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Top 20 Stories from Batman the Animated Series (10-1) |
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Written by Storage and Disposal
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Friday, 29 August 2008 00:37 |
10. The Demon's Quest
Episodes 060 - 061
Villain: Ra's Al Ghul
In the first Chapter, Robin is kidnapped from his dorm room and a picture of him being held captive is sent to Bruce Wayne's address. Ra's Al Ghul appears in the Batcave and requests the help of Batman, suggesting that the same people that kidnapped Robin took his daughter, Talia. After searching India and Malaysia, they find a map with a faint scratch tracing a route through the Himalayas. Ra's lectures Batman on the importance of the forests and what it will take to save them along the way. Upon arriving, their helicopter is hit, seemingly killing Ra's Al Ghul and his bodyguard. After a short search, Batman finds Robin tied up in a cave. Batman reveals that he knows who planned the kidnappings: Ra's Al Ghul himself. Ra's Al Ghul then arrives, impressed with the Dark Knight, and offers his daughter to him along with his position when he dies. After a harsh rejection from Batman, Ra's collapses. Talia convinces Batman to place him in a Lazarus pit to revive him. This results in Ra's going crazy and attacking Talia.
In the second chapter, Batman frees Talia from Ra's just before an avalanche separates Batman and Robin from everyone else. Going on what little clues they have, they find Ra's' hideout and learn of his plan to kill over two billion people in an attempt to save the planet.
Why is it on the list?
Dennis O'Neil wrote it. For those unfamiliar, he's the guy who oversaw Batman comics for several years and is responsible for pulling it out of its campy phase in the '70s with a darker, more serious tone. He also created Ra's Al Ghul. When you have the person who created the character writing for you, you know you have a good chance of getting it right.
This story has no selfish plan. Essentially, these two brilliant minds are fighting over the best way to preserve the planet. It's an interesting tale of betrayal (with a hint of romance) that makes great use of Batman's detective skills while introducing one of Batman's greatest villains.
9. Old Wounds
Episode 102
Villain: The Joker
After witnessing Batman's harsh interrogation methods, Robin realizes Batman is willing to cross lines he isn't. He goes to his girlfriend, Barbara, for comfort, only to find that he can't openly discuss what's bothering him. Barbara tries to figure out what's wrong by questioning Bruce, who then decides to reveal their secrets to her. When asked why, he explains that it's in Dick's best interest and that he already knows she is Batgirl. At that moment, the Joker broadcasts his latest scheme to kill millions. Bruce asks Alfred to contact Robin, but Alfred tells him he has been trying and cannot reach him. Barbara volunteers to be Batman's back up. After they leave, Robin arrives to find Barbara's car at the mansion, but no sign of her. Alfred explains that she left to run an errand with Bruce. Dick asks what kind of errand when realizing the Batmobile is gone.
At the scene of the Joker's plan, Robin witnesses Batgirl falling to her certain doom. After barely saving her and helping foil Joker's plan, he decides that endangering Barbara is the last straw and quits being Robin.
Why is it on the list?
It explains what came between Batman and Robin while showing a different side of Batman. This is the story that bridges the gap between the Animated Series and the New Adventures. Plus, how often do you get to see Robin knock down Batman with a punch?
8. Two face
Episodes 010 - 011
Villains: Rupert Thorne and Two Face
Harvey Dent is on his way to being re-elected District Attorney, but certain anger issues seem to be surfacing that might get in the way of his warm public image. After he cracks another smuggling operation organized by Thorne, Thorne decides to take the District Attorney out of action, but having him killed at this point would only bring more attention to Thorne's criminal involvement. Instead, Thorne has Candice dig up anything she can find that would damage his chances at re-election. While following him, Candice discovers that Dent suffers from Dissociative Identity Disorder and steals his psychological file for Thorne. Thorne attempts to blackmail Dent, leading to an accident that leaves Dent disfigured and nearly dead. At the hospital, Dent snaps after seeing half of his face scarred beyond recognition and disappears into the night.
