DC Universe has released its original Harley Quinn animated series. Is this your mom and dad’s Harley Quinn? Read on to find out. There are some minor spoilers ahead.
1. Not your mom and dad’s Harley Quinn
The series kicks off with a healthy dose of gore and cussing. There is no doubt the intended audience is M for mature. For example, the Joker wears a man’s entire head skin as a full-on Mission Impossible-style disguise, violently tearing it off to reveal a blood-covered clown prince below. The DC Universe continues on its path of catering to an older audience, and this new animated series is no different.
2. An unhealthy abusive relationship explored
Harley and Mr. J’s relationship is a well-documented mess. From Ms. Quinn’s origin in Batman: The Animated Series to the Suicide Squad film, the duo has a historically tumultuous relationship. Harley Quinn’s first episode sees our titular hero emancipates herself from a dangerous, violent, manipulative clown who loves control and Batman more than his partner.
We also get a pretty exaggerated but insightful look into how Harley views her relationship with the Joker as she rewrites her own history to make things suit her desired reality. Poison Ivy struggles to save her friend and wake her from her constructed reality. Just goes to show a sound support system is invaluable, even if its from a murderous plant woman. Good on the writers for exploring that aspect of Quinn’s psyche and allowing her to heal and become the badass we all know she can be.
3. A mix of comedy and drama
All that heavy relationship drama is offset by a wild sprinkling of comedy throughout the episode. Batman’s pantheon of Rogue’s trade quips and barbs with each other throughout the episode. Scenes of violence are undercut with light-hearted conversations, and Calendar Man’s son gets roasted pretty good for being a dummy. There are a healthy amount of chuckles within the episode, sometimes to the detriment of more dramatic scenes. There is also a talking plant named Frank a la Audry II from Little Shop Of Horrors. For people who remember that franchise, I suppose.
4. Interesting portrayal of Jim Gordon
I love this Jim Gordon. What a mess! We usually get a reserved, collected, well-adjusted Commissioner in our Gotham portrayals. Not this time. Harley Quinn’s Commish is a jittering, manic, disheveled wonk with a penchant for abrasive soliloquy. He’s hopped up on coffee, probably hasn’t slept in weeks, and looks like a man who has to manage the most corrupt, inefficient police department in the world daily. This Gordon looks like he would befriend a crazy person in a cowl. A+.
5. Looks and sound fantastic
DC is known for its excellent animation quality, this series does not disappoint in that department. The vibrant colors and smooth animation really jump off the screen, especially in certain gruesome scenes. The characters are all lovingly rendered, and the action sequences are engaging and visceral. The voice cast really shines as well. Alan Tudyk’s Joker is a reserved send up to Mark Hamil’s iconic run. Kaley Cuoco’s Harley distinguishes herself immediately, ditching the original heavy Brooklyn accent, reserving it for more intense segments, almost as if Harley is reverting back to her true self in those moments.
The Harley Quinn series kicks off to a strong start, blending comedy and drama in a promising debut. The world of the series is being built, but we can see the kernels of what’s to come. Zany madness revolving around an empowered jester who aims to get a seat at the big villain’s table. Perhaps start a table of her own?
