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

The Bachelors

The following afternoon found Bruce and Dick nestled within a dressing room at WGTM studios, the air electric with a blend of palpable anticipation and a dash of pre-performance nerves. As they shared the dressing room, a charged ambiance permeated the space, their veneer of calm revealing the telltale tremors that often accompanied moments of such significant importance.

Just as their nerves simmered, the room's threshold was crossed, ushering in a new figure. With a flourish, a seasoned television producer moved to the forefront, his voice resonating with authority as he crafted an introduction that riveted attention on the newcomer.

"May I introduce you to Jean-Paul Valley," the producer's words carried a regal cadence, infusing Jean-Paul's presence with a subtle air of reverence. "A recent luminary of Gotham City University, a rising star within the realm of Computer Science." The producer's choice of words wove a tapestry of achievement, casting the newcomer in a glow of accomplishment that was hard to ignore.

A warm, almost conspiratorial smile graced the producer's lips, as he continued, "Jean-Paul joins your ranks as our third bachelor, ready to stride onto 'The Dating Game' stage in the company of you two fine, young gentlemen." The weight of Jean-Paul's arrival reverberated in his words, as the three disparate individuals converged, each harboring their own narratives and aspirations, all for a shot at a yet-unknown romantic connection.

"Computer Science, is it?" Bruce's response carried a hint of intrigue, his voice tinged with a mix of curiosity. "Well, you're speaking my language, Mr. Valley. I have a certain penchant for envisioning and crafting gizmos and gadgets myself."

Jean-Paul extended his hand, a gesture of both respect and acknowledgment, clasping Bruce's hand in a firm handshake. "Bruce Wayne, of Wayne Industries," he remarked with a nod, his voice resonating with a measure of recognition. "A pleasure to make your acquaintance, sir. There's a wealth of shared interests I'd relish discussing, but alas, this isn't quite the fitting arena."

A knowing gleam sparkled in his eyes as Bruce continued, his tone adopting a hint of playful competition. "Instead, in the realm of this unique quest, I see you as an adversary of sorts. We're both contenders in the race to capture the heart of one fortunate lady."

Without hesitation, Dick stepped into the conversation with a genial smile, extending his hand to Jean-Paul. "And I'm Dick Grayson, Mr. Valley," he introduced himself with a warmth that mirrored his spirited demeanor. "I happen to be a student at the same esteemed institution you hailed from— Gotham City University. It appears we share a common trajectory, as I too hold aspirations of treading the path of computer science."

Jean-Paul's handshake with Dick mirrored the previous one—strong and confident—underscoring his own sense of presence. "A pleasure, Dick," he acknowledged, his voice carrying a resonance of respect.

A knowing smile curved Jean-Paul's lips as he continued, his gaze shifting between the two. "There's an undeniable thread weaving through this room," he observed with a hint of gravitas, "a trio of visionaries in the realm of computer science and technology. The one who captures the heart of our enigmatic lady is in for quite the extraordinary experience, I'd say."

In a matter of mere moments, the dressing room's ambiance shifted as a wardrobe stylist made their entrance, accompanied by a rolling rack laden with an array of clothing options. With a practiced hand, the stylist set the wheels of transformation into motion, coaxing the trio of bachelors to peel away their outer layers, revealing the canvas upon which style would be woven.

Guided by the stylist's expertise, they stood there, stripped down to their essentials, ready to embark on this sartorial journey. Jean-Paul's frame, as it was unveiled, held an undeniable allure that captured both Bruce and Dick's attention. A quiet, shared acknowledgment passed between them as they caught sight of the sculpted form before them—an embodiment of strength and poise akin to that of a Greek statue.

Dick leaned closer to Bruce, his voice a conspiratorial whisper that carried a touch of humor, "By the great Odin's beard! It's as if he's been fashioned in the image of the god of thunder himself!"

Bruce's smile held a touch of reassurance as he replied, his words carrying a sense of seasoned wisdom, "Rest assured, my young friend. The game's rules are crafted in a way that shields us from the gaze of our potential suitor. In this arena, it's the prowess of intellect that shall shine, outshining even the allure of beauty and brawn."

Having evidently caught wind of their exchange, Jean-Paul leaned in slightly, his voice carrying a note of friendliness as he addressed both Dick and Bruce. "May the best man emerge victorious," he affirmed with a gracious nod.