Webhead2006
The Web-Swinger
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Yea i was wondering why they didnt have the gl speech in the episode.
"Ring Toss" Talkback
- Thread starter The Caped Knight
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samsnee
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Yeah, I was disappointed not to hear it. Overall, I like the voiceover work for Green Lantern. I think it was Dermot Mulroney. Sinestro was Miguel Ferrer, who is a big comic book fan and did the voice of Weather Wizard in S:TAS, and I think Aquaman's brother in JL.
Dread
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As soon as I saw that Penguin would be in this episode, and then read the one line blurb, I was fearfull of it sucking. And I was right, it did. It wasn't the worst episode of THE BATMAN by all means. Off the top of my head I could probably think of 5 worse episodes. But that still doesn't mean it was very good at all. I actually liked the Flash episode more, which is saying something.
Part of the problem was that naturally the Penguin is an annoying comic relief character who happens to not be terribly funny. He's had his good episodes, but seems to have about 1-2 bad episodes for every one good or decent one. Even Joker has fared better at this rate. While I am sure it is nice for Tom Kenny to get to voice characters besides Spongebob, Penguin is simply irritating. But that alone isn't what stunk up the episode.
A major problem was that a lot of it had a "been there, done that" appeal to it, and that probably is because in terms of Green Lantern animation within the last decade, Sinesto has become about as overused as Lex Luthor. Every time a Green Lantern, whether Kyle on SUPERMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES or John Stewart on STATIC SHOCK or even Daffy Duck in DUCK DODGERS seems to have a ring thing episode, Sinestro is the baddie. I wouldn't be surprised if casual DC fans couldn't rattle off another Lantern rogue besides Sinestro. And while that naturally gives us a cool visual and nice yellow energy effects, it has all been done before. THE BATMAN should be trying to do what HASN'T been done before, or at least trying to. The irony is that in JL/U, the only major Lantern rogue who got serious airtime besides Sinestro was Star Sapphire, and very little about her was revealed. Lord, I actually would have preferred her; she was made for Hal anyway, and it would have made the story more personal. But that is what happens with sub-par episodes, you lament about "what if".
The other major problem is the episode was a big step backwards in terms of Green Lantern power logic. Back in the Golden and Silver Age, it seemed any mook with a ring could do stuff. If Hal and Guy left them at a bar, or got TKO'd by bums, anyone could grab their rings and create havoc. Later on, when enough writers and editors realized how useless this made the Green Lantern members seem, they started coming up with the idea that it took massive amounts of willpower, imagination, and training for someone to be a Green Lantern. Whoever was chosen was chosen because they had potential in either will, heart, creativity, or all of the above that wasn't common, but was unique to them. And even with that, they needed Corps training. And writers in later years like Geoff Johns ran with the concept, such as a scene where Green Arrow tries to use a ring, and it nearly kills him creating just one lone arrow, before mumbling to the nearest Lantern (I believe Kyle or Hal at the time), "Is it always that tough?" and they say something like, "Every time". Well, this episodes, like far too many of THE BATMAN, just seeks to do Silver Age stuff straight. Oh, Sinesto and Hal rattle off stuff about "willpower" and whatnot, but the fact of the matter was Penguin was able to use the ring rather competantly after a few minutes. He wasn't a master, but he could use it competantly, and I'd argue he was FAR more imaginative than Hal Jordon or Sinestro were. All they did was shoot energy or create giant fists or pinchers, respectively (and fly). Penguin was making boots, mixers, shields, bubbles, vaccuum cleaners, even Hal's trademark "boxing glove", which is rather insulting. Hal was never as creative as Kyle, but for chrissakes, leave the man his boxing glove.
The plot is thread-bare; Hal gets suckered by Sinestro, and he desperately sends out his ring to Batman, apparently because it is his show. It winds up in Penguin's hands, who uses it to rob a Wayne Manor gala and beat up the Dynamic Duo until Sinestro comes along, after which Pengie pees himself and gives it to Batman, who gives it to Hal when it runs out of juice, who then smashes Sinestro, before Batman picks his ring-finger for the win (which, I will admit was among the cleverist bits of the episode). The End. And it goes without saying that said hero gets to visit the Batcave, meet Alfred and Robin, and call Batman "Bruce". Everyone's so gosh darned happy, like CRISIS never happened.
