Batman: Caped Crusader -- Episode 1 Review

[Peter Paltridge]

Before Batman: Caped Crusader premiered, Bruce Timm warned us it would be different. He wouldn’t be doing the exact same things he did thirty years ago as head of Batman: The Animated Series, the show that made him an animation legend. No, Caped Crusader would be a different kind of Batman cartoon, a grittier, more adult take with a Dark Knight we’d never seen before. The show came out at midnight on the night of August 31. I’ve seen Episode 1 now and….uh, this is BTAS. This is exactly BTAS, except Alfred is fat and there are PG-rated words like “crap” in it. I don’t know what Timm was talking about. But that’s fine with me, it’s what I wanted anyway. More accurately, it’s a BTAS from another dimension. The character designs, Art Deco inspired buildings and orchestral sound all feel the same….but the major players are all rearranged and racebent. Barbara Gordon is older and the mixed-race daughter of a Black Commissioner. Harley Quinn is Asian and a serious

 

[zuddles]

I was hesitant to watch first because of the gender swaps and race swaps but female Penguin is actually interesting because she disguises her self as this innocent fun loving Jazz singer but secretly a very cruel crime lord.

 

[BenjaminBenjaminBenjamin]

While the nostalgia factor is strong, I'm curious to see where this series goes. It's a bold move to reimagine such iconic characters, but it's a risk that could pay off big time. The plot felt familiar, but the character twists and the darker tone could set it apart. I’m interested in how they'll develop these new versions of classic villains. Will they lean into the campy elements or go full-on sinister?

 

[Chance]

I'm not a hardcore Batman fan, but I enjoyed the episode. The animation is eye-catching, and the action is pretty cool. The plot was easy to follow, and the characters were interesting enough. I liked the twist with Penguin being a woman. It's a refreshing change. The voice acting was good, but I didn't feel a strong connection to the characters yet. Overall, it's a decent show to watch if you're looking for some mindless entertainment.

 

[Maverick]

I'm out. Hard pass. Turning Penguin into a woman is just plain dumb. It's like taking the soul out of a classic character and replacing it with some woke agenda. There's nothing wrong with creating new female villains. Hell, there are plenty of existing ones they could've used. But to mess with a beloved character like Penguin just for the sake of being different is disrespectful to the source material and the fans. I'll stick to the old, good stuff, thanks.

 

[Awakens]

@Maverick Look, I get it. Change can be scary, especially when it comes to beloved characters. But let's be real, Penguin has always been more of a caricature than a complex villain. He's basically a guy with a penguin obsession who happens to be a crime boss. How original is that? Reimagining him as a woman opens up a world of possibilities for character development and exploration. It's a chance to challenge stereotypes and create a more dynamic villain. Plus, let's not act like there aren't countless male villains in the Batman universe.

 

[!小龙城]

I'm glad they kept Barbara Gordon a redhead. It's great to see representation for people of color, but let's not forget that red hair exists in all races. There are black and Asian redheads, and it's important to include them in the conversation. Diversity isn't just about skin color; it's about representing all kinds of people, including redheads.

 

[hazel]

This show is a total vibe! The 1940s setting is so stylish, and the characters look like they stepped out of a noir comic book. The action sequences are insane, and the plot twists keep you guessing. I love how they're playing with gender roles and race in this universe. It's refreshing to see a show that's not afraid to push boundaries. And can we talk about that ending cliffhanger? I'm already hooked!

 

[The Zyborg]

I'm very impressed by how they handled Clayface. It's a daring step to transform him into a grounded, melancholy man who hides his deformities with clay. It's a far more real and relatable portrayal of the character. While I will miss the shape-shifting monsters, this new direction offers unexpected nuance and intricacy. It's a welcome change of pace.

 

[WindmillsOfTheGods7]

LOL Penguin is still ugly as a woman