Batman: Year One - Chapter 4 - DC High Volume: Batman

DC High Volume: Batman – Season 1, Year One, Chapter 4 Summary

Introduction In the fourth chapter of DC High Volume: Batman – Year One, the narrative delves deeper into the escalating conflict within Gotham City, focusing on Lieutenant James Gordon's relentless fight against corruption, his personal struggles, and the emergence of Batman as a pivotal force against the city's burgeoning criminal underworld. This episode, released on April 16, 2025, masterfully adapts Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli's seminal comic Batman: Year One, bringing the gritty atmosphere of Gotham to life through rich audio storytelling.

Gordon's Struggle Against Corruption The episode opens on September 2nd, highlighting the mounting pressures on Lt. James Gordon as he continues his stand against Gotham's pervasive corruption. His recent apprehension of Jefferson Skeevers, a notorious narcotics dealer, marks his fourth significant bust, reinforcing his reputation as a hero cop. As Trish comments, “If Skeevers is convicted, this will be the fourth time he goes to prison. Bet they throw away the key” (09:15).

Despite his successes, Gordon faces skepticism and lack of support within the department. When Assistant District Attorney Harvey Dent questions his leniency in releasing Skeevers on bail, Gordon maintains his integrity: “I know you're not on the take. And I don't think you're crazy” (11:45). This moment underscores the tenuous alliances and the constant balancing act Gordon must perform between effectiveness and departmental politics.

Personal Turmoil and Relationships Parallel to his professional battles, Gordon's personal life is in turmoil. His affair with Detective Essen threatens to compromise both his family and his ideals. In a poignant exchange, Gordon grapples with his feelings: “I just want to know, if your wife weren't pregnant, would you...” (04:30). This confession highlights his internal conflict between duty and personal desire, adding depth to his character as he navigates the complexities of love and responsibility.

The Rise of Batman As Gordon pushes forward, Batman begins to emerge as a symbol of hope and fear in Gotham. The narrative introduces Bruce Wayne's return to Gotham, setting the stage for his transformation into Batman. Bruce's confrontation with Gordon at Wayne Manor is pivotal: “You're getting as much press as Batman. It is Batman you want to talk about, isn't it?” (23:50). This encounter hints at the underlying tensions and the clandestine operations that Bruce must undertake to protect his city.

Jefferson Skeevers and Detective Flass Jefferson Skeevers introduces a darker element to Gordon's crusade. His interactions with Harvey Dent reveal deeper layers of Gotham's corruption: “They'd love to catch you with your pants down” (14:20). Moreover, the involvement of Detective Arnold Flass in Skeevers' drug operation exposes the extent of institutional corruption. When confronted, Flass dismissively states, “Detective Flass is a friend of mine, Gordon” (16:00), showcasing the formidable obstacles Gordon faces from within his own ranks.

Confrontation with the Mob The episode intensifies with the introduction of Carmine Falcone, a powerful mob boss whose influence threatens to destabilize Gotham further. The dynamic between Falcone and his nephew, Johnny Viti, adds complexity to the criminal hierarchy. A tense showdown ensues when Viti attacks Gordon, leading to a harrowing sequence on a bridge:

The Bridge Showdown: As Viti pursues Gordon and threatens his family, the tension culminates in a violent confrontation: “I won't let your boy die” (42:00). Gordon's desperate attempts to protect his family result in a brutal fight, ultimately leading to his near-fatal fall from the bridge. His anguished exclamation, “No. I failed him too” (45:30), encapsulates the high stakes and personal sacrifices involved in his battle against Gotham's darkness.

Introduction of Carmine Falcone's Domain Carmine Falcone's presence becomes more pronounced as he strategizes to maintain his grip on Gotham. His interactions with his sister and nephew reveal internal family conflicts and his ruthless methods to eliminate threats: “Mother was wise in her way” (37:50). Falcone's manipulation and control over his associates further illustrate the formidable resistance Gordon faces.

Batman’s Tactical Emergence Amid the chaos, Batman begins to assert his influence. His first significant appearance is marked by swift and calculated actions against Falcone's operations. Batman's confrontation with Falcone's men showcases his combat prowess and strategic mind: “I won’t think it's Batman if I give him a scratch” (34:10). This moment not only establishes Batman's effectiveness but also foreshadows his crucial role in Gotham's future.

