This is No Joke

Two detectives observed Arthur dancing below from a high vantage point on the stairs. They exchanged glances and shouted, "Hey, Arthur, we need to talk."

Without a word, Arthur immediately turned and ran. The detectives wasted no time chasing after him.

A chase ensued, and while crossing the road, Arthur was hit by a car. Fortunately, the driver managed to brake in time, and Arthur's injuries weren't severe. He quickly got up and continued to flee.

The pursuit continued into the subway. Upon entering the train, both sides realized that almost all the passengers wore clown masks or had clown makeup on their faces.

These people were protesters heading to the city hall after the subway shooting incident. Gotham City had been engulfed in intense anti-rich movements, especially after the TV interview with Thomas Wayne, escalating protests and strikes.

Wearing clown masks or makeup became a symbol of supporting the subway shooter.

In reality, the subway shooting was just a trigger; the true cause of the turmoil was the vast wealth gap in Gotham. The lower-class citizens were fed up with a life devoid of hope, and the subway incident provided an outlet for their frustration.

Amidst the chaos, Arthur seamlessly blended in with the clowns, making it difficult for the pursuing detectives to locate him. The detectives, now in the crowded train, struggled to find Arthur amid the shouting crowd of 'Police, get out of the way!'

In the midst of the chaos, Arthur impulsively grabbed a clown mask from someone, causing even more disorder. One detective pulled out a gun, but it didn't deter the protesters, as they were already prepared to face the police during their planned demonstration.

The detectives found themselves entangled in the riot, and to make matters worse, gunshots rang out. Someone was hit, further fueling the anger of the surrounding crowd, who turned on the two police officers.

When the subway stopped, panicked people rushed to escape. However, some individuals dragged the two officers off the train, brutally beating them.

Meanwhile, Arthur, with a smile under his clown makeup, watched the scene. He removed the mask, revealing his Joker makeup, danced spontaneously, and casually left the chaos.

The scene shifts to Arthur in Murray's dressing room. His makeup was smeared from the earlier pursuit, prompting him to touch it up.

On the TV in the makeup room, news of the subway riot was being reported. A conflict had erupted between police and protesters, resulting in gunfire. Fortunately, the victim survived, and an investigation was underway.

Arthur chuckled at the news. At that moment, a knock on the door signaled Murray and a staff member to discuss Arthur's upcoming performance on stage.

They were particularly concerned about Arthur's clown makeup, asking if it was related to the large-scale demonstration today and if it indicated a political stance.

Arthur shook his head, saying, "No, I don't believe in any of that. I don't believe in anything. I just think this outfit suits my performance."

The staff member then asked if he knew about the recent subway tragedy involving a clown killing someone. Arthur shook his head again, claiming ignorance.

This displeased the staff member, fearing trouble with someone like Arthur on stage. However, Murray insisted on Arthur performing, advising him on certain matters like avoiding explicit content or foul language.

Arthur agreed but requested Murray to introduce him as 'Joker' when bringing him on stage, recalling a previous show where Murray referred to him as such.

Murray seemed puzzled and asked the staff member if he had done that before, but neither could remember. Despite Murray's forgetfulness, Arthur's request was granted.

As they left, Arthur contentedly leaned back in his chair, pulling out a gun and aiming it at his own chin...

It seemed like he genuinely intended to shoot himself during the upcoming show in front of the audience, but some speculated that things might not be as straightforward.

Not long after, Arthur was ready to take the stage, but before that, Murray played Arthur's funny video again.

Perhaps this is also the reason he invited Arthur to participate in the show, thinking that Arthur has a programmatic effect, and can boost ratings and the like. Of course, he doesn't care about what impact such public execution videos will have on Arthur.

Soon, it was time for Arthur to take the stage.

Following his request, Murray referred to him as 'joker,' and Arthur was already prepared. When the curtain was lifted, he stepped on stage with music, first shook hands with the host, and then passionately kissed the aunt next to him.

This unconventional entrance garnered applause from the audience. After a simple opening, Murray asked Arthur to tell a joke.

Arthur, of course, did not refuse, after all, his dream was to appear on the Murray Show and become an outstanding comedian.

He took out the notebook he carried with him, flipped to a page, and stared at the words written on it, 'I hope my death is more valuable than my life.'

Murray made jokes on the side, teasing Arthur. Arthur then told a not-so-funny joke, making the guests, audience, and hosts present quite unhappy.

Arthur sighed and said, "Murray, do you know, I've had a terrible few weeks... ever since I killed those Wall Street elites."

After saying this, he fell silent, and Murray looked at him, "Where's the punchline?"

The audience below whispered, including Murray and the guests, obviously thinking Arthur was telling a joke. However, Arthur looked serious, saying, "No, there's no punchline here. I didn't tell a joke."

"Are you serious?" Murray was somewhat surprised.