03x14 - The Gentle Art of Making Enemies

[bunniefuu]

Previously on Gotham...

It's you. It's really you.

(cackling)

(bells clanging)

Oh, no. Somebody help!

Barbara: Penguin.

He k*lled the librarian.

I don't want to k*ll him. I want to destroy him.

Gus: And you promised them Jerome.

They want to see his face.

Behold the Prophet!

People: We are Jerome!

Tommy Bones: You get the message?

We don't work for you no more.

I will gut you!

Then Nygma dies.

They have Ed.

Jerome: When I was last, you know, alive, I was about to k*ll Bruce Wayne.

Well, where is my face?

(phone ringing)

What?

Nygma: Oswald.

Where are you?

Nygma: Kane Chemicals.

Oswald, hurry. Please?

(phone clicks)

Jerome: Tonight, Gotham, there are no rules.

And when morning comes, you, too, shall be... reborn. (laughs)

Gordon: He's at the power plant across the river.

(loud expl*si*n)

(clamoring, laughter)

Get those freaks in the cages!

We need to find Jerome.

(laughing, woman yelling)

Hey, watch him!

(loud shouting)

Let go of me!

(groaning)

Grab him!

(cackling)

(laughing)

What about you, huh?

Do you know where Jerome is? Where is he?!

Where is he? Look around!

He's everywhere!

(glass breaking, man laughing)

Bullock: Incoming!

Get down!

Gordon: Here.

Tonight... Gotham... is awakened!

(cackling)

(Oswald panting)

Remember, Ed's safety is all that matters.

Whoever took him will pay, but only once Ed is back.

(shouting): Ed!

Edward!

(distant siren wailing)

Ed.

(panting)

Are you all right?

Tell me you are all right.

I'm fine, Oswald.

(laughing): Of course you are.

Where are they? Who dared to think they could lay their hands on you!

I'm alone.

(laughing): Oh, you escaped.

You did. Didn't you, you rascal?

Did you bring anyone else?

What? Why? No, uh...

(g*nshots)

(grunting)

Just wondering if I was gonna have to reload.

I don't understand.

I know.

That's been half the fun.

I-I'm sorry. I... I...

What is happening? I...

You weren't kidnapped?

Not unless you count kidnapping yourself.

(grunting)

Recognize it?

Oh, why should you?

I doubt you did the deed yourself.

That car belonged to Isabella.

Ed, whatever you've heard...

(grunts)

I know it was you, Oswald.

(panting)

Isabella was my everything, and you took her from me.

And now I've taken everything from you.

Well, almost everything.

You still have your life.

But that ends tonight.

(distant explosions)

Man (over speakers): Attention, all residents, stay off the streets.

A curfew is in effect in Gotham City until further notice.

(distant sirens wailing)

Seems like judgment came to Gotham earlier than expected.

If the situation worsens, we may be forced to step in.

(distant expl*si*n)

The city will bend long before it breaks.

Give the GCPD a chance.

Your faith in him is touching.

And possibly dangerous.

(yelling, cackling)

We're getting reports of a riot growing on the west side, as well as widespread looting uptown.

Mobs of cult members have taken over Anders Parks, Gotham Cathedral, the zoo.

All right, concentrate units on the west side.

Make sure they're issued riot gear.

Any word on Jerome Valeska?

Nothing yet.

Let me know as soon as he's spotted.

Right. Got it.

Lights aren't coming back tonight. Tomorrow, if we're lucky.

This thing just keeps getting bigger.

It's not just the cult anymore. Ordinary citizens are taking Jerome's cue.

Meanwhile, Cobblepot's MIA.

You call down to city hall, and literally no one's in charge.

Although that might actually be good news.

We need to find Jerome. He's the symbol.

(phone ringing)

If we can take him out, maybe we can limit this to a single bad night.

How the hell are we supposed to find him out there?!

The city's one giant Dumpster fire.

Jerome said he wanted to plunge the city into darkness so people could do what they want, right?

He's not one to miss out on the fun, so what does he want?

A puppy? How the hell should I know? I didn't talk to him.

(phone ringing)

No, but Lee did.

Yes!

But my father appeared to me.

