Patreon Preview #305: Gotham City Improv

Summary

Podcast Summary: Hey Riddle Riddle – Patreon Preview #305: Gotham City Improv

Release Date: January 10, 2025

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Introduction

In the Patreon Preview episode #305 of Hey Riddle Riddle, the hosts—Adal Rifai, Erin Keif, and John Patrick Coan—delve into a playful and chaotic improvisational skit titled "Gotham City Improv." This episode offers listeners a glimpse into the comedic dynamics and creative storytelling that define the podcast, blending elements of classic Gotham City lore with humorous twists.

Setting the Scene

The episode transports listeners to a tumultuous day at the Gotham City Bank. The setting is immediately established with a tense interaction between a bank teller and a distressed customer seeking a simple $200 withdrawal. However, the situation quickly escalates as it becomes apparent that the bank has fallen victim to a high-profile heist orchestrated by the infamous Scarecrow.

Key Events and Interactions

1. The Bank Robbery Revelation

   • Bank Teller informs the Customer that cash withdrawals are temporarily halted due to a significant incident: "We regret to inform you that we will not be able to take any cash withdrawals today due to an incident that happened." (00:26)
   • The Customer reacts with disbelief, exclaiming, "Are you fucking serious?" (00:46), highlighting the absurdity of the situation.

2. Introduction of Scarecrow and Unusual Bank Assets

   • The Bank Teller reveals that the Scarecrow, accompanied by his cohorts, absconded with not just cash but also gems and jewels: "They took all of our cash, gems, jewels and..." (01:19)
   • This leads to a humorous inquiry from the Customer about the bank's policy on holding valuables: "Why do you even have jewels here? Are there a lot of people trading in jewels of this bank?" (02:37)

3. Effects of the Scarecrow's Gassing

   • Both the Bank Teller and the Customer discuss the lingering effects of the Scarecrow's gas: "You look like a Picasso painting." (02:19), adding a surreal and comedic layer to the exchange.

4. Confusion Over FDIC and the Riddler's Involvement

   • A mix-up occurs when the Manager presents a document claiming, "you've been riddled," blurring the lines between financial security and villainous provocations: "Is this a card from the Riddler? This looks like a card he would leave at, like, a crime scene." (03:24)
   • This twist injects the iconic Riddler character into the narrative, enhancing the Gotham City ambiance.

5. Bat Signal Disruption in the Manager's Apartment

   • The Manager laments the intrusive Bat Signal shining into his new apartment: "This building is, like, eight months old. So they built it right in the path of the bat signal." (05:47)
   • The ensuing conversation about the overwhelming brightness and its effects adds a relatable yet fantastical element to the skit.

6. Guest Appearances and Additional Chaos

   • Characters referencing other Gotham icons, such as Penguin and Harley Quinn, are introduced: "The penguin just ate here with his penguins..." (08:18)
   • These interactions create a layered and interconnected web of Gotham City's notorious figures, amplifying the comedic chaos.

Notable Quotes

Throughout the episode, several standout lines underscore the humor and improvisational prowess of the hosts:

• Bank Teller: "You look like a Picasso painting." (02:19)
• Customer: "It feels like it's coming in through the walls. Yeah, it is." (07:12)
• Manager: "He must have swapped my FDIC cards with you." (03:31)
• Bank Teller: "We owe a little bit of decorum to each other." (08:54)
• Customer: "I have to close my eyes while you're talking. It's just like. It's so bright." (05:32)

These quotes not only highlight the improvisers' quick wit but also enhance the immersive quality of the skit.

Comedic Dynamics and Storytelling

The episode excels in showcasing the chemistry between the hosts, as they navigate through escalating chaos with seamless comedic timing. The interplay between the Customer, Bank Teller, and Manager reflects the improvisers' ability to build on each other's cues, creating a rich tapestry of humor grounded in the familiar yet twisted landscape of Gotham City.

