I recently got these volume sets and can't wait to try them!! It took a while to get all the screen caps together (in fact I still need to resize them) but I'll be doing this for a couple months or so as school permits. Note: I'm watching in the order on the DVDs and not production order, so some things I think may be out of sync with the time line. For me, its a little annoying, but I figure it's the easiest way.
Volume 1:
- On Leather Wings - Christmas with the Joker - Nothing to Fear - The Last Laugh - Pretty Poison - The Underdwellers - P.O.V. - Forgotton - Be A Clown - Two-Face: Part 1 - Two-Face: Part 2 - It's Never Too Late - I've Got Batman In My Basement - Heart of Ice - The Cat and the Claw: Part 1 - The Cat and the Claw: Part 2 - See No Evil - Beware of the Gray Ghost - Prophecy of Doom - Feat of Clay: Part 1 - Feat of Clay: Part 2 - The Joker's Favor - Vendetta - Fear of Victory - The Clock King - Appointment in Crime Alley - Mad as a Hatter - Dreams in Darkness
Volume 2:
- Eternal Youth - Perchance to Dream - The Cape and the Cowl Conspiracy - Robin's Reckoning: Part 1 - Robin's Reckoning: Part 2 - The Laughing Fish - Night of the Ninja - Cat Scratch Fever - The Strange Secret of Bruce Wayne - Heart of Steel: Part 1 - Heart of Steel: Part 2 - If You're So Smart, Why Aren't You Rich? - Joker's Wild - Tyger, Tyger - Moon of the Wolf - Day of the Samurai - Terror in the Sky - Almost Got'im - Birds of a Feather - What is Reality? - I Am The Night - Off Balance - The Man Who Killed Batman - Mudslide - Paging the Crime Doctor - Zatanna - The Mechanic - Harley and Ivy
Volume 3:
- Shadow of the Bat: Part 1 - Shadow of the Bat: Part 2 - Blind as a Bat - The Demon's Quest: Part 1 - The Demon's Quest: Part 2 - His Silicon Soul - Fire From Olympus - Read My Lips - The Worry Men - Sideshow - A Bullet For Bullock - Trial - Avatar - House and Garden - The Terrible Trio - Harlequinade - Time Out of Joint - Catwalk - Bane - Baby-Doll - The Lion and the Unicorn - Showdown - Riddler's Reform - Second Chance - Harley's Holiday - Lock-Up - Make 'Em Laugh - Deep Freeze - Batgirl Returns
Volume 4:
- Holiday Knights - Sins of the Father - Cold Comfort - Double Talk - You Scratch My Back - Never Fear - Joker's Millions - Growing Pains - Love is a Croc - Torch Song - The Ultimate Thrill - Over the Edge - Mean Seasons - Critters - Cult of the Cat - Animal Act - Old Wounds - The Demon Within - Legends of the Dark Knight - Girls' Nite Out - Mad Love - Chemistry - Beware the Creeper - Judgment Day
Title: Re: Batman: The Animated Series
Post by: addicted2dvd on November 28, 2010, 07:58:47 PM
I always liked this show! :thumbup:
Title: Re: Batman: The Animated Series
Post by: Rogmeister on November 28, 2010, 11:25:44 PM
When the series was originally on, at the end of each episode they had a prevuew for the next day's episode. I always thought those were kind of exciting but those previews unfortunately are not on the DVDs. I think my favorite episode is "Almost Got 'Im" which uses a game of poker where several villains show up and during the game they each tell how they almost did in Batman. In that episode are Two-Face, The Joker, Catwoman, The Penguin and some guy who looks like he's made of rock. Oh yeah, Harley Quinn is there, too.
From what I gather they stopped making them for a bit...then they made one more batch of them that I think were billed in advertising as The New Adventures of Batman and Robin or some such. Those are the episodes in volume 4, though they used the same opening.
Title: Re: Batman: The Animated Series
Post by: addicted2comics(:P) on November 29, 2010, 12:24:00 AM
actually, I had to skim through the episodes to take my screen caps. I may be wrong, but from what I could tell the opening changed. At the least they had the "New Adventures of Batman and Robin" title in there, but that makes no sense to me if its just resuming a series.
Also, I think the guy "made of rock" was supposed to be the reptilian Killer Croc.
Title: Re: Batman: The Animated Series
Post by: Rogmeister on November 29, 2010, 12:33:42 AM
Well, I watched one episode from volume 4 recently and they still had the old opening...but maybe some other episodes had another opening? I don't know. You're right...Killer Croc was the guy. I guess his "scales" made him look craggy and rock-like to me. :whistle:
Title: Re: Batman: The Animated Series
Post by: addicted2comics(:P) on November 29, 2010, 12:58:20 AM
I know. I didn't figure it out until I hit the "Love is a Croc" episode. It took a play on words to make me realize. :slaphead:
Title: Re: Batman: The Animated Series
Post by: addicted2comics(:P) on December 01, 2010, 11:17:56 PM
I watched the first episode yesterday, commemorating Kevin Conroy (Batman)'s birthday, but I still hadn't set the pics how I wanted. Fiurst review will be up in a few minutes. :D
Title: Re: Batman: The Animated Series
Post by: addicted2comics(:P) on December 01, 2010, 11:27:30 PM
1. On Leather Wings When a horrifying bat creature terrorizes Gotham City, the authorities conclude it must be Batman and put out an all-points bulletin on the Dark Knight. Meanwhile, Batman's investigation leads him to the laboratory of Kirk Langstrom, a prominent zoologist, who has been experimenting with a formula that turns him into the ManBat creature. Not only does Batman have to capture Man-Bat in order to save Langstrom, but also to set the police straight and clear his name.
My Thoughts:
A good starting episode. You see aspects of Wayne Industries, the Batcave and Batmobile. A nice opening joke with the butler, but it really was a pretty basic episode. You have a villain, a fight, and everything is ok in the end. Decent, but ordinary.
2. Christmas with the Joker The Joker takes over Gotham's airwaves and terrorizes the city during Christmas. He's hiding in a TV studio, holding Commissioner Gordon, Detective Bullock, and Summer Gleason hostage. He challenges Batman to find him before midnight, or else the hostages will have a very un-merry Christmas
My Thoughts:
Now this was entertaining! Dick kept trying to get Batman to watch "It's a Wonderful Life", the old "Batman Smells" tune is here, all in all a fun, wacky, episode. Don't get me wrong, it was full of action too. Machine gun fires, chasing a train. I just think this was a very good mix of the two. :)
Right now, I am having a very hard time getting to image of Batman with pie on his face out of my head. :laugh:
Title: Re: Batman: The Animated Series
Post by: Rogmeister on December 02, 2010, 01:54:37 AM
Hey, Brit, do you evere check the voice credits? You should...lots of famous people did guest spots on this and other DC animated series. The Joker, for instance (in case you didn't know), was voiced by Mark Hamill. Of course, you may already know that, in which case...never mind! ::)
Title: Re: Batman: The Animated Series
Post by: addicted2comics(:P) on December 02, 2010, 02:14:20 AM
:bag: Is it bad idk who that is? ........
Every so often, Roger, I do check the voice credits, but I rarely ever see anyone I know. I'm not an expert like dear ol' dad. :-[
Title: Re: Batman: The Animated Series
Post by: Dragonfire on December 02, 2010, 04:44:26 AM
Pete, it is time that you finally watch the classic Star Wars trilogy with your daughter ;)
Title: Re: Batman: The Animated Series
Post by: Dragonfire on December 02, 2010, 08:55:57 AM
Yes Pete...you must do something about this immediately.
Title: Re: Batman: The Animated Series
Post by: addicted2dvd on December 02, 2010, 11:46:44 AM
I think you are right!
But Britt... even if you don't know the name... you know who he is. He also played The Trickster (much like his Joker character here)... on the live action TV Series The Flash. If you remember right... we even talked about him voicing The Joker at the time of watching The Flash.
Title: Re: Batman: The Animated Series
Post by: addicted2comics(:P) on December 15, 2010, 02:23:57 AM
Yes! Trickster! Now I know!!
sorry the marathon has been slow, been scrambling with school projects and christmas writings. I have one review prepared (would be more if I didn't forget the dvd set at grandmas) and then I can get things done a lot faster what with the new internet connection. Would put it up tonight, but am just exhausted.
Title: Re: Batman: The Animated Series
Post by: addicted2comics(:P) on December 15, 2010, 10:11:37 PM
3. Nothing to Fear A horrifying villain, who goes by the name of Scarecrow, is spreading fear gas and wreaking havoc on Gotham State University. Batman investigates to discover that the culprit is really Professor Jonathan Crane, who was kicked out of the university years ago for conducting fear experiments and has returned as Scarecrow to get revenge. Under the influence of a treacherous fear gas, Batman must fight this wily strawman and his worst fear at the same time.
My Thoughts:
It was an average episode. A nice introduction to Scarecrow and decent action.
But looking closer, I appreciate the pychology in this. I've seen Batman portrayed where he is facing a problem or having doubts he had to relive the moment where he had to sit and watch his parents get killed. In this episode, however, Bruce fears his father would be dissapointed in him. To me, this makes much more sense. Get scared into doing something or try to do right by a loved one?
Scarecrow was never a favorite villain of mine, but I appreciate avoiding I feel is a common mistake.
4. The Last Laugh The Joker employs a lethal mind altering laughing gas to transform the citizens of Gotham into total fools. If Batman doesn't stop the Clown Prince of crime, everyone will soon go totally mad, including his friend and butler, Alfred.
My Thoughts:
Just two episodes later they bring back the Joker. Not a very wise desicion, but ok ...
So Joker came back for April Fool's Day as it is his calling card to make a bad joke. Criminals taking advantage of chaos is very common but the laughing gas keeps it somewhat fresh, as well as a few other surprises the Joker displayed ... such as a robot clown.
5. Pretty Poison D.A. Harvey Dent becomes romantically involved with a mystery woman named Pamela Isley. When Dent is poisoned after a dinner date, Batman investigates and makes the horrifying discovery that the poison was administered through Pamela's lipstick. He tracks the woman down and discovers that she is really Poison Ivy, a plant-crazed villainess who harbors a secret vendetta against the D.A. Batman ends up in Poison Ivy' s lethal greenhouse, fighting for the life of his best friend, as well as his own.
My Thoughts:
Enter Poison Ivy! An early intro to Two Face as Harvey Dent is nice. The episode itself made me wonder what exactly led to Pamela being so obsessed with plant life. Though the show doesn't reveal that aspect of her origin, it was still very enjoyable.
6. The Under-Dwellers Batman encounters mysterious 'wee green people,' who have been committing petty crimes. He saves one from a speeding train and finds it is a small boy who doesn't speak. Batman soon learns that the boy belongs to a gang of forgotten runaways, the 'Under-Dwellers," who live deep within the Gotham sewer system. Their leader is the crazed Sewer King who forces the children to steal food and supplies for him. Batman leads a revolt, defeats the Sewer King, and frees the Under-Dwellers.
My Thoughts:
Why does the Mole Man come to mind here? Alfred taking care of a little under-dweller adds humor to the show - teaching table manners, giving him a bath, etc. I'm also loving the use of temptation. A maniac who imprisons children - yeah, you'd wanna finish him off too. Still, I think the episode needed something, perhaps retaliation from the other children as well? I find it hard to believe their "ruler" could make his way out of a small army.
