Batman: The Animated Series (TV Series)

The Demon's Quest: Part I (1993)

David Warner: Ra's al Ghul

Photos 

Quotes 

• Ra's Al Ghul : As Napoleon once told me, a strong mind can fuel a frail body.

• Batman : You still have me at a loss, Ra's al Ghul. Just how did you learn who I am?

  Ra's Al Ghul : I control a vast global organization, detective. Obviously Batman's activities require certain costly implements. It was a simple matter for my people to learn which wealthy Americans were amassing what Batman might require. The one who matched my daughter's description of you was Bruce Wayne.

  Batman : Next time I'll have to glue my mask on.

• Ra's Al Ghul : So, how long have you known, detective, that I planned your ward's capture?

  Batman : Almost from the beginning. How could you have known Robin and your daughter were abducted on the same night?

  Ra's Al Ghul : Unless I had done the abducting?

  Batman : Exactly. And do you think I'd have let you take me anywhere in your place unless I suspected you meant to lead me somewhere? For one thing, there were all those would-be assassins. They knew where we'd be and when. Someone had to be tipping them off, and that someone had to be you. Then there was Ubu, always by his master's side. Always very picky about letting you go ahead of everyone else. Except in Malaysia, where you knew there was danger waiting.

  Ra's Al Ghul : I'm deeply impressed.

• Ra's Al Ghul : So, they know your identity, detective.

  Batman : Who are you? How did you get in here?

  [Batman starts to approach, but Ubu tosses a dagger at Batman's feet, stopping him] 

  Ra's Al Ghul : You must forgive Ubu, detective. He is well trained. Allow me to introduce myself. I am he who is called Ra's al Ghul.

  Batman : "The Demon's Head". I thought you were only a legend.

  Ra's Al Ghul : I am quite real. And as I'm sure you realize by now, my reputation for resourcefulness is well-deserved.

  [Handing Batman a photo displaying a captured Robin and Talia] 

  Ra's Al Ghul : As you can see why have a common problem. Your ward was abducted on the same night as my daughter. You do remember my daughter?

  Batman : You're Talia's father?

  Ra's Al Ghul : Yes, but surely you would not expect her to mention me by name.

  [Ra's begins coughing uncontrollably, Batman moves to intervene but Ra's raises his arm] 

  Ra's Al Ghul : Keep your distance! I am merely old. Older, perhaps, than you can imagine. But not so old that I cannot assist you in your search.

  Batman : I get the message.

• Ra's Al Ghul : Look at it, detective. One of the last of the rain forests. The world depends upon it's oxygen, yet the rich see only profit in it's destruction. You, who belong to the over-class have much to answer for.

  Batman : Bruce Wayne donates millions of dollars a year to preserve these forests.

  Ra's Al Ghul : Which are being depleted at the rate of 120,000 acres a day. Does your money solve this problem? No! It will take more than wealth. It will take power, and I fear, ruthlessness. Humankind must be forced to serve the planet instead of its own appetites.

  Batman : And you're the one who'll do the forcing?

  Ra's Al Ghul : I am... qualified, yes. But I may not have sufficient lifetimes left to me.

• Batman : [studying the picture]  Look at the blade. It's used by a cult of mercenaries based in Calcutta. Even the rope appears to be made of a hemp indigenous to that area.

  Ra's Al Ghul : Well done, detective. You are worthy of your reputation. To India, then! Come. I have an aircraft waiting.

  [Batman walks in front of Ra's and gets shoved back roughly by Ubu] 

  Ubu : Infidel!

  Ra's Al Ghul : Forgive my servant. He feels that no one should precede me. Call it over-zealousness.

  Batman : I think I'll call it "strike one".

• Talia Al Ghul : Wait, I can't let you leave like this. My father meant you no harm.

  Batman : He had a funny way of showing it.

  Ra's Al Ghul : My time is short. I have no sons. I need a man to assume my position when I am gone.

  Batman : Then it was a test? But why me?

  Ra's Al Ghul : Because you are most worthy. That is now proven beyond any doubt. And because my precious daughter loves you.

  [Batman is taken back by the comment] 

  Batman : Forget it.

  Ra's Al Ghul : Then this means we must be enemies. You will regret this insult, detective!