Considering Penguin was able to use the ring fairly well for a guy who little willpower or training (as Sinestro says), naturally Batman is able to use the ring well enough. There was a hint of Dick Grayson being frustrated that his life as Robin prevents him from having a normal kid life, but this is abandoned to have him be a fan of Green Lantern, which would be cute had Robin not literally been on hand for every Superfriend meeting. Too much of a good thing and all that. It is like Batman is too embarrassed by Batgirl to have her meet anyone who isn't the Martian.
Hal Jordon had a good design, actually; I would argue among the best since J'onn himself. The colors weren't off and he looked great; what a shame the rest of the episode wasn't worthy of it. Dermot Mulroney voices Hal and does a good enough job. Miguel Ferrer voices Sinestro and he had three noteable roles in SUPERMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES, including playing Weather Wizard in "Speed Demons" and Aquaman in "A Fish Story". But neither of their performances made or broke the episode. It was just too silly and too pedestrian. And it doesn't make me care much for Hal when he gets pummeled within 3 minutes of appearing on screen; Superman had this same problem in the premire. Frankly, Green Arrow and J'onn seem to be the most competant of the JLA thus far.
While I was sitting there just being underwhelmed by the episode, I was amusing myself by thinking how attitudes have changed from the times and the teams from JUSTICE LEAGUE in 2001 to THE BATMAN's team from this year.
In 2000-2001, Timm & Co. seemed to select their roster for the League very selectively, ever mindful of Political Correctness. John Stewart HAD to be there so everyone wasn't white, for instance; Hawkgirl included to increase the female ratio to 2:7 instead of 1:7 (with just Wonder Woman). That isn't to say that I felt those decisions were wrong, or that good performances/character/stories didn't come from it. Untrue. But they were noted in interviews and Timm especially seemed to want to show a League that wasn't loaded with white male characters. Even to this day, people debate over those casting choices; screaming for Hal or Kyle (the latter introduced on S:TAS), or Zatanna or Black Canary for Hawkgirl. Still, I stand by the Timm picks and just note them.
Fast forward to 2006 or so, whenever THE BATMAN's production crew were planning which characters to include on their incarnation of the Justice League for the 5th season (technically debuting at the end of the 4th). And who have they selected? Aside for J'onn, an entire roster of white men. Not even one woman in the bunch. Batgirl isn't even allowed to meet anyone aside for Martian Manhunter, and that was by accident. I am curious as to why THIS time around, the people behind the scenes in pre-production seemed less mindful about PC than Timm & Co. Is it because such matters are less of a big deal five years later? Because they take the JLA a little less seriously, as they are guests on Batman's show (basically a gimmick)?
It is worth mentioning that BOTH incarnations avoided using Aquaman as a founding member, even though he was in the comics. Will poor Orin ever live down his generation on SUPERFRIENDS? Will writers ever allow him to?
Yeah, one thinks about idle stuff like this when an episode gets dim. And next week's episode looks like it is a remake of B:TAS' "WHAT IS REALITY?", only switching Joker for Riddler, because he doesn't get enough episodes apparently.
And I hated that stupid "freezing villain from Johnny Test" thing. Stupid little network games like that just distract from an episode and show no respect for the audience, especially for a first run episode. People are fearful of 4kids taking over the network from Kid's WB, but frankly, they've brought it on themselves. Do distracting stunts that like really get kids racing to the website? Or is it yet another example of adults believing children are semi-******ed lumps of clay to be manipulated? When I was 9-12, I knew what was stupid and what wasn't, and I can't be alone, and it can't be a generational thing. Or at least I hope not.
"Ring Toss", in conclusion, reminds me of the saying: " 'Close' only counts in horse shoes and hand-grenades."
In brightest day, in blackest night, get this episode from my sight.
For those who overuse the JLA's might
Beware my power
The Remote Control's Light.
Part of the problem was that naturally the Penguin is an annoying comic relief character who happens to not be terribly funny. He's had his good episodes, but seems to have about 1-2 bad episodes for every one good or decent one. Even Joker has fared better at this rate. While I am sure it is nice for Tom Kenny to get to voice characters besides Spongebob, Penguin is simply irritating. But that alone isn't what stunk up the episode.