Conclusion

Patreon Preview #305: "Gotham City Improv" serves as a testament to Hey Riddle Riddle's unique blend of puzzles, riddles, and improvisational comedy. By weaving together elements from the Batman universe with original comedic scenarios, the hosts deliver an engaging and entertaining episode that promises more intricate and laughter-filled content for listeners. This preview not only entices fans to explore the full range of the podcast's offerings but also underscores the creativity and spontaneity that define Hey Riddle Riddle.

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Timestamps:

• 00:03 – Bank Teller welcomes the Customer.
• 00:46 – Customer expresses frustration about withdrawal policies.
• 01:19 – Revelation of the Scarecrow's heist.
• 02:19 – Bank Teller’s humorous comment on the Customer’s appearance.
• 03:24 – Manager introduces the mystery FDIC card.
• 05:47 – Manager discusses the Bat Signal interference.
• 07:12 – Customer notices the brightness affecting the building.
• 08:54 – Bank Teller emphasizes mutual decorum amidst chaos.

For more engaging episodes and weekly bonus content, consider joining the Clue Crew at Patreon.com/heyriddleriddle.

Transcript

[Bank Teller]

Hello. Welcome to Gotham City Bank. How can I help you today?

[Customer]

Hey, I just need to make a withdrawal deposit. Oh, no. Did I give you the wrong form? No, that's a withdrawal form. I just need $200.

[Bank Teller]

Yeah, I was hoping it was going to be deposit.

[Customer]

Yeah, I'm picking something up on Facebook Marketplace, and it's just always better to do cash with that, so.

[Bank Teller]

Right. Sir, I. We here at Gotham City bank really value your patronage. However, we regret to inform you that we will not be able to take any cash withdrawals today due to an incident that happened.

[Customer]

Are you fucking serious?

[Bank Teller]

I'm so sorry. We can't always control that, as you can see.

[Customer]

What do you mean you can't always control it? This is the third branch that I've been to.

[Bank Teller]

Look to your left, look to your right. There's carnage everywhere. There's.

[Customer]

Yeah, but I mean. I mean, this isn't the most. Okay, so if someone was. Someone was here. Someone just.

[Bank Teller]

Yeah.

[Customer]

Took all the money out of the bank.

[Bank Teller]

Yeah. Yeah. The Scarecrow came in here with a couple of his friends.

[Customer]

Unbelievable.

[Bank Teller]

They. They took all of our cash, gems, jewels and. Sorry. Sorry, sir. I'm really sorry, but again, I'm just.

[Customer]

Why do you even have jewels here? Are there a lot of people trading in jewels of this bank?

[Bank Teller]

Yeah, of course.

[Customer]

It seems like don't even carry the jewels because they're just gonna get stolen by the Scarecrow. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm yell.

[Bank Teller]

I'm doing also just like. I. Like, I'm having, obviously, a day that's. This is not how. Sorry. It's just like. Sorry.

[Customer]

No, I'm. Yeah, I'm sure it was traumatic because you said that it was the Scarecrow. Right. So I'm assuming he. I'm assuming he gassed you a bit.

[Bank Teller]

Yeah, I got gassed. We all got gassed.

[Customer]

Yeah. Do I have, like, bugs coming out of my face or something? Is it like. Are you still suffering under the effects of the gassing?

[Bank Teller]

Either I got gassed or all of the things on your face are sort of changing position.

[Customer]

No, it's. Yeah.

[Bank Teller]

You look like a Picasso painting.

[Customer]

But.

[Bank Teller]

Sir, we would love to take a deposit from you.

[Customer]

I don't. No, I mean, it's my money he stole. I mean, I know that it's, like, insured or whatever, so it's not like he didn't actually take my money, but.

[Bank Teller]

We actually stopped doing that.

[Customer]

What?

[Bank Teller]

Because we can't financially cover that at Gotham City Bank. Do you want a lollipop? He took out the lollipops. Forget I asked. Forget I asked you if you wanted a lollipop. I just looked down at our little.

[Customer]

Okay, I'm now reading the sign. The big sign that says fdic, but then little at the bottom, it says no more.