7. P.O.V. When Bullock botches a sting operation, he and the other officers involved, Montoya and rookie Wilkes, are questioned by Internal Affairs. Bullock's face saving story is so at odds with the other testimony that the I.A. investigator believes no one and suspends them all, pending further investigation. Eager to clear her name, Montoya follows up on some clues which lead her to the location of the gangsters they were after during the sting. With Batman's help she cracks the case and exonerates everyone involved, teaching Bullock a thing or two about the importance of teamwork.
My Thoughts:
An interesting episode. This, as the name shakily implies, is told from the point of view of the policemen. You can really see how Bullock is a pig taking all the credit. Montoya may normally be a background character of sorts, but comes out to be a resiliant and very believable key character. :thumbup:
8. Forgotten When indigent men start disappearing from the bowery, Bruce goes undercover as lowlife Gaff Morgan to investigate. He is soon assaulted by several men, hit over the head and shanghaied, and ends up as an amnesia victim forced to work with other kidnapped men in a treacherous and remote mining camp. Despite his memory loss, Bruce's defiant nature causes trouble for his captors, who end up locking him in a sweat box. During this harrowing punishment however, his memory returns, and with newfound strength Bruce is able to escape, transform into Batman and defeat his captors once and for all. Later, as Bruce Wayne, he is also able to offer jobs to several of his kidnapped companions, thereby giving them a new lease on life.
My Thoughts:
I can't say undercover work really excites me, but memory loss is a nice twist. Though the dream sequences were a nice touch, for most of the episode I felt rather bored. I think the problem was it moved slowly, but I can't expect much considering Bruce can't remember who he is.
9. Be A Clown Mayor Hill's son feels overlooked and unloved when his father throws him an elaborate birthday party that is more a political media event than a real celebration. Meanwhile, the Joker infiltrates the party dressed as a clown in order to plant a bomb. The Mayor's son, a budding magician, becomes so enamored of the clown's tricks that he steals away in the clown's truck when the Joker leaves. When Batman tracks down the Joker to a closed amusement park, the wily villain plays on the kid's naiveté and uses him to trap the Batman.
My Thoughts:
A pretty fun episode. The Joker as an actual clown corrupting a kid. The magic was interesting enough, cool to see Batman doing one of Houdini's escape tricks.
10. Two Face - Part 1 District Attorney Harvey Dent is hiding a deep dark secret, even from his best friend Bruce Wayne. He has a second personality, that of Big Bad Harv, a hard nosed gangster. When crime boss Rupert Thorne learns of Dent's sickness, he tries to blackmail him. Unfortunately, Dent's "bad" side comes to the fore, and he physically attacks Thorne and his men just as Batman arrives on the scene. In the ensuing melee, a chemical explosion sends Dent to the hospital. When Dent's bandages are removed, the left side of his face is scarred and deformed, and his second personality becomes dominant.
My Thoughts:
Excellent portrayal of split personality. The only thing that wasn't explained was the significance of the coin he flips. As I remember it from movies, he is also traumatized to the point where he believes everything in life is left to chance.
His scarring is done well too. The skin itself reminds me of Killer Croc's scales, but other than that they put in real detail.
11. Two Face - Part 2 Two Face begins an aggressive campaign against his hated rival, Rupert Thorne, who puts out a two-million dollar contract an him. Since Two Face used to be Harvey Dent, Bruce Wayne's best friend, Batman wants to find him before Thorne does. Thorne's people snare Two Face first by using his former fiancee, Grace, as bait. Just as Thorne is about to rub him out, Batman intervenes.
My Thoughts:
The most expected part of the episode was Bruce's guilt trips. The love aspect was an important plot point for this half of the story. Fair action.
12. It's Never Too Late An aging mob boss, Arnold Stromwell, is about to be rubbed out by a rival boss, Rupert Thorne. Batman saves Stromwell from Thorne's men and keeps the crime boss one step ahead of his enemies. In the process, Stromwell learns his drug dealings have caused his son to end up in a drug rehab center.
My Thoughts:
A real gang warfare, family-involved type episode. I suppose this was meant as a refreshing change and depending on your taste, it would be!! I, on the other hand, just cannot stay interested. But, it soon turned into an "It's a Wonderful Life" situation. From there, its pretty entertaining.
13. I've Got Batman in my Basement While attempting to regain a stolen Faberge Egg from the Penguin, Batman is sprayed with nerve gas by the fowl fellow. Our unconscious hero is rescued by a 12-year-old aspiring detective who hides him in his basement. It's up to the precocious kid to figure out how to revive the comatose crime fighter before the Penguin finds him.
My Thoughts:
Definitely a favorite out of the set! Seeing some kids take over is a nice dash of comedy. It's surprising how long Batman can stay unconscious, lol. Watching the kids fend for themselves was entertaining. Fighting the Penguin was interesting, but the ending (which I'm trying hard not to reveal) was just unrealistic. Still, a fun show.
14. Heart of Ice Brilliant cryogenics expert Dr. Victor Fries was hard at work on a freezing process to save his wife's life when the heartless corporation underwriting the project pulled the plug, literally. The freezing chamber exploded, destroying the doctor's wife and transforming Fries himself permanently into a pathetic creature only able to survive in sub-zero temperatures. He returns a year later as Mr. Freeze, thirsting for revenge against the sleazy CEO who destroyed his life. Batman's sympathy is with Freeze, but first he has to stop him from committing murder by destroying a building filled with innocent people in order to carry out his vendetta.
My Thoughts:
Yup. Mr.Freeze. And of course Batman catches a cold when he fights against him. Haha. ::)
There were a lot of cold and revenge puns. Kinda cheesy. It was almost like I was watching Batman Forever. The action was predictable yet decent. An overall average episode.
15. The Cat and the Claw: Part 1 The Catwoman steals a valuable necklace to fund the purchase of land for a mountain lion preserve. In the course of her escape she encounters Batman, and finds herself undeniably attracted to him. Afterward, Bruce Wayne dates Selina Kyle, Catwoman's alter ego, and finds himself undeniably attracted to her. In the midst of these budding romances, Selina/Catwoman learns that the land she wants has been snatched up by a mysterious cartel, although the cartel's reasons for buying it don't make sense. After infiltrating the cartel's headquarters, Catwoman discovers evidence of a military facility inside a mountain on the land in question. As it turns out, the cartel is fronting for an international terrorist group headed by the Red Claw, a mysterious woman terrorist.
My Thoughts:
Second series I've seen where Catwoman was introduced the same time as the Red Claw if I remember right. In any case, a criminal love interest is enough to shake up the plot with any hero. As an example, Catwoman is to Batman as Black Cat is to Spoder-Man. Yeah, gotta love analogies, lol. The fact that Selena is willing to be in this line of work just for the animals' sake is an interesting twist looking into her logic and reasoning.Very entertaining episode.
16. The Cat and the Claw: Part 2 The terrorists put their plans into motion, stealing a virulent strain of plague which they use to hold the city for ransom. Meanwhile Catwoman infiltrates the terrorists' under mountain headquarters, not realizing what she's getting into. When Batman follows her there, they're both captured, trussed up, and left to die as victims of the viral plague.
My Thoughts:
What can i say about this one? Good action. Continues with the romance struggle. All in all up to par with the first part.
17. See No Evil Somewhere in a middle-class suburb of Gotham, little KIMBERLY VENTRIS is regularly visited by her imaginary playmate, "MOJO." However, the mysterious, unseen Mojo seems awfully tangible -- and vocal -- for an "imaginary" friend. At about the same time, a fortune in valuables disappears as if by magic from a gem exposition at which Bruce Wayne is among the patrons. Assuming his Batman identity, Bruce investigates, and finds himself battling an invisible man! The Dark Knight's further investigation uncovers the fact that an independent optics researcher, Dr. Abner Carrows, had developed what he called a "cloak of invisibility" -- a plastic of his own invention which, when electrified by Carrows's patented process, refracts light so as to make the material and anything covered by it invisible. But Carrows has recently died and, according to the scientist's assistant, a quantity of the special plastic is missing from his lab. The trail leads to ex-con LLOYD VENTRIS, who "embezzled" the material while working as a janitor in Carrows's lab.
My Thoughts:
An invisible man. Pretty interesting and family matters adds some heart. I just wonder how Kimmy made "Mojo" her friend. Childhood wonder aside, no "stranger danger"? The whole invisibility thing didn't raise any red flags? Exciting episode.
18. See No Evil Batman realizes that a pattern of recent bombings in Gotham is based on an episode of an old television series featuring his favorite boyhood hero, the "Gray Ghost." Seeking information, Batman visits the actor who played the Gray Ghost, only to discover that over the years, he's become a victim of type-casting and has not been able to find other work.
My Thoughts:
Is it just me or does the Gray Ghost's voise sound a lot like Adam West? lol
Its nice. Following a show step by step and finishing it off with a villain obsessed with toys? Out of the ordinary and a good watch.
19. Prophecy of Doom Bruce Wayne becomes concerned when some of his richest friends are seduced into a new age Brotherhood scam by Nostromos, a fraudulent psychic. Bruce joins the Brotherhood in an attempt to debunk Nostromos' claims. Nostromos, predicting the fall of civilization, urges his acolytes to transfer their bank funds to the Brotherhood's coffers.
My Thoughts:
I always did think those celebrity psychics were scams. The mystical plot combined with the on-stage special effects really makes me think as a mix between Mysterio and Dr.Strange, but my brain is mainly marvel, so what do I know? I think Lisa's character was done well as someone more than just a damsel in distress - other than Bruce she was the only was who saw through the psychic charade. Nice undercover work too, and a really fast-pace episode.
20. Feat of Clay: Part 1 Matt Hagen, a popular actor renowned for his 'Man of a Thousand Faces' ability to play any part, has a terrible secret -- he's addicted to a strange chemical formula developed by Roland Daggett's labs. This chemical gives him the ability to alter his facial features without makeup, keeping his matinee idol looks so that his public doesn't know he was horribly disfigured in an accident years ago. But in return for the stuff, Daggett has him play 'roles" that aren't entirely legal. Hagen is Daggett's puppet, and resents it mightily. When Daggett has Hagen impersonate Bruce Wayne in order to obtain documents from Lucius Fox, Wayne's right hand man, a chain of events is started that results in Fox being wounded and Bruce Wayne arrested for assault. Hagen, attempting to break free from Daggett's control, is seized by Daggett's henchman and force-fed a large amount of the chemical enough to completely alter his genetic structure and turn him into Clayface an amorphous figure who can re-form his body into anything he wants.
My Thoughts:
Ah, the old impersonation plot line. Cool intro to Clayface. You almost feel sorry for him. He wasn't a monster from the start, after all. The action and twists in the episode really makes you forget that there is a criminal other than the scientist/gang guys supplying the ooze.
21. Feat of Clay: Part 2 Clayface learns that Daggett is going to appear on TV to hype his new product, the same chemical that was his downfall, as a skin conditioner. After a skirmish with Batman in Lucius Fox's hospital room, Clayface takes the disguise of a woman and joins the audience of Summer Gleeson's show. Batman is there, however, and a free-for-all in the Galaxy Broadcasting Building results.
My Thoughts:
This one really follows through with the first part. I can't help but laugh at myself. I'm sure we all know Clayface's powers, but I was convinced he was dead! An important villain like that! Because of this logic, I don't think I'm spoiling anything by saying the twist at the end is that he's still alive. Nicely done "death scene".
