Episode 4 embraces the mysticism of Batman lore. When a thief is murdered by a bat-like assailant, suspicions point to our Caped Crusader. No voice rings this alarm louder than Hattie Tetch, who blames Batman and the GCPD’s failures for the rise in violent crime. To score higher ratings and beat competitors, she plots an interview with Commissioner Gordon, who happily obliges.
Meanwhile, we learn the winged culprits are followers of a devout cult, worshipping the dark lord Barbatos. A visit to Linton Midnite informs Batman that the myth of a demon bat god beneath the city is an old grift that promises blessings beyond one’s wildest dreams.
One night, Batman intervenes on one of their attacks, but its a trap. They spare his life, merely wanting his blood, as they believe Batman is their lord’s Avatar. When one follower expresses doubt because the Avatar is a nonbeliever, their leader, Mad Monk, expedites Barabtos’s arrival by snapping the disciple’s neck.
Gordon’s interview with Tetch is interrupted when he and the TV personality are kidnapped by the cultists. Tetch’s producer is a Barbatos underling and the Mad Monk’s lover. The dark lord requires blood sacrifices from an enemy (Gordon) and an ally (Tetch).
Fortunately, Batman discovers the lair and chases the evasive monk. The conman gains the upper hand, monologuing about manipulating the gullible to believe the tall tale. Eventually, Batman subdues the criminal, who is placed under arrest. But not before his female companion stabs him in to death, accusing him of blasphemy for denying Barbatos’ existence.
The episode closes with Hattie Tetch’s parting words. A man with an unhealthy grin listens aimlessly with a shadowy figure sitting in the background.
“The Devil’s Due” is a decent episode that intently explores the use of propaganda. Both Hattie Tetch and Mad Monk contorted narratives to fit their agenda, feeding what they wanted their followers to believe. Tetch uses Gotham’s crime and fear to sow mistrust in the populace — to where she becomes their only voice of reason. While Tetch ensured she was the only one to trust, Mad Monk promised safe haven beyond these earthly troubles. Its a common theme in religious units and cults alike. Both messages hinge on a subject’s emotional state and a basic need: safety.
While the episode isn’t as strong as previous outings with the supernatural, it’s an overall solid entry. This season’s embrace of more guttural violence is thrilling, with visible blood and bone-crushing sound affects. Revisiting Midnite was a delight, and Hattie Tetch is an interesting motif, representing the press as another system flawed in its duty to bear witness and hold account to power.
Rating: 7.5/10