Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
TRS cleanup
Deleted line(s) 6 (click to see context) :
* AbsenteeActor: Robin doesn't appear, but he was mentioned by Bruce, believing he rescued him. Alfred, in the dream world, assumed it was the name of some woman Bruce dated despite being engaged to Selina. Though, there was originally supposed to be a scene showing Robin living in the streets in Bruce's dream world.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* CuckooNest: Bruce Wayne wakes up in a world where he isn't Batman and nearly gets institutionalized by his parents and fiancee (Selina Kyle) for maintaining against all evidence that he's a superhero. He spends the episode evading the police until he gets into an altercation with Batman. Of course, this is all a dream created by the Mad Hatter to trap Batman.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
Moving cut Critical Research Failure entry.
Added DiffLines:
* ArtisticLicense: Batman figures out he is trapped in a dream when he is unable to read the books or newspapers; he later explains this by saying that the parts of the brain responsible for dreaming and reading are on different hemispheres and that it's impossible to read in a dream. This is a myth--the brain is far more complex than that, and it is entirely possible and completely commonplace for people to read in dreams. However, if you read in a dream, the text on the page rarely ''stays the same'' between two looks. So given "realistic" limitations on the dream machine, he could very easily have found out almost exactly the same way in real life, too--it just wouldn't be quite as obvious. For a twenty-minute cartoon, the way they did it is a reasonable shorthand to save time and simplify it for the target audience.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/batman_tas_s01e26_perchance_to_dream_0009.png]]
* BerserkButton: Mad Hatter's scheme hit this for Batman. When the latter wakes up, he looks like he's about to ''strangle'' the poor bastard, before Mad Hatter's VillainousBreakdown left him too pathetic for Batman to even bother.
Changed line(s) 10,13 (click to see context) from:
-->'''Bruce:''' I won't live a lie! No matter how attractive you make it!\\
'''Mad Hatter:''' It's a rather moot point, my friend. There's no way out of this.\\
'''Bruce:''' Tell me how to wake up or... !\\
'''Mad Hatter:''' Ah ah ah! You can't hurt a dream, my good fellow! And you ''can't'' wake up! In a moment the police will be here. Do you want to spend the rest of your dream life in Arkham? Stop fighting it, Bruce!
'''Mad Hatter:''' It's a rather moot point, my friend. There's no way out of this.\\
'''Bruce:''' Tell me how to wake up or... !\\
'''Mad Hatter:''' Ah ah ah! You can't hurt a dream, my good fellow! And you ''can't'' wake up! In a moment the police will be here. Do you want to spend the rest of your dream life in Arkham? Stop fighting it, Bruce!
to:
-->'''Bruce:''' [[BigNo NO!!!]] I won't live a lie! No matter how attractive you make it!\\
'''Mad Hatter:''' It's arather moot point, my friend. There's no way out of this.\\
'''Bruce:''' Tell me how to wake upor...or I'll... !\\
'''Mad Hatter:''' Ah ah ah! You can't hurt a dream, my good fellow! And you''can't'' ''can't wake up! up!'' Stop fighting it! See? In a moment the police will be here. Do you want to spend the rest of your dream life in Arkham? Stop fighting it, Bruce!Arkham?
'''Mad Hatter:''' It's a
'''Bruce:''' Tell me how to wake up
'''Mad Hatter:''' Ah ah ah! You can't hurt a dream, my good fellow! And you
Changed line(s) 41,42 (click to see context) from:
'''Batman:''' ''[furious]'' Why? Why did you do it?\\
'''Mad Hatter:''' "Why?" You of all people have the gall to ask me that? ''[[NeverMyFault YOU RUINED]] [[Recap/BatmanTheAnimatedSeriesE27MadAsAHatter MY LIFE!!]]'' ''[breaking tears]'' I was ''willing'' to [[PetTheDog give you any life you wanted]], ''JUST TO KEEP YOU OUT OF MINE!!''
'''Mad Hatter:''' "Why?" You of all people have the gall to ask me that? ''[[NeverMyFault YOU RUINED]] [[Recap/BatmanTheAnimatedSeriesE27MadAsAHatter MY LIFE!!]]'' ''[breaking tears]'' I was ''willing'' to [[PetTheDog give you any life you wanted]], ''JUST TO KEEP YOU OUT OF MINE!!''
to:
'''Batman:''' ''[furious]'' ''[furious] Why? Why did you do it?\\
it?''\\
'''Mad Hatter:''' "Why?" You of all people have thegall ''gall'' to ask me that? ''[[NeverMyFault YOU RUINED]] [[Recap/BatmanTheAnimatedSeriesE27MadAsAHatter MY LIFE!!]]'' ''[breaking tears]'' ''[BrokenTears]'' I was ''willing'' to [[PetTheDog give you any life you wanted]], ''JUST TO KEEP YOU OUT OF MINE!!''
'''Mad Hatter:''' "Why?" You of all people have the
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 5 (click to see context) from:
* AbsenteeActor: Bruce mentioned Robin, believing he rescued him. Alfred, in the dream world, assume it was the name of some woman Bruce dated despite being engaged to Selina. Though, there was originally supposed to be a scene showing Robin living in the streets in Bruce's dream world.
to:
* AbsenteeActor: Bruce Robin doesn't appear, but he was mentioned Robin, by Bruce, believing he rescued him. Alfred, in the dream world, assume assumed it was the name of some woman Bruce dated despite being engaged to Selina. Though, there was originally supposed to be a scene showing Robin living in the streets in Bruce's dream world.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 21 (click to see context) from:
* ItsAWonderfulPlot: Bruce wakes up to discover his parents are alive, he's [[DatingCatwoman engaged to Selina Kyle who isn’t Catwoman]], and there's even a Batman to fight crime. Sounds like a perfect life, huh? [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin Like it says in the title]], it's AllJustADream and he's been put in a LotusEaterMachine by the Mad Hatter.
to:
* ItsAWonderfulPlot: Bruce wakes up to discover his parents are alive, he's [[DatingCatwoman engaged to Selina Kyle who isn’t isn't Catwoman]], and there's even a Batman to fight crime. Sounds like a perfect life, huh? [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin Like it says in the title]], it's AllJustADream and he's been put in a LotusEaterMachine by the Mad Hatter.