Haha, Dad. Yes, I know, it's been a while! But I just started a new semester so school comes first.
:thumbsup:
This appears to be quite the decent Batman series going on here; you ratings are quite up there :hmmmm:
Title: Re: Batman: The Animated Series
Post by: addicted2comics(:P) on February 08, 2011, 03:30:15 AM
Yeah, it's a good show but I tend to be pretty lenient. I never go below a 3 it seems unless I really just do. not. like. it. Of course, everyone I talk to about this goes on about it being the "greatest Batman series ever" so it seems I'm not the only one who likes it that much. to be honest the first volume is hard to review cuz I watched it all w/ dad. once I get past that, I should be able to put a little more into my reviews.
Title: Re: Batman: The Animated Series
Post by: addicted2comics(:P) on February 21, 2011, 05:46:45 PM
22. The Joker's Favor Charlie Collins, a nondescript accountant, accidentally runs afoul of the Joker. Pleading for his life, the run-of-the-mill every man promises the Joker anything, if he will only let him go. The notion amuses the Joker, who makes Charlie promise to do him a favor. If Charlie refuses, his family will fall prey to the Joker's thugs. The favor: Charlie must distract the Batman while the Joker infiltrates a testimonial dinner for Commissioner Gordon to plant a bomb. But the worm turns when Charlie decides he's had enough and takes on the Joker man to man.
My Thoughts:
My first thought from the driving scene was how for kids this show turns out to be because the man calls saying "Hey clown! I'm talking to you! You think you own the whole road?" cussing out the Joker. But moving on, great seeing Harley Quinn. I personally like her more than the Joker. And Cahrlie always seemed like such a pushover until the end - a joke I saw coming but still worth a chuckle. Yes, it is a story that's been done of a man having to commit a crime to protect his family. But the clown stuff made it really interesting.
23. Vendetta Detective Harvey Bullock is framed for suspected murder and goes to jail. Batman, though he has no great love for Bullock, thinks he's innocent. His investigation reveals that the real criminal is Killer Croc, a mutant hit man who wants revenge on Bullock because Bullock sent him to jail years ago.
My Thoughts:
I remember Killer Croc from when I went through this before. I prefer the take on him in the Batman more than I do in this series. He just wasn't drawn right. He looks more made of rocks or something than some scally creature, and if you do think that's what he looks like you have to admit he doesn't live up to his namesake for looking like a croc. At least this one isn't from the Lousiana bayou. The plot line was an old "payback for putting me in a cell" deal - kinda getting me sick of it - but overall nicely done.
24. Fear of Victory The Scarecrow has come up with a fear chemical that is triggered by the release of adrenaline. He uses the chemical on Gotham's greatest athletes, then bets against them to rake in the winnings. Dick Grayson, a.k.a. Robin, learns about this scheme after his college roommate, a football star, inexplicably becomes terrified during a game. While trying to help Batman track down the Scarecrow, Robin is infected by the chemical and becomes stricken senseless with fear every time his adrenaline pumps. In the end, Robin is placed in a position in which he must overcome this overwhelming fear in order to prevent Scarecrow from spilling his formula over a stadium filled with spectators.
My Thoughts:
Ok, my first thought, what the heck?!?!?!!? They never showed an origin for Robin!! If it is somehwere in this set it's out of order. Just shows up out of nowhere. It may be just me, but I find that an important detail, don't you??
But, moving on, Robin also seems a little old for it to be his first appearance in the series. I mean ... he's in college! Still, the story was ok. Fear gas making all the athletes scaredy cats. Worth watching.
25. The Clock King Temple Fugate, a maniacally punctilious man whose life and business are ruled by the clock, is persuaded by then-attorney, Hamilton Hill, to shatter precedent and deviate fifteen minutes from his rigid, self-imposed schedule. Chaos for Fugate results as a result of this, culminating in a court case going against Fugate and for Hill's firm. Fugate is financially ruined, and swears revenge on Hill. Five years later, after Hill becomes Mayor, strange things begin happening in Gotham, all having to do with time. Synchronized traffic lights go awry, subway trains collide, etc. These disasters are a result of Fugate (who now calls himself the Clock King) attempting to discredit Mayor Hill.
My Thoughts:
Uh, wow. Just wow. In the opening, they certainly created the wound-tight character nicely and how a simple suggestion from Hill ruined him, though he was so close to the edge anything would have done the same. And just Batman's luck that the Clock King turns into a wanna-be Riddler. "The 9:15 is always 6 minutes early." I'd also like to point out that Robin is absent this episode. And I was surprised Batman would be the one making cheesy jokes. "I'm here to cleean your clock, Fuget." "It's only a matter of time." :thumbdown:
Still, seeing someone going so cookoo over being late is very entertaining! Seeing him in pushed in a fountain by a dog is better.
26. Appointment in Crime Alley Every year at the same time, Batman makes a pilgrimage to meet Dr. Leslie Thompkins, the woman who took care of the young Bruce Wayne after his parents were brutally murdered in Park Row. But this time a series of dangerous distractions keeps the Batman occupied, causing him to miss his appointment. This is too bad, because Roland Daggett, a ruthless land developer and entrepreneur, has hired arsonists to make sure that the part of Park Row called Crime Alley goes up in flames to make way for his new condo development. And Dr. Thompkins is taken prisoner by the arsonists when she stumbles across their plans. Unless Batman can reach Crime Alley in time, the buildings -- and Dr. Thompkins -- will go up in smoke.
My Thoughts:
Well, it's a nice change that there is an episode about the place where Bruce's parents died and its not all flashbacks and introspection. I always got the feeling that Alfred raised Bruce alone so the good doctor is new to me. Despite the change in plot I find myself drifting in and out of the story. Guess I just get bored easy with this kind of thing. The roses at the end were a nice sentimental touch though.
27. Mad as a Hatter The Mad Hatter develops a form of mind control which he implements by placing devices in people's hats. He uses this to impress Alice, a woman he's smitten with, turning all of Gotham into a wonderland to please her every whim. When he learns she's in love with another, the jealous Hatter decides to use his mind control power to do away with her beau. He then kidnaps Alice and takes her to Gotham's Central Park. Batman must fight his way through a bizarre chess board composed of living pieces, all under the Hatter's power.
My Thoughts:
Mad as a Hatter? One of my fav sites!! Madasahatter.freeforums.org!! Meet my OC, SwiftKill the Kid Mercenary there along with all my online pals!! ;D
Ok, enough shameless plugging, back to Batman. :laugh: But, wow, the dude with the microchips is screwy! Dressing up as the Mad Hatter to impress a girl named Alice. Something tells me this guy read too many fairytales. My only question is why Alice fell for all of that. Wouldn't she think the fairytale/Wonderland theme of their date got a little strange? Impression aside? Does heartbreak dull the senses that much?? Her date came in full costume for crying out loud!! Though I have to admit I must be foggy on the story. When he introduced his henchman he called them the Walrus (which I do remember) but then the other was the Carpenter. Must be from one of the first versions or something. Gotta give this episode credit for research.
28. Dreams in Darkness When Batman attempts to thwart the Scarecrow's plan to poison Gotham's water supply with a chemical that induces non-stop nightmares and hallucinations, the Dark Knight is infected with the concoction. Unable to tell reality from fantasy, he is committed to Arkham Asylum. He must find a way to escape and stop the Scarecrow from plunging the people of Gotham into a nightmare without end.
My Thoughts:
Yup, back to the Scarecrow again. Batman in Arkham is a nice change of pace. Interesting hallucinations, and again Robin is only a hallucination. ::)
The breakout was fun to watch and I loved how in the end there was an excellant show of safety, a home, in the darkness. Of all the nonsense Batman sees, though, I still can't understand what makes him afraid. The gas makes you see this, but he knew almost from the start that he was exposed so would be able to understnad that none of it was real, something he couldn't get a hold of until the end.
Title: Re: Batman: The Animated Series
Post by: addicted2comics(:P) on February 21, 2011, 08:58:10 PM
And that compltetes volume 1!!!! ;D
Title: Re: Batman: The Animated Series
Post by: addicted2dvd on February 21, 2011, 09:02:54 PM
Finally! :tease:
Title: Re: Batman: The Animated Series
Post by: addicted2comics(:P) on February 21, 2011, 09:05:10 PM
And I have 3 more to go.....
Title: Re: Batman: The Animated Series
Post by: addicted2dvd on February 21, 2011, 09:33:40 PM
You will have to finish up in college! :tease:
Title: Re: Batman: The Animated Series
Post by: addicted2comics(:P) on February 21, 2011, 09:44:36 PM
:slaphead: I'll have it all finished either before or during summer!!
Title: Re: Batman: The Animated Series
Post by: addicted2dvd on February 21, 2011, 09:47:23 PM
OK everyone... I am taking bets.... what do you think? :tease:
Title: Re: Batman: The Animated Series
Post by: Rogmeister on February 21, 2011, 11:18:02 PM
Regarding "Appointment In Crime Alley", I believe that is based on an actual popular Batman comic book story. I am hoping Brit does continue with the series (and as quickly as possible), especially regarding volume 2 which contains my personal favorite episode of the series, "Almost Got 'Im". 8)
Title: Re: Batman: The Animated Series
Post by: addicted2comics(:P) on February 22, 2011, 12:12:01 PM
ah, so that's where the doc came in? like I said, I never saw her before
yeah, like I said v. 1 was especially hard to get through cuz I saw all of them before. Should get through them faster now that I have some "new episodes" to look forward to. ;D And yes, I can't wait to see "Almost Got'Im"
Title: Re: Batman: The Animated Series
Post by: addicted2comics(:P) on April 03, 2011, 08:49:46 PM
29. Eternal Youth A health spa which advertises a 'back to nature' rejuvenating potion lures Alfred and his friend, Maggie Paige, there. It is in fact being run by Poison Ivy, who is using a new form of chlorophyll to turn people into trees.
My Thoughts:
Aw, Al's got a girl! That's not been established, at least not from anything I've seen, but then again I don't keep tabs on Bats.
First side effect you see of Eternal Youth? A green lifestyle. Plants in the Batcave? Drinking spa water at home? Oh boy. Something's addictive there. So there stuff makes you a tree. It should be no surprise Poison Ivy was behind this to get revenge on companies shredding rainforests. Ironic, Bruce had his company pulled out of that scheme before he got the vengful invite. Pretty cool episode, but there was no part that really stood out. It was an average aventure.
30. Perchance to Dream Bruce Wayne wakes up one morning to find that his life is completely upside-down: his parents are alive, the Batcave does not exist, Alfred does not remember Robin, and he is engaged to Selina Kyle. However, it doesn't mean that Batman isn't still around, and Bruce starts to wonder what has happened, especially after seeing the characteristics of a dream (such as book and newspaper prints not making sense) inside this new life.
My Thoughts:
Ok, hard enough to swallow here somehow Bruce’s parents are fine and he’s marrying Selena Kyle (who for some reason doesn’t seem to be Catwoman either) but someone else is Batman. While he actually believed the delusion for a bit, it was nice to see him really happy. A good switch for an episode. And then, you know, have him freak out instead of approaching it logically. Yeah, that’s cool too. Well, at least it looked like Wayne freaked out. Good to see he was able to make sense out of it and realize it was … the Mad Hatter. Um, not exactly the most diabolical/famous villain, but it made since. A nice “What if?” episode. :)
31. The Cape and Cowl Conspiracy Baron Jozek, furious at Batman for humiliating him at a dinner party (over Jozek's underworld connections), hires Josiah Wormwood, a master in setting traps for his victims, to hunt down Batman and bring back the hero's cape and cowl.
