Batman: The Long Halloween - Chapter 9

Summary

DC High Volume: Batman – The Long Halloween: Chapter 9

Release Date: June 18, 2025
Adapted From: Batman: The Long Halloween by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale
Narrated By: Jason Spisak as Batman, Jay Paulson as Jim Gordon, Adam O'Brien as Harvey Dent, among others.

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1. Opening Conflict: Father's Day in Gotham

Timestamp: [01:00]

The episode opens on Father's Day in Gotham City, but it's anything but celebratory for Bruce Wayne. Instead, Bruce finds himself incarcerated, a consequence of District Attorney Harvey Dent's relentless campaign against the crime syndicate led by Carmine "the Roman" Falcone. This creates a power vacuum in Gotham's underworld, allowing criminals to seize the opportunity to increase their influence.

Quote:
Narrator: "It's Father's Day in Gotham City. And Bruce Wayne is spending it behind bars."

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2. Flashback: Bruce Wayne's Memories of His Father

Timestamp: [01:48] – [03:03]

Bruce Wayne reflects on his father, Thomas Wayne, recalling the frequent medical emergencies that often took him away from the family. A poignant memory surfaces of a night when his father didn't leave for an emergency but was instead confronted by Carmine Falcone at their residence.

Quotes:
Bruce Wayne: "I remember my father. The phone would ring. There was a medical emergency somewhere. He had to go. He was needed. There was no choice."
Alfred Pennyworth: "Good Lord."
Carmine Falcone: "Dr. Wayne. Look at what they've done to my boy."

This encounter reveals the strained relationship between the Waynes and Falcone, hinting at deeper connections and unresolved tensions.

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3. Investigations and Accusations: Harvey Dent Questions Falcone

Timestamp: [03:53] – [04:53]

Harvey Dent intensifies his investigation, bringing Carmine Falcone under scrutiny before a grand jury. He presses Falcone about the relationship between Bruce Wayne and Vincent Falcone, seeking transparency about their connections.

Quotes:
Harvey Dent: "Mr. Pennyworth, you still contend under oath that Thomas Wayne never accepted any sort of payment from Vincent Falcone. Then explain to us the relationship that continues to this day between the sons, Carmine Falcone and your employer, Bruce Wayne."
Carmine Falcone: "Perhaps Dr. Wayne did file a report. But Gotham City was different then..."

Falcone deflects the accusations, blaming Gotham's systemic corruption for the Waynes' tragic fate, suggesting that the city's rot is at the heart of their woes.

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4. Alfred's Frustration and Falcone's Retaliation

Timestamp: [04:53] – [05:23]

Alfred Pennyworth expresses frustration over Carmine Falcone's manipulative tactics, hinting at past violence and the ongoing threat Falcone poses to those connected to the Wayne family.

Quotes:
Alfred Pennyworth: "Ouch. That'll cost us, Harvey. Carmine Falcone. I should have finished the job years ago."
Bruce Wayne: "Luigi. Big Lou Maroni, the former head of the Maroni crime family, retired..."

This segment underscores the relentless power struggles within Gotham's mafia factions and Bruce's precarious position amidst them.

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5. The Maroni Family's Retired Leader and Rising Tensions

Timestamp: [05:23] – [06:16]

The narrative shifts focus to Big Lou Maroni, the retired head of the Maroni crime family, who now leads a quieter life focused on gardening. However, his son, Sal Maroni, emerges as Falcone's main rival, indicating escalating tensions that threaten Gotham's fragile peace.

Quotes:
Bruce Wayne: "Luigi. Big Lou Maroni, the former head of the Maroni crime family, retired. Now he spends his days in his walled garden growing tomatoes."
Alfred Pennyworth: "You can act like a man. This is about Falcone. You gotta get the Roman before he gets you."

Sal Maroni's ambition and rivalry with Falcone set the stage for potential conflicts that could destabilize Gotham once more.

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6. Crimes Unfold and Connections Deepen

Timestamp: [09:20] – [10:27]

The plot thickens as the grand jury acquits Bruce Wayne, a verdict that both shocks and frustrates Harvey Dent. Concurrently, the Falcone family’s internal dynamics are explored, revealing Sophia Falcone's connection to Bruce and hinting at deeper familial intrigues.

Quotes:
Bruce Wayne: "Sophia Falcone Gigante, the Roman's daughter."
Alfred Pennyworth: "Bruce Wayne. I have business to attend to, daughter. I'll be back late."
Harvey Dent: "I was so sure that Bruce Wayne was doing favors for the Falcone family. But a jury of my peers didn't agree with Me?"

This section highlights the intertwined relationships and the personal vendettas that drive the characters' motivations.

