The Dark Knight
104 Heat
Written by Terence Jordan
[TEASER]
INT-BUSINESS BALL-NIGHT
We see Rupert Thorne associating with other business ceos.
Rupert Thorne
Well Jan even though Jancorp is up 20% in stocks, expect Wayne Enterprises will come out on top.
Jan Johnson
Maybe if Thomas Wayne were alive. The stocks show Wayne Enterprises falling from the top five.
Rupert Thorne
Just for now. Thomas Wayne is dead and gone. I'm running the show now.
Jan Johnson
Running it straight to the ground that is.
Pan to Bruce walking in with Vicky on his arm. Everyone surrounds them. Pan back Thorne and Jan.
Jan Johnson
If you'll excuse me, I should greet the true ceo of Wayne Enterprises.
Jan sips from his wine glass and walks towards Bruce. Pan to an angry Rupert Thorne walking off.
Jan Johnson(making his way through)
Mr. Bruce Wayne. I haven't seen you since you we're a toddler.
Bruce Wayne
Jan Johnson. It has been awhile, should of know you'll be here. Wouldn't expect you to retire.
Jan Johnson
Retire? I'm still healthy and strong as an ox.
Bruce Wayne
My father always said you were stubborn.
Jan Johnson
Stubborn as a mule Bruce.(looks to Vicky)Who is this lovely lady?
Vicky Vale
Vicky Vale, reporter. Gotham Gazette.
Jan Johnson
Reporter? You know how to pick em Bruce.
Vicky Vale
I hope that's a compliment.
Jan Johnson
Feisty. She's a keeper Bruce.
Bruce Wayne
That she is Jan.
Jan gets a phone call.
Jan Johnson
Excuse me.(picks up and walks off)Hello.
Pan back to Bruce and Vicky.
Vicky Vale
He doesn't seem that bad.
Bruce Wayne
Yeah. Him and my dad were close. Him, Victor Powers, and my dad were best friends.
Vicky Vale
Really? Interesting.
Bruce seems to be looking for someone.
Vicky Vale
Who are you looking for? Another woman perhaps? huh?
Bruce Wayne(smirks)
No. I was looking for an old friend of mine, Jason. Seems he didn't come.
Pan to Jan approaching them upset.
Jan Johnson
I'm sorry. If you'll excuse me, I have to go.
Bruce Wayne(concerned)
What's wrong Jan?
Jan Johnson
Jancorp just caught on fire.
Jan walks off. Pan to a confused Bruce and Vicky.
[OPENING CREDITS]
BENJAMINE MCKENZIE...BRUCE WAYNE/BATMAN
JAMES GANDOLFINI...RUPERT THORNE
TIM CONWAY...ALFRED PENNYWORTH
JOSHUA JACKSON...HARVEY DENT
MARY ELIZABETH WINSTEAD...RACHEL DAWES
HILARIE BURTON...VICKY VALE
KEITH DAVID...LUCIUS FOX
KERR SMITH...JACK NAPIER
GUEST STARS
JAMES VAN DER BEEK...GARFIELD LYNNS/FIREFLY
JESSE SPENCER...JOHNATHAN CRANE
WILEY PICKETT...LT. JAMES GORDON
[ACT I]
EXT-OUTSIDE JANCORP-NIGHT
We see firefighters and police officers examining the scene. Pan to Jan arguing with the officers. Pan to Lt. Gordon walking off into an alley.
EXT-ALLEY-NIGHT
We see Gordon stop in the center of the alley. Pan to Batman in the shadows.
Batman
What happened?
Lt. James Gordon
Not much to tell. Firefighter say it isn't arson.
Batman
Then what cause the fire?
Lt. James Gordon
They said electric wiring from the basement.
Batman
Doesn't sound right. Too simple.
Lt. James Gordon
You think its something more?
Batman
Yes. I'll get back to you.
Lt. James Gordon
How can I get in touch...(turns to see Batman gone.)with you?
Cut off on Gordon walking out of the alley.
INT-RACHEL'S APARTMENT-DAY
We see Rachel lying in bed with Harvey.
