. GCPD BUILDING CONTROL ROOM, NIGHT – Gordon is in a control room by himself, he is clearly worried out of his mind. He springs for the radio when he hears it.
GORDON:
Richie! Thank God. Are you OK? Did you get him?
EXT. GOTHAM CITY STREETS, NIGHT – Richie is now standing on the street beside the sewer hole, looking at the Gotham skyline before him.
RICHIE:
I'm fine. They have Penguin, but Riddler was gone.
GORDON (OVER RADIO):
What?
RICHIE:
He escaped somehow before I got back.
INT. GCPD BUILDING CONTROL ROOM, NIGHT – Gordon is rubbing his brow, confused.
GORDON:
But why? Why wouldn't he leave with you when he had the chance?
RICHIE (OVER RADIO):
It doesn't make sense. He said breaking into the GCPD was all part of the plan.
EXT. GOTHAM CITY STREETS, NIGHT – Close up of Richie. He is terrified at his realization.
RICHIE:
Oh God.
Richie starts running towards the city as fast as he can, screaming into the radio as he runs.
RICHIE:
Grandpa, stay alert. I think Riddler is headed your way.
INT. GCPD BUILDING CONTROL ROOM, NIGHT – Gordon starts strapping on a bulletproof vest.
RICHIE (OVER RADIO):
I think he's coming to finish what he started.
GORDON:
The evidence room!
EXT. GOTHAM CITY STREETS, NIGHT – Richie is running down a long straight road towards the city center, in the distance we can see the brightly-signed GCPD building. He talks to Gordon as he runs.
GORDON (OVER RADIO):
Richie, are you there? I heard a noise; I think they're here. I'm going down.
RICHIE:
No! Grandpa, wait for me. It's not safe on your own. He'll know you're coming.
INT. GCPD BUILDING CONTROL ROOM, NIGHT – Close up shot of Gordon's radio, sitting on the table, he has left it.
RICHIE (VOICE):
Grandpa?
INT. GCPD BUILDING, CORRIDOR OURSIDE EVIDENCE ROOM, NIGHT – Gordon is walking down the corridor towards the evidence room. It looks dark and empty but there are loud noises coming from inside. Gordon has his gun pointed towards the door of the room.
SFX:
BANG! BZZZZZZ BANG BANG!
GORDON:
Riddler, I know you're in there.
EXT. OUTSIDE THE GCPD BUILDING, NIGHT – Richie arrives at the front door of the GCPD building and shakes it hard, but it's locked securely from the inside. There is no sign of anyone.
RICHIE:
Aaargh!
Close up of Richie, talking into the radio.
RICHIE:
Grandpa, can you hear me? What's happening? The front door is locked so I'm going to have to break in. Just hang on!
INT. THE GCPD EVIDENCE ROOM, NIGHT – From inside the room we see Gordon creep in, holding his gun and a flashlight. The noises have stopped.
EXT. OUTSIDE THE GCPD BUILDING, NIGHT – Richie is now scaling the outside of the building, up towards the roof section, exactly where he entered through the vent previously.
INT. THE GCPD EVIDENCE ROOM, NIGHT – Gordon turns on the light to the evidence room, he has now lowered his gun, and looking around confused.
GORDON:
Empty.
With a loud thud, Gordon ducks and points his gun up towards the roof where the sound came from. More loud bangs can be heard from the venting.
SFX:
THUD!
We see a close up of the air vent in the roof, the noise is coming from it.
SFX:
THUD! BANG!
Close up of Gordon, pointing his gun at the hole and ready to shoot.
The vent busts open, Gordon moves to avoid getting hit by the falling door.
From the hole, Richie flies towards the floor, landing on his feet.
Richie stands in front of Gordon with his hands raised, not wanting to get shot.
RICHIE:
Don't shoot! It's me!
Gordon has nearly had a heart attack and lowers his gun.
GORDON:
God, Richie, I almost shot you.
RICHIE:
Sorry, I thought you were in trouble.
Richie puts his arms down, almost laughing at the situation. He is also clearly out of breath.
RICHIE:
Your radio wasn't working, and the front door was chained. I panicked and broke my way in.
Gordon hugs Richie.
GORDON:
I'm so glad you're OK.
RICHIE:
Me too, but this isn't over.
Richie pulls away from Gordon's embrace. Confused as to where Riddler could be.
RICHIE:
It doesn't make sense. I thought he'd come back to collect his stuff.
GORDON:
Maybe he played us, so he could make a run for it.
Richie and Gordon turn towards a voice at the evidence room door, they are both taken by surprise.
RIDDLER (VOICE):
It's so hard to follow who's playing who these days.
Riddler is standing proudly outside the door, holding his cane in front of him. His men are standing behind him holding crowbars. These are the same men with green-colored mohawks who Riddler seemingly sent to prison.