(groans)

I saw him.

No. You... saw a man that I met in Indian Hill that does k*ller impersonations.

You see, Oswald...

How do I put this?

Ghosts aren't real!

But my father's remains...

You stole them from his grave?

Yup.

Don't worry. He's at peace now.

I gently placed his remains inside a Dumpster behind a Chinese restaurant.

You were angry. I understand.

I even forgive you, but-but k*lling me is not the way.

So you admit you k*lled Isabella?

Fine. Is that what you want?

Yes!

I confess.

I had her k*lled.

But guess what?

You should thank me because we both know what would have happened if I hadn't.

Yes!

I could have lived a life with the woman I loved.

I could have been happy.

No, Ed.

You would have k*lled her.

(gasps)

Just like you did the other one!

You couldn't have helped it!

And afterward, you would have hated yourself!

Well... we'll never know, will we?

I did it for love.

What?

(crying): I did it because I love you.

You should know that.

Shut up!

Love is about sacrifice.

It's about putting someone else's needs and happiness before your own.

Ed, please...

'Cause the truth is, Oswald, you would sacrifice anyone to save your own neck.

Even me.

Now, if you'll look above us, you will see a cauldron of highly corrosive acid, which is currently being held in place by this chain.

(panting)

When the ice melts, the chain comes loose, the vat of acid tips.

You get the idea.

(whimpering): Ed.

Please. No, please.

(whimpers) I can change.

Say you're right. Say you're right. I...

The fact that I love you proves that I can change. Just give me a chance.

You know as well as I that a man facing death will say anything to save his skin.

And you won't change... because you can't.

Now, I was going to have you say hello to Isabella.

(choking, coughs)

But...

I think you... are going... to a very different place.

(groans)

Good-bye, Oswald.

(grunts) Ed!

Ed! Ed!

Okay, I think that's about all I can do.

Thanks.

How's triage going?

We have a lot of overflow from Gotham General.

What do you want?

When Jerome woke up, did he say anything?

Just that he wanted his face back.

No. I mean, anything that might indicate where he was going, what he was planning.

We were just playing catch-up.

You know, about coming back to life, the cult.

He asked if you and I were still together.

I mentioned you k*lled my husband on our wedding night, and he thought that was hilarious, so that's something the two of you can bond over when you find him.

(helicopter blades whirring)

He didn't tell me his plan.

He talked about Galavan, the night he d*ed, and then he mentioned...

What?

Bruce.

He said the last thing he remembers is that he was gonna k*ll Bruce Wayne.

Call Alfred, tell him I'm on my way.

I'll light these candles. Good lad.

I'll nip downstairs and see if there's any life left in that old generator.

(phone ringing)

Who's calling at this hour?

(phone stops ringing)

Alfred?

Shh.

(grunts)

(Alfred groans)

(Jerome cackling rhythmically)

(ghostly groaning): Ooh!

(croaks)

My, my. Hmm.

Look how big you've gotten. (chuckles)

Are you okay?

I'll be fine, Master Bruce.

I'll be fine.

Jerome: Nice place you got here.

You rent?

What do you want?

(glass breaking)

Attitude.

Teenagers. Am I right?

Oh, I remember those days.

So many exciting new emotions floating through you.

Wanting to k*ll everyone you saw. Aw.

You. Give me.

You know, I will never understand rich people's tastes.

It's worthless.

My father found it at a flea market.

I keep it for sentimental reasons.

Nice try. Oh, it's got some heft to it.

Expensive, I'm guessing.

Be such a shame if I...

Oh! No, don't.

Huh.

Tougher than I figured.

Anyway...

Aah! Bloody hell! I asked you what you want.

Right. Sorry.

The old noodle's still a little al dente post-thaw.

The reason I'm here is I'm gonna k*ll you.

Why?

Well, it's the last thing I remember wanting to do.

It's been nagging at me since I woke up.

(clicks tongue)

The idea of slitting that pretty, pink throat of yours.

Figure that'd clear the decks.

What do you think, huh?

(grunts)

I remember that night...

When you took over the benefit.

You were quite the showman.

Jerome: Thank you.

Always nice to be appreciated.

