2. The Big Reveal (The Dark Knight Rises)
Anyone can be a hero. Even a man who put a coat around a young boy's shoulders to let him know the world hadn't ended. Throughout the events of the final film, Gordon has made it clear that he isnt interested in learning the Batmans identity, happy to have him a faceless hero, almost understanding exactly why Bruce wears a mask. But with the Batman about to make the ultimate sacrifice for Gotham, he asks on behalf of the city who is underneath. The stunned look on his face as it all clicks knocks you back as much as Batmans later sacrifice. But what makes this scene so powerful is that in revealing who he is, Bruce Wayne has twisted it to a praise of Gordon. Batman may be the hero of the city, jumping off rooftops and risking life and limb but his hero is Gordon himself. The brief flashback backs just how much that first encounter shaped Gothams protector. This is the final step in Gordons journey and places him emotionally in a state ready to deal with a future lacking an established Batman (and potentially work with the newly risen Robin).