Six months pass and Dent is now taking matters into his own hands. He steals from Thorne's booking joints with two hired henchmen, allowing outcomes of the thefts to be decided by the flip of a coin. With no more establishments in Thorne's name that have to do with duality to hit, he decides to finish Thorne off by stealing evidence of Thorne's criminal involvement, despite Batman's pleas to help him. He spots a wedding dress on his way to finish Thorne off and dwells on the fiance he left behind months ago. He tries to see her, but their meeting is interrupted by Thorne.
Why is it on the list?
It's clear that the writers did their research. The realistic portrayal is enough to earn this episode acclaim. Of course, the build up they made by Harvey appearing as Bruce Wayne's close friend throughout the early episodes was a nice touch. It's a good story that shows where Batman and Two Face differ, the only two differences being Batman's refusal to kill and how Batman tries to change his surroundings whereas Two Face believes everything is up to chance.
There are some interesting psychological descriptions demonstrated in this story that don't deal with Dissociative Identity Disorder. A great example is Buridan's ass (heh, ass), wherein an ass (Two Face), placed in front of two hay stacks the same size, will starve because it can't decide between the two. Two Face demonstrates this by being completely immobilized without his coin.
7. The Man Who Killed Batman
Episode 051
Villains: The Joker and Rupert Thorne
While trying to make a name for himself in the crime world, Sidney "Sid the Squid" Debris runs into a bout of bad luck when he is questioned by Batman. Sid nearly falls off the roof of a building trying to escape, but Batman catches him. In a struggle to get back on the roof, Sid accidentally knocks Batman off of it. Word gets around fast that Sid killed Batman, which gives Sid the recognition he's always wanted. Only he quickly discovers the downside when everyone wants to prove themselves by killing the man who killed Batman. Everyone reacts as expected, police officers take it hard while criminals rejoice, except for the Joker.
Why is it on the list?
It's a great Joker story. It's the first episode that really explores his relationship with Batman outside of their routine. It turns out that the Joker needs Batman just as much as Gotham City needs him. Without him there's no punchline, and to be robbed of the satisfaction of killing him in a brilliant way causes him to lose the will to steal. This episode also provides a great Batman story that barely includes Batman at all. He makes a brief appearance in the beginning and another at the end, but that's it. It's interesting to see how people act when Batman's out of the picture.
6. Robin's Reckoning
Episodes 032 - 033
Villain: Tony Zucco
During a standard bust, Batman and Robin discover the name of the gang's leader, Billy Marin. Through flashbacks, we realize how Robin came to be and who Marin really is: Tony Zucco, the man responsible for the death of Robin's parents. Robin discovers that Batman is keeping the truth from him and a race begins to see who can get to Zucco first.
Why is it on the list?
It's Robin's origin story. This allows you to see through the jokes and one-liners and gives you a closer look at his relationship with Batman. It shows more layers of Robin's character as he defies Batman after realizing that Batman's after the man that murdered his parents. Through flashbacks, we find a really strong, almost tear-jerking story of how his parents died and how he was forced to leave everything he finds comforting immediately afterwards. You leave it with a better understanding of who Robin is and what he means to Batman.
5. Heart of Ice
Episode 014
Villain: Mr. Freeze
Mr. Freeze was a scientist that put his wife in cryogenic stasis after she became terminally ill. His boss, Boyle, ordered security to pull the plug on Freeze's research (ie his wife) due do a cut in his funds. Scared for his wife's safety, Freeze grabbed a guard's gun and tried to hold them back. Boyle then tricked Freeze into lowering the gun by pretending to reason with him, and kicked him into a table of chemicals, giving him the condition that changes him into Mr. Freeze. Now considering himself dead, Mr. Freeze goes after the man who killed his wife and doesn't care who gets hurt in the process.
Why is it on the list?
"This is how I'll always remember you. Surrounded by winter. Forever young. Forever beautiful. Rest well, my love. The monster who took you from me will soon learn that revenge is a dish... best served cold."
When you open with a line like that, how can you fail? This is a great example of what makes this series amazing. It takes a second rate villain like Mr. Freeze and gives him depth. This is one of the most tragic tales in the DC animated universe. It should also be noted that this episode is the first one to be directed by Bruce Timm and written by Paul Dini, the two that basically made the cartoon what it is.