Rachel Dawes
We should really get out of bed.
Harvey Dent
Or...We can stay in bed all day.(kisses her)All night.
Rachel Dawes
As much as I would love that. We have to find something on Thorne by all cost.
Harvey Dent
Right. But last night, it was incredible.
Rachel Dawes
I know. But we have work to do.
Harvey Dent
Maybe we can let Gordon help?
Rachel Dawes
Lt. James Gordon? Can we trust him?
Harvey get out of bed and puts his pants on.
Harvey Dent
I don't know but he seem like a decent guy.
Rachel Dawes
I'll go talk to him. I know the good and the bad cops pretty well.
Harvey Dent(getting close)
And how is that?
Rachel Dawes
That's my little secret Mr. Dent.
Harvey Dent
Well Ms. Dawes. I have to uncover that secret.
Cut off on Harvey and Rachel kissing.
CUT TO:
INT-WAYNE ENTERPRISES-DAY
We see someone in a grey suit with rocket on his back in form of wings. He is holding a silver gun.
Mystery Man
Thorne. Its done.
Rupert Thorne
I see. Good job Mr. Lynn.
Garfield Lynns
I told you its Firefly. I want my money Thorne.
Rupert Thorne
And you'll get your money once you carry out the rest of your job.
Firefly
That wasn't part of the deal. I need that money!
Rupert Thorne
Tell me. Firefly why would I pay you for incomplete work? You get your money after you finish the rest of the list.
Firefly(sighs)
Fine. What's next?
Rupert Thorne
I want you take out Kanecorp.
Firefly heads out the window.
Rupert Thorne
Remember Garfield-
Firefly
I know, make it look like an accident. No leads back to you, Thorne. You worry too much.
Rupert Thorne
Just get the job done. Fast!
Firefly walks out the door. Pan to Thorne looking serious.
INT-WAYNE MANOR-DAY
We see Alfred cleaning the living room. The phone rings. Alfred answers.
Alfred Pennyworth
Wayne Manor Alfred Pennyworth speaking.
Voice on Phone
Vergon lives! You die soon traitor.
The voice hangs up.
Alfred Pennyworth
My word. Who is this?
Pan to Bruce walking in. He sees Alfred worried.
Bruce Wayne(concerned)
Alfred? What's wrong?
Alfred Pennyworth
Nothing sir. Just the wrong number.
Bruce Wayne
Okay.
Alfred Pennyworth
Sir. Ms Vale called wondering if dinner is still on tonight.
Bruce Wayne
Tell her I'm not feeling well. I have a long night tonight. Something about Jancorp's fire doesn't add up.
Alfred Pennyworth
What do you think it is sir?
Bruce Wayne
I don't know Alfred, but call it institution.
EXT-KANECORP-NIGHT
We see Firefly land on the roof of Kanecorp.
CUT TO:
INT-KANECORP-NIGHT
We see Firefly walking around the Kanecorp generator basement. He looks to the generators. Pan to Firefly taking out his gun.
Firefly
Lets get down to business.
CUT TO:
We see front view of Kanecorp as it explodes from the bottom. The explosion makes it way to the top.
Cut off on the view of Kanecorp on fire and people on sidewalks screaming.
[FADE OUT][ACT I END][COMMERCIAL BREAK]
[ACT II]
EXT-KANECORP-NIGHT
We see police officers and firefighters putting out the fire. Pan to Lt. Gordon and Batman.
Batman
Any casualties?
Lt. James Gordon
No. Thank heavens. Two fires in two nights back to back.
Batman
Both were major corporations.
Lt. James Gordon
Coincidence?
Batman
I don't believe in coincidences. Its a connection between the two and I'm going to find out what.
Lt. James Gordon
I hope so.
He looks back to see Batman gone.
INT-GOTHAM GAZETTE-DAY
We see Vicky and her editor talking.
Editor
You know Vicky I had high hopes for you. You came to me ingered to do the Bruce Wayne story but you gave me nothing.
Vicky Vale
I know. But things changed.
Editor
Why? Because your dating the guy.