Key Quotes and Moments

Jim Gordon on Integrity: “It's the right thing to do. It's the only thing to do” (01:15) – Emphasizing his moral compass amidst corruption.
Harvey Dent on Skeevers: “He doesn't want bad publicity. It follows he won't murder anyone” (38:50) – Highlighting Dent's pragmatic approach to justice.
Batman on Responsibility: “Once a man becomes a father, he is never truly free” (49:20) – Reflecting the personal motivations driving Gordon’s fight.

Conclusion and Cliffhanger As Chapter 4 concludes, the battle lines in Gotham are clearly drawn. Gordon's near-death experience, combined with Batman's rising influence, sets the stage for an explosive confrontation between the forces of corruption and the emerging heroes. The episode ends on a tense note, with Gordon grappling with his survival and Batman positioning himself as Gotham's enigmatic guardian.

Production and Credits This adaptation is directed by John Brooks with audio adaptation by John Brooks, Fred Greenhalgh, and Roshan Singh. The voice cast includes Jason Spisak as Bruce Wayne and Jay Paulson as Jim Gordon, among others. The production seamlessly blends dialogue, sound effects, and music composed by Sam Ewing to create an immersive experience that faithfully represents the dark and gritty essence of the original comics.

Final Thoughts Chapter 4 of DC High Volume: Batman – Year One masterfully intertwines personal drama, moral dilemmas, and intense action to portray the transformation of Bruce Wayne into Batman and Jim Gordon's unwavering dedication to cleansing Gotham City. Through its rich storytelling and compelling character development, the episode offers listeners a profound exploration of heroism, sacrifice, and the enduring struggle between good and evil.

Transcript

Narrator (0:01)

