DC High Volume: Batman

Episode: Nightwing: Year One - Chapter 6 and Hot Pursuit

Date: December 24, 2025
Host: DC | Realm

Overview

This episode of DC High Volume: Batman adapts a pivotal chapter from the "Nightwing: Year One" comic—Chapter 6—followed by the action-packed short "Hot Pursuit." The story explores the legacy and growth of Batman’s sidekicks as Dick Grayson steps forward into his new identity as Nightwing, Jason Todd assumes the Robin mantle, and their mentor/partner dynamic is tested under the pressures of Gotham’s criminal world. The episode highlights themes of mentorship, partnership, legacy, and what it means for young heroes to find their own path.

Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. Nightwing: Year One – Chapter 6

Setting the Stage (01:30–03:30)

• Batman is incapacitated and Alfred has been captured while undercover.
• Nightwing (Dick Grayson) and the new Robin (Jason Todd) team up to rescue Alfred, highlighting the changing of the guard.
• Their mission leads them to Killer Croc's hideout.

The Robin Dynamic: Wit and Wisdom (04:00–08:00)

• Nightwing and Robin ride Gotham’s trains toward Croc, with Dick reflecting on his own journey and Jason's brashness.
• The mantle of “Robin” is examined—how Jason became Robin and his first encounter with Batman.
  • Notable moment:
    • Nightwing: “How’d you get this job anyway?”
      Robin: “He... caught me trying to steal the tires off his car.” (06:50)

Infiltration and Discovery (08:00–13:00)

• Dick and Jason use stealth to scope out Croc’s operation, with humor about life as a vigilante and the oddities of their line of work.
• They find Alfred, who is disguised as Two-Face as part of a gauntlet—his final test for Jason as Robin.
• Batgirl and Dr. Leslie Tompkins work to revive Batman, discovering Bruce is out of action for most of the conflict.

Teamwork and Tension (13:00–18:00)

• Nightwing, Robin, and Alfred coordinate a daring escape, facing Croc and goons in a warehouse.
• Dialogue explores the meaning and tension in passing the torch:
  • Nightwing (to Robin): “The kid is eager, a lot of heart. But sometimes heart’s not enough. Or am I wrong?” (23:10)
• Alfred’s cool under pressure serves as guidance.
• Dick muses about the absurdity of Gotham crime ("Man, is it always warehouses? ...What’s the weirdest place you’ve fought in? On the keys of a giant typewriter. You’re kidding, right?”) (24:50)

Gauntlet Complete: Legacies and Goodbyes (29:00–34:00)

• Climax: With Croc defeated, the rescue succeeds. The group escapes, and Gotham PD arrives.
• Dick symbolically passes the Robin torch to Jason. Dick chooses the name "Nightwing," marking his new chapter.
• Emotional exchange as Alfred and Dick contemplate what it means to move on:
  • Alfred (to Dick/Nightwing): "There comes a time where every son has to leave the nest and take wing for the first time. A solo flight..." (32:55)
• Jason formally introduces himself to Batgirl:
  • Jason: “He said to give you this.”
    Batgirl: “Who said?”
    Jason: “Jason Todd. Remember it? I plan on breaking all your old records.” (34:35)

Dick’s Farewell & New Beginnings (34:35–36:00)

• Batman’s legacy endures through his proteges.
• Alfred gifts Dick a new superhero suit—“The robin's egg blue was inspired. But how can one take flight without new wings?” (36:05)
• Dick offers his thanks and a heartfelt note to Batman and the team, symbolizing his coming of age.

2. Hot Pursuit

The Rules of the Road (37:00–38:00)

• Set during Dick’s early years as Robin, Batman reminds him of the responsibilities and risks of partnership.
• Batman: “You swore an oath to me when you put that costume on. You’re my partner. You follow my orders. And if it looks like I’m going to die, you get to safety. No hesitations. Understood?”
  Robin: “Got it. Partners. Loud and clear.” (37:15)

Firefly Chase – Action and Improvisation (38:00–43:00)

• Batman and Robin are chasing Firefly through Gotham after a string of arsons.
• Robin’s youthful confidence and improvisational skills are put to the test as he takes the wheel of the Batmobile amid a high-speed, dangerous pursuit.
• Exchanges brimming with humor and heart:
  • Robin (while driving): “Hang on tight, boss. I don’t have my learner’s permit yet.” (40:10)
  • Batman (exasperated): “This isn’t a game. This car is not a toy.”
    Robin: “Really? Could’ve fooled me. The giant bathead on the hood is a dead giveaway.” (41:00)

Near Catastrophe and Emotional Core (43:00–46:00)

• In a crucial moment, Firefly wrecks the bridge ahead, but Robin, recalling his circus past and family traditions, refuses to leave Batman behind.
• Robin: “Each of us made sure the others didn’t fall. We’re partners. We’re family. And I’m never going to let my family fall again. Punch it.” (44:50)
• Their teamwork and bond allow them to prevail, with Firefly apprehended.

Aftermath: From Soldier to Family (46:00–48:00)

• Batman evaluates Robin’s performance:
  • “Tonight, you were reckless. Disobeyed orders, and the Batmobile is scrapped. As a soldier, you failed. But as a partner, as family, I couldn’t be happier.” (47:10)
• Their mutual respect and evolving bond are cemented.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Origin of Jason Todd as Robin:
  “He… caught me trying to steal the tires off his car.” — Jason Todd (06:50)

• On Teamwork and Growth:
  “You remember teamwork, don’t you?” — Nightwing to Robin (21:40)

• Alfred on Moving On:
  “There comes a time where every son has to leave the nest and take wing for the first time. A solo flight…” — Alfred (32:55)

• New Robin’s Ambition:
  “Remember it? I plan on breaking all your old records.” — Jason Todd (34:45)

• Defining Partnership:
  “You’re my partner. You follow my orders. And if it looks like I’m going to die, you get to safety. No hesitations. Understood?” — Batman (37:15)

• Family Over Everything:
  “We’re partners. We’re family. And I’m never going to let my family fall again." — Dick Grayson (44:50)

• Batman’s Closing Praise:
  “As a soldier, you failed. But as a partner, as family, I couldn’t be happier." — Batman (47:10)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 01:30 — Story setup: Batman and Alfred’s predicament
• 06:50 — Jason reveals his Robin origin
• 13:00 — Alfred’s Two-Face disguise and the gauntlet
• 21:40 — Discussion on teamwork and partnership
• 24:50 — Nightwing’s "giant typewriter" anecdote
• 32:55 — Alfred’s speech on leaving the nest
• 34:45 — Jason’s introduction to Batgirl and ambition
• 37:00 — “Hot Pursuit” begins; Batman lays down the rules
• 41:00 — Batmobile chase banter
• 44:50 — Dick relays circus/family ethos
• 47:10 — Batman expresses pride and approval

Tone and Presentation

The episode balances action, humor, and emotional gravitas with the kind of witty banter, heartfelt reflection, and high-stakes tension characteristic of classic Batman stories. The interplay between veteran heroes and their proteges delivers both nostalgia and freshness, making this an ideal listen for fans of both old and new generations of the Bat-family.

Summary

"Nightwing: Year One – Chapter 6 and Hot Pursuit" dramatizes Nightwing’s transition from Robin, sets up Jason Todd’s rise, explores themes of legacy, partnership, and what it means to forge one’s own path. Through tense action, sharp banter, touching mentorship moments, and a pulse-pounding chase, this episode captures the heart of the Batman family—a tale of evolving relationships, trust, and found family under Gotham’s shadow.