My Thoughts:
Here is a villain made up for the show, or at least I think so – Wormwood, an interrogator who used death traps to get information now working as a criminal and setting his sights on Batman. I have to say, it’s got my attention, though it’d take more than some quicksand to pose a threat to Batman. Ah, and here was the premiere of the Batsignal!! Nice. And Wormwood stood up to the plate with the challenge with riddles and Saw-esque conundrums minus the gore. I enjoy this. And WOW what a twist at the end!!
32 & 33. Robin's Reckoning Parts 1 & 2 During a fight with some gangsters at a construction yard, Batman and Robin learn the name of their boss: Billy Marin. While Robin looks forward to going up against Marin, Batman becomes distant, and after a falling out at the Batcave, Batman doesn't allow Robin to accompany him on the search for Marin. Robin investigates on the Batcomputer, and soon realises that Billy Marin is not the boss' real name. Rather, it is an alias of Tony Zucco, the man who killed his parents.
My Thoughts:
First, I’d like to say in the opening, Robin’s pretty funny, Lol. And real early you can tell the strain between Grayson and Bats. This also has a nice little flashback of Robin’s origins. And he’s been “away at college” so there’s a reason why he hasn’t been in many episodes. Yeah. The writers can think up an excuse for when they do/don’t wanna use characters!! :laugh: Seems pretty cool overall, what with merging present and past. And Bruce cheating him out of putting away a guy he’s waited half his life to get back at? Ooh, I can see why Robin’s so mad.
I continued this to share my views of both parts in one swoop, because this was so well put together I don’t think of it as To Be Continued, I think of it as one big double-length episode. Also, I’d like to add that young Robin is one tough little kid!! Grown up Robin’s tougher.
Quick thing to point out, I also liked how the wounded Batman hid behind the “Sitting Duck Shooting Gallery”, lol
34. The Laughing Fish Fishermen discover that Gotham's fish all have the Joker's colors and signature smile. Batman investigates, and realises that the Joker is hoping to make money off of these new fish by having them trademarked.
My Thoughts:
Yay!! Harley, my favorite!! First Joker attacks the fishies, then tries to copyright them to get profits for selling smiling seafood and makes a commercial where he force-feeds it to Harley and dresses his henchmen up like kids!! Yes Al, you were right, that would cause a stampede to pork…. I have to say, Batman laughing is really creepy. A hilarious episode, and I agree with Harley - - fish are disgusting.
35. Night of the Ninja A mysterious ninja is robbing Wayne Enterprises subsidiaries, and Batman discovers that the ninja is actually his equal in combat. A grudge against Bruce Wayne and skills to match him can only mean one person: Kyodai Ken, an old rival of Wayne's from his days in Japan, and whom was thrown out of the dojo after attempting to rob it, only to be stopped by Wayne. Ken, it turns out, wants revenge.
My Thoughts:
Ooh, ninjas!! I like!! Ah, and here you see Robin come back again and Bruce’s roots in martial arts. And what’s the reason Bats is so worked up he didn’t want Robin involved? Cuz the ninja beat him in Japan…alot…. A little on the shallow side to be the reason, but ok. Sorta makes sense. Personal score and all. And the dude’s angry cuz he got kicked out of the dojo, pretty standard revenge motive. Decent action.
36. Cat Scratch Fever Batman must stop Roland Daggett's plan to release a viral plague designed by Professor Milo into Gotham by way of its stray cat population. The case gains new urgency when Catwoman becomes infected with the virus during her search for her missing cat, Isis.
My Thoughts:
Aw, I have to feel so sorry in this episode. Even I’m starting to miss Isis! :'( I admit the evil animal kidnappers have been seen multiple times before, but this is ok. It’s nice to see growing character in Selena. If I remember right, she went good later on in the comics too. It may have been a little soon in the series, but that’s fine I guess. I still love the end reunion. ;)
37. The Strange Secret of Bruce Wayne After a prominent judge is injured during a struggle with some thugs demanding money from her in exchange for a strange tape, Bruce Wayne decides to take a trip to Yucca Springs, a resort where the judge had vacationed, and consult Dr. Hugo Strange, a psychiatrist. Bruce soon learns that Strange has invented a machine that extracts people's darkest secrets from their minds and transfers them to videotape—and now Strange has proof of Bruce's secret identity as Batman and plans to auction it to three of Gotham's prominent crime bosses.
My Thoughts:
Wow!! Robin appears once more!! What a shocker!! You’d think that once he’s in continuity they would put him in more. I get the cover that he’s in college, but Grayson from the start should’ve been a kid like in the The Batman series. But moving on….
No one like Hugo Strange to make a machine to project your traumas like a movie. Auctioning it off to the Joker? Cruel, but clever. I like the way he thinks. :devil: And Two-Face? Penguin? Four’s really a crowd for my taste, but kudos on the writers for bringing the villains together. I won’t reveal much more, but I will say it was a nice touch for Joker’s flight badge to be from a box of cereal. Cool twist end too.
38/39. Heart of Steel Parts 1 & 2 Barbara Gordon approaches Batman to inform him of her father's sudden change in behaviour. A brutal fight between Batman and Detective Bullock ensues, during which Batman pushes Bullock onto the Bat Signal, and reveals him to actually be an android, meaning that the real Bullock and James Gordon have gone missing, and Batman knows who the culprit is: H.A.R.D.A.C. Can he stop the evil supercomputer before it's too late?
My Thoughts:
As I’m watching this (cuz I type while I watch to save time, without even reading description) I’m bored out of my mind, but hey! Barbara’s here! Hmm, where’s the Batgirl episode? This one maybe? Nope. Ah, I remember it now. Seen it before. And I know I compare these two shows a lot, but I miss the “I gonna do what I want no matter what Batman says, Doing it the Way I like it” air to Batgirl I saw in The Batman. Y’know, the “Whoo-hoo!! I’m Batgirl!!” aspect. What can I say? I know her father just went missing and she starts out in college for some reason, but I like a childlike Barbara!! ;D
Admittingly, other than Barb I found it a little on the boring side, but I’d watch it again sometime. I like the Chameleon aspect to the comtuper infiltrating everyone's lives.
40. If You're So smart, Why Aren't You Rich? Edward Nygma creates the game, "The Riddle of the Minotaur", and makes millions for the company Competitron. He is then fired by his superior, Daniel Mockridge, who wants the profits for himself. Nygma vows revenge, and two years later, he takes up the mantle of the Riddler and traps Mockridge inside a life-sized version of the Minotaur maze. Batman's sympathy is with Nygma, but he and Robin have to stop him before he kills Mockridge, despite the fact that Mockridge cannot legally be brought to justice.
My Thoughts:
Huh, Robin’s loving a video game. Did the writers make up their minds? Did they want Grayson young or older? Then again, I guess college and video games may go hand in hand….
Nice twist on the Riddler’s origin. He’s a bit more sophisticated than I’m used to, but I think that may have been to separate him from the Joker. Fun to watch Batman and Robin go through the maze.
41.Joker's Wild Cameron Kaiser builds a Casino Hotel modeled after the Joker, called the Joker's Wild. The Joker sees this on the news, and, enraged, escapes from Arkham again, with one thought on his mind: destroying the casino, unaware that this is exactly what Kaiser wants him to do as part of an insurance claim.
My Thoughts:
Ah, the wonders of WB owning DC. Joker came in whistling Looney Tunes and went all George “Nope nope nope, don’t want to.” :laugh: And in the end he was trying to watch Bugs Bunny!!
Ok, that was a funny joke on his part. And did I spot an Easter egg with Harley at the opening of the casino?? Nope, saw her twice. Four times. People in that casino dress as Harley too. “Joker is a long-standing symbol in cards”, yeah right…
Playing the Joker for a fool? Fun episode!! I like it!!
42. Tyger, Tyger Selina Kyle is kidnapped by the villainous genetic engineer Dr. Emile Dorian and becomes his latest experiment to provide his man-cat hybrid named Tygrus with a mate. Batman learns of this and comes to the island to rescue Selina. He is captured and forced into a deadly game of cat-and-flying mouse as Tygrus hunts Batman through the island's jungles.
My Thoughts:
A cat transformation episode, reminiscent of something I saw on Scooby-Doo no doubt, and I find later in this episode that the title comes from a poem. I suspect no one in the typical audience would get that, but whatever. Funny how the male experiment is named Tigress. I’m thinking Mr. Scientist wanted a girl, lol. Average episode.
Title: Re: Batman: The Animated Series
Post by: Rogmeister on May 25, 2011, 04:04:20 PM
Well, I'm glad to see you reviewing episodes of this series again. It's definitely one of the best super-hero series out there. The Riddler was used a lot in the old TV show but he was surprisingly not used that much in the actual comics. I really only remember reading a couple of comic book stories featuring The Riddler.
Title: Re: Batman: The Animated Series
Post by: addicted2comics(:P) on May 25, 2011, 09:56:06 PM
yeah, I had a lot of school work to do, along with job hunting and getting some other paperwork straight. but, I'm back!! :yahoo:
Title: Re: Batman: The Animated Series
Post by: addicted2comics(:P) on June 12, 2011, 01:44:13 AM
a little update: i wanted to start on this again today, but i.....well, I got a little distracted - - by Soul Eater. So yeah, when I finish up on my anime fix i'll be back to Batman. :-\
Title: Re: Batman: The Animated Series
Post by: addicted2comics(:P) on August 29, 2011, 09:07:21 PM
"OH MY GOD!! She's been gone all summer!! She'll never finish the marathon!!" :o :o :o :o
Well, sorry. I'm becoming more and more of an otaku. I said I'd be back after Soul Eater. Well, then I got distracted by Fullmetal Alchemist.
Then Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood.
Then Death Note.
Then Fruits Basket.
Needless to say, I've been getting my fill of anime lately. :stars: (I've decided I prefer english dubbing, btw.) On the bright side, I've decided to be a female L for Halloween! ...... ok, I'm running out of lame excuses. :bag: I only have a few more episodes of Fruits Basket left, so after that you can expect me to get back on the Batman bandwagon.
unless I get distracted again........
Title: Re: Batman: The Animated Series
Post by: Achim on August 30, 2011, 06:12:37 AM
The series, I presume? Tom and I would like to hear your more detailed opinion on that ;D
Title: Re: Batman: The Animated Series
Post by: addicted2comics(:P) on August 30, 2011, 12:32:46 PM
Oh yeah, I've seen the anime and the live-action movies. I have to say, I couldn't get enough of it!
(click to show/hide)
After L died, I lost interest in the second half but Near and Mello kept me somewhat interested I guess.
Heh heh, for a while I wanted a Death Note myself. (If people die at my school you'll know why. ;) ) Not much else I can say about it, the murder mystery thing is really addicting and I couldn't take a break until I reached the point mentioned in the spoiler. (then i was a little depressed, he was my fave character) I'd like to get it on DVD but right now most of my wishlist is actually books and those are kinda first priority. ;D
Title: Re: Batman: The Animated Series
Post by: Achim on August 31, 2011, 06:42:01 AM
Yeah, the Death Note series gets a bit stretched in the middle, but towards the end the tension screws were tightened immensely and the final episode was a true nailbiter :fingerchew: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Batman: The Animated Series
Post by: addicted2comics(:P) on August 31, 2011, 09:45:07 PM
yeah, i know. i thought for sure that
(click to show/hide)
Light had finally won. but then that last-second confession really ended up coming back to bite him. His death was nicely done as well.