A major problem was that a lot of it had a "been there, done that" appeal to it, and that probably is because in terms of Green Lantern animation within the last decade, Sinesto has become about as overused as Lex Luthor. Every time a Green Lantern, whether Kyle on SUPERMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES or John Stewart on STATIC SHOCK or even Daffy Duck in DUCK DODGERS seems to have a ring thing episode, Sinestro is the baddie. I wouldn't be surprised if casual DC fans couldn't rattle off another Lantern rogue besides Sinestro. And while that naturally gives us a cool visual and nice yellow energy effects, it has all been done before. THE BATMAN should be trying to do what HASN'T been done before, or at least trying to. The irony is that in JL/U, the only major Lantern rogue who got serious airtime besides Sinestro was Star Sapphire, and very little about her was revealed. Lord, I actually would have preferred her; she was made for Hal anyway, and it would have made the story more personal. But that is what happens with sub-par episodes, you lament about "what if".
The other major problem is the episode was a big step backwards in terms of Green Lantern power logic. Back in the Golden and Silver Age, it seemed any mook with a ring could do stuff. If Hal and Guy left them at a bar, or got TKO'd by bums, anyone could grab their rings and create havoc. Later on, when enough writers and editors realized how useless this made the Green Lantern members seem, they started coming up with the idea that it took massive amounts of willpower, imagination, and training for someone to be a Green Lantern. Whoever was chosen was chosen because they had potential in either will, heart, creativity, or all of the above that wasn't common, but was unique to them. And even with that, they needed Corps training. And writers in later years like Geoff Johns ran with the concept, such as a scene where Green Arrow tries to use a ring, and it nearly kills him creating just one lone arrow, before mumbling to the nearest Lantern (I believe Kyle or Hal at the time), "Is it always that tough?" and they say something like, "Every time". Well, this episodes, like far too many of THE BATMAN, just seeks to do Silver Age stuff straight. Oh, Sinesto and Hal rattle off stuff about "willpower" and whatnot, but the fact of the matter was Penguin was able to use the ring rather competantly after a few minutes. He wasn't a master, but he could use it competantly, and I'd argue he was FAR more imaginative than Hal Jordon or Sinestro were. All they did was shoot energy or create giant fists or pinchers, respectively (and fly). Penguin was making boots, mixers, shields, bubbles, vaccuum cleaners, even Hal's trademark "boxing glove", which is rather insulting. Hal was never as creative as Kyle, but for chrissakes, leave the man his boxing glove.
The plot is thread-bare; Hal gets suckered by Sinestro, and he desperately sends out his ring to Batman, apparently because it is his show. It winds up in Penguin's hands, who uses it to rob a Wayne Manor gala and beat up the Dynamic Duo until Sinestro comes along, after which Pengie pees himself and gives it to Batman, who gives it to Hal when it runs out of juice, who then smashes Sinestro, before Batman picks his ring-finger for the win (which, I will admit was among the cleverist bits of the episode). The End. And it goes without saying that said hero gets to visit the Batcave, meet Alfred and Robin, and call Batman "Bruce". Everyone's so gosh darned happy, like CRISIS never happened.
Considering Penguin was able to use the ring fairly well for a guy who little willpower or training (as Sinestro says), naturally Batman is able to use the ring well enough. There was a hint of Dick Grayson being frustrated that his life as Robin prevents him from having a normal kid life, but this is abandoned to have him be a fan of Green Lantern, which would be cute had Robin not literally been on hand for every Superfriend meeting. Too much of a good thing and all that. It is like Batman is too embarrassed by Batgirl to have her meet anyone who isn't the Martian.
Hal Jordon had a good design, actually; I would argue among the best since J'onn himself. The colors weren't off and he looked great; what a shame the rest of the episode wasn't worthy of it. Dermot Mulroney voices Hal and does a good enough job. Miguel Ferrer voices Sinestro and he had three noteable roles in SUPERMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES, including playing Weather Wizard in "Speed Demons" and Aquaman in "A Fish Story". But neither of their performances made or broke the episode. It was just too silly and too pedestrian. And it doesn't make me care much for Hal when he gets pummeled within 3 minutes of appearing on screen; Superman had this same problem in the premire. Frankly, Green Arrow and J'onn seem to be the most competant of the JLA thus far.