[Bank Teller]

Yeah, FDIC means something different. I can get my manager. He can talk you through what FDIC means now.

[Customer]

I guess. I mean, because I.

[Bank Teller]

We got another one, another customer that wants to know what FDIC means now.

[Manager]

Oh, absolutely. Takes out a card with explanation, slides it across the counter.

[Bank Teller]

Sorry. Can you read it, Tim? I think he wants to hear it from you.

[Manager]

Okay, let's take a look at the cards.

[Customer]

Okay. I'm sorry. This card. All this card says is, you've been riddled. Is this a card from the Riddler? This looks like a card he would leave at, like, a crime scene.

[Manager]

Oh, damn it. Yeah.

[Bank Teller]

Ah, damn it.

[Manager]

He must have swapped my FDIC cards with you.

[Customer]

There's no money at all in the bank because usually when they steal it, they're not packing neat stacks. They're kind of scattering it all over the place. All I need is $200. I want to buy a lamp.

[Bank Teller]

Yeah, normally it explodes like confetti, and it's sort of all over the place, but then it. Obviously, sir, became kind of like a free for all with the other patrons in the bank. You'll understand.

[Customer]

Wait, what? Like, in the vault?

[Bank Teller]

Yeah, in the vault.

[Customer]

There were other patrons in the vault.

[Bank Teller]

Or our employees, sir, my overall point.

[Customer]

No. Now I have a problem, and I'm glad the manager's here. Are you telling me that he took every ounce of paper currency or did some of the employees. Now that I'm seeing, I don't. This is not about this, but you two both have very lumpy bodies, and it seems like maybe.

[Manager]

Excuse me.

[Customer]

It seems like maybe.

[Manager]

Excuse me, sir.

[Customer]

It seems like maybe, maybe. Sir, it's lumpy with cash because you've stuffed a bunch of cash into your clothes.

[Bank Teller]

Or lollipops. Or lollipops.

[Manager]

The mystery flavor is my favorite.

[Customer]

I got to say, yours definitely does look like lollipops, now that I'm seeing kind of the way that the lumps are sticky.

[Manager]

So this is my apartment, so why don't we just kind of, I don't know, get comfortable and. Yeah. Oh, God damn it. Motherfucker. I am so sorry. The bat signal shoots straight into my apartment. This sucks.

[Bank Teller]

Yeah.

[Manager]

Oh, my God.

[Customer]

Okay. I'm so glad that that's the bat signal, because I thought that Maybe you horribly misunderstood mood lighting because your whole apartment is washed out.

[Manager]

No, I. You know, I adhere to the whole. No overhead lights. Like, I try and have these warm, soft, glowing lamps, but then this is.

[Customer]

I'm sorry, I have to close my eyes while you're talking. It's just like. It's so bright.

[Manager]

Yeah, no fair. And this building is, like, I don't know, eight months old. So they built it right in the path of the bat signal. So now it just shines right in my apartment.

[Customer]

Wait, this is a new build?

[Manager]

Yeah, about eight months.

[Customer]

Why wouldn't they. Why would they build a building right where the bat signal goes?

[Manager]

What architect is considering the bat signal?

[Customer]

I mean, he got me there. I don't. I don't know.

[Manager]

Hey, let me ask you something.

[Customer]

Can you shut the blinds or, like.

[Manager]

Oh, smart, smart, smart. Yeah. Let me just. Okay. Let me. Let me ask you something. Who do you think. Yeah, who do you think it is? Because my theory.

[Customer]

Oh.

[Manager]

My theory is, you know, this guy is smart, right? He's well trained. He has a helicopter, an airplane, several cars. It could be anyone. A billion dollars worth of equipment and weaponry. It could be anyone.

[Customer]

You're acting like what you did with the blinds helped. I just want to be on the same page.

[Manager]

Yeah, yeah, sorry.

[Customer]

It's still, like, incredibly bright in here, Right?

[Manager]

Yeah.

[Customer]

I just don't want to be like. I'm not trying to insult you, but the night is kind of. Because it didn't help at all, right? Am I wrong? Did it help?

