10. Jokers Favor
Why it's in the top ten: Joker keeps an ordinary man in fear for his life for over two years because of something so small as the man, Charlie Collins, yelling at him on the highway. Especially since initially he intends to kill poor Charlie. That is twisted. The Joker's massive ego is once again on display showing us that he cannot even allow himself to brush off just some average joe having a bad day. But most importantly we are introduced to Harley Quinn. That alone gains this episode top ten status. Harley Quinn has become a mainstay in DC comic lore since her beginning here.
9. If You're So Smart, Why Aren't You Rich?
Why it's a top ten: "Your about to match wits with the Riddler." The introduction to the Riddler on show comes in at number nine. Some of Batman's rogues only require the Bat to use his fighting skills, but not the Riddler. The Riddler always keeps the Dark Knight's mind sharp with his riddles. So when Batman and Robin get dropped like rats in a maze, they have to fight and think their way through the "Maze of the Minotaur" in order to save a greedy businessman who screwed the Riddler over. Nygma's anger can be justified, but his means of revenge cannot so Batman must intervene. Got to love tampering with the Hand of Fate.
8. Beware the Gray Ghost
Why it's a top ten: We all know Batman's origin story, but this episode adds a nice new wrinkle to the tale. Bruce Wayne idolized the Gray Ghost, a fictional TV hero, as a child. Now combine that with his parents death and you get Batman. The story of the character of Simon Trent, the man who played Gray Ghost, is one that we hear about happening all the time in Hollywood. After his show, Simon had a fall from the spotlight and dove into obscurity. The great Adam West's vocals capture your heart as you sympathize with this broken man, but when Batman needs the Gray Ghost to stop the Mad Bomber he steps up and helps Batman. Adam West and Kevin Conroy are unstoppable together.
7. Robin's Reckoning
Why it's a top ten: Another origin story makes the list. Robin is spotlighted in this episode and we get to see him confront the man who killed his parent's Tony Zucco. The best parts of this episode are when we see the tight bond between Bruce and Dick. Bruce really cares deeply about his sidekick because they have shared such similar experiences. He helps Dick not only become a hero, but becomes his mentor and brother to help guide Dick emotionally as well. Also Robin taking Zucco out on a motorcycle is pretty sweet.
6. Almost Got 'Im
Why it's a top ten: Joker, Killer Croc, Two-Face, Penguin, and Poison Ivy share stories about almost getting Batman over a card game. Enough Said. You got a great villain ensemble that leads to comedic moments. "I threw a rock at him!"
5. Heart of Ice
Why it's a top ten: Mr. Freeze was forever changed after this episode aired. He became a man turned cold from a greedy man's horrendous crime. Paul Dini weaves together an origin story that makes you sympathize with Victor. Once again we see Batman have to save a greedy business man from a super villain. I guess you can't pick and choose who you save, but Freeze's story makes you kinda wish Batman would take a sick day and let him take this greedy bastard out. Freeze also has some of the most moving dialogue that the show ever produced. Powerhouse episode.
4. Joker's Wild
Why it's a top ten: Greedy businessmen are all over this list. This time Cameron Kaiser is out to piss off the Joker by making a casino in his image. Kaiser's hope is the Joker blows up this grotesque building so he can collect the insurance money. Joker's initial reaction to the casino is hilarious. His ego once again drives him to commit a crime. One other note about this episode is we get the only Bruce Wayne -Joker interaction of the whole series. Bruce is just looking to anger the Clown Prince of Crime as he shits on the decor of the casino. Another fun moment is when we see the Joker's police file. The file says his name is Jack Napier, a clear nod to 1989 "Batman" in which Jack Nicholson's Joker was originally named Jack Napier. " Jumpin' Jimney Christmas, an homage to me. Too bad, I'm gonna have to blow it up."
3. The Man Who Killed Batman
Why it's a top ten: Almost every episode of Batman TAS is told from Batman's perspective. So it is a real treat to see an episode from a low level gangster like Sid "The Squid"'s point of view. Sid has a wild ride after he believes he killed Batman. Including a run in with the Joker. Joker's eulogy is the highlight of this episode. The viewer really begins to understand how Batman is the ying to his yang. You'd expect Joker to be jubilant about Batman's apparent death, but Mr. J's intense anger gives us get insight on the Joker's true motivations. "You really put the FUN in funeral"
2. Over the Edge
Why it's a favorite: Bane vs. Batman to the death. Bruce's identity revealed to the world. Commissioner Gordon's one man quest to capture Batman. Scarecrow killing Barbara Gordon. A shoot out in the Bat Cave and even criminals looking to seek damages from Bruce Wayne for repeatedly beating them. This episode is chock full of amazing possibilities on how Batman could meet his end.
1. The Laughing Fish
Why it's a top ten: NUMBER ONE! The Joker's scheme to copyright fish. The Joker terrorizes and publicly threatens a copyright worker because he would not let him copyright fish. That may sound ridiculous, but to the Joker he has the right to profit off every fish that bears resemble to his "frankly fabulous face." So on his quest he threatens several individuals who he believes can make his quest for copyright possible. This leads to Batman dealing with Joker swordfish, Joker cats, and even a Joker shark. Batman vs. a shark. Can't beat it. Except when you have Batman and Joker fight on top of an aquarium and Joker savagely beats Batman with a wrench. That fight alone is not the only "gut busting" parts of the episode. Joker airs several Joker Fish commercials that are filled with classic Joker charm. "They're finny and funny and oh so delish. They're joyful and jolly. Jokerfish!" The combination of a dark scheme with classic Joker charm earns this episode our top spot.
That is our top ten Batman TAS episodes. Shout to Paul Dini for writing seven out of the ten. Dude is a machine. Speaking of machines, Mark Hamill's Joker makes five out of ten episodes. Mark's portrayal of the Clown Prince of Crime is legendary and he deserves all his spots on this list. Do you agree? What is your top ten? Tell us in the comments section. I hope you enjoyed our week long Batman TAS celebration. Thank you for reading.
