The battle for control of Gotham intensifies, reaching a fevered pitch as Bruce discovers a renewed sense of purpose and Batman finds himself pushed to the limits in a desperate effort to restore order.

Batman: The Telltale Series

Episode 5 – City of Light

Picking up after the events of Episode 4 – Guardian of Gotham, Episode 5 – City of Light begins with the Children of Arkham taking hostages.  While fighting the Children of Arkham Batman is temporarily incapacitated but is saved by Commissioner Grogan who is later on killed by one of the henchmen due to Batman’s failing equipment.  Batman contacts Alfred but is interrupted by a drone controlled by Penguin.  After a brief chat, the drone attacks Batman but he manages to take it down.  Batman decides to approach Penguin at Cobblepot Park as Bruce Wayne accompanied by Gordon.  The park is booby trapped with drones who attack the police set up there and Bruce uses himself as a distraction while Gordon positions himself to take out the transmitter controlling the drones.  After a lengthy chat Bruce distracts Penguin long enough for Gordon to take out the transmitter as well as incapacitating Penguin.  Although lacking resources Bruce and Alfred deduce Lady Arkham’s next possible move while discovering Selina’s in possession of a prototype skeleton key she stole from Wayne Mansion.  The two manage to track Selina who gives the prototype back.  She admits to using Harvey to get to Bruce so that she can steal from him but reveals she does have feelings for him before she leaves Gotham (pretty sad moment).  He is then contacted by Alfred that Lady Arkham has come to Wayne Mansion.  Arriving at Wayne Manor, Bruce discovers Alfred is kidnapped by Lady Arkham.  Lady Arkham leaves a recording of Alfred being tortured and with clues left by Alfred and with Lucius’ aid Bruce learns that Alfred is being held at the Vale’s residence.  He discovers a secret room where Vicki was tortured by her parents and how she created her Lady Arkham persona.  He finds clues left by Alfred that Lady Arkham’s intended target is Arkham Asylum, by releasing the inmates.    Batman goes to Arkham Asylum and confronts Lady Arkham who, after refusing to listen to reason, releases the inmates who attack Batman and the staff.  He is nearly killed by Zsaaz but is saved by Gordon and the GCPD who round up the rest of the inmates while Batman pursues Vicki.  The two go underground.  Vicki offers Alfred’s life in exchange for Bruce’s, and after a lengthy chase Batman reveals his identity as Bruce Wayne.  Vicki dies in the ensuing fight with Bruce after part of the cathedral collapses on her.  A week later, Bruce and Alfred share a drink after a meaningful talk, Arkham inmates have been contained, the Children of Arkham have disbanded, and Gordon becomes the new commissioner.  While giving a speech to the public, Bruce is nearly killed by a cameraman.  The episode ends with John Doe (aka the Joker) sitting in a bar having a drink and watching the news when he says “See you soon, Brucie,” and the screen fades to black with his cackling laugh.

The Verdict:  In the end, Episode 5 – City of Light is a fantastic finale to a great game.  Batman is pushed to his limits as he finally takes down the Penguin, stops the Children of Arkham, and restores his family name. The final battle between Bruce and Vicki is simply brutal both giving their all in a way that reminds us that Batman is just as vulnerable as any other human.  And for those who loved John Doe (cough…cough the Joker) there is definitely the obvious cliffhanger.  Episode 5 – City of Light definitely deserves 5 out of 5.