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7. Harvey Dent's Obsession and the Emergence of New Threats

Timestamp: [11:04] – [13:13]

Harvey Dent grapples with the jury's decision, expressing his disillusionment and determination to continue his quest against Gotham's corruption. Meanwhile, new threats emerge as Jonathan Crane, aka the Scarecrow, escapes from Arkham Asylum, adding another layer of danger to an already volatile city.

Quotes:
Harvey Dent: "It's like they flipped a coin. Heads he wins. Tales I lose. And Bruce Wayne, all his money. His good family name goes back to high society."
Bruce Wayne: "On Mother's Day, Jonathan Crane, psychiatrist turned psychopath. Escaped from Arkham Asylum..."

The introduction of the Scarecrow signifies escalating criminal activities, forcing Bruce Wayne to confront new challenges as Batman.

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8. Dialogues of Power and Legacy

Timestamp: [13:13] – [15:03]

A tense conversation unfolds between Bruce Wayne and Carmine Falcone, where Falcone subtly manipulates Bruce by invoking memories of his father and questioning his legacy. This dialogue underscores the psychological battles Bruce faces, torn between his desire for justice and the shadows of his past.

Quotes:
Carmine Falcone: "Master Bruce. Master Bruce."
Bruce Wayne: "I just miss him, Alfred. Is that so wrong?"
Carmine Falcone: "You are very much your father's son."

These exchanges reveal Falcone's influence and the internal struggles Bruce must navigate to maintain his path as Gotham's protector.

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9. The Final Stand: Alliances and Confrontations

Timestamp: [15:03] – [15:57]

As tensions reach a boiling point, both Alfred and Harvey Dent recognize the necessity of uniting against Falcone. This alliance hints at the upcoming confrontations that will define Gotham's fate and Bruce Wayne's role as Batman.

Quotes:
Harvey Dent: "Maroney."
Alfred Pennyworth: "You want a piece of me? We both want a piece of Falcone. Maybe it's time we both found out what we could do for each other."

The formation of this partnership sets the stage for pivotal events in Gotham's ongoing battle against crime.

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10. Conclusion: Setting the Stage for Future Episodes

Timestamp: [15:57] – [18:55]

The chapter concludes by summarizing the key players and their motivations, leaving listeners anticipating the unfolding drama. Batman's journey is deeply intertwined with Gotham's power structures, and the rise of new villains like the Holiday Killer threatens to upend the delicate balance of the city.

Final Thoughts:
Narrator: "You've been listening to DC High Volume Batman the Long Halloween the Long Halloween comic written by Jeph Loeb with artwork by Tim Sale."

The episode effectively bridges past events with present conflicts, ensuring that listeners are both informed and engaged, eager to discover how Batman will navigate the treacherous landscape of Gotham City.

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Notable Quotes Summary

• Bruce Wayne on His Father:
  "I remember my father. The phone would ring. There was a medical emergency somewhere. He had to go. He was needed. There was no choice." ([01:48])

• Carmine Falcone to Bruce Wayne:
  "To my knowledge, they do not have a relationship." ([04:10])

• Harvey Dent's Frustration:
  "I was so sure that Bruce Wayne was doing favors for the Falcone family. But a jury of my peers didn't agree with Me?" ([11:27])

• Alfred on Partnership:
  "You want a piece of me? We both want a piece of Falcone. Maybe it's time we both found out what we could do for each other." ([15:28])

These quotes encapsulate the central tensions and character motivations driving the narrative forward.

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Production Credits

• Directed By: Fred Greenhalgh and John Brooks
• Audio Adaptation: Fred Greenhalgh and Roshan Singh Sambi
• Voice Actors:
  • Jason Spisak as Batman
  • Jay Paulson as Jim Gordon
  • Adam O'Brien as Harvey Dent
  • Reba Burr as Catwoman
  • Dan Gill as the Joker
  • Mike Starr as Carmine Falcone
  • (Additional voices by Robert Bedel, Paul Carafotis, and others)
• Production Companies: CSA, Realm Productions
• Music Composed By: Sam Ewing
• Recorded At: Real Voice, La CityVox, and Edge Studios

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Disclaimer

This podcast is a fictional adaptation based on characters from DC Comics. Any resemblance to real persons or events is purely coincidental. Unauthorized duplication or distribution may result in legal consequences.

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End of Summary

Transcript

[Narrator]

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You're listening to DC High Volume Batman. It's Father's Day in Gotham City. And Bruce Wayne is spending it behind bars. Thanks to District Attorney Harvey Dent's righteous crusade against crime lord Carmine the Roman Falcone. But when the Bat is away, Gotham's criminals and crooks come out to play. Among them, the ever elusive Holiday killer. And now, the Long Halloween. Chapter nine.