Title: Re: Batman: The Animated Series
Post by: Tom on August 31, 2011, 09:55:35 PM
I don't know if you know this thread (http://www.dvdcollectorsonline.com/index.php/topic,5221.0.html) of mine. There I started to compare the manga with the anime and the movies, but I never came around to continue it. I love the manga. I enjoyed the anime, but not as much as the manga. And I really like the choices they made when adapting the manga to the movies. How they concentrated on stuff, merged some storylines (to avoid the stretch in the middle) and brought some new ideas to it (especially the endings to both movies).
Title: Re: Batman: The Animated Series
Post by: Tom on August 31, 2011, 10:16:14 PM
Btw Nostalgia Critic recently did a Top 11 Batman TAS Episodes (http://thatguywiththeglasses.com/videolinks/thatguywiththeglasses/nostalgia-critic/32071-top-11-batman-tas-episodes).
Title: Re: Batman: The Animated Series
Post by: addicted2comics(:P) on September 16, 2011, 12:46:17 AM
Yes, it's been about a week since I said I'd get back to this, but as soon as i didn my school bombarded me with work. :readthis:
43. Moon of the Wolf Batman investigates the appearance of a werewolf-like creature in Gotham, not realizing that the monster happens to be one of Bruce Wayne's associates - Anthony Romulus, ex-Olympic champion. Behind the scheme is twisted chemist Professor Milo.
My Thoughts:
My first thought?? “Ooh, cool!! Werewolf!!”
The episode rushes straight into the action – something I like – and when hairs are found I suspect more fooling around with people’s genetics. I was proven right about 6 minutes in. Not very creative, genetic manipulation seems to be a very dominant plot point in the superhero genre, but that’s completely understandable. Breakthroughs in that line of research open the doorway to this line of thinking.
Mixing this with the use of steroids was a welcome change of pace.
44. Day of the Samurai Kyodai Ken kidnaps Kairi, daughter of Yoru Sensei, the martial arts instructor who taught both Kyodai and Bruce. The ninja's ransom for her is a scroll that teaches the location of the fabled Death Touch.
My Thoughts:
Ah, nice Japanese movie-style opening! The fighting was a little weaker than expected, though.
My one big complaint against this episode is the use of subtitles. White may have seemed like a good choice at a glance, but with some of the clothing and backgrounds it gets hard to see at some points.
Now, we all love seeing stories of Bruce before the cowl, don’t we? Another visit to Japan, more ninja butt to kick. A deadly secret fighting style to boot.
45. Terror in the Sky When a man-sized bat ransacks Gotham harbor, Batman suspects that Dr. Kirk Langstrom is up to his old tricks, taking the Man-Bat formula again. Batman isn't the only one. Kirk's wife, Francine, is so distrustful of her husband that she decides to leave him. After further investigation, Batman discovers that this Man-Bat is not Kirk, but someone else.
My Thoughts:
Haha, the Man-Bat returns!!
So the antidote didn’t work the first time. Yeah, sounds like the typical thing to do for a sequel, but a nice change of pace towards the middle. Pretty good episode, and it WAS funny to watch Man-Bat eating fruit. :lol:
(Fun find: The Man-Bat (in the end) shreds its top apart with just strands left after the transformation, but when it changes back it has a tank top on :P )
46. Almost Got'Im Joker, Killer Croc, Penguin, Two-Face, and Poison Ivy all meet at a poker table, each telling a tale of times when they almost defeated Batman. At the same time, Harley Quinn is about to kill Catwoman. Will Batman be able to save her?
My Thoughts:
Ah, how I know Roger has been waiting for this review. Maybe I’ll stop right here and pick up the marathon again in a couple months….
Haha, even I’m not that cruel!! :tease:
Ok, this one starts out pretty funny with the “theories” behind Batman and the callback to Ivy and Harvey’s previous relationship. The mini episodes are fun, and the Joker’s arrogance that his is the best…
Also, the history behind the giant penny! :laugh: I always wanted to know where that came from… Excellent episode! Great ending!
47. Birds of a Feather Veronica Vreeland is looking for a way to create a splash with her next party and arrives at the idea of having a former criminal in attendance—especially if there is one whose manners would create a stir. The Penguin, who has recently reformed, fits the bill perfectly. In the process of convincing the Penguin to come to her party, Veronica finds she likes the corpulent little guy. For his part, the Penguin begins to fall in love with her, until he overhears that he is merely being used...
My Thoughts:
Aaaaaand, the Penguin again…..
What started as a cliché “reformed villain” plotline started to get interesting when a rich lady wanted to fake-date him. :lol: As seen in the picture above, I got a few laughs out of it. The man has forgotten how to be an aristocrat…..
48. What Is Reality? Seeking to prove once and for all that his is the superior mind, the Riddler lures Batman into a riddle-solving contest inside the virtual reality of a computer game in order to save Jim Gordon's life. In the course of solving the riddles and escaping the Riddler's traps, Batman learns that he is able to manipulate the virtual reality landscape much like the Riddler does.
My Thoughts:
Yes!! Another episode with Robin!! You’d be surprised how rare that is in this set….
Nice to see the Riddler making a comeback, one of my favorite villains. And he’s not just spouting off Riddles needlessly either, he actually had a solid plan. Not as dark as the The Batman version, but still pretty cool.
The virtual reality thing is neat. I love the total absurdity in that world.
49. I Am the Night On the anniversary of the death of Bruce's parents, Batman accompanies Leslie Thompkins to Crime Alley to place roses on the spot where they were gunned down. Meanwhile, Commissioner Gordon is on stakeout to arrest James "The Jazzman" Peake during a drug smuggling ring. Batman had promised to be there, but arrives late to find a gun battle going on. He helps defeat the gangsters and arrest the Jazzman, but at a high cost—Gordon is severely wounded. The incident traumatizes Batman, and he decides to give up crime-fighting, despite the Jazzman escaping prison to carry out his personal vendetta against Gordon (who had sent him to prison six years before).
My Thoughts:
Ah. An episode of guilt. I can’t say I didn’t see it coming, but the Commissioner being taken down peaked my interest. Hm, but every time I see Barbara I wonder when Batgirl is coming in. Normally I don’t care for dramatic episodes. I prefer the funny. But I admit it, this was nicely done.
Title: Re: Batman: The Animated Series
Post by: Rogmeister on September 17, 2011, 09:35:34 PM
Overall, I really enjoy your review of this, one of my two favorite superhero animated series, the other being Justice League. I am glad you finally got to Almost Got 'Im. Now I should pull it out and watch it again.
Title: Re: Batman: The Animated Series
Post by: addicted2comics(:P) on September 18, 2011, 09:26:43 PM
Thank you, and sorry I just haven't been in a Batman mood lately. :bag: In fact, I still need to finish up Black Butler....then maybe start Black Butler II......
aw, but whatever. I promise I'll try to at least make it weekly!!
Title: Re: Batman: The Animated Series
Post by: Rogmeister on October 11, 2011, 08:50:54 PM
Hmmm, some seems t have missed about 3 weeks! :tease:
I just noticed a U.S. Cable channel called The Hub is now showing this weeknights at 1am. So those of you who haven't bought it yet, can check it out there.
Title: Re: Batman: The Animated Series
Post by: addicted2comics(:P) on October 11, 2011, 08:57:40 PM
They give me about 3 projects at once and again when I finish those, ok? Get off my back! :laugh: Seeing as PSATs are tomorrow, you can figure I'll have my mental strength back by this weekend.
And yeah, we get the Hub.
Title: Re: Batman: The Animated Series
Post by: addicted2comics(:P) on November 10, 2011, 01:40:41 AM
Wow, ok, so last time I went to my grandmother's house I attempted to get all caught up on this, and I did. Somewhat. I finished the second volume but brought the fourth (I planned to go through the entire third volume) and went through an entire disk before realizing my mistake.
So, I have a disk of volume 2 to post up here, and there's another disk done and waiting for when i get to it chronologically.
While you wait for me to post these, please enjoy my latest youtube video. ;)
Title: Re: Batman: The Animated Series
Post by: addicted2comics(:P) on November 10, 2011, 01:46:56 AM
50. Off Balance While following Count Vertigo's trail, Batman encounters Talia, daughter of the head of the Society of Shadows, who was sent by her father to prevent the capture of a sonic drill that the Count stole. But after his identity is mistakenly revealed to Talia, Batman remains off-balance as to where her true loyalties lie.
My Thoughts:
I have to admit: a couple scenes made me dizzy. The woman who helped him even had me fooled, and the sonic weapon Wayne’s company made kinda reminds me of the kind SHIELD makes to hold back symbiotes. (Yes, I make Marvel references to a DC series. :thumbup: Cuz I'm cool like that) All in all, pretty decent. You see something in the end that hints at more continuity, but any more action is saved for the next episode where it continues, though I’m not sure when that may be.
51. The Man Who Killed Batman When a small time gang member seemingly kills Batman by accident, he gets involved with gangs all over Gotham, as well as the Joker and Rupert Thorne.
My Thoughts:
Now, anyone who believes that the Batman can die in a minor explosion at the hands of a no-name gang member doesn’t know him very well. But, it was actually really funny. :laugh: The little guy weaseled his way out of everything! Just fun to watch!
52. Mudslide Clayface is falling apart—literally. His clay-like body is disintegrating. Fortunately, a scientist he knew from his movie star days is working on a remedy. However, Hagen is forced to steal money to pay for the expensive components of the remedy. That is, however, until one of his targets is Wayne Biomedical Labs.
My Thoughts:
Ugh. Clayface again, trying to be human. Again. There’s a girl this time, but that’s about all that’s somewhat new. To me, it’s just one of those episodes where you expect someone to say “You’ve foiled me again, Batman!” and all those other cheesy hero/villain stereotypes. Ended on a very sad note too. Not very impressed with this one.
53. Paging the Crime Doctor Dr. Matthew Thorne, losing his medical license and forced into becoming the crime doctor by his younger brother, crime boss Rupert Thorne, must perform delicate surgery on Rupert. He can't do it alone, and kidnaps Dr. Leslie Thompkins to assist. Batman discovers Leslie's disappearance, and rushes to track her down.
My Thoughts:
Those episodes about old-time crime world connections. There have been at least a few of them in here already, but still entertaining to see. That old woman that helps Bruce out sometimes turned out to be a fighter, which I like. ;D
54. Zatanna When the glamorous magician Zatanna is framed for a robbery during her act, Batman swings to her defense. Zatanna is grateful though a little puzzled by the Dark Knight's commitment to prove her innocence, but the two heroes unite and use the skills her father, Zatara, taught them to expose and combat the culprit: an evil illusionist named Montague Kane.
My Thoughts:
Ooh, Zatana was one of my favorite lesser-known DC heroes, right behind Black Canary.
Of course, I remember her as a sorceress, not a magician. (well, ok, she was a magician too) That knocked a little bit of wind out of me. All the same, I really love guest appearances and her relationship with Bruce was nicely executed.
55. The Mechanic Thanks to a freak accident during a high-speed chase, the Batmobile is virtually demolished. After Batman takes the car to his personal mechanic, Earl Cooper, the Penguin makes his move and tampers with the Batmobile, putting it under his control.
