[As the storm in his head settles, he reconsiders the charred work surface with a faint twinge of sympathy.]

...I can see how focusing your efforts on a project with tangible results would offer you a sense of reassurance and empowerment. But, the solution to the Hugo Strange problem lies in simpler methods. ...Explosions optional.

[It's Ed who reminded him of the Gordian knot, once upon a time.]