While I was sitting there just being underwhelmed by the episode, I was amusing myself by thinking how attitudes have changed from the times and the teams from JUSTICE LEAGUE in 2001 to THE BATMAN's team from this year.
In 2000-2001, Timm & Co. seemed to select their roster for the League very selectively, ever mindful of Political Correctness. John Stewart HAD to be there so everyone wasn't white, for instance; Hawkgirl included to increase the female ratio to 2:7 instead of 1:7 (with just Wonder Woman). That isn't to say that I felt those decisions were wrong, or that good performances/character/stories didn't come from it. Untrue. But they were noted in interviews and Timm especially seemed to want to show a League that wasn't loaded with white male characters. Even to this day, people debate over those casting choices; screaming for Hal or Kyle (the latter introduced on S:TAS), or Zatanna or Black Canary for Hawkgirl. Still, I stand by the Timm picks and just note them.
Fast forward to 2006 or so, whenever THE BATMAN's production crew were planning which characters to include on their incarnation of the Justice League for the 5th season (technically debuting at the end of the 4th). And who have they selected? Aside for J'onn, an entire roster of white men. Not even one woman in the bunch. Batgirl isn't even allowed to meet anyone aside for Martian Manhunter, and that was by accident. I am curious as to why THIS time around, the people behind the scenes in pre-production seemed less mindful about PC than Timm & Co. Is it because such matters are less of a big deal five years later? Because they take the JLA a little less seriously, as they are guests on Batman's show (basically a gimmick)?
It is worth mentioning that BOTH incarnations avoided using Aquaman as a founding member, even though he was in the comics. Will poor Orin ever live down his generation on SUPERFRIENDS? Will writers ever allow him to?
Yeah, one thinks about idle stuff like this when an episode gets dim. And next week's episode looks like it is a remake of B:TAS' "WHAT IS REALITY?", only switching Joker for Riddler, because he doesn't get enough episodes apparently.
And I hated that stupid "freezing villain from Johnny Test" thing. Stupid little network games like that just distract from an episode and show no respect for the audience, especially for a first run episode. People are fearful of 4kids taking over the network from Kid's WB, but frankly, they've brought it on themselves. Do distracting stunts that like really get kids racing to the website? Or is it yet another example of adults believing children are semi-******ed lumps of clay to be manipulated? When I was 9-12, I knew what was stupid and what wasn't, and I can't be alone, and it can't be a generational thing. Or at least I hope not.
"Ring Toss", in conclusion, reminds me of the saying: " 'Close' only counts in horse shoes and hand-grenades."
In brightest day, in blackest night, get this episode from my sight.
For those who overuse the JLA's might
Beware my power
The Remote Control's Light.
hammerhedd11
OHaiMark
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It wasn't a great episode but a lot better than the other team ups. Although the Penguin having the ring seemed a little ridiculious, it was funny that he didn't have enough willpower for it.
Dread
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Frankly, that was bullocks. Penguin had enough willpower to create and maintain effective shapes and creations, which was far more imaginative than what Sinestro and Hal busted out. He could hover, fly, and create forcefields. He wasn't a master, but he used the ring pretty damned well.
I mean, all Batman used it for was flying and punching (and breaking a hold), and Hal was all impressed. Pfft.
The Flash/Mirror Master episode wasn't that great, either, but it was probably helped by the fact that Mirror Master hasn't been animated as often as Sinestro has recently. Green Arrow still had the best team-up this season, and even that was hardly a masterpiece.
THE BATMAN officially ran out of steam by Season 4, after finally dedeeming itself. Shame.
Hal Jordon LOOKED great, though. No complaints over Sinestro I guess. Seen him too often to really care at this point.
I'm not a Lantern Fanatic, but I wonder; if Hal could tell the ring to seek out a person in another city, couldn't he just tell it to seek out it's battery and recharge itself?
Prison Mike
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I thought this was the best team up episode (after the Superman one) yet. I enjoyed Hal Jordan. He's a serious dude but it looks like Robin is his #1 fan. lol The Penguin stuff was kind of boring but it didn't bother me. I'm not going to complain much about this show since I know it's geared toward little kids. It's nothing like B:TAS, but for what it is, I enjoy this show.
