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Ever since Chris gave such a marvelous interpretation of Hagen, I've enjoyed seeing him pop his head into Cat-Tales. This chapter's no exception. It's not as if he said anything this time. It's just his mannerisms, the way he effortlessly assumed the smooth confidence of an A-lister without the need to launch himself into the limelight.

After all these years running an established business, it's clear that Ozzy hasn't forgotten how to start a new one. I had to admire his knack in finding ways to cover the initial start-up costs, and his ability to read potential customers and plan out effective sales pitches in advance. It's a clear sign that he really doesn't belong in the loony bin.

Bruce/Batman shows some definite signs of humility and growth in this chapter. There was a time where he wouldn't have admitted his difficulties in reconciling the increased blurriness between work and (what counts for) his personal life. There was a time where he would have insisted on "his way or the highway." True, there was that little nightmare sequence, which some could view as Psycho-Bat frustrations finding an outlet. However, he'd already admitted his concerns to Selina. The nightmare was just that last little impetus to get him to admit that if Selina is working with him (not just "helping out", but actually being an active participant), then she should have some input into how they go about this "case", and he should seriously take her ideas and suggestions into consideration. The bit with Harvey's favorite book was a nice touch, as it reinforces his position as a realistic, three-dimensional character. My paranoia has to agree with the other people who fear his "two" references are a sign of a relapse into Two-Face. My optimism hopes that it just means Harvey's establishing an equilibrium in which he can handle or embrace his past without letting it overwhelm or dictate his development into the person he is today.

Humility and growth was also seen in Wally during the dinner. Most depictions of the Flash that I've seen, which can be counted one hand, portray him as a wise-cracking, easy-going and somewhat immature hero. This version stays (mostly) true to these depictions, but adds an element of maturity and responsibility that, as others have noted, show definite character growth and makes him more real. As he mentions during this chapter, becoming a father certainly changed the way he looks at things. I found the contrast between his take on Batman's "phone me when you're in town" rule and that of Barbara and Dick very interesting. To me, Flash's position is based on their professional relationship as fellow JLA members, motivated by increased respect for the fact that Batman's concerns have actual substance, rather than being nothing more than overly paranoid ranting. Barbara and Dick, on the other hand, come from the "Bat-Family", and their stance reflects an element of resistance and rebellion against the authoritative "father figure." Even though they are both adults now, there's still that unconscious tendency to indulge in such habits.

I'll end by commenting how hilarious the Harry Potter references were. It certainly seems contradictory that the Flash, fastest man in the world, can't actually speed-read (at least, not if he actually wants to retain what he's read). I'm assuming that Wally's just started reading the series, and not just the last book, because he should have known what a Horcrux was by book 6 (I think). And if Kyle, or anyone else, is so eager to find out where X is or what happens to Y, they should just go to Wikipedia or something. Better yet, if you honestly want the full experience, just finish the book rather than spoiling it for yourself. Dick, I totally agree that the "wand lore" seems to be a cheap way of saying that wands have been outed as an unreliable crutch rather than a trusty tool. But are you sure your anti-HP stance is due to the discovery that J. K. Rowling has managed to lure mobsters as well as children into the wonderful world of reading, and not because you inherited "Daddy's" mistrust for the arcane? Either way, you and I have to have a little talk on why you aren't reading Harry Potter!