Added DiffLines:
* ParentalBonus: Pay close attention to Selina's actions when she offers to cheer Bruce up. She's taking off her gloves as she says it.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 9 (click to see context) from:
* AFateWorseThanDeath: Bruce jumps off the clock tower rather than stay in the dream--either he wakes up or he dies, avoiding the worse fate either way.
to:
* AFateWorseThanDeath: FateWorseThanDeath: Bruce jumps off the clock tower rather than stay in the dream--either he wakes up or he dies, avoiding the worse fate either way.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 11 (click to see context) from:
'''Mad Hatter:''' It's rather moot at this point. There's no way out of this.\\
to:
'''Mad Hatter:''' It's a rather moot at this point.point, my friend. There's no way out of this.\\
Changed line(s) 13 (click to see context) from:
'''Mad Hatter:''' Ah ah ah! You can't hurt a dream, and you ''can't'' wake up! The police are on their way! Do you want to spend the rest of your dream life in Arkham? Don't fight it, Bruce.
to:
'''Mad Hatter:''' Ah ah ah! You can't hurt a dream, and my good fellow! And you ''can't'' wake up! The In a moment the police are on their way! will be here. Do you want to spend the rest of your dream life in Arkham? Don't fight Stop fighting it, Bruce.Bruce!
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 8 (click to see context) from:
* DreamEmergencyExit: Bruce gets out of the dream state unharmed by "dying" in a fall. Judging by Mad Hatter's reaction, this is the only way to get "out," and he's shocked someone would willingly end what should be their greatest fantasy.
to:
* DreamEmergencyExit: Bruce realizes it's AllJustADream when he finds he can't read any books (based on the idea that the left side of the brain, which controls the interpretation of written words, is mostly dormant during dreaming), though it takes him a bit longer to figure out how to free himself. Bruce gets out of the dream state unharmed by "dying" in a fall. Judging by Mad Hatter's reaction, this is the only way to get "out," and he's shocked someone would willingly end what should be their greatest fantasy.
Deleted line(s) 19 (click to see context) :
* DreamEmergencyExit: Bruce realizes it's AllJustADream when he finds he can't read any books (based on the idea that the left side of the brain, which controls the interpretation of written words, is mostly dormant during dreaming), though it takes him a bit longer to figure out how to free himself.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
Disambiguating; deleting and renaming wicks as appropriate
* DreamEmergencyExit: Bruce realizes it's AllJustADream when he finds he can't read any books (based on the idea that the left side of the brain, which controls the interpretation of written words, is mostly dormant during dreaming), though it takes him a bit longer to figure out how to free himself.
Deleted line(s) 28 (click to see context) :
* PinchMe: Bruce realizes it's AllJustADream when he finds he can't read any books (based on the idea that the left side of the brain, which controls the interpretation of written words, is mostly dormant during dreaming), though it takes him a bit longer to figure out how to free himself.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 21 (click to see context) from:
* ItsAWonderfulPlot: Bruce wakes up to discover his parents are alive, he's [[DatingCatwoman engaged to Selina Kyle]], and there's even a Batman to fight crime. Sounds like a perfect life, huh? [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin Like it says in the title]], it's AllJustADream and he's been put in a LotusEaterMachine by the Mad Hatter.
to:
* ItsAWonderfulPlot: Bruce wakes up to discover his parents are alive, he's [[DatingCatwoman engaged to Selina Kyle]], Kyle who isn’t Catwoman]], and there's even a Batman to fight crime. Sounds like a perfect life, huh? [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin Like it says in the title]], it's AllJustADream and he's been put in a LotusEaterMachine by the Mad Hatter.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 18 (click to see context) from:
* GettingCrapPastTheRadar: Pay close attention to Selina's actions when she offers to cheer Bruce up. She's taking off her gloves as she says it.
to:
%% * GettingCrapPastTheRadar: Pay close attention GettingCrapPastThe Radar: Due to Selina's actions when she offers overwhelming and persistent misuse, GCPTR is on-page examples only until 01 June 2021. If you are reading this in the future, please check the trope page to cheer Bruce up. She's taking off her gloves as she says it.make sure your example fits the current definition.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
* DreamEmergencyExit: Bruce gets out of the dream state unharmed by "dying" in a fall. Judging by Mad Hatter's reaction, this is the only way to get "out," and he's shocked someone would willingly end what should be their greatest fantasy.