My Thoughts:
Ah, Robin!! He’s back again!!
The background for the Batmobile mechanic was solid, and he kept the episode alive too. (Such as a surprise in the air conditioning switch!) There isn’t much to say for this one, but is fun to watch all the same.
56. Harley and Ivy When the Joker fires Harley, she tries going on a crime spree of her own, joining up with Poison Ivy, and the two become Gotham's Queens of Crime, much to Joker's fury.
My Thoughts:
Yes, Harley and Ivy meet at last!! I’ve actually been snooping around YouTube and became a fan of the HarleyxIvy pairing. Never saw a connection from the episodes themselves, but some videos are hard to argue with.
It was nice to see Harley get under the Joker’s skin more than usual. The girls really make a great team. The episode was a little strong on the whole “girls don’t need men” message; good message, mind you, just that the hints were dropped a few too many times. Other than that? Really happy with it.
57. Shadow of the Bat - Part 1 When Commissioner Gordon is framed for taking bribes from Rupert Thorne, his daughter Barbara pleads with Batman to show up at a rally being put on in the commissioner's behalf. But when Batman disappears after finding the person behind the frame-up, Barbara takes the law into her own hands as Batgirl.
My Thoughts:
Ah, finally! Batgirl!!
Frankly I was expecting her since her dad was a robot around volume one. It is now volume three. The episode was really slow at the start but seeing Barbara make these choices as a costume for the first time is interesting. That, and I guess I’m a little prejudiced because she’s my favorite out of the bunch.
58. Shadow of the Bat - Part 2 Robin discovers that Gil Mason is in league with the underworld and goes to investigate him. He encounters Batgirl along the way, and go their separate ways to stop Mason.
My Thoughts:
A lot of running action. It was nice to see Batman and Robin’s reactions to the new Bat in town. There was a certain unmasking that took me by surprise as I don’t think a certain person deserved to figure it out, but it was still enjoyable.
59. Blind as a Bat The Penguin steals an experimental helicopter from an air show, causing an explosion that temporarily blinds Bruce Wayne. Batman knows he won't be able to wait until his vision returns to track the Penguin down, but will he be able to do so without the use of his eyes?
My Thoughts:
Fun watching Bats cope with blindness. I was expecting him to just use his other four sense, but the way he went about fighting was a bit more, eh, extreme. Definitely unexpected, and a nice twist. You’d be surprised how many times I’ve seen the “temporary blindness” storyline. I won’t tell too much, but don’t you hate it when batteries run out at the worst times possible?
60. The Demon's Quest - Part 1 When Robin is mysteriously abducted from his college campus, the Batman begins a fruitless search ... until he is astounded by the sudden appearance in the Batcave of Ra's Al Ghul. Ra's quickly reveals that his daughter, Talia, has been abducted under circumstances similar to Robin's, suggesting that the same persons are responsible. So begins an uneasy truce between the Batman and 'The Demon'.
My Thoughts:
Hm, I was first introduced to this villain by Batman Beyond. Kinda creepy how a giant, bubbling, green pit can bring about eternal life. Robin’s capture was a little too easy for my taste, but a twist to the end of this half makes up for it.
61. The Demon's Quest - Part 2 After freeing Talia from her father's clutches and escaping from an avalanche, Batman and Robin follow the only clue they have - the word 'Orpheus'. After discovering that 'Orpheus' is Ra's private satellite that will orbit over the Sahara, the duo travel to the Demon's desert stronghold.
My Thoughts:
Well, they certainly laid the romance aspect on thick.
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The end was a little bit of a let-down because when Ra's “died”, I kind of expected him to stay dead. Foolish, I know. Stereotypical “You haven’t seen the last of me” ending right there.
Other than that, the creepy life pit brought about enough magic and insanity to keep you entertained.
62. His Silicon Soul When a Batman impersonator appears in Gotham City, the real Batman deduces that Karl Rossum is somehow involved and confronts the inventor. The other Batman, a duplicate, then shows up and a battle between the two takes place. After the duplicate Batman escapes, it begins its campaign to recreate H.A.R.D.A.C.'s goals of a robotic society.
My Thoughts:
I can’t help but recall all the movies and TV shows that ask the same question: can a machine have the same genuine emotion as a human? I remember something similar in the Spider-Man Unlimited cartoon as well. (Yes, another Marvel reference for a DC show.)
Seeing Bats fight himself was enjoyable all in itself, and this adds to it. A question that keeps you thinking.
63. Fire from Olympus Believing himself to be the reincarnation of the Greek God Zeus, mad shipping magnate Maxie Zeus hijacks an experimental electron cannon. Mounting the weapon atop his penthouse, Maxie plans to rain 'lightning bolts' down on the "wicked mortals" of Gotham City.
My Thoughts:
An episode where a guy is delusional and thinks he’s Zeus. Is it bad that I knew almost every Greek reference in there??
I really like this one because you just want to laugh at how much this guy is into it, or at least I do. It’s just out of the norm. There’s not much else to say about it. Kinda funny, but still a little twisted.
64. Read My Lips A brand-new gang has made its debut committing the slickest crimes ever, thanks to the gang leader, Scarface. It's up to Batman to stop Scarface and his "dummy", the Ventriloquist.
My Thoughts:
Scarface again!! Is it bad that I unintentionally watched Jeff Dunham before this?? :laugh:
Honestly, the story seems to be getting a little repetitive here but this one doesn’t seem old for some reason. Maybe it’s the new dummy? Is it that I am still amused by ventriloquism? Well, I think I’m just still in a good mood. Seeing the ventriloquist fight with his dummy never gets old, especially when there’s a gun involved.
65. The Worry Men Wealthy socialite Veronica Vreeland returns from Central America bringing tiny handmade dolls for all her friends. According to native legend, once placed under a pillow the dolls do the sleeper's worrying for them. Unknown to Veronica or her guests, each of the dolls was made by the Mad Hatter, and contains a tiny microchip which plants hypnotic suggestions inside the sleepers' brains.
My Thoughts:
Unusual episode. Some mix of the Mad Hatter and Mayan culture??? Ok then….
Really reminds me of one episode of Batman Beyond where people were hallucinating and giving the criminals money and stuff in their daydreams. It was called “Spellbound”, I think.
Even with the flashback to explain everything, it’s hard to wrap your head around the plot of the episode because you would expect the Mad Hatter to do some kind of crime to do with the old fairy tail stuff, specifically Alice in Wonderland. I mean, it still makes sense, just not something a person would think of for that specific villain. It came out ok.
66. Sideshow En route to an upstate prison, Killer Croc escapes and leads Batman on a dangerous chase through the wilderness. After throwing Batman temporarily off his trail, the reptile-man takes refuge with a group of retired circus freaks, and convinces them to help him.
My Thoughts:
Starts out in a typical runaway scene, ends up pretty heartwarming. The circus idea was pretty entertaining, and the last line Croc had was a nice finisher for the episode. And the Seal Boy was just plain cute. :P
67. Bullet for Bullock Someone has put a hit out on Gotham's toughest cop, Harvey Bullock. After surviving several near misses, Bullock realizes he has no choice but to ask his arch-rival Batman to help him discover who is behind the murder attempts. During their investigation Bullock learns that his gruff and mean-spirited manner has created enemies in the unlikeliest of people.
My Thoughts:
“You have the right to remain silent. If you give up that right, you’ll probably bore me to tears, so keep your trap shut, dog-breath!” :laugh: Ah, Bullock being Bullock!!
The bumbling, hard-detective humor was enough to make this episode fun, and there was a good twist to boot. (The real criminal was laughing like the Joker….)
68.Trial Gotham's new DA Janet Van Dorn is out to capture Batman, but both she and him end up captured by a gang of criminals instead. They are soon put on a kangaroo trial by the Joker (the judge), Two-Face (the prosecutor), the Ventriloquist (the bailiff), Poison Ivy, Harley Quinn, the Mad Hatter, Killer Croc, the Scarecrow, the Riddler and other criminals. If the defense (Batman and the D.A.) can prove that Batman is not the cause for everyone's turn to crime, they will be set free.
My Thoughts:
The Joker as the judge!! Villains as the jury!! Haha, a real fun one this episode is. The irony of someone who wants to get rid of Batman as his defense is priceless!! So many good moments, like Harley “influencing” Judge Joker, the destruction of an innocent flower, and more. :laugh:
Title: Re: Batman: The Animated Series
Post by: addicted2comics(:P) on November 29, 2011, 04:25:36 AM
(http://i817.photobucket.com/albums/zz94/Moon_Spider/Batman%20the%20Animated%20Series/V3E13.jpg) (Yeah, idk what happened to my picture, but I can't fix it now)
69. Avatar A mystic Egyptian scroll donated to the Gotham museum by Bruce Wayne is stolen by Ra's Al Ghul, and Batman and Talia must join forces to prevent the power-mad Ra's from unlocking the scroll's secrets of life and death.
My Thoughts:
I love Egyptian themes. I am getting a serious Scooby-Doo vibe from this episode because there was a specific movie where Daphne had to dress up as Cleopatra in her tomb - - can’t remember the name, though.
Of all the nice plots and stuff that are commendable in this episode, they overlooked explaining one thing: how that dude survived from last time! He should be dead!! Other than that, typical episode, though there were some nice effects (or, um, drawn pictures?) on Miss Mummy, she looked beautiful specifically in one shot.
70. House & Garden Not only has Poison Ivy been released from Arkham Asylum, but she's also married her doctor and settled down to help him raise his two sons. Still, wealthy Gotham bachelors are being poisoned and robbed in ways that exactly mirror Ivy's old crimes. The attacks take a personal turn when Dick Grayson is kidnapped by the mysterious assailant. Is Ivy responsible? And if so, how can Batman prove it?
My Thoughts:
Ivy almost had me fooled too, but that’s why Batman’s known as the World’s Greatest Detective. (Though, for that title, I vote for Death Note’s L ;) )
Pam wanting a family seemed a bit sappy, but kind of sweet. Later, everything became reminiscent of Goosebumps’ “Stay Out of the Basement”. Interpret that as you will. Most of the episode, though, I was arguing with myself over whether or not I thought Ivy really reformed. Of course, I already knew she didn’t because I watched Disc 1 of volume 4 by accident a while back. It really shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone considering she’s a key villain, but I wandered off my train of thought.
71. The Terrible Trio Three wealthy, bored friends of Bruce Wayne decide to seek new thrills by becoming master criminals. As the Fox, the Shark and the Vulture - masters of land, sea and air - the Terrible Trio pick Gotham clean, until they encounter one person who cannot be bought off—Batman.
My Thoughts:
I can’t believe there was a whole episode about these guys. Take away the money the trio had, and you have your basic crooks in a mask, no mental illness, gimmick or anything apart from them. Here’s what would have happened in real life: the trio rob a place, Batman comes, he fights/trips them, a mask comes off, they get tied up and go to jail. About 5 mins.
As far as the actual episode goes, I guess it was entertaining to see the leader of the trio sink deeper into madness. We all know he’s getting crazy. That’s about it.
72. Harlequinade The Joker steals an atomic bomb, and it is up to Batman and Robin to find and stop him. Since there is no time to spare, the duo enlist the help of Harley Quinn to track Joker down.
My Thoughts:
Harley Quinn is by far my favorite villain that Batman ever had!!!! <3
Most of the episode was totally hilarious!! “I bet you thought I was just some blonde bimbo. But joke’s on you! I’m not even a real blonde!” There are so many quote-worthy moments but I don’t want to ruin them. Everyone at this site must know that I love humor and Harley really delivered.
