Batman '66: Riddle Me Love (Season 01, Episode 01)

Barbara

Seated within the cocoon of her apartment, Barbara Gordon's eyes were fixed on the screen as her father's press conference unfolded, its echoes reaching the sanctum of her own abode. A swell of conflicting emotions stirred within her. While she grasped the significance of her father's words, a pang of disappointment gnawed at her heart.

The reports remained conspicuously silent on the role of the Terrific Trio and the presence of her alter-ego, Batgirl, as part of the concerted effort to ferry Gotham's rogues into the clutches of the newly erected Arkham Asylum. A mixture of frustration and determination simmered beneath her exterior, a testament to the unsung heroism she knew she had contributed to the city's safety.

A surge of determination swelled within her, pushing Barbara's frustration to the forefront. "I've had my fill of playing second fiddle to the boys' club," she declared with a resolute voice, the weight of her words carrying a palpable sense of resolve. Allowing her thoughts to escape the confines of her mind, she voiced her frustrations aloud.

Her gaze remained fixed on the screen, contemplating the implications of Lois Lane's insightful queries. "Lois might have a point," she mused, her tone reflective and contemplative. "The enigma of The Riddler still casts its shadow over Gotham. Until he's securely confined alongside his diabolical counterparts, Batgirl won't rest." Her words resonated with an unyielding commitment to the city's safety and the legacy she sought to forge as its protector.

Yet, amidst her steadfast determination, Barbara found herself yearning for a way to bridge the gap between her vigilant alter-ego and the enigmatic duo of Batman and Robin. The trio had shared perilous encounters on occasion, their combined strength forging alliances in the face of danger. However, the veil of

secrecy that shrouded their identities remained intact, leaving Barbara on the outskirts of who they were under their masks.

A sigh escaped her lips as she leaned back, her gaze unfocused yet laden with thought. "Even if the whispers are true, and the Dynamic Duo is seeking a well- deserved break, I understand the need for them to fade into the shadows," she admitted to herself. "But still, the desire remains—a yearning to find a way to reach out, to forge a connection with these enigmatic figures whose presence has left an indelible mark on Gotham City." Her voice held a blend of determination and wistfulness, a sentiment echoing the longing of a heroine in search of a means to unite her own efforts with those of the legendary crimefighters.

Her contemplation was abruptly halted by a commercial break, a temporary interlude from her father's press conference. The television screen lit up with an advertisement for a Gotham City edition of 'The Dating Game.' The names that rolled off the narrator's tongue—Dick Grayson and Bruce Wayne—roused her attention, two figures undeniably synonymous with the city's landscape.

"Wait a minute," Barbara's voice held a note of playful surprise as she digested the unexpected revelation. "The Bruce Wayne who's practically a regular at my dad's glamorous gatherings, always sauntering in fashionably late?"

Her words carried a blend of amusement, curiosity, and perhaps a hint of reluctance to partake in the unfolding drama involving the wealthy playboy.

"Well, well, well! Talk about a twist even I didn't foresee," she taunted, a glimmer of curiosity struggling against an overwhelming sense of indifference. Yet, the prospect of watching wealthy gentlemen compete for love on the small screen hardly stirred her enthusiasm. "I suppose you can count me out of this grand spectacle!"