Deleted line(s) 42 (click to see context) :
* YourMindMakesItReal: Bruce gets out of the dream state unharmed by "dying" in a fall, betting against the trope. Judging by Mad Hatter's reaction, this is the only way to get "out," and he's shocked someone would willingly end what should be their greatest fantasy.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 30 (click to see context) from:
* ShoutOut: Although the entire series is heavily indebted to FilmNoir, some of the most explicit references are found in this episode. The climax at the bell-tower is perhaps a nod to ''Film/{{Vertigo}}'' and Batman directly quotes the final paraphrase from ''Theatre/TheTempest'' in ''Film/TheMalteseFalcon'' in the end. The dreamlike nature of the storyline is very much in common with FilmNoir. Interestingly, the climax also resembles the finale of ''Film/{{Metropolis}}'' and ''Film/Batman1989'', in which Batman and the Joker face off in the spire of a cathedral.
to:
* ShoutOut: Although the entire series is heavily indebted to FilmNoir, some of the most explicit references are found in this episode. The climax at the bell-tower is perhaps a nod to ''Film/{{Vertigo}}'' and Batman directly quotes the final paraphrase from ''Theatre/TheTempest'' in ''Film/TheMalteseFalcon'' ''Film/{{The Maltese Falcon|1941}}'' in the end. The dreamlike nature of the storyline is very much in common with FilmNoir. Interestingly, the climax also resembles the finale of ''Film/{{Metropolis}}'' and ''Film/Batman1989'', ''Film/{{Batman|1989}}'', in which Batman and the Joker face off in the spire of a cathedral.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 14 (click to see context) from:
* {{Foreshadowing}}: During the first appearance of "Batman," one of the storefronts in the background has a sign on it that's illegible gibberish. It could be just an artifact of being drawn by the animators as filler, but, in retrospect, it could be a subtle clue as well.
to:
* {{Foreshadowing}}: {{Foreshadowing}}:
** The main clue that the Mad Hatter is behind the events of this episode is the fact that his theme plays in this episode's title card.
** During the first appearance of "Batman," one of the storefronts in the background has a sign on it that's illegible gibberish. It could be just an artifact of being drawn by the animators as filler, but, in retrospect, it could be a subtle clue as well.
** The main clue that the Mad Hatter is behind the events of this episode is the fact that his theme plays in this episode's title card.
** During the first appearance of "Batman," one of the storefronts in the background has a sign on it that's illegible gibberish. It could be just an artifact of being drawn by the animators as filler, but, in retrospect, it could be a subtle clue as well.
Changed line(s) 29 (click to see context) from:
* ShoutOutToShakespeare: Batman quotes ''Theatre/TheTempest'', act IV, scene 1.
to:
* ShoutOutToShakespeare: ShoutOutToShakespeare:
** The title comes from a line in the famous "To be or not to be" soliloquy from ''Theatre/{{Hamlet}}'', in which Prince Hamlet debates with himself whether or not to commit suicide, or to face the cruel travails of the world, and specifically the task of avenging his dead father which has been put before him. This is a subtle, but intriguing parallel not only to the story of the episode itself, but to the story of Batman in general.
** Batman quotes ''Theatre/TheTempest'', act IV, scene 1.
** The title comes from a line in the famous "To be or not to be" soliloquy from ''Theatre/{{Hamlet}}'', in which Prince Hamlet debates with himself whether or not to commit suicide, or to face the cruel travails of the world, and specifically the task of avenging his dead father which has been put before him. This is a subtle, but intriguing parallel not only to the story of the episode itself, but to the story of Batman in general.
** Batman quotes ''Theatre/TheTempest'', act IV, scene 1.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 28,31 (click to see context) from:
* ShoutOut:
** Gordon says to Batman, "Any idea what it [the mind-control helmet] is?" and Batman deadpans back the final line of ''Film/{{The Maltese Falcon|1941}}'':
--->'''Batman:''' Yes. The stuff that dreams are made of.
** That line is also an homage to ''Theatre/TheTempest'', act IV, scene 1.
** Gordon says to Batman, "Any idea what it [the mind-control helmet] is?" and Batman deadpans back the final line of ''Film/{{The Maltese Falcon|1941}}'':
--->'''Batman:''' Yes. The stuff that dreams are made of.
** That line is also an homage to ''Theatre/TheTempest'', act IV, scene 1.
to:
* ShoutOut:
** Gordon saysShoutOut: Although the entire series is heavily indebted to Batman, "Any idea what it [the mind-control helmet] is?" FilmNoir, some of the most explicit references are found in this episode. The climax at the bell-tower is perhaps a nod to ''Film/{{Vertigo}}'' and Batman deadpans back directly quotes the final line of ''Film/{{The Maltese Falcon|1941}}'':
--->'''Batman:''' Yes.paraphrase from ''Theatre/TheTempest'' in ''Film/TheMalteseFalcon'' in the end. The stuff that dreams are made of.
** That linedreamlike nature of the storyline is very much in common with FilmNoir. Interestingly, the climax also an homage to resembles the finale of ''Film/{{Metropolis}}'' and ''Film/Batman1989'', in which Batman and the Joker face off in the spire of a cathedral.
* ShoutOutToShakespeare: Batman quotes ''Theatre/TheTempest'', act IV, scene 1.
** Gordon says
--->'''Batman:''' Yes.
** That line
* ShoutOutToShakespeare: Batman quotes ''Theatre/TheTempest'', act IV, scene 1.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* NightmareOfNormality: The bulk of the episode, with Bruce finding himself in his dream of an ordinary life.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 28 (click to see context) from:
** Gordon says to Batman, "Any idea what it [the mind-control helmet] is?" and Batman deadpans back the final line of ''Film/TheMalteseFalcon'':
to:
** Gordon says to Batman, "Any idea what it [the mind-control helmet] is?" and Batman deadpans back the final line of ''Film/TheMalteseFalcon'':''Film/{{The Maltese Falcon|1941}}'':
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* AbsenteeActor: Bruce mentioned Robin, believing he rescued him. Alfred, in the dream world, assume it was the name of some woman Bruce dated despite being engaged to Selina. Though, there was originally supposed to be a scene showing Robin living in the streets in Bruce's dream world.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 19 (click to see context) from:
* LiteraryAllusionTitle: To ''Theatre/{{Hamlet}}'', act III, scene 1.
