DC High Volume: Batman

Episode: Batman: The Long Halloween - Chapter 3

Release Date: May 7, 2025
Adaptation Of: Batman: The Long Halloween by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale

Overview

In Chapter 3 of DC High Volume: Batman's adaptation of The Long Halloween, the dark and gritty streets of Gotham City become even more treacherous as the elusive Holiday killer continues their spree. This episode delves deeper into the intricate web of crime, deceit, and personal turmoil that defines Gotham, highlighting Batman's relentless pursuit of justice amidst rising threats.

Plot Summary

The Ongoing Threat of the Holiday Killer

The episode opens with a chilling reminder of the Holiday killer's modus operandi—striking on significant holidays and leaving the city in fear as Christmas approaches.

• Batman narrates:
  "Christmas Eve in Gotham City. A serial killer the newspapers have dubbed Holiday is on the loose. He or she has struck on Halloween and Thanksgiving holidays. And tomorrow is Christmas."
  [02:24]

The ominous presence of the Joker is felt as he taunts the investigation and mocks the notion of peace in Gotham.

• Joker:
  "Holiday Killer stalks Gotham. Who is Holiday? Who is Holiday? Happy Holidays. Happy Holidays. Living in a snowy wonder place. I hate that song."
  [02:45]

His interference exacerbates the already tense atmosphere, targeting innocent families and undermining the city's fragile attempts at normalcy.

Batman and Harvey Dent Collaborate

Inside Arkham Asylum, Harvey Dent discusses the Joker's recent activities with Batman, hinting at a connection between Dent and the escalation of crimes.

• Harvey Dent:
  "The Joker's escaped again. Attacked some family. Took all their Christmas presents. For God's sake."
  [04:46]

Batman reflects on Jim Gordon's observations about his impact on Gotham:

• Batman:
  "I know what Gordon is implying. That my presence somehow attracts these men and women to my city. Jim Gordon is a good man. He and the police do the best they can with limited resources. But Gotham City needs Batman to protect her from criminals such as Julian Day, the Calendar Man."
  [05:17]

Introduction of Calendar Man

Batman and Dent seek insight from Julian Day, aka Calendar Man, hoping his pattern-based crimes can shed light on the Holiday killer.

• Calendar Man:
  "Tomorrow is the big day. She'll be killing again."
  [06:16]

His responses hint at the possibility of a female perpetrator, adding complexity to the investigation.

Carmine Falcone's Concerns

In a pivotal scene at Sal Maroni's restaurant, Carmine Falcone confronts the Joker, suspecting Harvey Dent might be the Holiday killer.

• Carmine Falcone:
  "It's Dent. It has to be Harvey Dent. Okay? I want somebody, Toots, and I mean somebody good, planted in that DA's office watching them day and night."
  [07:26]

The Joker mocks Falcone's suspicions, escalating the tension between Gotham's criminal underworld and its defenders.

• Joker:
  "Almost as big as your head, Maroni. Or should I say Holiday?"
  [08:00]

Personal Struggles of Harvey Dent

Amidst the chaos, Harvey Dent grapples with personal challenges at home, revealing his vulnerabilities and the strain on his marriage to Gilda Dent.

• Harvey Dent's Voice:
  "Merry Christmas, Gilda."
  [12:07]

Their intimate moments are interrupted by the Joker, who threatens to expose Dent as the Holiday killer, questioning Dent's moral compass and loyalty.

• Joker:
  "The question is, what sort of a man are you? This town isn't big enough for two homicidal maniacs. And if I find out that the buzz is true, that Harvey Dent is Holiday, I'm not going to be as forgiving the next time."
  [13:34]

Escalation of Violence

The conflict culminates in the Joker's direct confrontation with Carmine Falcone, where his threats become imminent as he seeks to uncover the identity of Holiday.

• Joker:
  "If you find this Holiday or I'll kill everyone in Gotham City until I find him."
  [15:02]

The tension reaches a peak with the death of Milos, Falcone's personal bodyguard, marking another grim milestone in the Holiday killer's spree.

• Batman:
  "Milos, the Roman's personal bodyguard, dies on Christmas Day. Holiday has another victim. A snow globe with a snowman inside placed next to the body and playing cards. That could only mean. Have a Merry Christmas, Joker. It will be your last."
  [16:49]

Character Highlights

• Batman (Jason Spisak):
  Continues his unyielding quest to protect Gotham, balancing his role as a beacon of hope against the city's descending chaos.

• Harvey Dent (Adam O'Brien):
  Faces both public scrutiny and private despair, teetering on the edge as suspicions around him grow.

• Joker (Dan Gill):
  Remains the epitome of anarchy, strategically destabilizing Gotham's power structures and sowing distrust.

• Carmine Falcone (Mike Starr):
  Struggles to maintain his grip on Gotham's underworld amidst external threats and internal betrayals.

Notable Quotes

• Joker:
  "Nice gun. Mine's bigger. Oh, look at that. Almost as big as your head, Maroni. Or should I say Holiday?"
  [08:04]

• Harvey Dent:
  "No. So I'll just have to work twice as hard."
  [12:33]

• Batman:
  "You’re a smart man. That was not a very bright move. What went on here tonight?"
  [11:20]

Insights and Themes

• Duality of Characters:
  The episode explores the fragile duality within characters like Harvey Dent, whose public persona clashes with growing suspicions and personal struggles.

• Cycle of Violence:
  The relentless cycle of crime during holidays underscores the persistent and systemic nature of Gotham's corruption.

• Trust and Betrayal:
  With figures like Falcone doubting allies and the Joker undermining trust, the theme of betrayal runs deep, affecting both heroes and villains.

• Isolation of Vigilantes:
  Batman's realization that his presence may draw more chaos highlights the isolating burden of being Gotham's protector.

Conclusion

Chapter 3 intensifies the narrative of The Long Halloween, weaving together personal drama, escalating violence, and intricate detective work. As Batman navigates the perilous streets of Gotham, the lines between ally and enemy blur, setting the stage for deeper revelations and confrontations in the episodes to come.

Credits

This episode was adapted by Fred Greenhalgh and Roshan Singh Sambhi, featuring performances by Jason Spisak (Batman), Jay Paulson (Jim Gordon), Adam O'Brien (Harvey Dent), Reba Burr (Catwoman), Dan Gill (The Joker), and Mike Starr (Carmine Falcone), among others.

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