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His stand against corruption has earned him powerful enemies, while his affair with Detective Essen threatens to compromise both his family and the ideals he swore to uphold. Meanwhile, Batman's relentless war on Gotham's underworld pushes the city closer to a breaking point. An explosive showdown is coming between those who thrive on Gotham's corruption and the few who fight for its soul. And now, year one, chapter four, September 2nd. It's the right thing to do. It's the only thing to do. You should take the bracelet. I'm sure your wife would like it. No, Please. Sarah. Keep it. Damn it, Jim. You're right, of course. I just want to know, if your wife weren't pregnant, would you. I'm sorry. That wasn't fair. Damn it, Jim. Hero cop Lieutenant James Gordon today apprehended notorious narcotics dealer Jefferson Skeevers. It looks like Gordon is out to set a record, right, Tom? Oh, it sure does, Trish. He's caught a big fish this time. If Skeevers is convicted, this will be the fourth time he goes to prison. Bet they throw away the key. September 7th. Sarah's arms are strong. Her whole body's strong. It's late. We both worked late again. So here we are, sharing a forbidden kiss in my office. I never get tired around her. She's requested a transfer. She's leaving Gotham City. I'm in love with her. It's the only thing to do. Judge Rafferty set bail for Jefferson Skeevers. Surprisingly, Assistant District Attorney Harvey Dent did not argue with the decision. I know you're not on the take. And I don't think you're crazy. So tell me why you let them let Skeevers out on the street. Dent. I understand how you feel, Lieutenant. Would you like to borrow my umbrella? Jefferson Skeevers, a small time drug dealer with big connections. High up in his luxury apartment. He considers himself above justice. I take the long way. No, no. None of that. You stay clean until we've gotten you off. Hey, don't sweat it, baby. It's just a couple of lines. Dent and Gordon are hot for you, Skeevers. They'd love to catch you with your pants down. Catch me? They called me babe. And they let me go. And you got me a court order tying Gordon's hands. I mean, I'd be sweating, baby, if it wasn't for our cop. They nail me and I talk about Flash and maybe Flash talks about Commissioner Lowe. You say one word about Flas and they'll kill both of us Skeevers. Now take that thing out of your nose and listen to me. Just a couple of lines. Where do I start? I want you in a blue suit at the inquest. With a tie. Make it black. Same for the shoes. And when you smile at the jury, make it nice. Particularly the women. I smiled at them. Okay? Just remember, they've still got their clothes on. Close that window. Answer her. I'm fine. Better lay off that coke. Bad on the nerves. You can never escape me. Bullets can't harm me. Nothing harms me. But I know pain. I know pain. Sometimes I share it. September 12th. Skeevers you look like hell. Wanna talk to Den? Wanna drop a plea? Want to talk about Flash Merkel? Get. Then forget to tell the commissioner I'm gone. Sources inside the police department revealed that Gotham Police Detective Arnold Flass has been implicated in Skeever's drug operation. Detective Flass could not be reached for comment September 13th. Detective Flass is a friend of mine, Gordon. You might have at least informed me of your plans before handing his head to Internal Affairs. It was a slip, sir. Everybody's working such long hours. Okay, enough of this. I'll handle this, Brandon. Friendship, Gordon. Loyalty. These words still count for something in Gotham City. We took you in. Yes, we did. Blemishes and all. And you do have your blemishes. And you go and I've done exactly what I promised, commissioner. You get my best work, you get good press. I'll give you that. Hero Cop smashes Drug Ring. They like you, don't they? AG and his pack at the Gazette. But they don't know you. No, they don't. Not the way we know you. It'd be terrible if they or your wife learned of the special nature of your relationship with Sergeant Essen. How did you get this walls of yours, Jimmy? Commissioner Loeb assures Gotham that the manhunt for the Batman continues with hero cop James Gordon on the case. September 25th. Good afternoon, Mr. Gordon. Wayne Manor. The butler makes us feel as welcome as a virus. He leads us through a few dozen rooms the size of small states to Wayne's study. Wayne's been out of the country. Wayne's had the flu. This morning I was told he had a hangover, but he'd see me. Police Lieutenant and Mrs. Gordon, sir. Hello. Better than having her stay at home and worry about being so overdue. Ms. Gordon, I'm charmed. All right, Alfred, be a joy and get some glasses for our guests and another bottle for my lady friend. This one's evaporated. A little early in the day for us. Thanks, Mr. Wayne. I don't want to waste your time. My time's worthless, lieutenant. Just ask Alfred. Hmm. I've been following your exploits, lieutenant. I must say that I'm impressed. You're getting as much press as Batman. It is Batman you want to talk about, isn't it? Something about my being him. Excuse me. Must be the champagne. I neglected to introduce my friend. You see, I'm not sure of her name and she doesn't speak any language. I know. That must be convenient. Barbara. Mr. Wayne. I need to know where you were on the following dates. June 2, he laughs and rings for his butler. June 5, his butler brings his date book. I could auction off the phone numbers in it for a fortune. They're all women. They're all famous. They're all beautiful. What'd you think? He's a pig, Jim. He's acting like one, that's for sure. But any man would wear a cape. And it is a cape, not wings. I've seen it. Any man who wear a cape hunt criminals might go pretty far to keep his secrets. Secrets. Damn it all, Jim. Why are you stopping? 