to:
* LiteraryAllusionTitle: To ''Theatre/{{Hamlet}}'', act III, scene 1.more specifically the To be, or not to be soliloquy.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 15 (click to see context) from:
* AGlitchInTheMatrix: Printed text in Bruce's dream-world is all either blank or gibberish. He's about ready to accept the false reality until he picks up a newspaper.
to:
* AGlitchInTheMatrix: Printed text The Mad Hatter traps Batman in Bruce's dream-world a LotusEaterMachine where [[DeathByOriginStory his parents]] are still alive and well, and some other guy is all either blank or out there beating up crooks in a bat costume every night instead of him. The way he realized he was dreaming was that the newspaper he was reading was gibberish. He's Then he remembered that the brain hemisphere used for dreaming was not the one used for reading. While ''that's'' nonsense (both hemispheres are used for dreaming, and he got it the wrong way around about ready which is used for reading), it ''is'' true that dreams typically fail to accept the false reality until he picks up a newspaper.produce readable text.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 4,5 (click to see context) from:
!!Tropes:
to:
Changed line(s) 7,8 (click to see context) from:
* BlankBook: Some books are blank, others are just full of gibberish. [[ArtisticLicenseBiology This is because reading is a function of the right side of the brain, which is inactive when sleeping]].
* AFateWorseThanDeath:
* AFateWorseThanDeath:
to:
* BlankBook: Some books are blank, others are just full of gibberish. [[ArtisticLicenseBiology This is because reading is a function of the right side of the brain, which is inactive when sleeping]].
sleeping.]]
*AFateWorseThanDeath:AFateWorseThanDeath: Bruce jumps off the clock tower rather than stay in the dream--either he wakes up or he dies, avoiding the worse fate either way.
*
Changed line(s) 13,14 (click to see context) from:
* TheFinalTemptation: Batman was caught in a virtual dream world by the Mad Hatter (who fortunately could not observe the dream itself) living a life as playboy billionaire Bruce Wayne, with his parents alive and well (and thus he had never become Batman). In the dream he was engaged to Selina Kyle (who was not Catwoman) and the mysterious Batman was someone ELSE who just showed up in Gotham. His friends and family in the dream almost had him completely convinced he had created his real life as a delusion to escape his feelings of not having accomplished anything on his own, but the illusion fell apart when he discovered he couldn't read anything.[[note]]Trying to read something in a dream is a trick used by lucid dreamers to detect whether they are dreaming. Unless you have a photographic memory, your brain will have some trouble trying to remember or imagine a page full of text.[[/note]] Suffice to say, he did NOT appreciate the MindScrew when he woke himself up.
* {{Foreshadowing}}: During the first appearance of "Batman", one of the storefronts in the background has a sign on it that's illegible gibberish. It could be just an artifact of being drawn by the animators as filler, but, in retrospect, it could be a subtle clue as well.
* {{Foreshadowing}}: During the first appearance of "Batman", one of the storefronts in the background has a sign on it that's illegible gibberish. It could be just an artifact of being drawn by the animators as filler, but, in retrospect, it could be a subtle clue as well.
to:
* TheFinalTemptation: Batman was is caught in a virtual dream world by the Mad Hatter (who fortunately could not cannot observe the dream itself) living a life as playboy billionaire Bruce Wayne, with his parents alive and well (and thus he had has never become Batman). In the dream he was is engaged to Selina Kyle (who was is not Catwoman) and the mysterious Batman was is someone ELSE ''else'' who has just showed shown up in Gotham. His friends and family in the dream almost had have him completely convinced he had has created his real life as a delusion to escape his feelings of not having accomplished anything on his own, but the illusion fell falls apart when he discovered discovers he couldn't can't read anything.[[note]]Trying to read something in a dream is a trick used by lucid dreamers to detect whether they are dreaming. Unless you have a photographic memory, your brain will have some trouble trying to remember or imagine a page full of text.[[/note]] Suffice to say, he did NOT does ''not'' appreciate the MindScrew when he woke wakes himself up.
* {{Foreshadowing}}: During the first appearance of"Batman", "Batman," one of the storefronts in the background has a sign on it that's illegible gibberish. It could be just an artifact of being drawn by the animators as filler, but, in retrospect, it could be a subtle clue as well.
* {{Foreshadowing}}: During the first appearance of
Changed line(s) 16,17 (click to see context) from:
* AGlitchInTheMatrix
* IdleRich: With his parents alive and the role of Batman taken, Bruce has nothing to do - while he runs Wayne Enterprises in theory, "Alfred" notes that Lucius Fox does the actual work. "Leslie" assumes Bruce's problem stems from disassociation - he's identifying with Batman because he doesn't feel he's personally accomplished anything.
* IdleRich: With his parents alive and the role of Batman taken, Bruce has nothing to do - while he runs Wayne Enterprises in theory, "Alfred" notes that Lucius Fox does the actual work. "Leslie" assumes Bruce's problem stems from disassociation - he's identifying with Batman because he doesn't feel he's personally accomplished anything.
to:
* AGlitchInTheMatrix
AGlitchInTheMatrix: Printed text in Bruce's dream-world is all either blank or gibberish. He's about ready to accept the false reality until he picks up a newspaper.
* IdleRich: With his parents alive and the role of Batman taken, Bruce has nothing todo - while do--while he runs Wayne Enterprises in theory, "Alfred" notes that Lucius Fox does the actual work. "Leslie" assumes Bruce's problem stems from disassociation - he's disassociation--he's identifying with Batman because he doesn't feel he's personally accomplished anything.
