New mayor Burke wants to overrule Gordon's evacuation order, but is blown up in city hall as a demonstration of second Joker Jeremiah Valeska's destructive abilities, which he uses from his restrained cell to demand Bruce being brought there. Gordon is ordered arrested by state police Major Rodney Harlan under the governor's authority, but all Gotham police still stand 'illegally' by him. More bombs wreck all bridges, allowing gangs to divide up the island in lawless turfs as the police is ordered out. Bruce is told to embrace his heritage as the Joker teams up with Ra's al Ghul, who plays a cat and mouse game with failed heiress Barbara Kean, whose stand depends on Bruce arriving with Alfred and Oswald. Ed and Lee, who finally got Solomon Grundy fixed, reach a tragic conclusion, with Oswald seizing a long-awaited vengeance opportunity.
—KGF Vissers