“That’s How A Team Works!”
Of course, we still witness Batman murdering many a Parademon in Justice League, but this newfound reluctance to kill people, plus his willingness to inspire good in others, is something that we’ve never seen in Ben Affleck’s iteration before. He pressures Diana to take on a more active role in the League’s leadership, and reinvigorate the kind of hope that Superman gave others. And Bruce’s efforts ultimately pay off, too.
The final battle sees Batman attempt to draw the army of Parademons away single-handedly, and it’s at this point that his struggles to protect the Earth and honor Superman are finally rewarded. Instead of leaving him to be overwhelmed by enemy forces, Batman’s fellow League members abandon his battle plan. Much to Bruce’s surprise, they swoop in and come to his aid. By the time the credits roll, the League’s cumulative success against Steppenwolf – and Batman’s mentoring – has clearly inspired every member of the group. Flash has ventured into pastures new (Allen has a job in Central City’s police department) and Diana has moved back into the spotlight, as per Bruce’s encouragement.
And as for Batman himself? Well, he returns to gloomy ol’ Gotham, of course, Yet, in the same way that the other heroes are left in interesting positions, Justice League could be the beginning of a rather compelling arc in Batman’s future movie outings.
