I have usually been pretty anti-Brave and the Bold. My main problem with it is that, unlike other Batman cartoons (or even superhero cartoons in general), the show is not that accessible for the older audience. It does reference a lot of things only comic fans would know (like the Batmite episode), but in general I can’t really get into the show.
Then a while ago, Gil reported that Neil Patrick Harris would be guest starring in an episode entitled “Mayhem of the Music Meister,” and I said to myself … why not? The episode originally aired October 23rd, 2009, but I’ve only gotten to it myself just now. I figured that a review is most definitely in order.
Click behind the cut for my thoughts.
Right off the bat (heh), I’ve gotta tell you: “Mayhem of the Music Meister” is most definitely one of the most ridiculous things I’ve ever seen, but it is amazingly funny. I don’t know if it’s my general love for NPH or what, but I found myself really enjoying the episode. The whole plot alone is rather ridiculous, but in a way it reminds me of a) the old old Batman stories where Batman would fight the most ridiculous of villains (Polka Dot Man anyone?) and/or b) Morrison’s recent penchant for crazy villains who are somewhat funny even if they are more deadly, i.e. Dr. Pyg and the Flamingo. It’s with that that Meister actually fits in quite well, and the whole thing draws me in as a fan of the older stories before Batman became to serious and gritty 24/7.
The basic plot of the episode is that a brand new villain with a hypnotic voice rolls into town by the name of the Music Meister. He hijacks a satellite in order to help amplify his voice throughout the entire world. Of course, Batman won’t stand for this. Unfortunately, Black Canary is caught in the middle. She has the hots for Bats while Meister is in love with her, and Green Arrow is off in the corner sulking because he loves her more than both. So when everyone gets hypnotized, including the world’s greatest villains and heroes, it’s up to Batman and Black Canary to figure out how to defeat Meister through out his insane lair and musical traps.
All things considered, the show is still definitely a kids cartoon. I’ve watched several episodes of the show, and it doesn’t have the same feel that the old Bruce Timm/Paul Dini cartoons did. However, as I watch later episodes, I see that they do somewhat attempt to gear elements to the older audience, even outside of their basic child pandering (and I mean that in a nice way). Music Meister is a really enjoyable episode, about as much goofy fun as the Batmite episode, and probably the second episode I’ve enjoyed. In fact, the episode actually makes me want to go and check out further episodes of Batman: Brave and the Bold to see if I like them as much as I liked this.
The episode is very silly, very campy, and very off the wall, but it’s enjoyable. It’s not something you could take seriously, but it’s Neil Patrick Harris so right there you have an idea of what you’re getting into. The Music Meister himself is an outrageous villain with a hilarious wardrobe and sense of style and humor, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want to see more of him. I’d even go so far as to say that I’d like Music Meister to appear within Grant Morrison’s Batman and Robin comic book, preferably drawn by Frank Quitely. It’s an amusing character and it makes for a light hearted and fun episode.
If you’ve never seen an episode of the show before, I’d recommend starting with this one. It’s a fun one.