And you're just going to k*ll me here?

That's kind of disappointing.

(groans) What do you mean?

After all the buildup...

You coming back to life, turning off the lights in Gotham...

k*lling me here just doesn't show a lot of...

Flair? Hmm? Style?

(glass shattering)

Panache? Hmm?

Go on, boy. Spit it out.

I can take it.

I'm Bruce Wayne.

I'm aware.

I am the ruling elite.

My company is the machine that keeps the cogs of Gotham running.

Wow.

k*lling me should mean something!

And you're telling me no one's going to see it?

You're saying I need an audience?

Oh. Look, I know you're just trying to buy time so you can escape.

But your point is still valid.

Saddle up, boys!

We're taking this show on the road!

And I know just the spot.

Come on. Uh-uh-uh.

(bad British accent): Not you, old chap.

The prince of Gotham deserves a public death. His butler, not so much. k*ll him.

No!

Bruce!

This is what you've been training for.

You're gonna be all right on your own.

I will see you again.

You carry on, son. You carry on.

Strangely intimate.

Come on. (grunts)

Try not to get any blood on the couch. I might come back for that.

Oswald (panting): Help!

Somebody help me! Help!

(panting)

(acid sizzling)

(whimpers) Help!

Man: Hello?

(panting) Over here!

(pants, laughs)

Oh, oh, thank God.

There's not much time. Cut me loose! Hurry!

What's that car doing in here?

It doesn't matter. Cut me loose.

You-you look familiar.

Yes. I'm... I happen to be the mayor of Gotham.

So free me, and I promise there will be a handsome reward.

Oh, it-it really is you, the mayor of Gotham in the flesh.

Yes! Now stop standing there and get me out of here.

I don't... I don't know. What did you do?

What? Ah. I'm gonna die here listening to this moron.

Just cut the ropes!

Okay, okay! Okay.

(pants) Oh, God. (panting)

Hurry! (grunts)

(panting)

(creaking)

(grunting)

(sizzling)

(panting)

(glass shattering in distance)

(men laughing maniacally)

Fine! Come on then. What are you waiting for?

Man: You in a rush to die, old man?

Man 2: Who's gonna k*ll him?

Who's gonna do it?

I want to do it.

I'll do it.

What?

What, you three?

You three left here to take out the rubbish, were you?

You, Mr. Machine g*n, by the suit of armor, what, you're gonna sh**t me in the grill, are you?

What about you with the crowbar, by the sofa?

Gonna cave in my skull?!

And how 'bout you, Mr. Machete?

Come on in, sunshine. Don't be shy.

Your mother wasn't. Chop-chop.

Who are you talking to, old man?

Gordon: Me!

(grunts)

(shouts)

(grunting)

(gasping)

(grunts)

Where's Bruce?

That lunatic Jerome took him.

(indistinct shouting)

(a*t*matic g*nf*re)

(distorted music playing)

(circus music playing)

(indistinct chatter, laughter)

(whimpering)

Woman: No, please. No.

(grunts)

(laughing)

(grunts)

(grunts)

(laughing)

Dance!

(whimpering)

Get him! Squash her!

Get the old lady. No, the fat guy.

Put your back into it.

(grunts)

(squish)

Oh...

(chuckles)

Well, we're off to a good start.

What do you say, Bruce?

Want to have some fun before the main event?

Bullock's pulling messages from the tip line.

You said Bruce was able to convince Jerome to k*ll him in front of an audience?

Yeah, he was trying to buy himself some more time.

And I'd be proud if I wasn't so bloody terrified.

I see it's given way to bedlam again.

Jerome's acolytes have occupied places all over town.

So finding an audience won't be the issue.

Question is where.

Bullock: We got 'em.

They're in Anders Park, the cathedral, the zoo.

They've taken over the Hillside Conservatory, the courthouse, and the Boardwalk Circus.

Jerome was raised in a circus.

Have a strike force and all available units meet us there.

I'll put out the call on the way. Let's roll.

(indistinct chatter, laughter, screaming, whimpering)

Got to be honest, Bruce, you don't make the world's funniest clown.

But...

Ooh.

We can fix that.

