Matricide

Arthur, a pitiful soul, is not an exception in Gotham.

There are too many lower-class people plagued by injustice, poverty, and other diseases, suffering torment. Only by curing Gotham's illness can they find relief and fundamentally change Gotham, bringing true light and hope.

Bruce Wayne remains silent. He understands these truths about changing Gotham, but he doesn't know what to say. Should he criticize the vast wealth gap in Gotham because of the ruthless exploitation by the wealthy?

As the Owner of Wayne Enterprises and one of the wealthiest people globally, Bruce Wayne comprehends these principles, but he keeps them to himself.

In the video, Arthur finally realizes that his 'girlfriend' is a figment of his imagination. He emerges from his room with a gloomy face, instilling fear in those who see him.

Especially when he returns home, takes off his shirt, and starts maniacally laughing. The sound of an ambulance outside adds to the unease. Viewers speculate: did Arthur, in a fit of rage, kill Sophie?

However, many are infected by Arthur's deranged laughter. It's laughter, yet they sense the taste of pain.

The next day, Arthur visits his mother in the hospital. Penny's condition seems severe, requiring a ventilator to sustain her. Arthur sits in a chair by the window, sunlight on his face.

Basking in the sunlight, he smokes, his hoarse voice saying, 'Hey, Penny, Penny Fleck, I always hated that name. You told me once that my laughter is an illness, that something is wrong with me. But it's not true; that's the real me.'

His mother weakly calls him by his nickname, 'happy...'

'Happy? It's ridiculous. I've never been happy for a second in my life. You know what's truly funny? I used to think my life was a tragedy...'

Arthur extinguishes his cigarette, stands up, and goes to his mother's bedside, pulling out her pillow. 'But now I realize, my life is a damn comedy!'

He puts the pillow on his mother's face, expressionless and calm, pressing down. Despite Penny's struggles, supported by the will to live, how could she resist?

Eventually, the heart monitor gradually calms down, and she becomes still.

Witnessing this, some viewers outside the video can't help but exclaim, 'Oh God, oh God, how could he do that? He killed his own mother...'

'Who knows how much I hoped he would stop! damn this world, damn this life, they turn a normal person into a lunatic, and a lunatic into a devil!'

'To be honest, even before learning about Arthur's mother's situation, I was worried. Arthur is not a normal person; his mental state is terrible, enduring so many blows. His breakdown or descent was expected, but seeing this scene, I still feel very regretful.'

'Everyone is like that. Even knowing Arthur would become the Joker, in his tragic life, there seemed to be many chances to change him and show him hope and light. But each time, it's a heavier blow.'

'Regardless, this lunatic doesn't deserve sympathy. Yes, he's sick, but he would bring too much harm to society!'

'Actually, Arthur always had a self-destructive tendency, so everything he does doesn't consider consequences. Or rather, he has no way back.'

In the eternal space, four players, including Arthur himself, watch the video on the screen in silence.

Peter Parker turns away, unable to watch. Gordon furrows his brow, his gaze sharp. Bruce Wayne watches Arthur with keen interest.

Arthur is expressionless but with bright eyes. His legs tremble involuntarily, and he clenches his fists as if vicariously reliving the video.

In the video, after matricide, Arthur acts as if nothing happened when he returns home. He even starts rehearsing for a television show. The comedy performance he did at the club, recorded by Murray, was successful, leading to an invitation to the show.

Arthur values this opportunity, preparing diligently. He reviews recordings of other guests and rehearses along, but he won't be as dull as ordinary guests. He has a special joke in mind.

"Let me tell a joke. Does everyone want to hear it? Very well, very well, knock-knock, knock-knock on the door..."

Suddenly, Arthur pulls out a revolver from his belt, not very skillfully. After a retry, he succeeds, pointing the gun at his chin and pulling the trigger.

A crisp click.

There's no bullet in the revolver, but Arthur mimics being shot, tilting his head back, and collapsing onto the couch with a genuine smile on his face.

Seeing this, viewers assume Arthur intends to commit suicide on live television, ending his 'comedy' life.

After the rehearsal, Arthur solemnly puts on makeup, dying his messy hair green and applying a pale foundation on his face.

During this process, he starts dancing, appearing relaxed and joyful.

Perhaps, after killing his mother, Arthur has completed his transformation. Something, or someone, has entirely emerged from within him.

Before finishing his makeup, the doorbell rings. Arthur hides scissors in his pocket before running to open the door.

The visitors are Arthur's two colleagues, the tall Randall, and the short Gary. They came to console Arthur after hearing about his mother's death.

Of course, this is just a superficial reason. Randall came because the police started investigating him due to the revolver he gave Arthur.

Under police scrutiny, Randall is anxious, so he specifically visits Arthur to discuss coordinating their alibis, smiling and saying, 'Anyway, Arthur, I've got you covered...'

When Arthur welcomes them into the room, he locks the door. Upon hearing Randall's words, he also smiles, saying, 'Yes, I have to thank you. Really grateful...'

Before finishing the sentence, he pulls out the scissors from his pocket and ruthlessly stabs Randall in the throat!