I've always had a soft-spot for the Batman cartoons because of my love of the original that aired on FOX Kids in the early 1990s. Though I am sure my memories of it as a cutting-edge and daring cartoon are colored by my childhood adoration, I do look back fondly on it. Hence, my interest in the following conversation:
Cousin Phil: Have you seen the new Batman cartoon?
Me: Is it that "The Batman" thing?
Cousin Phil: No, it's worse. But there's an episode where Batman fights Neil Patrick Harris with song.
That was really all I needed to hear. Within the hour we were on YouTube and I watched with amazement as the greatest, silliest thing to ever happen to Batman since he fought Predator unfolded before me.
Besides being over the top bizarre, the episode also showcases some of the most sexist writing to grace children's television in some time. Everything that comes out of Black Canary's mouth is so outrageous that it's actually laughable.
There's so much great happening here. The costume changes, the reference to the Bat-tosi, oh rapture! And to top it off, a song about how everyone hates Batman. Perfection!
What can you say, except that it sure was one hell of a death trap. But really, Black Canary, couldn't you have done something other than sing about how you're going to die?
And what about that ending! Green Arrow and Black Canary share a tender moment while he sings a song about her, and she sings a song about Batman. Uncomfortable! I guess it's a minor point now that all governments have collapsed due to worldwide looting and everyone's been deafened.
Though I am making fun of this show, I can't help but respect it. It's pretty daring to do something like this on a kid's show, especially something as all-out and completely sincere. Kudos to whomever greenlighted this, and to Neil Patrick Harris for proving, once again, that he can do anything.
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