Vicky Vale
One of the reasons.
Editor
You're a reporter Vale. Start thinking of your career instead of your fairytale love life.
Vicky Vale
Whatever. I think I can manage both. What about these fire stories?
Editor
Both were just accidents. Electrical wiring.
Vicky Vale
Two major corporations so happen to catch fire night after the other. Coincidence, I think not.
Editor
Get on the story Vale. Make sure you have proof.
Vicky Vale
Oh I'll have proof and then some.
Cut off on Vicky's determined face.
INT-BATCAVE-NIGHT
We see Bruce on the Batcomputer.
Alfred Pennyworth
Any connections sir?
Bruce Wayne
Yes. I should of seen from the start. Both Jancorp and Kanecorp were both higher in stocks than Wayne Enterprises.
Alfred Pennyworth
Do you think Thorne is behind it?
Bruce Wayne
It does fit his M.O.
Alfred Pennyworth
What's next sir?
Bruce Wayne
Maybe I should pay Thorne a late night visit.
Cut off on Bruce staring at the screen.
INT-GOTHAM HEADQUARTERS-NIGHT
We see Lt. Gordon coming out of Commissioner Fields office. Pan to Rachel approaching Gordon.
Rachel Dawes
Lt. James Gordon. Lt. Gordon. I would like a word with you.
Lt. James Gordon(facing her)
And you are?
Rachel Dawes
Rachel Dawes D.A.
Lt. James Gordon
I heard about you. You and Harvey Dent trying to bring down Thorne.
Rachel Dawes
Right
Lt. James Gordon
What can I do for you Ms. Dawes?
Rachel Dawes
Your help I hope. I know you know about Thorne.
Lt. James Gordon
The Whole city know about Thorne. From Gotham to Metropolis to Keystone City knows about him.
Rachel Dawes
Then you'll help us bring him down.
Lt. James Gordon
I would love to help bring that thug down Ms. Dawes. But we have to come up with a plan. Thorne has power over the whole city. We have to find something on him and make it stick.
Rachel Dawes
So your in?
Lt. James Gordon
Count me in Ms. Dawes. But right now I have a fire starter to find.
Rachel Dawes
Fire Starter? I thought they were wiring accidents.
Lt. James Gordon
Two major corporations catching fire doesn't make sense.
Rachel Dawes
I know what you mean.
Cut off on Rachel and Gordon.
INT-WAYNE MANOR-DAY
We see the front door and the bell rings. Pan to Alfred opening it and its Vicky Vale.
Alfred Pennyworth
Ah Ms. Vale. What a pleasure.
Vicky Vale
Pleasure to see you too Alfred. Is Bruce here?
Alfred Pennyworth
Yes right this way.
Alfred leads Vicky into the living room with Bruce staring at the picture of his parents above the fire place.
Alfred Pennyworth
Umm. Umm. Ms. Vale is here to see you.
Bruce turns around to see her. He smiles.
Bruce Wayne
Hey Vicky. I thought I wasn't suppose to see you until tonight.
Vicky Vale
That's what I wanted to talk to you about. I have to cancel tonight. I have to work on the fire story. I'm sorry.
Bruce Wayne.
Its okay. I understand, we can reschedule. But please becareful Vicky.
Vicky kisses Bruce and he kisses back.
Vicky Vale
Don't worry about me Bruce. I'm reporter I can take the heat.
Vicky kisses him again and walks out.
Bruce Wayne
This left my night free to investigate.
Cut off on Bruce.
INT-WAYNE ENTERPRISES-NIGHT
We see Thorne on the phone.
Rupert Thorne
Good. Mr. Lynns. That What I like to hear. Your next target is Powercorp. Get it done.
Batman(in the shadows)
Thorne!
Rupert Thorne
What the devil!
Batman walks out of the shadow.
Batman
Should of known you were behind the fires.
Rupert Thorne
The Batman. You know your making a name for yourself. What do you say we strike a deal.
Batman
Not interested.
Batman walks closer to him. He grabs him by the collar.
Batman
What's the next target Thorne!
Rupert Thorne
I don't know what your talking about.