I also noticed that the opening picture for when the title appeared was the same picture shown in Ivy’s scrapbook at the end of “House and Garden”. ;D I love this episode so much, I just need to leave you all with a clip of one of the two songs Harley sings during the whole series, because I just really like it, lol.
73. Time Out of Joint The Clock King returns to continue his vendetta against Mayor Hill. This time the time-obsessed criminal hopes to murder Hill with the help of a stolen invention that allows him to warp time and travel at super-speed.
My Thoughts:
First episode with the Batman and Robin opening.
This one was fair. The Clock King really isn’t my favorite villain. The fast-motion was fun. Average otherwise.
74. Catwalk Anxious to take up her old ways as Catwoman, Selina Kyle joins forces with the Ventriloquist to humiliate socialite Veronica Vreeland. But the real victim is Catwoman herself, who has been secretly set up by Scarface to take the fall for another robbery.
My Thoughts:
Even at the beginning of this one, I thought to myself that Selena is so obsessed with cats and thievery that it’s a wonder she wasn’t put away in Arkham. (Or maybe she was in the comics and I just didn’t read it, idk.) Seeing her face off against Scarface was something else. It wasn’t all that exciting, but it was different. Another average episode.
75. Bane Batman comes face to face with his most powerful adversary yet, the chemically-enhanced assassin Bane. Originally hired by Rupert Thorne to kill Batman, Bane plans on taking control of Thorne's criminal empire once Batman is destroyed.
My Thoughts:
A good introduction to Bane. Good fight scenes. Not much else to say with this one.
76. Baby Doll A former child star named Mary Dahl has become bitter and insane after falling into obscurity and realizing she has a disorder that prevents her body from growing to adulthood, thus biologically cursed with literal eternal youth. She kidnaps her TV family, who all led more successful lives and careers than her, and holds them prisoner on an abandoned sound stage.
My Thoughts:
Baby Doll looks and sounds funny, but the story behind it is really kind of sad. A grown woman trapped forever in a puny body. You can hear her real age in her voice, though more some times than others. The episode is a mix of humor and grit, a nice combination. Some may like the psychology behind Baby Doll wanting to live as a child forever, I just like how they made fun of classic TV. ;D
77. The Lion and the Unicorn The Red Claw organization kidnaps Alfred, seeking a code they need to arm a weapon of mass destruction that Alfred knows from his days as a British secret agent.
My Thoughts:
Alfred as a secret agent for London. Who woulda figured it?
SO MANY things in this episode that reminded me of either Sherlock Holmes or James Bond. :laugh: Which, I suppose, is indeed a very good way to describe this one. I never really liked the Red Claw, but in this setting it totally works.
78. Showdown Ra's al Ghul narrates a story from his past in which Jonah Hex stops his plan to destroy the new transcontinental railroad using a blimp.
My Thoughts:
Wow, never knew Jonah Hex was a DC character. Now I’m starting to regret not watching the movie, though with some reviews I read I think I’ll get over it.
I really think I’d like Jonah Hex if I saw him in more episodes or cartoon of his own or something. Maybe I’ll look up some comics later. The end tied in nicely with the Batman story, though this really wouldn’t be a Batman episode. Hex really stole the show!
79. Riddler's Reform The Riddler is hired to work for a toy company, vowing to turn over a new leaf.
My Thoughts:
I’m particularly fond of brain-teasers. I love to test myself. Half the episode I was pretending to be Batman and find the clues in what the Riddler says. :laugh: I think that’s what made this episode fun. That, and it was funny to see the Riddler freak out towards the end.
80. Second Chance Just before he is to undergo the operation that will restore his face, and possibly his sanity, Two-Face is kidnapped by a mysterious villain. Batman and Robin split up to nab the criminal mastermind behind the scheme. Is it the Penguin, Rupert Thorne, or someone with a more personal reason for hating Harvey Dent?
My Thoughts:
Another one where you really feel sad for Two Face. That split personality has caused so much trouble for him. A certain scene with a trick coin nearly had me laughing, but it really is a good reflective piece for what Hervey had to be put through with the classic theme of him being his own worst enemy.
81. Harley's Holiday Harley Quinn is released back into society, proved to be sane. After a misunderstanding at a clothing store, however, a snowball of comedic chaos builds around her.
My Thoughts:
How many times do I have to go over that Harley is by far my favorite character? :laugh: The only question in my mind is what lunatic doctor at Arkham would ever declare Harley sane?!
The humor with her never disappoints and seeing her try to reform really is something different. She could have at least had a guideline-normal life if she didn’t make a simple enough mistake. I was nearly cracking up!
82. Lock-Up Lyle Bolton, the new head of security at Arkham, is fired for his atrocious mistreatment of the inmates. Six months later, Bolton becomes the vigilante Lock-Up, and decides to put who he feels responsible for the ruin of the city behind bars. It's up to Batman and Robin to save his victims.
My Thoughts:
If a man can scare the Scarecrow, then he is clearly a lunatic who should be locked up himself. :-\
Seriously, this dude was starting to even creep me out. Seriously. This was just fun to watch because he is quite possibly the most insane security guard in existence. Nothing he did really surprised me, but the part was played very well.
83. Lock-Up Gotham City is plagued by a rash of oddball crimes, all committed by bizarre villains. Batman and Robin investigate, discovering the "criminals" are actually famous comedians brainwashed by the Joker. It seems the comedians had the disguised Joker tossed out of the annual Gotham Comedy Competition the year before and the jealous clown has sworn to destroy their reputations in return.
My Thoughts:
The Condiment King. The Pack Rat. So many new villains that make me cringe. I mean, it’s not like people like these are published into real comics.
A “Joker’s past” story. Sad really. His crimes are funnier than his jokes. Episode was kind of funny just because of the lame villains and a pantsing scene.
84. Deep Freeze Mr. Freeze is sprung from Arkham by aging billionaire Grant Walker, who is looking to freeze the world and recreate it according to his own design. Batman and Robin infiltrate the billionaire's underwater city and combat both high-tech robots and Mr. Freeze himself, who has personal reasons to do Walker's bidding and cover the Earth in a new ice age.
My Thoughts:
Hidden Image time! ;D Lol, in one scene I spotted Bat-Gnat (obvious), Mr. Mixelplix (I have no idea how to spell that name), Krypto the Superdog and Streaky the Supercat.
As with any episode with Mr. Freeze, it is centered around his hopes of bringing his ill wife back to consciousness. Still, to be honest most of this episode was idealistic belief for a new civilization and that just didn’t keep up to par with the usual Mr. Freeze motives. True, there are only so many different ways you can go over the same plot line, but this new person who is pretty much bribing the frozen man with his wife just has a seriously facepalm-worthy plan for the future. If I was in the cartoon I’d slap him upside the head before a regular beat-down
86. Batgirl Returns While Bruce is in Europe on a Wayne Enterprises business trip, the theft of a jade cat statue occurs at Gotham State University. Barbara Gordon again becomes Batgirl to investigate, only to run into Catwoman, who is also investigating, pointing out that the acid residue used to destroy the security system is not her style. The two team up to find the statue, with Robin tailing them, and things go from bad to worse when Roland Daggett is revealed to be involved.
My Thoughts:
Yay! Batgirl’s back!! ;D Haha, and I love that here she has a crush on Batman when she and Robin went canon.
Seeing her work together with Robin and Catwoman was about as fun as you would expect. You really see how Batgirl grew as a crime fighter, getting to know her cases well and a little better at fighting too. The best aspect of the episode though was, of course, the growing relationship between Batgirl and Robin. Not too much Batman here except in a daydream, but still good to watch.
87. Holiday Knights Three holiday-themed vignettes. (1) Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn kidnap Bruce Wayne and use his credit cards for a shopping spree. (2) While shopping for a gift for her father, Barbara Gordon spots a group of shoplifters that turn out to be portions of Clayface. (3) Batman and Robin race to stop the Joker from killing the crowd at the Gotham City New Year Celebration.
My Thoughts:
Yay, Christmas!! And Harley and Ivy again!! But poor Harls still can’t get a tree for the holidays ;D
This is actually three stories, all of which I have seen before when I accidentally brought the wrong volumes of DVDs to my grandmother’s house and got through this one without realizing what happened. What’s more, I have no problem watching it again. I love holiday episodes and this brings me three!! Short and sweet!!
I am totally loving this, almost seems to end too soon.
88. Sins of the Father Young orphan Tim Drake becomes Batman's new ward when he becomes involved in one of Two-Face's deadly plots.
My Thoughts:
I never really knew this Robin’s origin, so this was a bit of a change for me. It sure wasn’t the usual trauma-induced childhood or anything like that. [spoilers]Tim having a criminal life at so young was somewhat unique, and the ending where both of the Robins met was wonderful. “No one can stay a boy wonder forever.”[/spoilers] Grayson grew up. I knew that much from him going to college, it leads to the idea of having him taking over, which I guess is why he was made so old in the first place: so Tim could be added to the series. Personally, I wouldn’t have made that decision since I barely know Drake, but things are somewhat clearer now.
89. Cold Comfort After the events in "SubZero" Mr. Freeze has been forced to be bound to a new robotic body. His wife Nora has been revived, but believing him dead, she has remarried and left Gotham. If Freeze can't have a life of happiness, nobody can, so he begins lashing out at the city by destroying what people care about so they can feel the same pain he feels.
My Thoughts:
[spoilers]HOLY CRUD MR FREEZE IS JUST A HEAD!!!![/spoilers]
It got to be a very sad story as to how Mr. Freeze couldn’t be with Nora. And he pieced together Bruce’s psychology (losing his parents then filling the void through adoption), which something I think I overlooked before. The episode was a bit of an eye-opener, yet still average when concerned with the crimes and action.
90. Double Talk Arnold Wesker is released from Arkham, completely free of his Scarface persona. But Scarface's old gang, needing their old boss back, begin working to drive Wesker back to his old ways.
My Thoughts:
Typically I like the psychological stuff, but forcing a split personality out was just wrong! Usually that would translate to a fun episode!! But…..meh. It was fine. I’m really at a loss for words at this point. It’s just what you’d expect from Scarface, and more specifically people who would want him back.
92. You Scratch My Back In an effort to further distance himself from Batman, Nightwing tries to go it alone to stop a smuggling ring and gets unexpected help from the seductive Catwoman, who attempts a somewhat sensual relationship with him.
My Thoughts:
And the first Nightwing episode!! I loved how they worked in his romance with Barbara, but him and Catwoman? Considering she was with Bats first….and I assume Grayson was a kid at that point…..just…just no. Regardless of whether or not Richard grew up - and it’s very evident that he did – that is just a staggering age difference in my eyes! Not that there’s much wrong with that, given its mutual in the relationship as it is, but they’d have enough problems between the hero/villainess thing, As far as an actual action-esque plot, it was very thin. Just another jewel for Catwoman. Not a big surprise.
93. Never Fear The Scarecrow develops a new toxin that, rather than inducing fear, eliminates it, making average people incredibly reckless and dangerous.
My Thoughts:
A world without fear. We’re not talking a population of wannabe DareDevils. The episode was one of mixed emotions. Scary to see Batman not afraid to kill, funny to see Tim tie him up.