(pained groaning)

(panting, groaning)

Aw, shut up, you big baby.

Let's turn that frown... upside-down.

(cackles softly)

Gabe! We have to find Ed Nygma and k*ll him!

Gabe, where...

(grunting)

Your monkey's cleared out.

And what's that you were saying about Nygma?

Looks like we're not the only ones trying to k*ll that guy.

Now, where is he?

(hissing)

I'm sorry, what?

Speak up.

(panting): What are you doing in my house?

Tabitha: Whatever we want.

You're finished, Oswald.

Now, where's Nygma?

I don't know.

Think.

What?

I said think.

Oh, I heard you. I'm just surprised you knew the word.

(chuckles) Speaking of words, any last ones?

Babs said not to k*ll him until we have Nygma.

I don't work for Barbara Kean.

(chuckles)

Stop pretending that you are anything but muscle!

Yes, you used to be someone in Gotham, but those days are past!

(choking)

(grunts)

(panting)

Remember when I put a Kn*fe in your mom's back?

That was awful, wasn't it?

Her crying, bleeding out.

You just holding her as she d*ed.

You never did anything about it.

Yet.

Nah.

You had your chance to k*ll me.

(choking) Stop turning us against each other.

We're taking him with us.

Oh, if you think I am going anywhere with you...

(grunts)

You realize you have to carry him now.

Son of a bitch.

(circus music playing)

(cackling)

(crying)

Oh, I missed.

(screams)

Bruce: Is there a plan for all of this madness?

These people don't want a plan... They want an excuse.

The mother who dreams of strangling her child.

The husband who wants to s*ab his wife.

All they want is someone to tell them...

"Do it.

k*ll them. It doesn't matter."

It doesn't.

(bell dings)

Ooh, I love this game!

One, please.

Man: You, sir.

(whimpering): No, no, no, no.

Please, no, no.

(stammering)

You won't get away with it.

I already did. Now shush.

I need to concentrate.

(hawks, spits)

A few dozen brainwashed maniacs can't keep the city hostage forever.

Well, duh.

So what's the point?

The point is that all these people out here, looting, robbing, k*lling, they're the people who wash your car, who pour your coffee, who take out your trash.

And what happened the moment the lights went out?

They showed their true faces.

They showed how quickly they want to open up your rich boy veins and bathe in your blue blood.

That... is the point.

That's not true.

There are good people in Gotham.

(laughing)

Like who?

The sheep who lock their doors and crawl under their beds?

Face it, kid, Gotham has no heroes.

(man whimpering)

No, no, no.

Hey.

Foul!

He pushed me. Did you see that?

You want to k*ll someone, let's get on with it. Come on!

(yawns) You're so boring, Bruce.

(bell dings, man shouts)

No!

Huh. Sorry.

Yo.

Ah.

(staples)

(stifled groan)

Did that hurt?

Not much.

You try.

(staples)

(staples)

(staples)

Stop.

(laughs)

Stop.

All right.

Enough dilly-dally.

To the main event.

(laughing and whooping)

(circus music playing)

Where the hell is our backup?

Still two minutes out.

Most were waylaid by another riot on the west side.

Yeah, but we can't wait, mate.

All right, so... we go in, find Bruce, get him to safety, then we go after Jerome.

Ready?

Not really.

(cheering)

Yeah, we all know why we're here!

Here comes Jerome, everybody!

(laughter, cheering)

(circus music plays)

(shouts, applause, cheering)

(laughing)

(megaphone squawks)

Hear ye, hear ye, gather round.

The show is about to... begin!

(cheering)

(crowd quiets)

(whooping)

(laughing) Let me hear.

(laughing)

(whooping) Come on, now.

(g*nsh*t, crowd exclaims)

Shut up!

(laughter)

That's better. (chuckles)

Well, I think we can all agree tonight was a rousing success.

(crowd cheers)

We brought this miserable city to its knees.

(cheering)

So, how to thank the best darn cult of fanatics a messiah like myself could ever hope for?

I give you...

(ta-da fanfare plays)

Cue!

Oh. Yeah. Yes, yes sir.

I give you the climax of our festivities.

The billionaire prince of Gotham...