* IdleRich: With his parents alive and the role of Batman taken, Bruce has nothing to
Changed line(s) 19,22 (click to see context) from:
* LeaveYourQuestTest: Batman is trapped in a LotusEaterMachine where his parents aren't dead, he's [[DatingCatwoman engaged to Selina Kyle]], and someone else is running around Gotham City, solving crimes and fighting the good fight. Eventually Bruce Wayne starts to settle in and writes his Caped Crusader days off as a temporary illusion. Then, he realized [[BlankBook he couldn't read]], and recognized that he couldn't read [[AllJustADream while in a dream world.]]
* LiteraryAllusionTitle: (''Theatre/{{Hamlet}} III''.i)
* LotusEaterMachine
* MilkingTheGiantCow: "Thomas Wayne" makes a giant swinging motion as he explains that he and "Martha" are going to go golfing. Evidently, the Thomas Wayne in this continuity ''REALLY'' likes golf.
* LiteraryAllusionTitle: (''Theatre/{{Hamlet}} III''.i)
* LotusEaterMachine
* MilkingTheGiantCow: "Thomas Wayne" makes a giant swinging motion as he explains that he and "Martha" are going to go golfing. Evidently, the Thomas Wayne in this continuity ''REALLY'' likes golf.
to:
* LeaveYourQuestTest: Batman is trapped in a LotusEaterMachine where his parents aren't dead, he's [[DatingCatwoman engaged to Selina Kyle]], and someone else is running around Gotham City, solving crimes and fighting the good fight. Eventually Bruce Wayne starts to settle in and writes his Caped Crusader days off as a temporary illusion. Then, he realized realizes [[BlankBook he couldn't can't read]], and recognized recognizes that he couldn't read it's because [[AllJustADream while he's in a dream world.]]
world]].
* LiteraryAllusionTitle:(''Theatre/{{Hamlet}} III''.i)
To ''Theatre/{{Hamlet}}'', act III, scene 1.
*LotusEaterMachine
LotusEaterMachine: The Mad Hatter's device creates its victim's ideal world for them to stay content in. Since it uses the mechanism of dreaming, common irregularities of dreams such as illegible printed text act as AGlitchInTheMatrix to clue the victim in to what's going on.
* MilkingTheGiantCow: "Thomas Wayne" makes a giant swinging motion as he explains that he and "Martha" are going to go golfing. Evidently, the Thomas Wayne in this continuity''REALLY'' ''really'' likes golf.
* LiteraryAllusionTitle:
*
* MilkingTheGiantCow: "Thomas Wayne" makes a giant swinging motion as he explains that he and "Martha" are going to go golfing. Evidently, the Thomas Wayne in this continuity
Changed line(s) 28 (click to see context) from:
** Gordon says to Batman "Any idea what it [the mind-control helmet] is?" and Batman deadpans back the final line of ''Film/TheMalteseFalcon'':
to:
** Gordon says to Batman Batman, "Any idea what it [the mind-control helmet] is?" and Batman deadpans back the final line of ''Film/TheMalteseFalcon'':
Changed line(s) 30 (click to see context) from:
** That line is also an homage to ''The Tempest'' Act 4, scene 1
to:
** That line is also an homage to ''The Tempest'' Act 4, ''Theatre/TheTempest'', act IV, scene 11.
Changed line(s) 34 (click to see context) from:
* SpiritualAntithesis: This episode is one for the comic (later given an AnimatedAdaptation) ''ComicBook/ForTheManWhoHasEverything''. Both stories are about a hero who is placed into a LotusEaterMachine and given a dream about [[IJustWantToBeNormal mundane life as a "normal" person]]. Superman, as TheCape, has a HappilyEverAfter fantasy. Batman, as TheCowl, dreams a PsychologicalHorror fantasy.
to:
* SpiritualAntithesis: This episode is one for the comic "ComicBook/ForTheManWhoHasEverything" (later given an AnimatedAdaptation) ''ComicBook/ForTheManWhoHasEverything''.AnimatedAdaptation in fellow DCAU show ''WesternAnimation/JusticeLeague''). Both stories are about a hero who is placed into a LotusEaterMachine and given a dream about [[IJustWantToBeNormal mundane life as a "normal" person]]. Superman, as TheCape, has a HappilyEverAfter fantasy. Batman, as TheCowl, dreams a PsychologicalHorror fantasy.
Changed line(s) 37,40 (click to see context) from:
'''Batman:''' (''furious'') Why? Why did you do it?\\
'''Mad Hatter:''' "Why?" You of all people have the gall to ask me that! ''[[NeverMyFault YOU RUINED]] [[Recap/BatmanTheAnimatedSeriesE27MadAsAHatter MY LIFE!!]]'' (''breaking tears'') I was ''willing'' to [[PetTheDog give you any life you wanted]], ''JUST TO KEEP YOU OUT OF MINE!!''
* YourMindMakesItReal: Bruce gets out of the dream state unharmed by "dying" in a fall, betting against the trope. Judging by Mad Hatter's reaction, this is the only way to get "out", and he's shocked someone would willingly end what should be their greatest fantasy.
'''Mad Hatter:''' "Why?" You of all people have the gall to ask me that! ''[[NeverMyFault YOU RUINED]] [[Recap/BatmanTheAnimatedSeriesE27MadAsAHatter MY LIFE!!]]'' (''breaking tears'') I was ''willing'' to [[PetTheDog give you any life you wanted]], ''JUST TO KEEP YOU OUT OF MINE!!''
* YourMindMakesItReal: Bruce gets out of the dream state unharmed by "dying" in a fall, betting against the trope. Judging by Mad Hatter's reaction, this is the only way to get "out", and he's shocked someone would willingly end what should be their greatest fantasy.
to:
'''Batman:''' (''furious'') ''[furious]'' Why? Why did you do it?\\
'''Mad Hatter:''' "Why?" You of all people have the gall to ask methat! that? ''[[NeverMyFault YOU RUINED]] [[Recap/BatmanTheAnimatedSeriesE27MadAsAHatter MY LIFE!!]]'' (''breaking tears'') ''[breaking tears]'' I was ''willing'' to [[PetTheDog give you any life you wanted]], ''JUST TO KEEP YOU OUT OF MINE!!''
