The Dark Knight Rises was Nolan's best Batman film and probably the overall best Batman movie ever.

It was the first Batman movie that built upon the lore of the fims before it. Up until then all Batman movies were basically one-shots, having no connection to what came before. Talia al Ghul, Bane's connection to League of Shadows and even Scarecrow's inclusion were well done.

I have to believe that the Joker was meant to be part of this story as well. I would love to know what Nolan had planned for him in a fallen Gothem.