Bruuuuce...

Wayne!

(crowd jeering)

Well, so what do you say, Bruce?

Shall we end the night with a bang?

Or better yet... a boom?

(crowd laughing)

(chanting): Boom, boom, boom, boom, boom...

(grunting): All right.

(sighs) What's next?

Death by a thousand cuts, very poetic.

I like that.

Slice!

(whoops) Nailed it.

(nails clattering)

(bucket clatters)

All right, folks.

This is very important.

Whatever you do, please, definitely try this at home.

Preferably on a family member.

(grunting)

(laughter)

Giddyup. Whoo, doggie!

(applause and cheering)

Yee-haw!

(laughter)

You ready, partner?

Oh, good Lord.

Strike force just arrived.

They're coming in.

(cheering and applause)

(g*nshots, crowd quiets)

Detective Gordon, you're just in time for the big finish.

Officer: Nobody move!

(crowd clamoring)

(a*t*matic g*nf*re)

(crowd clamoring, g*nf*re)

(chuckles)

(grunting)

(g*nf*re)

(loud, overlapping shouting)

(a*t*matic g*nf*re)

(hissing)

(grunts)

Find him.

I'll find Jerome.

(distant sirens wailing, g*nf*re)

(sighs)

So... here we are.

I suppose I underestimated you, Barbara.

It's the curse of great beauty.

How did it go?

You put together what happened to Ed's librarian, turned him against me.

Honestly, wasn't too hard.

And then, together, you hatched a plan to destroy everything I made and k*ll me?

Pretty much.

And brother, did you ever take the bait.

(laughs)

Well, I hope you're happy at the head of the table.

You know, the table is more or less littered with dead old dudes, but, hey, it's a place to grow.

And now you got what you want, you don't need Ed anymore.

Uh-uh.

(laughs)

(laughs)

My, my, it didn't take you long to turn on each other.

(chuckles) You know, I think of it as a limited partnership that needs dissolving.

So... I help you find Ed...

Hmm. Things go better for me?

I don't... you k*ll me?

That about it?

Yeah.

(sighs heavily)

(loud clamoring)

Jerome (singsongy): Oh, Bruce?

Where are you, boy?

Come on out, boy.

I won't hurt ya.

Bruce, darling.

(singsongy): Oh, Brucie...

You ruined my show, Bruce.

Hiding is just gonna make things worse.

I didn't come here to hide.

(glass breaking)

I wanted you to follow me.

(gasping softly)

You're going to pay for what you've done.

You're going to call Ed, tell him you're alive, tell him... Oh, I don't care.

But find out where he is.

Why don't you call him?

Because he's not stupid.

He knows that now you're no longer the head of the underworld or anything else, we don't need him anymore.

It is our time to rule.

(scoffs)

You understand if I feel compelled to refuse?

Gilzean: Give me five minutes.

He won't refuse.

I'd do it in three.

Why you got to do that? What?

Cut me down like that in front of people.

Tabitha: I'm just saying...

Will the two of you shut up?!

Give up Nygma, save your own ass.

Live to love another day. Hey?

Wow.

What's going on?

You have a weird look on your face.

Like, weirder than normal.

You're right.

I should want him dead.

"Should"?

Oswald... you loved him, and he betrayed you.

Actually, I don't know that I did.

Love him.

Not really.

What?

Ed was right.

I thought I loved him... because he saw me as no one had since my mother.

But I k*lled Isabelle...

I'm pretty sure her name is Isabella, but go on.

Because I wouldn't share him.

Ed said love is sacrifice.

I should have been able to sacrifice my happiness for his.

I couldn't.

But I'm ready now.

(loud, frantic breathing)

I won't... call... Ed.

I won't let you hurt him!

So you'd rather die than give up the man who tried to k*ll you?

(laughing) I would!

Isn't that crazy?

Nygma: Yes.

(gasping)

It is.

Barbara: Guess you're not as smart as you thought you were.

He didn't give you up after all.

You're in this together.

But why?

Nygma: Because I didn't want to just take what you had.

I wanted to take what you believed.

I wanted you to die... knowing that you were incapable of loving another person.

But I can.

