DC Animation ‘Batman: Caped Crusader’: Animated Series From Bruce Timm, J.J. Abrams, Matt Reeves Greenlit

[Kane52630]

Currently, I'm on episode 8, as far as the plot and vibe of the show, it's been pretty solid. There are definitely a lot of inspirations from the old serials and old comic storylines that are done a little differently. I've really liked this version of Harley Quinn and Catwoman because of how different it feels yet still captures their characters perfectly. I like how slowly we're getting Harvey Dent's transformation into Two-Face. While I think the animation has gotten better after episode 4, it's still no match for TAS. Same with the music. Also digging all the easter eggs and references to the older stuff. Did anyone else catch Harley mentioning Robert Lowery and Lewis Wilson?

 

[Kane52630]

I'm not even finished with episode 8 but this already feels like a classic Batman TAS episode but they made it even darker.

 

[KaijuDude1992]

Just finished this and yeah the last three episodes of this are fantastic and on par with BTAS IMO. I wasn't expecting this to get nearly as dark as it did but I'm glad they weren't afraid to go there. I'd put it on the same level as My Adventures with Superman overall which is an equally great DC animated show.

Hamish Linklater killed it, and Season 2 can't get here soon enough.

 

[Matt.S99]

I’ve watched 4 episodes so far. Saving the rest for later.
Amazing show already. I love it. This is exactly what I’ve wanted in a Batman show for a long time.

So many crybabies complaining about Lady Penguin and Harley. As if there isn’t an abundance of Penguin adaptations out there. And even with Harley, there has been so much content for her.
Heaven forbid one thing does something different! They actually like every other version ceases to exist.

The voice cast is amazing. I know a few people had reservations about Hamish, but tbh, I think he has become my favourite Batman voice after Conroy. I love that he is a bit more stoic in his approach.
I hope this show does well and we get more seasons. I think a season 2 has already been greenlit, correct?

 

[Kane52630]

Finished it, really enjoyed it overall and I feel like they found their footing by episode 5.

Episode 8 might be my favorite, let's hope Amazon renews this for a second season and hopefully with a bigger budget.

 

[Pennywise]

Finished it, really enjoyed it overall and I feel like they found their footing by episode 5.

Episode 8 might be my favorite, let's hope Amazon renews this for a second season and hopefully with a bigger budget.

You’re in luck, S2 is happening!

Watched 4 episodes so far, and loving it!

 

[Adrian Chase]

Finished it and loved it!
Can't wait for Season 2.
My favorite episodes are definitely 2, 8 and 9.

The only flaw is the slightly disappointing soundtrack.

 

[Scorpio]

Only watched the first 3 eps so far but i already love it. I love the vibe and aesthetic and the more serialised aspect of the show. This is totally the kind of batman i love, dark and moody but with a bit of flare and fun.

I actually enjoyed the new take on the penguin even if i wish minnie driver used her british accent. This version of penguin reminded me of a demented murderous version of Mom from futurama

Also love this version of catwoman. Can’t wait to keep watching tonight!

 

[kguillou]

Yup, 3 episodes in and i love this also. The score is also growing on me, its very moody and noir and fits the show.

And i’ll just say, no offense to Matt Reeves BUT THIS is the kind of Batman i’ve always wanted to see realized on the big screen in live action. Maybe one day in the distant future some filmmaker will make this kind of retro pulpy noir version of Batman onscreen but I’m at least very grateful we got it in an animated series format.

 

[BobJM]

Flying through these episodes; quite happily surprised how this turned out.

Definitely some big creative swings but I think this is a fun Elseworlds tale.

 

[Gamma Goliath]

First episode in and I have enjoyed it, Linklater might be my new favorite voice after Conroy. I can easily see him taking over for video games too.

 

[Pfeiffer-Pfan]

When I get a little more time, I will try to write up my thoughts on each episode. However, after finishing the first season, I just wanted to share my initial reaction.

---

This was by far my most anticipated project of the last few years and it was so nice to get a simple, contained season of television without a ''spot the cameo'' (for the most part) or ''lean on the multiverse'' trope anywhere to be seen. It is clear to see the passion and determination that everyone is bringing to this series and I absolutely loved it. Everything felt... subdued, but in an enjoyable and classy way. The writing is sublime, the music predictably outstanding and the animation beautiful to look at. Just a few more observations:

- I can't avoid the elephant in the room, so... could this show potentially knock B:TAS off it's 32 year perch for me? I honestly don't think so. B:TAS felt archetypal and beyond iconic. It's visuals, music, voice acting hits you up the face and present a Batman that feels timeless. B:CC feels like a very particular vision with the parameters heavily set. B:TAS was BATMAN. CAPED CRUSADER is... Batman through a 1940's lens (Doesn't mean I don't love it though). Does that make sense to anyone?

- I simply have to praise the music again, but I will admit I do miss a more memorable theme for Batman. Regardless, Wiedmann always delivers.