4. Legends of the Dark Knight
Episode 104
Villains: The Joker, Firefly, and the mutant leader
A group of kids each tell their own opinion of what Batman's like. One kid doesn't think he's human, another thinks he and Robin are funny guys that tell lots of jokes, and another thinks he's an old man with a female sidekick. After a chance encounter with the Dark Knight, all believe their own interpretation to be reinforced.
Why is it on the list?
Where do I begin? Dick Sprang's older style is perfectly translated here. It's funny with incredibly corny gags, cheesy music, everything anyone remembers from the campier side of Batman. For a long time, this was Batman. It even closes with a reference to the title sequence of the '60s show. This is followed by a clever joke that seems to be aimed at the movie Batman and Robin, where a flamboyant boy, Joel, talks about how much he loves Batman's fashion sense while standing in front of a store sign that reads "Shoemaker" (Joel Shumacher directed that piece of shit movie). We are then treated with a very accurate translation of a scene from Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns. If you haven't read that yet and are a Batman fan, find it somewhere and read it. This episode succeeds in perfectly capturing the feel and tone of the two most iconic interpretations of Batman.
3. Perchance To Dream
Episode 030
Villain: The Mad Hatter
Bruce wakes up from a dream of being Batman. An awkward conversation with Alfred follows and Alfred seems to have no recollection of Robin. After failing to reach the Batcave, Bruce is shocked to find that his parents are still alive. Alfred informs him that he became the head of Wayne Enterprises and is engaged to Selina Kyle.
At his office, Bruce is still confused and feels that something about his life isn't right. He decides to contact Leslie Thompkins, the only doctor he trusts. She explains how he seems to be suffering from disassociation. Throughout his life, everything has been handed to him. He consciously feels he's accomplished nothing because of this, so his subconscious created a life that has greater value. Once he finds pride in his own existence, his delusions of a life as Batman should vanish. Satisfied with this theory, Bruce happily carries on his life with his parents and Selina Kyle, but his failure to read a newspaper or the books in his library causes him to start losing his mind again. He sees Batman on TV and blames him for his mental state and concludes that a confrontation with him will be the only way to get some answers.
He confronts Batman on top of a bell tower in Gotham Cemetery, remembering that it was a part of his nightly watch when he was Batman. After explaining how he discovered that it's all a dream, Bruce fights Batman to a standstill and pulls off his mask, revealing him to be the Mad Hatter. The Mad Hatter explains that he's just a figment of Bruce's imagination and therefore doesn't know his true identity. He hypothesizes that even Bruce might be the product of someone else's dream. If he does something to himself, he may no longer exist. Bruce decides to risk it by committing suicide, unable to continue a life he knows to be a lie. He wakes up as Batman to find a surprised Mad Hatter. In tears, the Hatter claims that Batman ruined his life. He was willing to give Batman any life he wanted, so long as it would get Batman out of his.
Why is it on the list?
What if Batman's parents never died? This episode answers that question beautifully in a film noir fashion. It also centers on a fight we don't ordinarily see: Bruce Wayne versus Batman. The two personalities clash as he analyzes both parts of his life in the state of a dream. Ultimately, Bruce couldn't live in a world without Batman. This episode has its mistakes, but the depth of the story more than makes up for it. The title is a line from Hamlet, a play by Shakespeare where a man struggles with the choice to either commit suicide or face the cruelness of the world. It foreshadows the choice Bruce must make at the end of the episode.
2. A Bullet for Bullock
Episode 067
Villains: No major villains in this story.
Someone keeps trying to kill Harvey Bullock. With the list of suspects a mile long, there's no telling who the culprit is. He doesn't want to give Internal Affairs a reason to look at him too closely, so he turns to Batman, help he wouldn't usually want. After Batman does some digging, he tells Bullock that Vinnie the Shark is the most likely suspect. They track down Vinnie easily enough, but Batman isn't completely convinced he's the one they're looking for.
Why is it on the list?
The style of the entire show is influenced by film noir, from the black and white TV's to the '40s style cars, but this episode is as close to noir as you can get. Being a big noir fan myself, I can't help but put this really high on my list. It's a classic who-done-it with Bullock starring as the questionable detective. Soothing Jazz fills the atmosphere as we're treated with a deeper look at Bullock's life. This episode doesn't have any super villains. It's just a well thought out detective story.