Batman drags Thorne to the window and opens it.
Batman
I wonder Thorne, can you fly?
Rupert Thorne(scared)
Jesus Christ. Powercorp. Okay. Don't throw me out.
Batman(walking off)
Nice meeting you Thorne.
Thorne looks up to see Batman gone.
Cut off on him angry.
INT-POWERCORP-NIGHT
We see Firefly walk through the generator basement. He spots the generator.
Firefly
Eureka. Easy money.
Batman(jumping down from the ceiling)
Your account has just been cancelled.
Firefly
The Batman. So its true.
Batman
And you are?
Firefly
Firefly is my name and starting fires is my game.
Batman
Well the game ends now.
Firefly
The fly versus the Bat. I like that. Draw Batman.
He pulls out his gun and shoots. A line of fire head towards Batman but he dodges. Part of the floor catches on fire.
Cut off on their glares at each other in fighting positions.
INT-GOTHAM GAZETTE-NIGHT
We see Vicky on computer. She clicks on something on the page with the mouse.
Vicky Vale
Well I'll be.
Editor
What you got Vale?
Vicky Vale
Both JanCorp and Kanecorp were both ahead of Wayne Enterprises in the stock market.
Editor
What are you getting at Vale?
Vicky Vale
Rupert Thorne and if this list is right then Powercorp is next. I have to go.
Vicky runs out. Pan to the editor confused.
[FADE OUT][ACT II ENDS][COMMERCIAL BREAK]
[ACT III]
INT-POWERCORP-NIGHT
We see Batman and Firefly still in fighting stance.
Firefly
I must say you do live up to the rumors.
Batman
Why are you doing this?
Firefly
To get paid duh!
Batman takes out a batarang and throws it at Firefly. Firefly shoots his gun and the fire melts the batarang.
Firefly
You have to do better than that.
Batman looks up to the ceiling to see the water sprinklers. He begins to run towards Firefly.
Firefly
Dumb idea.
Firefly points his gun. Pan to Batman flipping over him as Firefly shoots. The catches Batman's cape and the sprinklers turn on. The water gets into Firefly's gun causing it to malfunction. Pan to Batman rolling on the ground putting the fire out.
Firefly(tosses the gun)
Time to skedaddle.
He pushes a button to activate his jet pack. He hovers in the air.
Firefly
Nice chatting with you Bats.
Firefly flies out the basement window. Pan to Batman standing up. He has burn holes in his cape. His eyes squint as he is looking out the window.
EXT-OUTSIDE POWERCORP-NIGHT
We see Vicky getting out of a cab. She spots Firefly coming out of the basement window. She gets out her camera and takes a picture.
Vicky Vale
Got you.
CUT TO:
INT-DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE-NIGHT
We see Rachel and Harvey sitting at their desks talking.
Harvey Dent
So Gordon is on board?
Rachel Dawes
He said we need to get something on Thorne and make it stick.
Harvey Dent
Where do we start?
Batman(stepping from the shadows)
We can start with me.
Harvey Dent
Jesus!
Rachel Dawes
Do you just make a habit in just sneaking up on people.
Harvey Dent
So you're the Batman?
Rachel Dawes
You have something on Thorne?
Batman
Thorne hired a man named Firefly to burn down Wayne Enterprises competition. Meaning Jancorp and Kanecorp.
Harvey Dent
How do you know all this?
Batman
Let say I paid Thorne a visit and ran into his hired Thug at Powercorp. I stopped him from torching it but he got away.
Harvey Dent
We need proof of this. Do you have it?
Batman hands him a bag with Firefly's gun in it.
Batman
Firefly's fire gun.
Harvey Dent
This may not be enough.
Rachel Dawes
We'll need something more.
Batman
When I capture Firefly you guys get him to give up Thorne.
Rachel and Harvey look at Firefly's gun.
Harvey Dent
How can we contact you?
Harvey Dent looks up to see him gone. Pan to Harvey confused. He looks to Rachel.
Harvey Dent
The Batman, I guess he's okay.
Cut off on Rachel smiling.
