If you have watched Justice League & Justice League Unlimited TV Series you might have
probably wandered how did their vote turn out to on the motion regarding to Hawkgirl’s
betrayal. When the motion was moved to the table by Batman (In US, however moving to
the table has the opposite meaning) Every founding member except Hawkgirl was called
to Vote.
Before we jump right in to the new-found knowledge, let’s discuss what really happened briefly
as it will help you to understand why every member in Justice League voted in the way
they did.
In Justice League episodes 50-52 (Starcrossed), it was revealed that Hawkgirl was working
undercover for the Thanagarian military. Her information about Earth and the Justice League's
weaknesses allowed the "Hawkmen" to capture the Justice League, Weaken the earth’s defense
and, unbeknownst to her, build a hyperspace bypass generator that would destroy Earth.
At the end of the story, however Justice League manage to neutralize the Thanagarian threat
and save earth from their invasion with the help of Hawkgirl. But the damage was irreversible.
Society also started to show their disdain on Justice League as one of their members
was guilty in helping an extraterrestrial invasion on earth.
Conflict among members also began to stir as their trust was breached and they were
betrayed. Hence, to address the treachery of Hawkgirl’s, the other members of the
Justice League held a meeting to vote on Hawkgirl's continued membership within the Justice League.
The result of the vote is never disclosed due to Hawkgirl's voluntarily resignation
from the league.
However, if we observe the episode and few other episodes in Justice League Unlimited
votes of few members are obvious.
It is obvious that the Flash voted for her to stay; Flash is the most playful and flirtatious
one publicly. But he is also the one who is most compassionate. During the episode it
was very clear that Flash wanted Hawkgirl to stay and even spoke up for her.
(By the way we all remember how much a good lawyer that Flash can be in the Blackest Night episode)
The second obvious vote is from our beautiful yet frightening in the battlefield, Warrior
Wonder Woman. Wonder Woman is an upright character, a Princess from Themyscira who was the only
female character apart from Hawkgirl. The Princess was brought up in a place full of
only women and suddenly finding herself among a group dudes, her only comfort and sisterly
love was Hawkgirl. Although she didn’t express her sisterly love for Hawkgirl openly she
respected her greatly. But when she got to know that Hawkgirl betrayed the League and
earth she was furious with not only Hawkgirl but also with herself for trusting and relying
on her. Wonder Woman vehemently wanted hawkgirl’s expulsion as it is obvious through this episode
(and several others in Justice League Unlimited) episodes. During the meeting she was the first
to raise voice against Hawkgirl.
After concluding the obvious if you’ve watched "Wake the Dead" episode in Justice League
Unlimited (11th episode) at the end John reveals that he, himself abstained from voting and
that left the decision on the shoulders of five members. While Flash and Wonder Woman
has picked sides, it was 1 to 1. (1-1). John claims that it was Superman who broke the tie.
Three members ‘Martian Manhunter, Batman
and Superman’ was left to vote and if superman had to break the tie Manhunter and Batman
have voted to the two separate sides. One against her and One in favour of her.
It's left to speculate which way Batman and Manhunter voted. Here comes the point where
we have to do a bit of detective work.
Here onwards, there are no clues in episodes or comics to back us up but our pure understanding
about each character to rely on.
If we consider Martian Manhunter he is the most peaceful and compassionate character
in the league. However, he has strong sense of justice also. So, we cannot swiftly put
john to an either side. But if we consider manhunter he was a Martian who lost his family
and home planet. His current family is the Justice League and he has stated in many occasions likewise
So, we can think that although john cannot side with Hawkgirl completely due to
the sympathizing nature and love to his family prompted him to vote in favor of Hawkgirl.
We can reach this deduction directly without any concrete evidence by speculating on John's
words to the league at the vote and above way is good I suppose as it is backed by reasonable
facts.
The problem is if John vote in favor of Hawkgirl and Superman had to break the tie meaning
Batman has voted against Hawkgirl which brought the vote in to a tie and as the last vote
superman voted in favor and broke the tie. But would you believe that Batman would vote
against Hawkgirl. (Please remember just because Wonder Woman voted against her doesn’t compel
Batman to vote against Shayera although there is some romantic thing going on between Wondy and Batsy)
Which doesn't really make sense since we know Batman DOES believe in redemption and forgiveness.
He knows that she sided with them in the end when it mattered and to begin with He was
the only one who knew that Hawkgirl was a Thanagarian Scout but he didn’t take any
action as there wasn’t any need to. Although Hawkgirl initially sided with Thanagarians,
Thanagarian invasion was a surprise to Hawkgirl also and Batman knew that as well. He was
the most suitable one to defend Hawkgirl with evidence. So why did he vote against her then?
The answer is something we never thought but couldn’t be more right than that.
The vote wasn't about her anymore, but rather about Superman.
Let me explain. Batman is smart enough to figure out which way the other members are
likely to vote. (If we can do it surely Batman can) He also recognized that Superman was
on the fence still. It was clear when superman stated that he cannot completely forget what
Shayera did, although he would love to.
So, the counter set to 1 against and 2 in favor (Lantern abstaining) If Batman vote
in favor of her there won’t be any need for the Superman’s vote as the counter will
be 3 in favor and even superman vote against that cannot change the league’s decision.
Batman purposely voted against her forcing Superman to cast the tie breaking vote.
That way superman also has to come to a final decision with himself rather than going in circles
or avoiding the problem.
And at last he decided. To himself and to the whole world he proved that he believes
in second chances and for any wrong doer to repent on the wrongs and be forgiven.
Superman’s decision is not a single man’s decision. It is the decision of every person living
on this earth. Batman knew this very well.
Batman might be the one who pulls the strings and develop ingenious strategies in any disaster,
but people in any catastrophe without even realizing look for that Mighty Chest which
bears the Symbol of Hope. Superman is the Hope of common folk. Every human being at
last look for the Hope and that is very relatable to people in DC Universe as a last resort
turning toward the protection of Superman.
So, if the People’s Hero, People’s Hope can forgive Hawkgirl it is almost like the
People have spoken and there is no ultimate judgement than the judgment of people toward
Hawkgirl.
However, Batman is the ultimate detective and tactician to device such a method to bring
the best of everyone and to pass the fair judgment.
Please comment Your Ideas on this Video and What would you like to see next.