A series of tech robberies in Gotham turn out to be committed by the animals Dick Grayson formerly worked with during his years at Haley's Circus. This puts Dick's childhood friend from his circus days, Miranda Kane, who now works as the lead animal tamer at Haley's, as prime suspect, but Nightwing is convinced of her innocence despite Batman's insistence to the contrary. Further investigation into the robberies by the former Dynamic Duo reveal unexpected twists to the case that neither one will see coming...
Tropes:
- Big "WHAT?!": Batman says this to Robin when he interrupted his conversation with Dick about his old friend Miranda being a possible suspect.
- The Dog Was the Mastermind: The pranking clown turns out to be the Mad Hatter in disguise.
- Feather Boa Constrictor: Miranda is doing this when Dick and Tim encounter her at the circus.
- The Gadfly: The Mad Hatter in his clown disguise. The prank on Tim was at least lighthearted, but he goes out of his way to annoy Bullock.
- Jerkass Has a Point: Even though Batman says it in a way that gets under Dick's skin, he's not wrong to say it's possible Miranda (despite being an old friend) has changed during the years he's been away. (see I Resemble That Remark!)
- Hartman Hips: Miranda Kane
- I Resemble That Remark!: When Dick defends Miranda saying that she's no criminal, Batman says people change. Followed by awkward silence between them while Batman's communicator rings, due to their own falling out. Leading to the Big "WHAT?!"
- Incredibly Obvious Bug: The control collars for the bears were enormous, but no one found them before the Mad Hatter came back for them.
- Ironic Echo: Retroactive example. The following episode reveals that Dick ended his partnership with Batman by angrily telling him "Things changed. I changed!" When Batman confronts Dick about Miranda being a suspect, only for Dick to say that she's no criminal, Batman replies by saying "People change."
- Mirror Routine: While disguised as a circus clown, Jervis does this with Bullock, much to the latter's annoyance.
- Mythology Gag: Miranda's surname, Kane, is a Homage to Kathy Kane, the Silver Age Batwoman who was a former circus performer.
- The Power of Friendship: Dick never once doubts Miranda, saying they're old friends.
- Red Herring: Miranda is the top suspect for the thefts, due to her position in the circus, ability to train animals, and how no one but her is allowed near them.
- Reused Character Design: Except for the Hartman Hips and outfit, Miranda Kane's design is nearly identical to the female cult member from only the previous episode "Cult of the Cat".
- Stranger in a Familiar Land: Dick returns to the circus he used to perform at.
Tim: This must've been a fun place to grow up in.
Dick: [looking at the trapeze] It was.
- The Unreveal: It's never said what Tetch has planned for the technology he's been having the circus animals steal for him.
- Who Are You?: Miranda confronts the seeming clown after he removes the control chips from the bears.
Miranda: Who are you?
Mad Hatter: A lonely wretch named Jervis Tetch. [wipes off the clown make-up] Also known as—
Miranda: The Mad Hatter!
