More than a decade after its end, Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Trilogy is still widely regarded as one of the best superhero film franchises. Audiences responded favorably to Nolan’s treatment of Batman because he took the character seriously and anchored him in a gritty, realistic plot. Featuring an all-star ensemble that included Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Cillian Murphy, and Joseph Gordon Levitt, the films in this trilogy did not disappoint with their stellar acting, emotionally gripping plots, and technically innovative action set pieces. It’s no surprise that the franchise has so many iconic moments.

Without a question, Heath Ledger’s portrayal of the Joker in The Dark Knight is the most memorable of the entire trilogy. However, not every part of the trilogy is universally praised. Particularly disappointing is how Miranda Tate/Talia al Ghul (played by Marion Cotillard) dies in The Dark Knight Rises.

In The Dark Knight Rises, Batman learns that Miranda Tate, with whom he had formed love feelings, is the real puppeteer behind the pandemonium. She drives off on a vehicle with a nuclear bomb, revealing herself to be Talia, Ra’s al Ghul’s daughter. As Batman and Catwoman track Talia in a high-stakes vehicle pursuit across Gotham City, Bane is taken out by Catwoman. Talia’s truck eventually crashes, leaving her nearly dead. The emphasis on her father’s successes and the shortcomings of Batman are what make her last statements so threatening.

The moment where Talia dies, however, is poorly executed. The conclusion of Nolan’s last Batman picture is disappointing for a number of reasons, including Marion Cotillard’s flat performance and the character’s ungainly stance. In contrast to Heath Ledger’s mesmerizing portrayal of the Joker, Talia’s persona is neither as insane nor as terrifying as the Joker or Bane. The audience is relieved when she dies suddenly, enabling them to concentrate on Batman’s goal to preserve Gotham.

In contrast, Talia’s father, Ra’s al Ghul, takes his defeat quietly in Batman Begins. Although Nolan’s Dark Knight is grounded in realism, the juxtaposition between Liam Neeson’s austere performance and Cotillard’s theatrical representation makes the former seem out of place in the latter. This situation exemplifies Talia’s weaknesses as a villain.

Talia’s persona doesn’t live up to the legacy, even if The Dark Knight Rises was supposed to complete the trilogy and return Batman to his roots. Talia’s plot to accomplish her father’s plan to destroy Gotham is misguided and poorly performed, but she persists in her efforts anyhow. Her dying scene is only one way in which she is outshined by the franchise’s other antagonists.

For instance, Batman’s foes Ra’s al Ghul and Bane both have identical plans for Gotham. The more Talia depends on Bane, the less of an influence she has as a person. One would assume that, being Ra’s al Ghul’s daughter, she would be a capable fighter and ready to enter the fray. But she doesn’t do anything until the climactic pursuit, and even then, her death is quite meaningless.

Marion Cotillard doesn’t bring enough seriousness to the role of Talia al Ghul. Scenes like Talia’s death help explain why many people place The Dark Knight Rises last in Nolan’s trilogy.