RIDDLER:
It appears you've been playing me all along dear Richard.
Gordon is now pointing his gun at Riddler, Richie has his fists clenched.
RICHIE:
I did what I had to, to put you away.
GORDON:
All of you, drop your weapons and put your hands up.
Riddler raises his hands sheepishly.
RIDDLER:
OK, you win.
Suddenly a loud bang comes from behind Gordon and Richie, the same noise Gordon was hearing before.
SFX:
BANG! BZZZZZ BANG BANG!
Riddler is talking to them, even though they aren't looking at him.
RIDDLER:
Sorry, I forgot to mention we were in here already. That's the sound of one of my machines warming up. Get ready…
We see one of the crates, it is starting to rattle and smoke.
SFX:
TICK, TICK, TICK, TICK
The crate explodes, hurling Richie and Gordon back hard against the wall.
SFX:
KABOOM!
Switch to Riddler and his men, the chunks of crate seem to pass straight through them – they are not really standing there, but a projection.
INT. GCPD BUILDING, CORRIDOR OURSIDE EVIDENCE ROOM, NIGHT – The real Riddler and his men are standing in the corridor.
Riddler points a remote towards the projected version of themselves and shuts it off.
Riddler picks up the projector from the floor, it is as small as a coin.
He holds it up and admires the design.
RIDDLER:
Old Lucius, you were sitting on billions and you didn't even know it.
The real Riddler is now standing at the door of the evidence room, with Gordon and Richie unconscious against the wall either side of him.
RIDDLER:
Let's get to work boys. We need everything here packed and ready to go before they wake.
Close up of Riddler's face, he has something else planned.
RIDDLER:
Except for that one over there. That's a parting gift for our friends here.
CAPTION: MINUTES LATER
INT. THE GCPD EVIDENCE ROOM, NIGHT – Richie and Gordon slowly wake in a daze, they are sitting against a wall with their hands bound in front of them.
RICHIE:
What happened?
GORDON:
Richie, are you OK?
In front of them we see Riddler and his men opening a wooden crate with their crowbars. It is the same crate they were originally trying to steal from Wayne Enterprises. Every other shelf within the evidence room has been cleared.
Riddler is surprised to hear them awake and turns his head back.
RICHIE (VOICE):
So that is what you were after that all along?
Riddler turns to address them, his men look up but keep working on the crate.
RIDDLER:
Ahh, you're awake. Just in time for the grand unveiling.
Riddler kneels in front of Richie.
RICHIE:
Your men, I thought they wanted to kill you for ratting on them.
Riddler smiles, and behind him his men are all smiling as well.
RIDDLER:
Keep up Richard. It was all part of the plan. As I taught you in prison, everyone needs to play their role.
Behind Riddler, who is grinning like a madman, his men break open the front panel of the crate.
SFX:
CRACK!
Inside is a yellow glass cylinder, almost floating within a series of green rings. It looks like a futuristic bomb.
Riddler raises his hands to showcase his invention.
RIDDLER:
And wallah! Isn't he beautiful?
Richie and Gordon both look confused, they have no idea what they're looking at.
GORDON:
You've got what you wanted Riddler, just take it and leave.
Riddler turns back to them, he points his cane towards Gordon, a little more threatening in his demeanor.
RIDDLER:
Gordon, you're still not keeping up. The plan was never to steal it. It's exactly where it needs to be. Your men did all the heavy lifting.
Richie butts in.
RICHIE:
What the hell is it?
Riddler walks up to the machine they have unveiled and strokes it adoringly.
RIDDLER:
To describe it in a way your feeble minds can comprehend, this here is the world's first electro- magnetic, airborne computer virus.
Riddler bends down to the machine and turns a knob. The machine lights up.
SFX:
CLICK
RIDDLER:
Once it detonates, along with a small explosion, this bomb releases billions of self-learning nano-bots, which will systematically attack all electronic devices within a fifty-mile radius.
Riddler is now typing into the small keypad interface on the device.
RIDDLER:
Once the nano-bots infiltrate a device, it will continue to infect every electronic system linked by physical or virtual network.
Riddler looks up from the machine to take in Richie and Gordon's reactions.
RIDDLER:
It's capable of shutting down entire cities, and even countries. Within seconds it'll send us back to the Stone Age.
Switch back to Gordon and Richie, they are both completely shocked at what they are hearing.
GORDON:
Good God, you're a monster.
RICHIE:
So why did you need to bring it here?
Riddler stands behind the machine and raises his hands to the roof above.
RIDDLER:
The GCDP is connected to every intelligence agency in the world. By shutting down and wiping out all connected devices; the police, FBI and basically every Government body will lose all their historic data & research.