94. Joker's Millions Crime boss Edward "The King" Barlow dies and in his will leaves his arch-rival, the Joker, a large fortune. The Joker immediately goes on a shopping spree, even searching for a replacement for Harley Quinn, but realizes too late that almost all of the money is fake.
My Thoughts:
Kind of a funny episode. Someone pulled one over on the Joker and he had to face the IRS! :laugh:
Best moments were with Harley, though.
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The Joker should NOT have tried to hire a new hench girl….
95. Growing Pains Robin fights to protect a young girl with amnesia who is being stalked by her "father", who turns out to be Clayface. Having created the girl from his own body to scout out the city, he now intends to reabsorb her.
My Thoughts:
The budding relationship between Robin and “Annie” was SO SWEET!!! It was really cute and kind of funny to see Tim take on a mission practically on his own. A twist in the plot makes it a very sad story, and Robin’s last line makes you feel like you just got a punch in the gut. Or maybe I’m just extra sensitive. It was a nice episode for teenagers, at least.
96. Love is a Croc Baby Doll becomes enamored of Killer Croc, and the pair forms a very unlikely yet very successful criminal duo. However, their partnership soon falls apart when Baby Doll learns that Croc is only using her to further his own criminal career.
My Thoughts:
Wow, Baby Doll and Killer Croc. Not a pair I would imagine. ???
I honestly thought this would be a totally hilarious episode, but it was actually very sentimental. It starts with the idea of two people relating to one another because the world sees them so differently, then you’d end up feeling sad because it didn’t quite work out. I almost wish it did work out…..
97. Torch Song A lovelorn pyrotechnic engineer, Garfield Lynns, gets dumped by a big time singer named Cassidy. Lynns becomes the supervillain Firefly, bent on burning the woman who burned him.
My Thoughts:
Wow, judging by the opening, Cassidy isn’t all that great a singer. ???
And Barbara made a Pinky and the Brain reference!!! :laugh:
I really don’t like this version of Firefly. I think I like the one from The Batman better – where he’s into corporate espionage instead of obsessing over this one girl who called it quits on him. Other than that, there were decent action scenes and a LOT of fire.
98. The Ultimate Thrill Former stuntwoman and adrenaline junkie Roxanne Sutton becomes the rocket-riding thief Roxy Rocket, to chase danger and excitement.
My Thoughts:
Wow, that girl was a thrill junkie. Reminds me of this one blonde girl off of a Kim Possible episode that had a similar schtik, but I can’t remember her name – she was only a one-time villain.
The stunts were fun to watch; Roxy turned EVERY movement into a stunt. She drove the Penguin up the wall!!
99. Over the Edge During a fight with the Scarecrow, Batgirl is ambushed on a rooftop and falls to her death. Having watched his daughter's demise, Jim Gordon blames Batman for her fate and vows revenge, even recruiting Bane in the process..
My Thoughts:
That … was amazing. This episode goes into what would happen if Batgirl died, their secrets were revealed, and if the Commissioner was on an anti-vigilante spree.
Batgirl’s death I’m pretty sure went near-viral on YouTube as I’ve been recommended it on more than one occasion.
Here, it seemed like the entire world came tumbling down.
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of course, it was all a scarecrow hallucination. ;)
100. Mean Seasons Batman pursues an ex-model, who is now looking for revenge and calling herself "Calendar Girl".
My Thoughts:
See, this is why I hate modeling companies, beauty campaigns, and the like. This villain was deemed too old for stuff – ergo, not pretty enough – to get paid. When her face is revealed,
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she was perfectly beautiful. Could only see the flaws.
Needless to say, I like the message of commercial beauty and its effect on society present here.
101. Critters A genetic engineer goes overboard in creating bigger livestock and loses all his money. A year later, an army of mutant farm animals terrorize Gotham City.
My Thoughts:
Ah, so many country jokes and bad puns. Most of them by Robin. :laugh:
Super bugs? Really? I’m still trying to figure out how a man could be a genetic scientist yet still act so uneducated. Pretty funny scenarios – the Batmobile being run over by a giant cow, being given an ultimatum by a goat. Crazy stuff right here!!
102. Cult of the Cat Batman tries to help Catwoman, who is being chased by a cat cult due to a statue she stole.
My Thoughts:
Wow, an entire cult filled with people obsessed with cats and thievery just like Catwoman.
A lot of action, but nothing really interesting. A lof of this episode was typical Catwoman and Batman. Catwoman gets his help, betrays him, goes good at the last minute and benefits in the end without a moment in prison. Only difference is here she wasn’t the only one dressed as a cat.
103. Animal Act A series of thefts is being committed by circus animals in a town where Nightwing's old circus is performing. Is it an old friend that is training the animals to steal, or someone else?
My Thoughts:
It was nice to see Grayson back at his roots. The animals are definitely a nice change of pace! Robin learning what circus life is really like towards the end was hilarious! And all-around good episode.
104. Old Wounds When on patrol on his own, Robin runs into Nightwing and he tells Robin the story of how he and Batman grew apart. The story reveals how Batgirl discovered Batman and Robin's true identities, and also explains some of the romantic flare between Barbara and Dick.
My Thoughts:
I enjoy the flashback/milestone episodes. This one investigates what drove Batman and the first Robin apart and created the persona Nightwing. It felt so, so, SO weird to have Barbara be Batgirl yet her not know about Batman. But, it was true to the timeline.
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Also true was how this situation drove apart Batgirl and Robin. Robin would drift from Batman, join the Teen Titans, get involved with Starfire, and then become Nightwing later – though, its not all laid out in the one cartoon episode. It has nothing to with the episode itself, but I felt proud knowing that, even if I am more of a fan of Marvel.
The Action/Villain plot wasn’t all that complex, just another Joker-threat, but that’s all that was needed. You can really see how everyone relates to one another in this episode, even after all those years.
105. The Demon Within Batman and Robin assist occultist Jason Blood when Klarion the Witch-boy takes control of Blood's alter-ego, Etrigan the Demon.
My Thoughts:
Someone mind telling me why an ice cream truck was playing “Pop Goes the Weasel”? :laugh:
I was so excited when I saw Etrogen! (I remembered him from Batman: the Brave and the Bold) I especially like his rhymes. ;D I think the episode fairly lived up to my expectations. The villain kid person was really weird and creepy, but cool.
106. Legends of the Dark Knight A group of Gotham City youths tell their stories about what they believe the Dark Knight to really be like.
My Thoughts:
Hm, kind of like Batman: Gotham Knights (I believe that was the title.) I really like the idea of an anthology of Batman stories from kids with different art for each. Really keeps things interesting.
1st Art: 60s style. Kind of annoying and hard to get into, but by far not the worst I’ve seen, I could like it.
2nd Art: WHAT THE HECK?!?!? Uh, well I got kind of a Batman Beyond feel from it but the entire time I was completely lost. Not sure what the people were thinking at that point. There is a commentary, but I’m focusing on getting through the series, thank you.
Overall, I always love these things despite what however-many-people may say.
107. Girl's Night Out Livewire escapes during a prison transfer and runs amok in Gotham, joining forces with Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn. With the Dark Knight away, Batgirl teams up with Supergirl to face the deadly trio.
My Thoughts:
I remember Livewire from a Superman/Batman marathon that came on TV once. Can’t remember much, though.
I love the sidekicks coming together. (Yes, I have enjoyed Young Justice) The villains coming together was nice too, considering what a horrible match-up it was. Quite a few laughs, and very memorable
108. Mad Love Harley reflects on her first meeting with the Joker as she plots to eliminate her main competition in his attentions - Batman.
My Thoughts:
Very classic moments throughout. Harley failing to comfort/love the Joker. Harley taking Batman on her own. Hearing Batman laugh (very creepy). That, and classic “victim of abusive boyfriend” psychology right at the end.
Also, this was the telling of how Harleen Quinzel became Harley Quinn, and I love origin stories!! Even if they are once I’ve seen a dozen times over, lol.
109. Chemistry Bruce Wayne, along with other wealthy denizens of Gotham, fall in love with their ideal mate, who all happen to have green eyes. Wayne decides to marry, and gives up being Batman forever. However, an old enemy's latest plot is being set into motion...
My Thoughts:
Here, I really get a “Single Dad” feeling from Bruce. Finds someone who makes him happy and lets the kids take over the business.
This was a classic Ivy plot, but the fact that so much love got involved makes it so much crueler. Wayne’s wife almost made me want him to go back and get her during the last scene. She seemed so helpless. :( Very good emotional pull.
In the comics, I don’t believe Batman was ever married, though I could be wrong considering how little DC I read. (I only took the time really to read Blue Beetle). But, they pulled it off if not for only the one episode.
110. Beware the Creeper Exposure to a weird mixture of chemicals, including the Joker's laughing gas, changes straitlaced newsman Jack Ryder into the crazed Creeper. He looks to kill the Joker, and develops a much unwanted crush on Harley.
My Thoughts:
Yay, Freakazoid!!! Oh, I mean Creeper!! ;)
For those that don’t know, the Creeper was actually the first idea for Freakazoid, who is the freak below.
As you can see, a lot has changed. But he’s still so whacky!! I love it!! The JOKER called him a lunatic!! :laugh: There are so many amazing moments here. I just love it!! I can’t say much else!!
One last note? The henchmen were the Three Stooges. :thumbup:
111. Judgment Day A new, mysterious vigilante known as "The Judge" appears and targets Gotham's rogues gallery with ruthless fury.
My Thoughts:
The Judge seemed to be such a gritty vigilante I think he outdid Batman in that department. I could see so much potential in him as an actual supernatural entity like a ghost-like one from DC I saw before, though I can’t place a name. I think it was along the lines of Spirit but I can’t be sure.
The actual origin of the judge wasn’t what I expected, but nicely done all the same. It’s safe to say I didn’t see it coming, and I won’t spoil it for anyone. I may see a bit of a missed opportunity, but the result was promising, good to watch if you’re into the darker episodes.
Title: Re: Batman: The Animated Series
Post by: addicted2comics(:P) on December 08, 2011, 04:46:47 AM
FINALLY FINISHED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
...................and it only took over a year :slaphead:
Title: Re: Batman: The Animated Series
Post by: addicted2dvd on December 08, 2011, 05:30:38 AM
:stars: :suicide: :stars:
:tease:
Title: Re: Batman: The Animated Series
Post by: Dragonfire on December 08, 2011, 08:31:59 AM
It took me over a year to finish the James Bond and Hitchcock marathons. And...well...we just won't mention how horrible I've done with the one for years since I was born. (I've think I've done 1...well that I wrote about here anyway.)
Title: Re: Batman: The Animated Series
Post by: Rogmeister on December 08, 2011, 05:58:20 PM
I thought I'd seen every episode of this series but I don't remember seeing the Creeper one. I remember reading the original Creeper comic book back in the 1960's which was by artist Steve Ditko.
Title: Re: Batman: The Animated Series
Post by: addicted2comics(:P) on December 09, 2011, 01:11:30 AM
I thought I'd seen every episode of this series but I don't remember seeing the Creeper one. I remember reading the original Creeper comic book back in the 1960's which was by artist Steve Ditko.
one of my friends from the Deadpool Forum, aracnineryu, has had me proofread quite a few issues of the Creeper fanfic she has. She's done some nice drawings as well. In that light, I can't say I'm unfamiliar with the character but this is the first time I experianced first-hand what he was like.
I can't say I know much about the birth of the creeper, I just knew what i knew from when he was mentioned down here: