#Batman the animated series series

He’s an ex-con and a father trying to see his kid after losing custody because of his crimes. While Harley Quinn gets all the attention, Lloyd Ventrix is among the most fully realized characters of Batman: TAS. The Joker is in rare form here, trying to kill a father in front of his son, but the real star is how the show addresses the real pain of neglected children without teaching a cheesy lesson. At first, Jordan finds a new father figure, but when the villain’s more violent tendencies reveal themselves, it’s up to Batman to save the boy before this birthday becomes his last. Jordan stows away in the van of his birthday clown, unaware the clown is the Joker in disguise. “ Be a Clown” exemplifies that characteristic, focusing on Jordan, the neglected son of Mayor Hill, who runs away from home after his father makes his birthday a political event. Screengrab via Amazon 21) “Be a Clown”: Season 1, Episode 9īatman: TAS is beloved for its dark action and thrilling stories, but its humanity remains among the show’s best traits. It turns out you don’t need supervillains to tell a great Batman story. This subtle framework helps explore the damaged relationships between family members while keeping things kid-friendly. ” Tackling the Saturday-morning-ready topic of underground mob surgeons isn’t easy for a kids show, but it manages by carefully blocking around the violence.

It’s a shame Batman : TAS ’s episodes that focus on his street-level crime fighting were so few and far between, especially since it kept us from more stories like “ Paging the Crime Doctor. In the modern era that’s special, but in 1993 it was downright groundbreaking.ġ9) “Paging the Crime Doctor”: Season 1, Episode 53 Batgirl’s never treated as a love interest she’s treated with the respect her skills deserve. Facing off with Batman, Robin, and Two-Face, Barbara must clear her father’s name before his fellow inmates get their hands on him. When Commissioner Gordon is framed for corruption, his daughter Barbara takes up the mantle of the Bat to investigate his innocence on her own. Screengrab via Amazon 18) “Shadow of the Bat Parts 1 & 2”: Season 1, Episode 57 and 58īatgirl didn’t get many chances to shine in Batman: TAS, but “ Shadow of the Bat” is a particular bright spot. Harley was a star from the moment she hit the screen, “ Harley’s Holiday” is just her first big solo break. Unfortunately, the universe has other plans, putting her right back in Batman’s sights in this hysterical screwball adventure. She’s not going to break the law from here on out it’s living the straight and narrow. On the day she is discharged from Arkham Asylum, Harley Quinn tries to make a fresh start.

When people ask how Harley Quinn, the murderous girlfriend of the Joker, became such a beloved character among fans, we suggest you point them to “ Harley’s Holiday.” While Quinn steals the show in every episode she appears in, “ Harley’s Holiday” is her first real moment in the spotlight.

#Batman the animated series series

The best Batman: The Animated Series episodes of all time 1) “Harley’s Holiday”: Season 2, Episode 16

If you’re looking for a crash course in modern Batman theory, no interpretation has had a broader influence than this seemingly innocuous children’s cartoon from the ’90s. From Killer Croc to Harley Quinn, we’ve compiled the 21 best episodes from the show’s two seasons. With 85 stories to choose from, you might ask yourself what are the best episodes of Batman: The Animated Series. Each episode is a work of art, from the title cards to the loving comic book homages to the in-depth characterization and sophisticated scores. It introduced dark themes, film noir influences, and an artistic vision that inspired fans of all ages. Widely considered the character’s best interpretation by both fans and comics historians, Batman: The Animated Series was unlike any of its peers. Over the course of 85 episodes between 19, Batman: The Animated Series redefined Batman for an entire generation.