Riddler extends his hands, overly excited about the genius nature of his plan.
RIDDLER:
All traces of me, my men, and every criminal in the country for that matter, will be completely obliterated.
Riddler places his cane down to rest on top of the machine.
RIDDLER:
Not to mention the relatively small explosion that will bring this building crumbling down. Gotham will be in absolute chaos.
Gordon leans forward and tries to reason with Riddler; rather aggressively.
GORDON:
You don't need to do this Edward. You can escape now, you and your men. Stop thinking about the guilty men you're setting free, it'll put innocent people in danger.
Riddler walks over and bends down before Gordon.
RIDDLER:
There's a little more to the plan than that James. You see, I consider myself a smart man… the smartest actually.
Riddler switches his attention over to Richie.
RIDDLER:
With all the computer intelligence in the world lately, I feel my mind isn't giving me the advantage it used to.
Riddler stands and extends his arms out, almost arguing his case to both of them.
RIDDLER:
As narcissistic as it may be, by removing the machines, the natural order remains intact. I remain intellectually unrivalled.
Finishing his story, he rests his hands on his cane in front of him.
RIDDLER:
So, in short, this plan didn't just happen, and I understand all the consequences. It's been decades in the making.
Riddler kneels in front of Richie.
RIDDLER:
And poor Richie here, was the last piece of the puzzle to make it all happen.
RICHIE:
So, you knew about me all along?
Riddler drops his head and puts an arm on Richie's shoulder, acting as though it is hard for him to admit.
RIDDLER:
Oh Richard, I've known of you since you were born.
Riddler grins like the evil genius he is.
RIDDLER:
Unfortunately for you however, the rest of the world doesn't even know you exist. That's why they'll have no difficultly believing this was all your doing.
Riddler stands and points up to the vent in the roof.
RIDDLER:
After all, it was you who broke into the evidence room tonight. Your fingerprints are all over the scene. This is exactly why I always wear gloves.
Gordon pushes himself up against the wall to get to his feet. He is angry that Riddler is setting Richie up.
GORDON:
Nigma, don't do this! Use me. You can pin the whole thing on me. Just let Richie go.
Riddler walks up to Gordon, still smiling at the genius of his own plan. They are face to face.
RIDDLER:
Unfortunately, that's not part of the plan. You're too well respected, it's not believable.
Riddler puts his face over Gordon's shoulder, he has a blank look, almost sad.
RIDDLER:
That's why I can't risk you talking at all. I'm sorry James.
Close up of Gordon's face, his eyes are wild, and his skin is as white as a ghost.
Riddler steps back and Gordon looks down, in shock. The green handle of the knife – the same one Richie gave Riddler in the sewer – is sticking out of Gordon's chest. Blood is starting to spread across his white shirt.
Close up of Richie, with tears in his eyes, terrified of what has just happened.
RICHIE:
GRANDPA! NO!
Gordon falls to the floor, losing blood and about to die. Richie scrambles across the floor with his hands still bound to comfort him.
RICHIE:
Stay with me. You're going to be OK.
Gordon looks up at Richie, who is crouched over, trying desperately to do something to help.
GORDON:
Ri-richie…
Richie is crying, knowing the end is near.
RICHIE:
Just hang on, I'll find a way to get us out.
GORDON:
S-save yourself.
Gordon lies his head back down on the ground and looks up at the roof.
GORDON:
N-no matter what happens, remember you have always been the light amidst the dark.
Gordon's eyes close and Richie screams, with tears streaming down his face he rests his head on Gordon's chest.
RICHIE:
Oh God! No. Please.
Switch to Riddler, who is standing and resting his hands on his cane, watching on. He seems moved by the scene.
RIDDLER:
That was touching. If I could feel empathy I would probably cry.
Richie looks up at Riddler, his sadness is now anger.
RICHIE:
You killed him!
Riddler leans in towards Richie, trying to justify why it had to happen.
RIDDLER:
I'm truly sorry Richard. I don't like taking a life, but this was the only way.
Richie launches himself up with his feet, smashing his head hard against Riddler's chin, knocking Riddler backwards.
RICHIE:
No! You won't get away with this.
Riddler stands and wipes his nose with his hand, smearing blood. He is not impressed.
RIDDLER:
Don't do this Richie, you won't win.
Richie, still with his hands bound in front of him, takes a fighting stance.
RICHIE:
You will pay for what you did. All of it.
Riddler does not seem phased by Richie's protest, and signals to the men behind him to fight.
RIDDLER:
Boys, you know what to do.
Richie takes on the first few men, ducking and weaving as they swing their crowbars and knives at him.
One of the men launches at him with a knife and Richie counters it, using the knife to break his hands free.