(loud, frantic breathing)

I just proved that, right?

(laughing)

Now does that mean I passed? (laughs)

(laughing)

Ed?

I... don't know what it means.

(sighs)

(panting)

(laughs)

(exclaims)

(cackles)

I have to tell you... this is way more fun than I was expecting.

(giggles)

We make a good team, you and me.

Bruce: You k*lled Alfred.

(g*nsh*t)

Is that what this is about?

Yeesh.

Are all rich kids this close with their butlers?

Oh!

(g*nshots)

Bruce: This is about doing what's right.

You want to be a hero!

Tell you what, buddy...

I'll give you a fighting chance.

Let's do this mano y mano, my little conquistador.

Come on.

(shouts)

(grunts)

What kind of hero tackles someone from behind?

(both grunting)

(laughs)

Let it out!

That's it.

(cackles)

That's it.

That's it.

Let it out.

(giggles)

Do it.

Aah!

(wheezing, chuckling)

(indistinct chatter, cackling)

Alfred!

(grunts)

Bruce! (grunts)

I thought you were dead.

Can't get rid of me that easily, can you, mate?

Oh, come here.

Behind you!

Ow.

(grunts)

(chuckles)

Word of Jerome's arrest is spreading quick.

Streets are already quieter.

Soon as the docs reattach his face, he's off to Arkham.

You wish I would've sh*t him?

Eh, he'd probably just come back from the dead again.

Probably.

At least you get to say you punched a man's face off.

That's something, right?

Jim?

Sorry, what?

Come on.

Let me buy you breakfast.

Well, got to say... the clown makeup was way more terrifying than the damage underneath, Master Bruce.

(chuckles)

Did I ever tell you that I don't like clowns?

Well... in a couple of days, you'll be back to your old self.

I guarantee it.

You ready to tell me what happened?

When Jerome took me away...

I thought they were going to k*ll you.

Shall I tell you what I thought?

I thought how proud I was of you.

Of the man that you've become.

I almost k*lled him, Alfred.

Ah, but you didn't, now, did you?

You controlled your anger.

It wasn't just anger.

After everything Jerome had done, after all the pain he caused, the idea of k*lling him felt...

It felt right.

Yes.

It felt like justice.

There's a very fine line, Master Bruce, between justice... and vengeance.

I know.

But that doesn't mean there isn't one.

No, it doesn't.

I knew where the line was tonight, Alfred.

I didn't cross it.

Well, that's the first rule.

What do you mean?

Well, I started training you so you could defend yourself.

Well, we're well past that, aren't we?

But what's all this training for?

What are you gonna do with it?

I don't know.

Nor do I.

But if you keep going, you're gonna need rules.

Rules that you cannot and you will not break, never mind what the reason, never mind what the circumstance.

I will not k*ll.

Say it again.

I will not k*ll.

Then let's get to work.

Kathryn: Tonight was close.

We could have lost Gotham for good.

Soon, we will act, and you will be called upon.

They've done a wonderful job erasing the scars.

Are you prepared?

Yes. But I still don't understand how I can help save Gotham.

Man: Never fear.

You are only part of the plan.

Are you sure about this?

You know what must happen if he refuses.

I know.

No one refuses the Court.

(sighs softly)

(knocking at door)

Uncle Frank?

Hello, Jim.

It's been a long time.

Ed... I love you.

I know you believe that now.

So you need to listen to me when I tell you by doing this... it will change you.

I've k*lled before, Oswald.

Not like this.

This won't be a crime of passion or self-preservation.

This will be the cold-blooded m*rder of someone you love.

I don't love you.

You need me, Edward Nygma.

Just as I need you.

You cannot have one without the other.

You k*lled Isabella.

The point is...

That is the point!

You can't talk your way out of this, Oswald.

I have wanted you to suffer as I've suffered.

You k*lled her, so you die.

When I met you you were a nervous, jittery loser.

You were nothing.

I created Edward Nygma.

And I am the only one in the world who truly sees you as you are.

Who you can still become.

You can't do this.

Ed, are you listening to me?

I'm listening.

Say something.

I loved her, Oswald.

And you k*lled her.

(g*nsh*t)