[Manager]

Well, here's the thing. I did lower the blinds, but the bat signal is probably 500,000 lumens, so I think it can penetrate. I think. I think, actually, they said that shuttles in space.

[Customer]

Yeah.

[Manager]

See, the bat signal, like, it's like the Great Wall of China.

[Customer]

So, I mean, it dimmed it a little bit.

[Manager]

I can only do so much.

[Customer]

It feel like it's coming in through the walls. Yeah, it is. Is this brick coming through the walls?

[Manager]

It is coming through the walls.

[Customer]

Yeah. I mean, I guess I don't know who it is. I don't really have thoughts on who it is. I have. Are you familiar with an instant migraine? I feel like I got an instant migraine as soon as that came on.

[Manager]

I'm not familiar with it, but I can.

[Customer]

And it also feels like maybe 10 degrees hotter now.

[Manager]

I can't stress enough this. That bat signal is 75. It costs $75,000 a second. It is the most powerful light in the world. Okay. And it happens to Be aimed precisely at my window.

[Customer]

Maybe we just leave. We could have sex in my car.

[Manager]

No, there's a lot of crime. There's a lot of crime.

[Customer]

The last time I did that.

[Bank Teller]

Hi, this is Katie. Thank you for calling Commissioner Gordon's office.

[Manager]

Hey, this is Trent. I'm the shift manager over at Bennigan's. The penguin just ate here with his penguins, I guess they're called, and they defecated all over the floor.

[Bank Teller]

Okay, one second. Give me one second. Sorry.

[Manager]

Great. Now I'm being put on hold.

[Customer]

Are you kidding me?

[Bank Teller]

Yeah.

[Customer]

What? Should I start cleaning or is it evident?

[Manager]

No, leave it. Leave it.

[Bank Teller]

Hi, this is Katie. Thank you for calling, Commissioner. Oh, I already did.

[Manager]

Hey, still Trent.

[Bank Teller]

Still Trent. Hi, Trent. Sorry, I'm calls today. I mean, every day, really. You were at Bennigan's and Two Face came in and. What did you say?

[Manager]

The penguin came in with his. His brood or. I don't know if they're his children or his pets or whatever.

[Bank Teller]

I can't say brood.

[Manager]

I can't say brood.

[Bank Teller]

That's fine. That's fine. I understand what you're trying to say.

[Manager]

She killed my parents, and I can't say brood.

[Bank Teller]

Yeah. Sir. I mean, we owe a little bit of decorum to each other. Okay, so the penguin came in and did he not pay? Did he dine and dash? What's your issue?

[Customer]

Hey, are you guys closed? Look around. What do you think?

[Manager]

What do you think, Dude?

[Customer]

What do you think? We're open. Look around.

[Manager]

Sorry, we had somebody coming. No, penguin paid. Actually tipped very generously. But his penguins, they defecated on the floor. It gets confusing because he's the penguin, but he has penguins, so that's where it gets confusing.

[Bank Teller]

Did he defecate on the floor?

[Manager]

I don't think so.

[Bank Teller]

Okay, well, then we don't check.

[Customer]

So you don't think. So, what is this? If this is. This is from a regular penguin.

[Manager]

Okay, Kyle. Actually, Kyle did find that we have some bigger.

[Bank Teller]

Sir, I'm not really sure. I want to know if you can confirm and then give us a call back. Because if it's just like, we don't really deal with, like, animals messing up restaurants. Like, we're sort of. We have bigger fish to fry. Commissioner Gordon again. Up. She dropped him. Okay, so he really is out of office today.

[Manager]

Who dropped who?

[Bank Teller]

Harley Quinn dropped Commissioner Gordon. It's fine. I feel like. Clean up the mess. Give us a call back if once you're sure. Sure. Okay.

[Manager]

Okay.

[Customer]

One, two, three, four. Hey, Riddle. Riddle's Clue crew. Listen to the rest of the episode now by starting your free 7 day trial at patreon.com heyriddle riddle.