Batman: Caped Crusader: Season 1 – Written Review

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Plot Summary

It’s the early years of Batman. We’re past him building out the Batcave and his vehicle, but only at the beginning of him building a reputation in Gotham, and what a time to do so? Rupert Thorne rules the underworld, but those like Oswalda Cobblepot, aka Penguin, are ready to step in once they get their chance. But, while the corrupt seek to gain power, so does the DA, Harvey Dent, who is running for mayor against Mayor Jessop.

But, with new freaks and villains popping up in each episode, both Commissioner Gordon and his daughter, Barbara Gordon, the public defender of Gotham City, find themselves constantly fighting for justice, sometimes at odds with each other and even Batman.

Characters and Cast

Character’s Name	Actor’s Name
Bruce Wayne, aka Batman	Hamish Linklater
Rupert Thorne-	Cedric Yarbough
Oswalda Cobblepot, aka Penguin-	Minnie Driver
Harvey Dent, aka Two-Face	Diedrich Bader
Mayor Jessop	William Salyers
Commissioner Gordon	Eric Morgan Stuart
Barbara Gordon	Krystal Joy Brown
Dr. Harleen Quinzell, aka Harley Quinn	Jamie Chung
Onomatopoeia	Reid Scott
Papa Midnite	Cedric Yarbrough
Selina Kyle, aka Catwoman	Christina Ricci
Joker	To Be Determined
Alfred Pennyworth	Jason Watkins

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Review

Our Rating: Positive (Watch This)

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Highlights

Modifications To Each Villain’s Origin Story

From the most notable change in making Penguin a woman to focusing on Harley more as a doctor and her seeking relationships with women who are not Poison Ivy, you could say “Batman: Caped Crusader” may look like the 90s cartoon but adapted to fit into modern popular culture. In many ways, you can appreciate the change, for, with this being one of the countless adaptations of Batman, it would be difficult to argue the formula hasn’t gotten stale. Especially since there are a plethora of comic book adaptations that always start at the beginning as if a movie within the last ten years didn’t introduce the character for at least the second time.

So when it comes to Oswalda and the others, you get the usual sense of familiarity, but with a twist that brings new possibilities into play. Even if it seems the character will still follow the trajectory they are known for, like Harvey Dent/Two-Face.

Features Lesser Known Villains & Characters

From Onomatopoeia, Papa Midnite, and others, “Batman: Caped Crusader” thankfully doesn’t just dwell on the tried and true of Batman’s rogue gallery. We get the untested, rarely if ever adapted from the comic books, and truly interesting characters. Papa Midnite, for example, who clearly is into voodoo, it is hard to say if he is friend or foe, which is a rare thing for characters in modern superhero adaptations.

According to the Batman Fandom Wiki, Onomatopoeia has only been seen outside the comics once, for a brief time. Now, while the two mentioned are just my favorites, with “Batman: Caped Crusader” having a villain of the episode, formerly of the week, format, while you get the familiar like Catwoman, you also get new ones who could make for interesting foes if they ever get to join the new Batman Saga.

Not Overtly Reliant On Joker

While you can’t have Batman without the Joker, there is a push not to use the iconic villain as a crutch. He makes his obligatory appearance, but the real focus is building up everyone else. Granted, there is a notable focus on the familiar names in lieu of Joker, but, as noted, there are more than a handful of unfamiliar faces also introduced to keep this from simply being another milking of a nearly century-old property.

On The Fence

The Art Style (Classic But Generic)

Though fans of the 90s cartoon may rejoice in the classic art style, those unfamiliar with it or who weren’t fond of it will find reason to dislike how “Batman: Caped Crusader” uses the art style. The main issue some may find is that it appears that the show relies on generic templates for characters, especially those who are male. This can make it so you are a bit more reliant on hearing a character’s voice to distinguish them, since the majority have almost identical face structures, almost to the point of thinking Gotham is filled with people who are cousins to one another.

Batman – The Anti-Hero

When Batman is Bruce Wayne, we get a slice sense of charm when he has that mask on and is in places where someone could say or report he isn’t as kind or suave as he puts on. However, behind the mask of Batman, or when alone with Alfred, the Batman we see, at best, is an anti-hero and, at worse, a bit of a butthead. The best example of this is how he talks to Alfred, who raised him, but he keeps a firm boundary with him and treats him like the help.

Now, is he enough of a lint licker to turn you off from watching? No. However, until he recognizes Alfred’s value, you can see him as a tougher to like or love Batman, which some may or may not like.

Background Information

Network	Prime Video
Genre(s)	Action Crime Drama Fantasy Mystery LGBT+ Animation
Renewal Status	To Be Determined

TV Shows We’re Covering This Season

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