INT-GOTHAM GAZETTE-NIGHT
We see Vicky running in heading straight to her computer.
Vicky Vale
I got something.
Editor
What?
Vicky Vale
A picture of our Arsonist.
She upload the picture on the computer. Pan to editor.
Editor
Well I'll be. You really starting to step up Vale.
Vicky Vale
Thanks Tom, that means a lot I think.
Tom Finger
Who you think it is?
Vicky Vale(determined)
I don't know but rest assure Vicky Vale will find out.
Cut off or Vicky's determined face.
INT-AXIS CHEMICALS-NIGHT
We see Jack Napier working late alone. Pan to the door as their is a knock.
Jack Napier
Who could this be?
Jack opens the door. Pan to see Garfield Lynns in jeans and white shirt.
Jack Napier
Garfield? What are you doing here?
Garfield Lynns
I need to check on something. Don't bother me.
Garfield brushes pass him. Pan to Jack confused and cuts off.
INT-RUPERT THORNE'S MANSION-NIGHT
We see Rupert Thorne sitting at his desk in his home office. Pan to Firefly with a new fire gun in his hand.
Rupert Thorne
You failed me Lynn.
Firefly
Wasn't my fault the Batman got in my way. Who told him Where I was? Thorne?
Rupert Thorne
Doesn't matter. Get back to Powercorp and heat it up.
Firefly
Fine but this is the last time. I want my money Thorne.
Rupert Thorne
And you'll get it. I promise.
Firefly flies out Thorne's window.
Cut off on Thorne's smirk.
INT-ENGINEER DEPARTMENT-NIGHT
We see Lucius working on something. Pan to Batman walking out of the shadows.
Batman
I need a favor Lucius.
Pan to Lucius.
Lucius Fox
Little late for Halloween Mr. Wayne.
Batman
I need a cape that is fireproof.
Lucius Fox
I think I have something for you.
Cut off on Batman and Lucius.
INT-POWERCORP-NIGHT
We see Firefly come in through the basement window.
Firefly(to himself)
You better have my money Thorne.
Vicky Vale(coming from the boxes)
I knew you'll be back.
Firefly
Who are you?
Vicky Vale
Vicky Vale, Gotham Gazette and your busted buddy.
Firefly
I don't think so hot mama.
Cut off on him grabbing her.
[FADE OUT][ACT III ENDS][COMMERCIAL BREAK]
[ACT IV]
INT-POWERCORP-NIGHT
We see Vicky tied up. Pan to Firefly spreading gas in a line to the power generator.
Vicky Vale
You won't get away with this. The cops are already on their way.
Firefly
Let them come. They can't stop me.
Batman(V.O.)
But I can.
Firefly and Vicky look up to see Batman jump from the ceiling tackling Firefly to the ground. Firefly kicks Batman off him. Batman rolls over and jumps on his feet.
Firefly
Jeez Batman you becoming a pest and that suppose to be my job.
Batman
You have stop this now Firefly.
Firefly
No way. I'm getting paid a whole lot of money just for blowing up some buildings.
Firefly fires his gun. Pan to Batman covering himself with his cape. Pan to the fire coming out of the gun. The fire hits Batman.
Firefly
A torch Bat. I like that.
Pan to Vicky terrified. Pan to the fire mixing with the gas line. A line of fire heads for the generator.
Vicky Vale
No!
Vicky tries to get loose but fails.
Firefly
That's my cue. Nice meeting you Ms. Vale. Too bad its the last.
Firefly flies out the window. Pan to Batman walking out the fire.
Vicky Vale
Batman the fire!
Batman looks to the fire heading for the generator. He runs toward and grabs a fire extinguisher on the way. He sprays the fire putting it just in time before it reach the generator. Batman walks to Vicky and unties her.
Vicky Vale
That's twice you saved me. I'm starting to think I have dark guardian angel or Bat watching over me.
Batman(police sirens is heard)
Tell the cops what happened.
Vicky Vale
What are you going to do?
Batman
To catch a fly.
Batman jumps out the basement window.
