I Am the Joker

On Murray's show, Arthur unexpectedly confessed to being the killer in the subway murder case. Initially, the audience and Murray thought he was joking.

However, Arthur's expression was serious as he declared, "No, I'm not joking."

The audience erupted in commotion, and Murray thought this could be a publicity stunt. He questioned Arthur, "How can we believe you?"

Arthur smirked, shrugged, and said, "I have nothing left to lose now; nothing can harm me..."

He finished with a laugh, seemingly evading the question. But he had already come forward as a murderer in front of the audience and the show's cameras. Regardless, Arthur couldn't escape the pursuit of the authorities.

Grinning at the audience, he remarked, "My life is a comedy."

This sparked jeers from the crowd. Murray with a serious face, asked, "Do you find killing those young people amusing?"

"Absolutely," Arthur admitted without hesitation. His thought process and perspective differed drastically from normal people. Looking at Murray, he added, "And I'm tired of pretending that it's not funny."

Bruce Wayne solemnly commented, "He was not talking about the joke but about his mental illness."

Peter Parker and Gordon also realized; that Arthur had written in his notebook, 'People always want you to pretend you are not sick.'

Now, Arthur laid it all bare. "I won't pretend. I have a mental illness, I am the Joker!"

Staring at Murray, he said, "Comedy is subjective, Murray. Your system decides right from wrong, just as it decides what's funny and what's not."

Clearly, Arthur wasn't an ordinary patient with mental disorders. He had a clear and sharp perception in certain aspects. He knew he was abandoned by society and the system, a nonconformist, an oddity.

Most people, in this situation, would blame themselves. But Arthur didn't think that way—why should the problem be with him? Why couldn't it be with society, the system, or even the whole world?

Undoubtedly, Arthur's seemingly insane statements faced resistance from the audience. Some demanded him to be thrown out.

However, Murray paid no attention. The controversy caused by Arthur was good for his show, increasing ratings and attention. This was a hot topic!

Murray continued the conversation with Arthur: "I understand you're doing this to start a movement, to become a symbol?"

"Come on, Murray, do I look like a clown who can start a movement? I killed them because they deserved it. They were scum. In this day and age, everyone is scum, and the messed-up world can drive anyone insane."

"So, you're a lunatic, and that's your reason for killing those three young people?"

"No, because they couldn't even sing a song properly."

This cold-blooded statement stirred the audience, and Arthur proclaimed, "Why do you feel sorry for them? If I died on the street, none of you would even glance. Every day, I pass by unnoticed. But when Thomas Wayne sheds a few tears on TV, suddenly you care?"

Murray immediately seized the opportunity, "Do you also have an issue with Thomas Wayne?"

"Yes!"

Arthur admitted without hesitation, asking Murray, "Have you ever seen the outside world, Murray? Have you really left the studio? Everyone out there yells at each other, no one has manners, and no one thinks about others! Do you think people like Thomas Wayne consider the feelings of people like me? Consider anyone other than themselves? No, they don't! They think we should be obedient like good children, and endure everything silently. We won't go mad and rebel."

Arthur appeared extremely excited. These were his inner feelings, and now, using Murray's show, he could express them to everyone.

Clearly, Arthur had a strong desire for attention and recognition. Inside the video, the audience remained silent. Outside, viewers began to discuss and even argue. Some agreed with Arthur, seeing his words as facts.

What Arthur said wasn't limited to Gotham but extended to New York and other cities, all facing similar issues. The wealth gap troubled people regardless of location or era.

In Gotham, Arthur's words resonated with many lower-class citizens: "He's right. When did the rich care about us?"

"Regardless of who we elect, the rich always benefit. We are always the losers. What's different with Thomas Wayne as mayor?"

"I find it crazy that the madman's words are actually right. What does it mean? Is our world also insane?"

"Arthur doesn't want to be a symbol, but he has inspired thoughts of resistance against the system. Our hard work shouldn't just let the wealthy fly in private jets and yachts, living extravagantly... We should hang people like Thomas Wayne on lampposts!"

Not all viewers shared this sentiment; many still believed Joker was a terrorist and a crazy person. His words were deemed nonsensical and untrustworthy.

In the video, Murray, facing Arthur's passionate speech, felt his show becoming more captivating. He, being aligned with mainstream opinions, retorted, "You're too resentful, Arthur. It sounds like you're making excuses for killing those innocent young people! Let me tell you, not everyone is scum."

In the frame, Arthur stared intensely, "But you are scum, Murray."