* YourMindMakesItReal: Bruce gets out of the dream state unharmed by "dying" in a fall, betting against the trope. Judging by Mad Hatter's reaction, this is the only way to get"out", "out," and he's shocked someone would willingly end what should be their greatest fantasy.
fantasy.
'''Mad Hatter:''' "Why?" You of all people have the gall to ask me
* YourMindMakesItReal: Bruce gets out of the dream state unharmed by "dying" in a fall, betting against the trope. Judging by Mad Hatter's reaction, this is the only way to get
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 6 (click to see context) from:
* AllJustADream
to:
* AllJustADreamAllJustADream: Bruce Wayne wakes up in a world where he isn't Batman. He eventually realizes that it is a dream (because some people's dreams work in such a way that they can't read anything in a dream) and ends it by jumping off the clock tower. Apart from the reading issue, wish fulfillment dreams don't work on Batman; a world where Bruce Wayne is happy? His subconscious knows that's impossible.
Deleted line(s) 8 (click to see context) :
* TheFinalTemptation: Batman was caught in a virtual dream world by the Mad Hatter (who fortunately could not observe the dream itself) living a life as playboy billionaire Bruce Wayne, with his parents alive and well (and thus he had never become Batman). In the dream he was engaged to Selina Kyle (who was not Catwoman) and the mysterious Batman was someone ELSE who just showed up in Gotham. His friends and family in the dream almost had him completely convinced he had created his real life as a delusion to escape his feelings of not having accomplished anything on his own, but the illusion fell apart when he discovered he couldn't read anything.[[note]]Trying to read something in a dream is a trick used by lucid dreamers to detect whether they are dreaming. Unless you have a photographic memory, your brain will have some trouble trying to remember or imagine a page full of text.[[/note]] Suffice to say, he did NOT appreciate the MindScrew when he woke himself up.
Added DiffLines:
* TheFinalTemptation: Batman was caught in a virtual dream world by the Mad Hatter (who fortunately could not observe the dream itself) living a life as playboy billionaire Bruce Wayne, with his parents alive and well (and thus he had never become Batman). In the dream he was engaged to Selina Kyle (who was not Catwoman) and the mysterious Batman was someone ELSE who just showed up in Gotham. His friends and family in the dream almost had him completely convinced he had created his real life as a delusion to escape his feelings of not having accomplished anything on his own, but the illusion fell apart when he discovered he couldn't read anything.[[note]]Trying to read something in a dream is a trick used by lucid dreamers to detect whether they are dreaming. Unless you have a photographic memory, your brain will have some trouble trying to remember or imagine a page full of text.[[/note]] Suffice to say, he did NOT appreciate the MindScrew when he woke himself up.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 38 (click to see context) from:
'''Mad Hatter:''' "Why?" You of all people have the gawl to ask me that! ''[[NeverMyFault YOU RUINED]] [[Recap/BatmanTheAnimatedSeriesE27MadAsAHatter MY LIFE!!]]'' (''breaking tears'') I was ''willing'' to [[PetTheDog give you any life you wanted]], ''JUST TO KEEP YOU OUT OF MINE!!''
to:
'''Mad Hatter:''' "Why?" You of all people have the gawl gall to ask me that! ''[[NeverMyFault YOU RUINED]] [[Recap/BatmanTheAnimatedSeriesE27MadAsAHatter MY LIFE!!]]'' (''breaking tears'') I was ''willing'' to [[PetTheDog give you any life you wanted]], ''JUST TO KEEP YOU OUT OF MINE!!''
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 38 (click to see context) from:
'''Mad Hatter:''' "Why?" You of all people have the gawl to ask me that! ''[[Recap/BatmanTheAnimatedSeriesE27MadAsAHatter YOU RUINED MY LIFE!!]]'' (''breaking tears'') I was ''willing'' to [[PetTheDog give you any life you wanted]], ''JUST TO KEEP YOU OUT OF MINE!!''
to:
'''Mad Hatter:''' "Why?" You of all people have the gawl to ask me that! ''[[Recap/BatmanTheAnimatedSeriesE27MadAsAHatter ''[[NeverMyFault YOU RUINED RUINED]] [[Recap/BatmanTheAnimatedSeriesE27MadAsAHatter MY LIFE!!]]'' (''breaking tears'') I was ''willing'' to [[PetTheDog give you any life you wanted]], ''JUST TO KEEP YOU OUT OF MINE!!''
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 23 (click to see context) from:
* MusicalSpoiler / ThemeSongReveal: There's a modified version of The Mad Hatter's Leitmotif as a musical hint towards his usage of a dream machine on Batman.
to:
* MusicalSpoiler / ThemeSongReveal: There's a modified version of The Mad Hatter's Leitmotif as a musical hint towards his usage of a dream machine on Batman.Batman that plays at several points throughout the episode.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* IdleRich: With his parents alive and the role of Batman taken, Bruce has nothing to do - while he runs Wayne Enterprises in theory, "Alfred" notes that Lucius Fox does the actual work. "Leslie" assumes Bruce's problem stems from disassociation - he's identifying with Batman because he doesn't feel he's personally accomplished anything.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 37 (click to see context) from:
'''Mad Hatter:''' "Why?" You of all people have the gawl to ask me that! ''[[Recap/BatmanTheAnimatedSeriesE27MadAsAHatter YOU RUINED MY LIFE!!]]'' (''breaking tears'') I was ''willing'' to [[PetTheDog give you any life you wanted]], ''JUST TO KEEP OUT OF MINE!!''
to:
'''Mad Hatter:''' "Why?" You of all people have the gawl to ask me that! ''[[Recap/BatmanTheAnimatedSeriesE27MadAsAHatter YOU RUINED MY LIFE!!]]'' (''breaking tears'') I was ''willing'' to [[PetTheDog give you any life you wanted]], ''JUST TO KEEP YOU OUT OF MINE!!''
