Yesterday morning while at the park with the boys, Jupiter suggested that we play superheroes. Since he was wearing a Batman shirt, Jupiter wanted to be Batman. In keeping with the theme of the moment, Tsunami decided to be Robin. Jupiter then asked which hero I would choose to be. I told him that I wanted to be Alfred.
"We are playing super heroes, dad!" Jupiter replied.
I argued, "Alfred is essential to the hero that is Batman. In fact without Alfred, I do not think there could even be a Batman as you know and love."
To be honest, I had never actually thought of Alfred in this way until the moment I made the argument. But I think it holds true. How many times has Alfred been there for Batman in ways that were essential to his task? I think plenty.
Without Alfred, I do not think that millionaire, Bruce Wayne, could keep his identity a secret. Alfred has covered for him often. There have even been instances where Alfred has put on the bat suit in order make an appearance in situations where both Batman and Bruce Wayne need be present.
It goes without saying that keeping a mansion and a highly tech savvy cave in order while Bruce Wayne/Batman is away doing what he does would not be possible without the assistance of his trustworthy butler.
Furthermore, Alfred helps out with all manner of detective work. Be it looking something up on the bat-computer, analyzing evidence using any of Batman's several bat-whatevers, or helping to solve a complex riddle using only his unique insight that neither Batman nor Robin possess. The Batman and indeed the Dynamic Duo would be quite crippled without the help of Alfred.
It is commonly thought that there is a version of Batman without a sidekick. Before Dick Grayson joined Batman's cause, the hero worked in public as an individual vigilante. However, it is obvious to me now that Batman has always had a sidekick in crime-stopping. Though he is a silent and hidden assistant, Alfred has always been at his side.
I presented these arguments to my son. He thought about it for a second or two and agreed that if we are playing super heroes, Alfred was an essential part of Batman. I was then allowed to take on that role.
"We are playing super heroes, dad!" Jupiter replied.
I argued, "Alfred is essential to the hero that is Batman. In fact without Alfred, I do not think there could even be a Batman as you know and love."
To be honest, I had never actually thought of Alfred in this way until the moment I made the argument. But I think it holds true. How many times has Alfred been there for Batman in ways that were essential to his task? I think plenty.
Without Alfred, I do not think that millionaire, Bruce Wayne, could keep his identity a secret. Alfred has covered for him often. There have even been instances where Alfred has put on the bat suit in order make an appearance in situations where both Batman and Bruce Wayne need be present.
It goes without saying that keeping a mansion and a highly tech savvy cave in order while Bruce Wayne/Batman is away doing what he does would not be possible without the assistance of his trustworthy butler.
Furthermore, Alfred helps out with all manner of detective work. Be it looking something up on the bat-computer, analyzing evidence using any of Batman's several bat-whatevers, or helping to solve a complex riddle using only his unique insight that neither Batman nor Robin possess. The Batman and indeed the Dynamic Duo would be quite crippled without the help of Alfred.
It is commonly thought that there is a version of Batman without a sidekick. Before Dick Grayson joined Batman's cause, the hero worked in public as an individual vigilante. However, it is obvious to me now that Batman has always had a sidekick in crime-stopping. Though he is a silent and hidden assistant, Alfred has always been at his side.
I presented these arguments to my son. He thought about it for a second or two and agreed that if we are playing super heroes, Alfred was an essential part of Batman. I was then allowed to take on that role.
Comments
Post a Comment