[Bruce Wayne]

I remember my father. The phone would ring. There was a medical emergency somewhere. He had to go. He was needed. There was no choice. But one night. It was the doorbell.

[Alfred Pennyworth]

Good Lord.

[Carmine Falcone]

Dr. Wayne. Look at what they've done to my boy.

[Alfred Pennyworth]

Alfred, come quickly and bring my medical bag.

[Carmine Falcone]

You have a boy, don't you, Dr. Way?

[Alfred Pennyworth]

This man should be in a hospital.

[Carmine Falcone]

I cannot treat no hospitals. If I were to take him anywhere public, Luigi Maroney. That animal would finish the job. So you can ask me any price, Wayne. Just save my son.

[Bruce Wayne]

I know you know who I am.

[Carmine Falcone]

And how. You're already a rich man. But Vincent Falcone is a powerful man. And sometimes a powerful friend is worth more than all the money in the world.

[Bruce Wayne]

I crouched at the top of the stairs, watching. I'd never seen my father at work. This is not about compensation.

[Carmine Falcone]

Everybody wants something. Hey, doctor.

[Bruce Wayne]

It was like magic. And you go. Mr. Wayne. I realize now the life my father saved was Carmine the Roman Falcone. Gotham's untouchable crime lord. For all the good he tried to bring to Gotham City, my father's actions have resulted in my being here. Pine bars my fate in the hands of two men I've come to trust. District Attorney Harvey Dent and Captain James Gordon.

[Harvey Dent]

Mr. Pennyworth, you still contend under oath that Thomas Wayne never accepted any sort of payment from Vincent Falcone. Then explain to us the relationship that continues to this day between the sons, Carmine Falcone and your employer, Bruce Wayne.

[Carmine Falcone]

To my knowledge, they do not have a relationship.

[Harvey Dent]

And please tell this grand jury, tell me why. Why didn't Thomas Wayne report the crime? So that Luigi Moroni would be behind bars and the city wouldn't be in the grip of Carmine the Roman Falcone.

[Carmine Falcone]

Perhaps Dr. Wayne did file a report. But Gotham City was different then. The police, even the district attorney's office were rife with graft. Several months later, Dr. Wayne and his wife were murdered. The most decent people I have ever known, gunned down in these very streets. To this day, the killer was never brought to justice. Perhaps Gotham City is not all that different.

[Alfred Pennyworth]

Ouch. That'll cost us, Harvey. Carmine Falcone. I should have finished the job years ago. Sal. The students. Takes five shots in the chest and still lives. Ah, things would have been so different.

[Bruce Wayne]

Luigi. Big Lou Maroni, the former head of the Maroni crime family, retired. Now he spends his days in his walled garden growing tomatoes. His son, Sal, the boss Maroni, is Falcone's chief rival for control of Gotham City.

[Alfred Pennyworth]

Goes to this holiday goon. All my guys are dead. How do I fix this mess? You can act like a man. This is about Falcone. You gotta get the Roman before he gets you. What's that? No. You son of a. No.

[Narrator]

No.

Pop.

[Bruce Wayne]

So Maroni cradles his father's bleeding, lifeless body. Laying in front of him is a.22 caliber pistol, a baby bottle nipple, two empty shell casings, and an open gift box containing a striped necktie.

[Narrator]

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[Bruce Wayne]

The Romans Penthouse.

[Alfred Pennyworth]

Yes, Sophia, what is it? Thought you'd want to know, Papa. The grand jury acquitted Bruce Wayne. Took about a minute and a half.

[Bruce Wayne]

Sophia Falcone Gigante, the Roman's daughter.

[Alfred Pennyworth]

Bruce Wayne. I have business to attend to, daughter. I'll be back late. I. Sophia. Here. Happy Father's Day.

[Bruce Wayne]

It's a tie.

[Alfred Pennyworth]

I appreciate the gesture, Papa.

[Bruce Wayne]

Catwoman has been on a rooftop nearby listening for something. The Gordon household.

[Carmine Falcone]

James, you asleep? What you holding there? A letter.

[Bruce Wayne]

For dad? Dye.

[Carmine Falcone]

And a necktie with James sized handprints.

[Alfred Pennyworth]

Huh. You and your mother have been busy, I see. Well, it's only the best Father's Day present a dad could get. You have good dreams, son.

[Carmine Falcone]

You too, Jim.

[Bruce Wayne]

Across town, the home of Harvey and Gilda Dent. Harvey?

[Narrator]

Harvey, are you down there?

[Harvey Dent]

I want to go see dad.

[Narrator]

Oh God.