- As much as I think the animation is beautiful, and I most certainly know nothing about what it takes to make a show like this, can someone tell me how the show has been ''Utilizing state-of-the-art animation techniques and technologies available'' (as stated in the original press release) to differentiate it from anything else recently?

- Hamish Linklater - A wonderful actor who did a brilliant job throughout all 10 episodes. His Bruce Wayne is excellent and his Batman is quite effective. However, the Batman voice does sound strained at times, like he's really trying to squeak the words out. He doesn't come close to the power of Kevin Conroy, but I have confidence he will grow into the role and make it his own in time.

---

Overall, a fantastic series from Timm and Co. I'll be going back to savor the series at a much slower pace now. The team deserves all the praise they are getting and I cannot wait for season two. Despite my few little quibbles above, rest assured that this just became one of my favorite shows ever and I will be championing it all the way.

 

[Frodo]

Overall , pretty good.

My one quibble is that I don't find this version of Batman all that likable ,or sympathetic, alot of the times.

Yes, I know that there's a style of playing Batman as the unlikable skunk at the party, which I don't prefer, in terms of Batman characterizations.
So for me, it's a taste, style , preference, etc, issue .

That being said, it looks like they're taking him on a character arc to humble him a bit, which shows character development.

He's a bit akin to Craig's Bond in Casino Royale, as a blunt ,and at times ,arrogant, instrument , who still has alot to learn , even if he doesn't realize it.
By Skyfall , he's the much more seasoned and polished Bond we know .

So if they're taking this version of Batman on that type of arc I'm all for it.

If I had to grade the series , I'd give it a B+.

 

[souvlaki]

Watched the first episode last night and I'm really enjoying this. Looking forward to binging it this weekend. I'm excited to hear it seems to only get better after the first episode, because that episode was solid.

 

[chintai80]

i am 6 episodes in so far.

animation seems to have improved by episode 5.

loved what they did with this version of harley.

she's very different from what we've seen before and jamie chung does an awesome job voicing her.

episode 5 had lot of these fun little batman easter eggs

 

[Pennywise]

 

[Filmfreak]

Another head-scratching decision made by Zaslav. The best Batman animated content in a long time and one of the best DC shows in recent years and he sold it for a quick buck. I hope it does as well in subsequent weeks too.

 

[gtr34]

Well, what started as 2 episodes per day turned into watching the whole season in less than 48 hours.

 

[Daywalker89]

Enjoyed this season immensely. Nice to have another interpretation of Batman and his rogue of villains. I enjoyed all the episodes really but i have to admit the new characterization of Harley Quinn (big up Jamie Chung) was a nice surprise and found that particular episode the best. That change of pace HAD to be made by Matt Reeves. I could easily see that version existing in his Batman universe.

Hamish has made his stamp as Batman, a little strenuous on the bat voice but came into his own in certain moments. Have to admit Batman was quite sterile at times and i need to watch again to see if that was mainly to his early days in the field or if it was the noir angle they were going for. The other voice actors were top notch (Christina Ricci and Diedrich in particular) and nice to see a certain John DiMaggio featured in Batman media once again.

Plots most of the time followed the same beats as the BTAS, Villians had there moments to shine and shock the audience at times (Yes Oswalda looking at you) It gets dark sometimes and i have to admit Fire bugs perception of the world on fire was haunting, seing fire kids playing and laughing was disturbing ****

I would rate it a 8/10, Animation was clean and does a great job detailing this 1930s Gotham. Plenty of easter eggs so il probs watch again for that alone but i really enjoyed this. I can't get enough of Batman in general though and this seemed to be a love companion of the original BTAS. I look forward to S2 and by the looks of what was at the end of the episode i can see the stakes rising quickly for The Dark Knight.

P.S Renee Montoya really is the MVP.

 

[flickchick85]

I really enjoyed this whole season! Rucka’s Clayface episode may actually be my fave, but I loved the Harley one as well and of course the last two. Hamish is my new favorite Bat-voice. I love how Bruce reverts to the Bat-voice whenever he’s alone with Alfred. Really drives home who the “real” persona is, imo. And I adore any Batman show that gives Montoya her due.

 

[Kane52630]

Yeah I dug they gave Renee Montoya an actual role where she's kinda like the Jim Gordon of the show.

 

[Kane52630]

I will say I hope they make Onomatopoeia the next villain for The Batman II.

 

[flickchick85]

I will say I hope they make Onomatopoeia the next villain for The Batman II.

Was kinda cool on S&L, ngl.

 

[Mindreaper21]

I actually enjoyed this more than I thought I would. It’s different, but it’s still very Batman. I was a bit on the fence with the female Penguin and Harvey being “Wrong-Face”, but it didn’t bother me as much as I expected. The cameos were great. I love the whole supernatural element. Onomatopoeia was so unbelievably good. A perfect fit for this show. I’m really excited to see what they bring next season.

 

[flickchick85]

I'm a sucker for Batman bringing in just a tinge of the supernatural (Gothic remains one of my favorite Morrison Bat-stories), so that was indeed a nice surprise here.