What it really means for Alfred to be Clockwork
(This just hit me, pls excuse the rambly format)
He is the master of time. He sees all outcomes, all futures and pasts. Every little nudge, every little action, it was all done because he knew where it would lead. Knew which things to say to keep the narrative in check, the timeline correct. It was Alfred who put up the good soldier plaque. Alfred who gave Tim the Robin costume.
And this goes for everything he didn’t do as well. Every time he stayed passive as Bruce made mistakes. As Jason died. Heck, he was around back when Bruce’s parents died. He allowed for every necessary heartbreak to happen. Every tragedy that lead to the formations of the Bats. Let it all come to pass. All is as it should be.
If Alfred is Clockwork then he has been secretly pulling the strings for years. It is more than just their beloved grandfather figure actually being surprisingly powerful and acquainted with the mysterious/handsome/infuriating/confusing/adorable/terrifying whatever flavor of Danny Phantom.
It’s not just “WHa? How old is Alfie? He’s a what?” It’s not just a silly little secret. It’s not just grandpa lore drop. It’s not just a way to introduce Danny with pomp and shock value for shits and giggles. It’s not just a bit. Because if Alfred is Clockwork, that means he has been Clockwork the WHOLE TIME.