[Harvey Dent]

And still as crazy as ever. He gave me something though. Gilda, what is it? I was so sure that Bruce Wayne was doing favors for the Falcone family. But a jury of my peers didn't agree with Me? It's like they flipped a coin. Heads he wins. Tales I lose. And Bruce Wayne, all his money. His good family name goes back to high society. Leaving the rest of us to do what needs to be done.

[Bruce Wayne]

On Mother's Day, Jonathan Crane, psychiatrist turned psychopath. Escaped from Arkham Asylum, unleashing the Scarecrow on my city. He didn't do this alone. He had help. And now he's set up shop in an old utility building in the Gotham Central Park. Brewing his dangerous chemicals. Put it in the oven before Bat.

[Harvey Dent]

And then.

[Carmine Falcone]

Would you like some more tea, Dervish?

[Bruce Wayne]

Touch Delusional. Schizophrenic. Homicidal. The Mad Hatter.

[Alfred Pennyworth]

Tea.

[Bruce Wayne]

Pat a cake. Pat a cake, baker's man. You could always have more.

[Alfred Pennyworth]

Gentlemen, I didn't take the time and expense to assist your early release from Arkham to argue about cake and tea. We have business. Business? Regarding the Gotham City bank depositor.

[Bruce Wayne]

Wayne Manor. My parents house. A portrait of them looms over the fireplace. Always looking at me. Judging me. So if my father hadn't saved the Roman's life. All the lives, all the violence. How different Gotham City might be.

[Carmine Falcone]

If I may, sir, your father would have done the same for anyone who came to the door. That was his way.

[Bruce Wayne]

I can't help wondering what might have happened.

[Carmine Falcone]

If it would be as fruitless as my wondering, had I been a different sort of father to you, how better your life might be. Master Bruce. Master Bruce.

[Bruce Wayne]

I just miss him, Alfred. Is that so wrong?

[Carmine Falcone]

No, there's nothing wrong with that. You are very much your father's son.

[Bruce Wayne]

I remember my father. Harvey Dent's office. Sal Maroney is covered in his father's blood.

[Harvey Dent]

This should better be important for him, getting me out in the middle of a debt.

[Alfred Pennyworth]

It's plenty important.

[Harvey Dent]

Maroney.

[Alfred Pennyworth]

You want a piece of me? We both want a piece of Falcone. Maybe it's time we both found out what we could do for each other.

[Narrator]

You've been listening to DC High Volume Batman the Long Halloween the Long Halloween comic written by Jeph Loeb with artwork by Tim Sale. Directed by Fred Greenhalgh and John Brooks. Audio adaptation by Fred Greenhalgh and Roshan Singh Sambi Batman created by Bob Kane with Bill Fingers Starring Jason Spisak as Batman Jay Paulson as Jim Gordon Adam o' Byrne as Harvey Dent, Reba Burr as Catwoman, Dan Gill as the Joker and Mike Starr as Carmine Falcone. Also starring Jessie Burch Joel Brady Tomasso John de Blasi Fiona Jones Christina Rosado Al Sapienza Marcella Lentz Pope, Rachel Rosenbloom and Simon Vance. With additional voices by Robert Bedel, Paul Carafotis, Robert Catrini, Andy Cowell, Matthew Quern, Darren DePaul, Fred Greenhalge, Todd Haberkorn, Charles Halford, Cassidy Kasten, Andrew Kwan, Jeff Loeb, Michelle Lukes, Ronnie Marmo, Ian o' Brien, Gabriel Oliva, Mike Pallotta, Daniel Ramirez, Roshan Singh Sambhi, Kevin Smith and Christina Telesca Casting by Sunday Boling Kennedy and Meg Moorman. CSA produced by Fred Greenhalgh and Roshan Singh Sambhi Executive producers for DC Mike Pallotta and Victor Diaz Executive producers for Realm Molly Barton and Carly Milori Director of production operations for Realm Devin Shepherd Production manager, Jordan Accancia Music composed by Sam Ewing Additional music by Marcus Thorne Bagala Supervising sound design and mix by Jonathan Roberts Additional sound design and mix by Daniel Ramirez and Daniel Brunel Dialogue editing by Joey Fishground Additional production support by Andas Productions Assistant editors Chia Yam Chong and Jamie Leidwinger Associate producer Andrew Kwan Video editor Tasha Carter Production services provided by Realm Recorded at Real Voice, La CityVox and Edge Studios this podcast was recorded under a SAG AFTRA agreement based on characters from dc. The characters and events depicted in this podcast are fictional. Any similarity to any actual person, living or dead, or to any actual events, you, firms, places and institutions, or other entities is coincidental and unintentional. This podcast is protected under the laws of the United States and other countries and its unauthorized duplication, distribution or exhibition may result in civil liability and criminal prosecution. Copyright and trademark D.C. all rights reserved.

[Bruce Wayne]

J.