Xeno Ghost
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rofl
Mikelus
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Agreed, it was ok, not horrible like other episodes. People whining too much should forget about this show, is just pointless, I don't watch every episode, just the ones that seem interesting, if I'm not happy, I turn the thing off and voilà, problem solved. Robin "the fanboy" was funny and the action was cool, but the story could've been written better, but to each its own.
t:
The Caped Knight
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The only highlights of this episode were
1. Bats with the ring
2. BATMAN vs. Sinestro
3. Round 1 - Sinestro vs. Green Lantern / Round 2 - Green Lantern vs. Sinestro
4. Bruce, Hal & Dick in The Batcave
1. Bats with the ring
2. BATMAN vs. Sinestro
3. Round 1 - Sinestro vs. Green Lantern / Round 2 - Green Lantern vs. Sinestro
4. Bruce, Hal & Dick in The Batcave
The Caped Knight
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spider-neil
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HJ has to be THE dullest DC hero going, thank goodness he wasn't in justice league (apart from one scene) and isn't going to appear in the movie.
November Rain
Single Mother
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just watched it and i have to say that it was really not bad but ultimately a waste of potential, the ep had quite a lot going for it and focussed perhaps on the penguin too much.
They should have cut out sinestro altogether and have the penguin try to auction it off or something...
They should have cut out sinestro altogether and have the penguin try to auction it off or something...
Robin91939
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Bad episode. I've been behind this show since the getgo, this season has just been really bad.
-R
-R
GamerSlyRatchet
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Jesus Jumpin' Christ, people! I thougt this episode wasn't really as awful as everyone makes it seem! If you want to watch pure suckiness, watch "Q&A" or "Brawn". It wasn't impressive, but it wasn't godawful either.
Then again, *****ing about nothing worth *****ing is in our human nature, so...
Then again, *****ing about nothing worth *****ing is in our human nature, so...
Dread
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I know it wasn't the worst episode of THE BATMAN. As I said in my review, I could easily think of 5 worse episodes, and probably moreso. That doesn't mean it didn't have a lot of wasted potential, was a bit generic, and even hokey. Season 4 has been the peak so far.
The Caped Knight
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The Penguin ruined this episode nuff said ......
Dread
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As well as:
- Fudgey Green Lantern ring mechanics. If willpower is so vital, why the hell was Penguin making more creative **** than Hal or Sinestro? He even stole HAL'S BOXING GLOVE!
- Every single god damned time a Lantern is animated by WB for the last decade, they fight Sinestro, it seems. Sinestro, Sinestro, Sinesto. Boring, boring, boring. It is like seeing Brainiac or Lex Luthor at this point. Move the **** on. I'm even tired of Joker.
- The story didn't allow Hal to do more than be a generic hero, which is bad because the main criticism people have of Hal is what a generic hero he is. At least Superman had a "lone wolf" mentality here, which was a cute twist in my eyes. Now, if the villain of the piece had been Star Sapphire, who has a personal connection to Hal, being his ex-girlfriend and whatnot, both he and the episode would have been better. It might have forced more depth out of Hal.
- Robin, Batcave, Bruce-calling, etc. We have seen it in every team-up episode, and it is getting ****ing old. Switch it up.
The Caped Knight
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lol
Sinestro is GL's Arch-Nemesis , what do you expect ?
True, I guess that's why I like Kyle a lot more than Hal .
lol
Hush
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I finally watched this episode and all i have to say is wow this was boring. I mean it was cool when Batman Had teh ring but then it was gone in like 3 minutes. So yeah all that build up for nothing i guess.
The Caped Knight
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Mikelus
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Dread, I agree with you on some points, but you're repeating your comments a bit. You criticize too much, are you perfect or something? Of course not, nobody is, and less when you repeat the same thing time after time after Zzzzzzzzz.......
The Batman is not that good, is for children afterall, you can't expect Batman TAS quality, S4 was exceptional though, I'm not sure they will reach that level again.
The Batman is not that good, is for children afterall, you can't expect Batman TAS quality, S4 was exceptional though, I'm not sure they will reach that level again.
Dread
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In my opinion, this has been the worst season of The Batman thus far. Especially disappointing after recently re-watching season four on DVD...
I wouldn't go that far. To me Season 1 is still the poorest.
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