Now Richie stands with his two hands free, standing in the middle of a circle of Riddler's men.
RICHIE:
Let's do this.
Richie starts fighting them and seems to be winning.
He ducks one punch before a crowbar swings and hits him hard in the head from behind.
Richie is lying on his stomach with his head on the ground, blood is dripping from his lips.
Riddler kneels in front of Richie.
RIDDLER:
I'm sorry it had to be this way Richie.
RICHIE:
Why did you have to kill him?
Riddler brings his face closer to Richie's, turning his head so they are eye to eye.
RIDDLER:
Your fingerprints are all over that knife, so technically you did.
Riddler goes to stand, and as he does, Richie makes one last attempt to grab him, narrowly missing.
Riddler's men swarm in and start kicking Richie hard in the face and body. He is badly beaten, almost to death.
They stop at Riddler's command.
RIDDLER:
Enough! We need him alive.
Richie rolls over to his back, looking up at the ceiling, half unconscious.
Riddler stands over him.
RIDDLER:
Do you remember the first game of chess we played? I told you that you were a pawn. I meant it. In order to win this game, the opposing king had be taken out. That was your grandpa's role. Unfortunately for you, a pawn is not enough to protect a king.
One of Riddler's men comes up and passes him a remote.
GOON #1:
Boss, it's ready. Here's the detonator.
RIDDLER:
Excellent. Bring them both outside the blast radius.
Two of Riddler's men grab Richie, one by the arms and one by the legs, he is floppy and not responding. One other man, who is bigger, picks up Gordon in his arms.
They walk out the room and down the corridor, Riddler leading the group carrying his cane and the remote detonator, behind him his men are carrying Richie and Gordon.
Close up of Richie being carried, he seems to be unconscious but one of his hands is reaching into the pocket of his pants.
Close up of his pocket, he is pulling out his police radio.
Suddenly Richie pulls the radio to his mouth, taking the two men carrying him by surprise.
RICHIE:
Hello? Can anyone hear me? The GCPD has been compromised, send back-up!
Riddler's man snatches the radio and the other punches Richie hard in the jaw.
The man with the radio looks at it as someone talks back.
POLICE OFFICER #3 (OVER RADIO):
Gordon, is that you? Please repeat, the reception down here is terrible.
Riddler takes the radio and grins, knowing they didn't hear the alarm.
RIDDLER:
Nothing to report here. Just checking in, what's the status on Penguin and Riddler?
POLICE OFFICER #3 (VOICE):
Penguin and his men have all been arrested. Unfortunately no sign of Riddler yet, we'll keep searching.
Riddler looks down at Richie with patronizing smile.
RIDDLER:
Copy that.
Riddler drops the radio on the ground and smashes it with his cane.
The group continue walking, Riddler is at the front and smiling to himself.
RIDDLER:
Excellent news. With Penguin gone that's one less loose end to tie up.
A close up of Richie with a tear streaming down his cheek, knowing that was his last chance to stop them.
EXT. GOTHAM CITY STREETS, NIGHT – Wide shot of the group walking out into the streets. It is starting to snow lightly, and they make tracks as they drag Richie and Gordon's bodies to the other side of the street.
When they are a good distance from the GCPD front entrance, Riddler's men drop the two men's bodies down on the ground next to each other.
Riddler crouches down next to Richie and slaps his hand gently against his face.
RIDDLER:
Stay awake Richard, just a few minutes more and it'll all be over.
Riddler grabs Richie by the chin and turns his head towards the GCPD building. He raises his other hand towards the building holding the detonator.
RIDDLER:
You don't want to miss the best part.
SFX:
BEEP
Wide shot of the group. Riddler's men are all standing together looking up in wonder at the building. Riddler is still kneeling with Richie as they both look on. Their faces are all lit up orange from the explosion.
Switch to the GCPD building, entirely engulfed in flames. The bottom half is where most of the damage is and the top is starting to collapse in of itself.
Back to the same wide shot of Riddler and his men, a black van has now pulled up in front of them.
RIDDLER:
Our work here is done men. Let's go.
Close shot of Riddler's men entering the van. Riddler is standing next to the door looking back down at Richie once more.
RIDDLER:
I'm sorry Richard. You played a good game, but I'm in a different league.
Richie looks over at Riddler but does not respond. He feels emotionally and physically beaten.
Riddler gets in the car and it drives away. Richie looks over to Gordon's body.
He reaches out to touch Gordon's hand. Tears stream down his face.
RICHIE:
I'm so sorry grandpa.
Still holding Gordon's hand next to him, Richie turns his head back to the sky. Tears in his eyes, he is scared, alone and in pain. He has lost everything.
He closes his eyes, unconscious.
Wide shot of the Gotham skyline, the GCPD building is completely burned down and crumbling.