EXT-WAYNE ENTERPRISES-NIGHT
We see Rupert Thorne in his office pacing. Pan to Firefly flying in through the window.
Firefly(grabbing Thorne)
Thorne! I want my money! Now!
Rupert Thorne
I trust Powercorp is up in flames.
Firefly
Trust me. Jason Powers is going to feel the heat. But I need to get out Gotham ASAP!
Batman
Don't count on it.
Rupert Thorne and Firefly turn to see Batman come from the shadows.
Batman
You're both are going down tonight.
Rupert Thorne
What are you talking about Batman. I had nothing do with him.
Firefly
Why Thorne you!
Firefly puts his gun in Thorne's face.
Firefly
Tell me Thorne can you take the heat?
Pan to Batman throwing a batarang knocking the gun out of his hand. Firefly tries to fly out the window. Pan to Batman throwing two metal weight ball on both ends. It wraps around Firefly and he falls on Thorne's desk breaking it.
Batman
Your fires just been put out.
Rupert Thorne
I couldn't of said it better myself.
Batman(slams Thorne to the wall)
You're going down for this Thorne.
Rupert Throne
Please. You know I have the judges in my pocket. You'll never convict me.
Batman grabs Firefly and heads for the window.
Batman
Just watch me.
Batman takes out his grappling gun and shoots out the window. He jumps out with Firefly on his shoulder. Pan to Thorne smirking.
[FADE OUT][ACT IV ENDS][COMMERCIAL BREAK]
[ACT V]
INT-GOTHAM GAZETTE-DAY
We see Tom reading the front page of Gotham Gazette. Pan to Vicky smiling proudly.
Vicky Vale
How's that for front page news. Not even Lois Lane can out scoop me.
Tom Finger
Great Story Vale. Really starting show some good journalism.
Vicky Vale
Good. Try great journalism. I might just unmask the Batman.
Tom Finger
Watch what you say Vale. I might take you that offer.
Pan to Vicky smilling. "Gained the World by Morcheeba" is playing in the background.
Tom Finger
You have plans for lunch?
Vicky Vale
Yes with Bruce.(checks her watch)Matter of fact I'm late. see ya Tom.
Vicky leaves. Pan to Tom smiling.
INT-DISTRICT ATTORNETY'S OFFICE-DAY
We see Bruce sitting at Rachel's desk. Pan to Harvey walking in upset.
Harvey Dent
I don't believe it!(sees Bruce)What are you doing here?
Bruce Wayne
I was hoping I could see Rachel. What's wrong?
Harvey Dent
It doesn't concern you Wayne. Rachel isn't here she's at the Gotham Police Department. Now run along to your trust fund.
Bruce Wayne
Tell Rachel we need to talk.
Bruce goes to walk out. Harvey grabs him by the collar and slams him into the door. Pan to Bruce shocked.
Harvey Dent
Stay away from her! She's my girl Wayne!. I won't let you poison her.
Bruce Wayne
Harvey? What the hell?
Harvey Dent(calming down)
Bruce? I'm sorry I didn't mean to, I'm sorry.
Bruce Wayne
I have to go meet Vicky for lunch.
Bruce walks out confused.
Cut off on Harvey walking to the mirror.
INT-GOTHAM P.D.-DAY
We see Commissioner Fields, Lt. Gordon, and Rachel.
Lt. James Gordon
You can't be serious. We have motive and convict ready to make a deal.
Rachel Dawes
I mean how can you not put Thorne on trial. He hired Lynns to take out his competition.
Commissioner Fields
What proof?
Lt. James Gordon
The proof we just presented to you. Jancorp and Powercorp, not to mention Firefly.
Commissioner Fields
Fireflty is insane. He didn't know what he was talking about.
Rachel Dawes
Says who?
Johnathan Crane
Says me.
Pan to Johnathan Crane dressed in a grey suit walking up. Lt. James Gordon and Rachel look back at him skeptically.
Johnathan Crane
Pardon my rudeness. The name is Johnathan Crane.
The song ends. Cut off on Crane smiling.
[FADE OUT][ACT V ENDS][CLOSING CREDITS]