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* GettingCrapPastTheRadar: Pay close attention to Selina's actions when she offers to cheer Bruce up. She's taking off her gloves as she says it.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
Moving to proper title.
Added DiffLines:
Bruce Wayne wakes up and discovers his parents are still alive and he's not Batman. Everything seems perfect, but is it all too good to be true?
----
!!Tropes:
* AllJustADream
* BlankBook: Some books are blank, others are just full of gibberish. [[ArtisticLicenseBiology This is because reading is a function of the right side of the brain, which is inactive when sleeping]].
* TheFinalTemptation: Batman was caught in a virtual dream world by the Mad Hatter (who fortunately could not observe the dream itself) living a life as playboy billionaire Bruce Wayne, with his parents alive and well (and thus he had never become Batman). In the dream he was engaged to Selina Kyle (who was not Catwoman) and the mysterious Batman was someone ELSE who just showed up in Gotham. His friends and family in the dream almost had him completely convinced he had created his real life as a delusion to escape his feelings of not having accomplished anything on his own, but the illusion fell apart when he discovered he couldn't read anything.[[note]]Trying to read something in a dream is a trick used by lucid dreamers to detect whether they are dreaming. Unless you have a photographic memory, your brain will have some trouble trying to remember or imagine a page full of text.[[/note]] Suffice to say, he did NOT appreciate the MindScrew when he woke himself up.
* AFateWorseThanDeath:
-->'''Bruce:''' I won't live a lie! No matter how attractive you make it!\\
'''Mad Hatter:''' It's rather moot at this point. There's no way out of this.\\
'''Bruce:''' Tell me how to wake up or... !\\
'''Mad Hatter:''' Ah ah ah! You can't hurt a dream, and you ''can't'' wake up! The police are on their way! Do you want to spend the rest of your dream life in Arkham? Don't fight it, Bruce.
* {{Foreshadowing}}: During the first appearance of "Batman", one of the storefronts in the background has a sign on it that's illegible gibberish. It could be just an artifact of being drawn by the animators as filler, but, in retrospect, it could be a subtle clue as well.
* AGlitchInTheMatrix
* ItsAWonderfulPlot: Bruce wakes up to discover his parents are alive, he's [[DatingCatwoman engaged to Selina Kyle]], and there's even a Batman to fight crime. Sounds like a perfect life, huh? [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin Like it says in the title]], it's AllJustADream and he's been put in a LotusEaterMachine by the Mad Hatter.
* LeaveYourQuestTest: Batman is trapped in a LotusEaterMachine where his parents aren't dead, he's [[DatingCatwoman engaged to Selina Kyle]], and someone else is running around Gotham City, solving crimes and fighting the good fight. Eventually Bruce Wayne starts to settle in and writes his Caped Crusader days off as a temporary illusion. Then, he realized [[BlankBook he couldn't read]], and recognized that he couldn't read [[AllJustADream while in a dream world.]]
* LiteraryAllusionTitle: (''Theatre/{{Hamlet}} III''.i)
* LotusEaterMachine
* MilkingTheGiantCow: "Thomas Wayne" makes a giant swinging motion as he explains that he and "Martha" are going to go golfing. Evidently, the Thomas Wayne in this continuity ''REALLY'' likes golf.
* MusicalSpoiler / ThemeSongReveal: There's a modified version of The Mad Hatter's Leitmotif as a musical hint towards his usage of a dream machine on Batman.
* PinchMe: Bruce realizes it's AllJustADream when he finds he can't read any books (based on the idea that the left side of the brain, which controls the interpretation of written words, is mostly dormant during dreaming), though it takes him a bit longer to figure out how to free himself.
* PinkMeansFeminine: Selena wears a pink and [[GracefulLadiesLikePurple lavender]] outfit.
* PsychologicalHorror: Bruce fears to see ThroughTheEyesOfMadness for all his IJustWantToBeNormal fantasy.
* ShoutOut:
** Gordon says to Batman "Any idea what it [the mind-control helmet] is?" and Batman deadpans back the final line of ''Film/TheMalteseFalcon'':
--->'''Batman:''' Yes. The stuff that dreams are made of.
** That line is also an homage to ''The Tempest'' Act 4, scene 1
--->'''Prospero:''' ''...We are such stuff\\
As dreams are made on; and our little life\\
Is rounded with a sleep.''
* SpiritualAntithesis: This episode is one for the comic (later given an AnimatedAdaptation) ''ComicBook/ForTheManWhoHasEverything''. Both stories are about a hero who is placed into a LotusEaterMachine and given a dream about [[IJustWantToBeNormal mundane life as a "normal" person]]. Superman, as TheCape, has a HappilyEverAfter fantasy. Batman, as TheCowl, dreams a PsychologicalHorror fantasy.
* VillainousBreakdown:
-->'''Mad Hatter:''' [[ThisCannotBe It's not possible!]] No one's will is strong enough to escape my dream machine!\\
'''Batman:''' (''furious'') Why? Why did you do it?\\
'''Mad Hatter:''' "Why?" You of all people have the gawl to ask me that! ''[[Recap/BatmanTheAnimatedSeriesE27MadAsAHatter YOU RUINED MY LIFE!!]]'' (''breaking tears'') I was ''willing'' to [[PetTheDog give you any life you wanted]], ''JUST TO KEEP OUT OF MINE!!''