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See details online. 25% off vacation essentials is valid in US and Canada through June 9th, 2025. Applies to select styles as indicated. Price reflects discount. This episode is brought to you by Amazon Prime. From streaming to shopping, prime helps you get more out of your passions. So whether you're a fan of true crime or prefer a nail biting novel from time to time, with services like Prime Video, Amazon Music and fast free delivery, prime makes it easy to get more out of whatever you're into or getting into. Visit Amazon.comprime to learn more. Gordon's car's been sitting there for 10 minutes now. He's moving. Good, Alfred, how'd you like my performance? Positively vaudevillian, sir. I gather the remaining bottle of club soda may be left in its proper container. I suppose you'll take up flying next, like that fellow in Metropolis. There's a thought. October 2nd SK told us where, when and how much money you receive. Flas. Man, you've been spending a lot more than you're earning you're facing 10 years in prison, Flass. That's if Skeever's alive enough to testify. My client didn't mean that. October 5th. Hello? Yes, sir. I know about Sergeant Essen. Please don't bother me again. Barbara, don't. Dr. Chan for Radiology, please. Dr. Chan. October 7th. Somebody slips rat poison into Skeever's food. Merkel gets his stomach pumped in time. Schemers is still going to testify against Flas. Doesn't care that his attorney quit. Whatever he's scared of, It's. What's so funny, Dent? Nothing. October 12th. I'm chain smoking outside the maternity ward. Barbara's been in there too long. Why won't they let me see her? Counting every minute. It's torture. Lieutenant Gordon? Yes? It's a boy. Your wife is fine. Twas the fourth in a day daring series of cat burglaries. Commissioner Loeb's private collection of pop memorabilia is valued at $40,000. That's a pretty penny, Trish. 40,000? Sure. Where am I supposed to sell it? Thought it up? Jewels or paintings? This toy doesn't even work. Not now. Otto was quick to refuse the Batman with the crime they're giving the credit to. Batman? Aces, Selena. You don't want them to know it was easy. You Robin Hood. Oh, give me another news, Detective Arnold. Class faces indictment tomorrow on those drug, you hear? The Romans got a fortune in old stuff. Maybe I'll give him a scratch or two before I steal it. I won't think it's Batman if I give him a scratch. Where'd I put that damn costume? I want to be a friend to you. Oh, Selena fixed it. Yeah. Scratch him on the face. Come along now and join the party, Selena. I fixed it. Just once he could use it. First time taking the glider out. It works nicely. Faster than climbing walls. From up here, Carmine Falcone's bath house looks like a palace. Fitting for a mob boss who goes by the Roman. Johnny. Little Johnny. You're a man now. A strong man. How is my sister? My beautiful, faithful sister? Mother is well, sir. She sends the deepest devotion. She prays for your continued success. I fear I need her prayers, Johnny. I need her son. And you have shown that you are as brave as Horatius, Johnny. Have I told you of Horatius? One man on a narrow bridge holding the line against hundreds until it has thrilled me every time, sir. I am, of course, yours. Mother has said. There are several men who are plaguing you, sir. I need only be told their names. Mother is wise in her way. You see, Johnny, there are too many people in the world who ask questions. And far, far too many who give answers. Brother Sid. We must avoid more bad publicity. Johnny, listen to me. I will tell you what must be done. Over there. It's a. What's going on out there? Stay behind me, Uncle Carmine. Let go of me, you idiot. How'd she get up here? Who the hell. Oh. Clawed my face. Oh, God. God. Somebody help me. What was that? Over there. Where'd she go? How'd she get up here? Batman. You work for the Batman? I want her alive, in pain. Johnny, take care of this. You don't have a chance. We'll see about that. No, Johnny. What the Batman. It's. He's throwing those. It's you. You're wasting my time. Bye for now. Looks like it's just you and me now, Falcone. You're a man now. Strong man. November 3rd. Master Bruce, I've just come across a fascinating piece in the Times. Concerns the effects of lack of sleep. Among the marginally saying. Quiet, Alfred. Mother is wise in her way. Here. I need her. If only that woman hadn't been there. The Roman was about to tell his nephew. We must avoid more bad publicity, Johnny. Not increase in paranoia. We. I should have crippled Aroma's nephew. What about his time? No, you've just gotten somebody else. At least I know who he's using. We must avoid more bad publicity. Tendency toward aberrant, even violent behavior. He doesn't want bad publicity. It follows he won't murder anyone. That leaves blackmail or kidnapping. Off again, Sir? Shall I fetch your tights? Never during the day, Alfred. Last night's incident connects the Bat man with the recent cat burglaries. A woman with claws, presumably. The Batman's assistant is said to have assaulted several of Mr. Falcone's associates. Assistant? Now I'm his assistant. I'll have to do something really nasty. Next time. We'll get her, uncle, for what she did to your face. Forget her, Gordon. Johnny, he's the