1. Over the Edge
Episode 097
VillIain: Scarecrow
Scarecrow takes control of City Hall. Batman and Robin take care of his henchmen as Batgirl chases him to the roof. The Scarecrow tricks her with a decoy and knocks her off the roof, sending her falling several stories onto Jim Gordon's car. Gordon runs to her side, but it's clearly too late. As she dies in his arms, he finds out that she's his daughter. Blaming Batman for her death, he uses his skills as a detective to figure out who Batman is. With the entire police force behind him, he storms into Wayne Manor in an attempt to arrest Batman. Batman and Robin barely escape with their lives. Later at his office, Gordon is forced to step down as the Commissioner for his daughter's involvement with Batman. Desperate for revenge, he releases Bane in an attempt to trap Batman. This plan falls apart when Bane decides to kill both Batman and Gordon instead. As Bane kills them, Barbara wakes up in the Batcave. She was witnessing her worst fear come to life because of the Scarecrow's fear gas. She explains to Batman how she's lived with this fear for too long and decides to tell her father that she's Batgirl.
Why is it on the list?
First of all, I'll talk about the look of the last 2 dozen episodes. The animation is toned down, but the more angular features force a consistency in the look, which causes them to lose some of the odd angles that don't look right. People fixate on the style change, but I like it. We gain so many subtleties in this style. In this episode, we see Batman taking a few smaller steps in anticipation right before he punches Bane and amazing detail in the water at the beginning of this episode. The backgrounds are far more detailed and a number of the villains look a hell of a lot scarier. The Scarecrow's look even influenced the look of the Scarecrow in The Dark Knight (there's a noose around his neck in the movie).
I used to hate dream episodes, mainly because everything that you see in it doesn't really happen. At some point in my life, I realized how ridiculous that sounded. Nothing ever really happens because it's a cartoon. It's all really a matter of not liking it because it's not in canon with the rest of the series. It would be like hating Kingdom Come or The Dark Knight Returns because they don't really occur in the established DC universe. That shouldn't really matter if it's a good story.
As for this particular story, I love it. We get to watch what would happen if both of Gotham's protector's lives were thoroughly ruined. It gives us a rare chance to see both Batman and Commissioner Gordon pushed beyond their limits. Gordon deals with his daughter's death by trying to act out against those he can blame for it. Since Batman placed his daughter in the danger that killed her, he's an easy target. As for Batman, he's lost everything in a matter of moments. Dick and Alfred are arrested, Gordon feels betrayed, Barbara is dead, and Tim is a runaway again. In the fight against Bane, Bane asks if it's going to be a fight to the death. Batman responds with, "It makes no difference now."
Each scene in this episode is extremely intense. Take Batgirl's death for example. She isn't pushed off the roof, she's backhanded off with a loud "crack". And we not only see her fall to her death, we see it from the perspective inside the car she hits, which happens to be her father's car, making it that much more effective. Even the music fades out when she dies and all you hear is wind and dialogue, giving it a more realistic feel. In the early episodes, we would see people fall seemingly to their deaths, but we would never see them land. This episode takes this several steps further by showing her coffin being placed in the hearse at her funeral. And the scenes with Bane are a little unsettling even by my standards. For one, he looks like someone that belongs in a snuff film. Two, just about everything he says is disturbing. As he is about to kill Gordon, he says, "Please. Give your dear Barbara... a kiss for me." Now that's kind of creepy.
After all of this, there is an upbeat payoff at the end. We find out Jim Gordon already knows Barbara is Batgirl. Of course, with his training and experience, not knowing would be a little hard to swallow. He can turn his back on discovering who Batman really is out of respect, but how can you not know when you're talking to your own daughter? Her mask doesn't even really cover that much of her face. Speaking of which, we're also treated with a really close look at who Barbara Gordon is. Her worst fear isn't dying. It's what her death would do to the people she loves. That says a lot about her character.
This episode definitely has balls. It takes things a lot farther than any other episode in the entire series. This combined with its heart-wrenching performances and an enthralling story earns it a spot at the top of my list.
This article was done by Storage and Disposal
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Good read too. Thanks. 
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