* YourMindMakesItReal: Bruce gets out of the dream state unharmed by "dying" in a fall, betting against the trope. Judging by Mad Hatter's reaction, this is the only way to get "out", and he's shocked someone would willingly end what should be their greatest fantasy.
----
----
!!Tropes:
* AllJustADream
* BlankBook: Some books are blank, others are just full of gibberish. [[ArtisticLicenseBiology This is because reading is a function of the right side of the brain, which is inactive when sleeping]].
* TheFinalTemptation: Batman was caught in a virtual dream world by the Mad Hatter (who fortunately could not observe the dream itself) living a life as playboy billionaire Bruce Wayne, with his parents alive and well (and thus he had never become Batman). In the dream he was engaged to Selina Kyle (who was not Catwoman) and the mysterious Batman was someone ELSE who just showed up in Gotham. His friends and family in the dream almost had him completely convinced he had created his real life as a delusion to escape his feelings of not having accomplished anything on his own, but the illusion fell apart when he discovered he couldn't read anything.[[note]]Trying to read something in a dream is a trick used by lucid dreamers to detect whether they are dreaming. Unless you have a photographic memory, your brain will have some trouble trying to remember or imagine a page full of text.[[/note]] Suffice to say, he did NOT appreciate the MindScrew when he woke himself up.
* AFateWorseThanDeath:
-->'''Bruce:''' I won't live a lie! No matter how attractive you make it!\\
'''Mad Hatter:''' It's rather moot at this point. There's no way out of this.\\
'''Bruce:''' Tell me how to wake up or... !\\
'''Mad Hatter:''' Ah ah ah! You can't hurt a dream, and you ''can't'' wake up! The police are on their way! Do you want to spend the rest of your dream life in Arkham? Don't fight it, Bruce.
* {{Foreshadowing}}: During the first appearance of "Batman", one of the storefronts in the background has a sign on it that's illegible gibberish. It could be just an artifact of being drawn by the animators as filler, but, in retrospect, it could be a subtle clue as well.
* AGlitchInTheMatrix
* ItsAWonderfulPlot: Bruce wakes up to discover his parents are alive, he's [[DatingCatwoman engaged to Selina Kyle]], and there's even a Batman to fight crime. Sounds like a perfect life, huh? [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin Like it says in the title]], it's AllJustADream and he's been put in a LotusEaterMachine by the Mad Hatter.
* LeaveYourQuestTest: Batman is trapped in a LotusEaterMachine where his parents aren't dead, he's [[DatingCatwoman engaged to Selina Kyle]], and someone else is running around Gotham City, solving crimes and fighting the good fight. Eventually Bruce Wayne starts to settle in and writes his Caped Crusader days off as a temporary illusion. Then, he realized [[BlankBook he couldn't read]], and recognized that he couldn't read [[AllJustADream while in a dream world.]]
* LiteraryAllusionTitle: (''Theatre/{{Hamlet}} III''.i)
* LotusEaterMachine
* MilkingTheGiantCow: "Thomas Wayne" makes a giant swinging motion as he explains that he and "Martha" are going to go golfing. Evidently, the Thomas Wayne in this continuity ''REALLY'' likes golf.
* MusicalSpoiler / ThemeSongReveal: There's a modified version of The Mad Hatter's Leitmotif as a musical hint towards his usage of a dream machine on Batman.
* PinchMe: Bruce realizes it's AllJustADream when he finds he can't read any books (based on the idea that the left side of the brain, which controls the interpretation of written words, is mostly dormant during dreaming), though it takes him a bit longer to figure out how to free himself.
* PinkMeansFeminine: Selena wears a pink and [[GracefulLadiesLikePurple lavender]] outfit.
* PsychologicalHorror: Bruce fears to see ThroughTheEyesOfMadness for all his IJustWantToBeNormal fantasy.
* ShoutOut:
** Gordon says to Batman "Any idea what it [the mind-control helmet] is?" and Batman deadpans back the final line of ''Film/TheMalteseFalcon'':
--->'''Batman:''' Yes. The stuff that dreams are made of.
** That line is also an homage to ''The Tempest'' Act 4, scene 1
--->'''Prospero:''' ''...We are such stuff\\
As dreams are made on; and our little life\\
Is rounded with a sleep.''
* SpiritualAntithesis: This episode is one for the comic (later given an AnimatedAdaptation) ''ComicBook/ForTheManWhoHasEverything''. Both stories are about a hero who is placed into a LotusEaterMachine and given a dream about [[IJustWantToBeNormal mundane life as a "normal" person]]. Superman, as TheCape, has a HappilyEverAfter fantasy. Batman, as TheCowl, dreams a PsychologicalHorror fantasy.
* VillainousBreakdown:
-->'''Mad Hatter:''' [[ThisCannotBe It's not possible!]] No one's will is strong enough to escape my dream machine!\\
'''Batman:''' (''furious'') Why? Why did you do it?\\
'''Mad Hatter:''' "Why?" You of all people have the gawl to ask me that! ''[[Recap/BatmanTheAnimatedSeriesE27MadAsAHatter YOU RUINED MY LIFE!!]]'' (''breaking tears'') I was ''willing'' to [[PetTheDog give you any life you wanted]], ''JUST TO KEEP OUT OF MINE!!''
* YourMindMakesItReal: Bruce gets out of the dream state unharmed by "dying" in a fall, betting against the trope. Judging by Mad Hatter's reaction, this is the only way to get "out", and he's shocked someone would willingly end what should be their greatest fantasy.
----
