City of Crime

Glenn Hughes's "City of Crime", from the film Dragnet, shows us what happens when a municipality goes astray. The city - Los Angeles. This story, which is also true, depicts another town which has lost its way. You know it by the name "Gotham". The names have not been changed, to protect nobody. Oh, how I love my home, good ol’ Gotham City! It’s just enough grimy and just the right gritty. It has Batman, the greatest crusader against crime. I wouldn’t leave this cesspool, nope, not anytime. But lately, Batman is gaining the upper hand. Time for the sleazebags and criminals to expand. The Dark Knight has no sense of humor when he works. His face never changes when he beats up the jerks. The Joker finds humor in any situation - Laughing his head off at some sick deviation. He said he’d grow into a comic, and they laughed. They’re not laughing now, as he practices his craft. The Riddler gives our brains some things to consider. He’s a laughing puzzle and conundrum transmitter. He asked us “what does a liar do when he’s dead?” “He lies still” is what he eventually said. The deformed Penguin’s mother threw him in the river. He’d grow up in the sewers, but he would forgive her. The creep learned a lot in that revolting world of slop - He owns the mayor and police to the very last cop. Where do the city’s lawyers come down in this mess? They can’t get these dirtballs and clowns to confess. To pin a rap, they should plug away undeterred, But they’re off in the Poconos looking for a bird. Add a new weirdo to this corruption and slime, To tip the balance to the purveyors of crime. Batman, meet the man who speaks only in rhyme. The Rhymer makes your face look like it just ate a lime.