The Ending Of Batman Explained

Bruce and Vicki’s love story is a prominent element of “Batman,” although most of the time Alfred (Michael Gough) seems more invested in it than either of the two of them. When Alfred lets Vicki into the Batcave, the potential lovers skip immediately past any kind of “so I figured out you’re Batman” conversation and immediately start dramatically debating whether Batman can have a relationship, while turning dramatically away from one another. Bruce wishes the world were different, but he also can’t rest while the Joker is still out there. 

After the Joker falls to his death, Bruce and Vicki are apparently game to give this crazy little thing called love a shot, although their first limo ride will have to wait for Bruce to finish dramatically staring at the Bat-Signal in the sky. It’s only a mild spoiler for “Batman Returns” to reveal that they ultimately can’t make it work, as the need for Batman gets in the way and Vicki doesn’t appear in the sequel. 

Vigilantism and love might not ultimately be compatible, but it would be more compelling if the couple had chemistry worth rooting for in the first place. When Vicki says “I’ve loved you since we met,” it’s genuinely surprising.