one. Once a man becomes a father, he is never truly free. Listen closely. Feeding time. My turn, honey. Thanks, Jim. Easy now. I'm getting it warm. James. I'm warming it up, you see. Yes, Commissioner, sir. Merkel's on duty. He can. Yes, sir. On my way. Gordon is leaving his apartment. Tell the Roman third rate witness in a nickel and dime open and shut domestic grievance. And Loeb knows I've only had two hours of sleep. What the. I should arrest. Wait a minute. Heading into my building's Garage. I don't recognize him. Suddenly my stomach's cold as death. I'm twisting the wheel again. Nickel and dime, domestic. Getting me out of the apartment. Barbara. James. No sign of the motorcycle. Plenty of places to hide in here. Come on. Come on. I'm ready for you. Oh, God. No. James. In the car. Johnny Viti's got him. Two of Falcone's thugs walk slowly across the parking garage holding Barbara at gunpoint. Jim. Shut it. Drop the gun, lieutenant. Go to the office, wait for our call. Or else little James. Jim. Jim. If I let him go, they're dead. Can't go for a wound. I take the shot. One down. Good. Barbara, Stay low. I fire again. I got the other one, but I catch one in the shoulder. Throws my aim off, just for a second. My shot at Johnny Vitti goes wide. Wasn't supposed to happen. Get out of here. He's crazy. Behind me, a motorcycle starts. I shoot without thinking. Jim, wait. Get out of here. Barbara, Call a cop. I grab the bike. There. I can still see them. I'm coming. James, don't. I've got a gun. I'll kill you. Mrs. Gordon, you have to trust me. I won't let your boy die. Hey, that's my bike. I catch up to them on the bridge. One round left in the chamber. Bullseye driver hits the brakes. Too late. Going too fast. The bridge shakes. I listen to rending metal and clattering glass. The radiator hisses, spits water on the street. I ditch the bike, approach the vehicle. I don't hear a human sound. I don't hear my baby cry. The driver's side door flies open, knocking me back against the metal rail. Johnny Viti puts all his force against the door. And he's heavy. He's got me pinned against the bridge, my baby in one hand, a knife in the other. He's coming at me with a switchblade. James slips. I watch him fall in slow motion. No. Johnny. And I tumble off the bridge after him. It's too late. I failed him too. James. And then, out of nowhere, the motorcyclist from before dives past me. And a swan dive for James. Got you. That's right. That's right. Good boy. Good boy. Settle down now. You're safe. I must be wearing some armor under that jacket. Yes. You know, I'm practically blind without my glasses. You better go take care of the boy. December 3rd. Turns out Flas is smarter than anybody knew. He took notes on every little talk he'd had with Commissioner Loeb. Dates times. It was all there. 2 weeks and 5 days in jail and he remembered where he kept the notes. Loeb's holding up pretty well under the strain. Judge Norton's on the case, so I don't think Dent has a chance of putting him behind bars. But word is Loeb's conferring with the mayor on the terms of his resignation. They've already got Grogan primed to replace him. Who's worse? Still, things aren't so bad right now. The Roman's been at war with his sister ever since he tried to get a hired knife slipped between his nephew's ribs. I had a few run ins with his sister back in Chicago a few years ago. I don't envy the Roman. They were all too busy to stand in the way of my promotion to captain. Sarah's in New York doing well. I hear. Barbara's not crazy about the marriage counselor, but we're making progress. As for me, well, there's a real panic on. Somebody's threatened to poison the Gotham reservoir. Calls himself the Joker. I've got a friend coming who might be able to help. He should be here any minute. You've been listening to DC High Volume Batman Year One, Chapter four, Year One Comic Written by Frank Miller with artwork by David Mazzucchelli. Directed by John Brooks. Audio adaptation by John Brooks, Fred Greenhalgh and Roshan Singh. Sambi Batman created by Bob Kane with Bill Finger Copyright and trademark dc. All rights reserved. Year One stars Jason Spisak as Bruce Wayne and Jay Paulson as Jim Gordon. Also starring Adam o' Byrne, Brian Phinney, Mike Starr, Reba Burr, Rachel Rosenbloom, Molly Hager, Matthew Quern and Simon Vance. With additional voices by Makira Alexander, Marcus Thorne Bagala, Ajarae Coleman, Will Collier, Kyle Ndiport, Victor Diaz, Jason Dubarns, Edward Gelhouse, Matt Gergel, Aaron Hendry, Marcella Lenz Pope, Carl Mackinan, Ronnie Marmo Byron, Mark Newsom, Levi Nunez, Joe Ockman, Mike Palada, Roshan Singh Sambi, Michael Uslan, Juan Francisco Villa, Laith walshlager and Shelby Young. Casting by Sunday, Bolling Kennedy and Meg Moorman, CSA Loop Group. Casting by Barbara Harris. Produced by Fred Greenhalgh and Roshan Singh Salmbi. Executive producers for DC Mike Pallotta and Victor Diaz. Executive producers for Realm, Molly Barton and Carly Miliori. 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. Additional production support by Andas Productions assistant editors Chia Yam Chong and Jamie Leidwinger Production services provided by Realm Recorded at Real Voice, LA CityVox and AP 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, 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. Subscribe to DC Universe Infinite to read the Batman comic adapted in this episode and Thousands of other DC comics and graphic novels. US listeners of DC High Volume Batman can enter promo code High Volume at checkout. 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