Happy Harley Holidays from myself and Multiversity Comics! Episode four of Harley Quinn was jam-packed with action, irreverent comedy, and Batman. But more importantly, Robin! The world this show inhabits solidifies further, as does the general format of the show. We have ourselves a full-fledged animated sitcom on our hands. The only things missing are a laugh track, and the “this was filmed in front of a live studio audience” voice over. Both would feel completely at home with this series, in the best of ways I assure you. Let’s get into the thoughts, shall we? As usual, minor spoilers ahead dear friends.
1. Oh, so all these super people are reality stars
I get it now, they are all very dangerous reality stars. Every villain san’s Poison Ivy (who wants to be left alone) is a self-absorbed, popularity hound. We know people like that. All the reality show stars who rally for our clicks and views daily, only these have evil superpowers. Tawny’s show was the absolute highlight of the episode, and quite clearly a tv ratings monster for the show’s host. The revelation that villains and heroes alike grace the talk shows couch is both not surprising and also very surprising. Who booked Robin? Did Bruce sign off on that? It’s Jerry Springer without Steve. Do you get that reference?
2. It’s not about the money, it’s about the nemesis
No, not the giant zombie monstrosity from Resident Evil 3 (aren’t you excited for the remake). A villain’s nemesis means validation in the evil community. Through that lens, you can imagine how far Dr. Psycho has fallen. He had one of the big three as his nemesis. But alas, you can’t call Wonder Woman the C-Word, though that is a pretty big nemesis thing you could do to a lady. I wouldn’t be surprised if nabbing yourself a high profile Justice Leaguer means you get a boat-load of sponsorships. That makes Harley’s bid to swipe the Cape Crusader from Mr. J a double whammy. Not only would she be taking aways Joker’s one true love, but also cementing herself as a legitimate villain. Then the real money starts rolling in. I’m talking about Dollar Shake Club and Me Undies sponsorships, folks. I am taking a poll, how many episodes before we find out one of these villains has a podcast? Two more? I am guessing two more.
3. DC knows animated action
This week’s episode delivers the goods in terms of butt-kicking action. The story-driven fighting during Tawny’s daytime talk show is this episode’s big draw. The teams responsible for DC’s animated action never cease to amaze. The sharply choreographed fights are enhanced by Tawny’s on-air graphics used to narrate the action. A very smart way to blend the story with the battling cast. At one point Tawny asks for the viewers at home to vote on who won the in-studio brawl. I found myself wishing I could do just that via the DC Universe app. But alas, no such luck, so I will do it here. I will give the overall fight to Batman since he got away but Poison Ivy had the best offense. If it weren’t for Batman’s magic ass belt, she would be the winner. Who do you think won?
4. Batman has a heart-to-heart
The addition of Robin, or Damian Wayne as we know him, to the mix was a smart decision. Not only does he give Batman an Achilles heel, but his manipulative attitude masked by adorableness was a welcome foil for Harley. Listening to Robin, a trained assassin, call for his dad to save him was all sorts of sweet and new to me. I don’t think I have ever seen Damian call Bruce “dad.” You do see Father out the wazoo, but not “dad.” Good on Batman for answering the call as well. He did cut it close though. That save would make it on a Youtube compilation of last-second dad rescues. If you haven’t seen one of those go look it up. Superheroes exist, and they wear khakis while they grill.
Though Bats acts super surprised to be on Tawny’s set. Isn’t He a master detective? Wouldn’t he know where he was going? Does Tawny not tape in the same place every week? I digress. The father-son chat at the end of the episode was a beautiful moment we rarely get to see between Batman and his ward. Masking the sex talk as a nemesis chat was a nice little twist, with Bruce trying his best to relate to his boy.
5. The voice acting and dialogue are some of the best
Ron Funches makes his debut as the voice of King Shark, and it fits beautifully. A big scary monster that isn’t dangerous is not a new trope, but it works for the social media savvy shark man here. Diedrich Bader’s turn as Batman is great as well. He takes all the things you love about Batman’s gruff voice and makes them a subtle joke. He’s doing a lot with a little, and it makes for a great Batman in this universe. Lots of grunts and one-word retorts make for an oddly socially awkward Batman. The leading players are all working overtime to make you chuckle, so I hope you do. Let’s not forget to mention Tony Hale’s Dr. Psycho, who gets some of the best jokes in the series. “Predatory lending practices,” it’s funny because it’s true!
