The second season of KidsWB's new The Batman series is much
improved over the first season. The show seems more confident of its
identity now, and knows how to deliver exciting, fun, stories with
less emphasis on outright pandering to the kiddie demographic.
Notable episodes include the introduction of the Riddler, Hugo
Strange, and a new take on the Solomon Grundy legend. Patrick
Warburton makes a fun guest appearance as Yin's new partner, and
Joker even dons the cape and cowl to fight crime for an episode.
Ragdoll and Spellbinder's appearances make best use of the show's
visual energy, and the season finale marks the introduction of a
classic Batman supporting character and the setup for season 3. Best
of all, there is a dramatic Clayface story that really makes viewers
feel for this tragic villain in the vein of the old B:TAS series.
Among other fixes: The new Joker finally comes into his own, and
Alfred ditches his nagging, season 1 attitude. Yin has more to do as
Batman's partner, and the overall acting is much better from
everyone. Penguin and Freeze still do nothing for me, but even they
seem slightly improved from their season 1 offerings.
Season 2 of The Batman works for me. It's still not a deep show, but
there's finally enough right here that I can enjoy the episodes
without constantly making the B:TAS comparisons. Try this set, and
you might find yourself having fun too. Recommended.
Season 2: 2005
"Swamped" redirects here. For the Lacuna Coil
single, see
Swamped (song).
The production order for season two comprised 13
episodes and a direct to video movie. This episode introduces
Riddler with a very new look. The episodes ran on Kids' WB from May
until September 2005, and the movie was released on DVD in October
2005. The Complete Second Season (without the movie) was released on
DVD in September 2006. At the end of this season,
Batman
was accepted by the
Gotham City Police Department.
Summary:
During a museum robbery, a partnership is formed between
Catwoman and Penguin. But when Penguin double-crosses
Catwoman before she can double-cross him, she and Batman
have to stop Penguin before he unleashes his true plan:
harnessing the power of Ra!
Summary:
A mysterious villain known as the Riddler challenges Yin,
secretly LIKED by Batman, to a number of riddles. Things are
not what they seem from the riddles...
Summary:
Firefly and Mr. Freeze team up to put their devastating plan
into action: permanently putting Gotham City in a
never-ending winter. Once the policeman's gala charity ball
is put on ice, it's all up to the Batman. Batman stops them,
and is finally praised as a superhero.
Summary:
The Joker decides to take on the role of "Batman" and doses
Bruce with Joker venom to create an arch-rival of his own.
This episode features a reference to Superman as Joker is
wearing glasses and a coat with slicked back hair and
proclaims, "This looks like a job for" a Superman trademark.
Summary:
Penguin discovers a sonic device that allows him to control
birds, but instead, he gets a sonic device which controls
bats. Now, Man-Bat is placed under his control.
Meanwhile, Alfred must deal with a raccoon which has found
its way into the Bat-Cave and is wreaking havoc on the
electric equipment.
Summary:
Ethan Bennett is captured and put on trial for his crimes as
Clayface. He's released on probation but finds the
temptations of a criminal life too great.
Summary:
Joker pirates the airwaves of Gotham in order to broadcast
his crimes on TV as entertainment. When Detective Yin's
overzealous new partner tries to bring the clown prince of
crime down, he merely becomes Joker's latest "co-star."
Batman must find where Joker is broadcasting from before he
can carry out his plan to make Gotham die of undying
laughter.
Summary:
Ragdoll, a triple-jointed contortionist, crosses paths with
Batman and Catwoman while continuously trying to steal
priceless artifacts. Also, Selina Kyle befriends Bruce Wayne
... but what are her intentions?
Summary:
Spellbinder, a three-eyed mystic, with the ability to induce
both hypnosis and visions, sets his sights on stealing the
valuable Eye of Sarkana - controlling Alfred (and other
butlers) to commit his crimes.
Summary:
Solomon Grundy, a zombie of Gotham legend, emerges from a
swamp on Halloween to wreak havoc on Gotham. But Batman and
Alfred discover that there is more to Grundy than it
appears.
Summary:
Joker takes Detective Yin hostage, but once captured he
refuses to tell of her whereabouts. Convinced it's the only
way to learn Yin's location before she meets her demise,
Batman uses a device created by Professor Hugo Strange to
enter the mind of the Joker in search of an answer.
Summary:
Joker, Penguin, and Riddler set up a bet to settle their
differences by giving all of Gotham over to whoever is able
to capture and discover the true identity of the Batman.
While a new member to the Gotham police force determines the
Batman's future in the city.
