Batman TAS proves three things: 1. Television aimed at children can be deep, complex, and meaningful. 2. Just because something is animated, it is not meant only for children. 3. When stories are well written, they are timeless.
I think part of it is that they knew their audience was going to be kids but the writers created stories that they wanted to see, and then edited it so that a younger audience could watch it. Also the writers put a lot of mature themes in these episodes, but tried to put them in terms kids might understand without talking down to them.
4. Being mature and complex doesn't mean having a overly gritty tone, characters who are serious, sad or miserable all the time, and unecessary violence. It means having good stories with likable characters and relatable drama. 5. Just because it's a series dealing with mature themes doesn't mean forget the moments of joy and fun, as well the fantastic elements from the comics.
I've never had a problem with scenes where a random thug or henchman manages to get the drop on Batman once in a while. If anything it ties into the reality of how even Batman could have an "off day", or that underestimating an opponent just because they don't have an outlandish costume can quickly get him into trouble.
Anyone who's played the Arkham series cannot honestly tell you they've never been taken out by a random thug a few times, usually one with a gun or a knife, or one of those annoying karate guys in Origins.
Also during this episode Batman is supposed to stay in bed all day because of his head injury from the laser in the opening sequence, and he recieved a hit in the head when the brawl started, meaning he was probably in severe pain the entire time, makes sense he struggled a lot.
Batman is just a person. And while he is quite skilled and smart. He is still human. If you shoot him he will die. This is a great way to build tension. As you know realistically anyone with a gun could kill him. This is why he uses stealth, misdirected and his hand to hand skill to win the day. That said sometimes no matter how prepared you are. Things don't go your way. This is just the line of work he is in.
An underrated moment in this episode I believe has to be when one of Thorne's henchmen tells him that Batman's dead after the medical laser robbery and Thorne immediately laughs off his claims. He's clearly learned his lesson from Sid the Squid two episodes ago. Tomorrow, it marks the first time in this series we see a DC superhero from outside the Bat-family.
Now's a good time to give recognition to John Vernon, an extremely talented actor, who gave voice to Rupert Thorne. Older viewers may recognize him as Dean Vernon Wormer from National Lampoon's Animal House and Mr. Big in I'm Gonna Git You Sucka, while animation fans will recall his voice work in Swat Kats and The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy.
@@ashleytuchin7693 He was Dean Toadblatt from the first two Nigel Planter episodes, who is a parody of both Albus Dumbledore and Dean Wormer. Funny enough, when John Vernon died, Dean Toadblatt got both a new voice actor and a complete redesign just like Dumbledore.
"Sounds like he snapped this guy's neck." I figure it was just a knockout punch. Still, would be interesting to see what the S&P's notes were on that scene...
That whole final scene is brilliant! Bruce visits Thorne, offering to help him with his legal costs and put in good word for him, but Thorne, completely fed up with selling out ethics for the rich and powerful wants no part of it. Then Bruce explains what he wants and without any words, you immediately see Thorne's expression soften from scornful contempt to a compassionate smile as he realizes Bruce came there, not as a wealthy tycoon looking for favors, but as lost boy just looking to learn more about the father he barely knew.
I love how Matthew Thorne softened straight away as soon as he realizes Bruce was not asking for an illicit favour, but to reminisce about Thomas Wayne, and he was only all too happy to oblige.
Everything about this episode, from the corny title to the mob doctor angle, is dripping with 1940s crime noire. Every time the show leaned into that aesthetic is a triumph.
@@wisconsinking323 in the Comics, Leslie Thompkins allowed one of Batman's Sidekicks to die in an attempt to discourage him and the other Gotham Heroes from crime-fighting
I always loved this episode for Rupert Thorne, as I’ve always found him to be an incredibly underrated villain. This episode is a perfect example of Thorne’s way with words and his manipulation tactics he uses to get what he wants. I’ve always found Thorne to be interesting because he’s not particularly strong or even smart, he just has a fine way of speaking, and yet somehow he still manages to be one of the most powerful and accomplished villains in the entire show. Definitely and underrated villain.
For me the episodes that didn't involve The main Rogue Gallery have the most deep and character driven moments. I especially love Bruce opening up to stranger and talk about his father. I like this episode a lot.
Has Rupert Thorne ever been put in the comics? I’m surprised they haven’t expanded on the crime syndicates in the comics by having Fish Mooney and Rupert Thorne going around trying to gain power in the city
@@mrcritical6751 he did show up recently in the three joker's arc but it was just a cameo. Still nice to know he exists outside of the animated series now.
Rewatching this episode on Blu-ray is a revealing experience as it literally sheds light on certain details that I never noticed when watching it on VHS and/or DVD given how dark it is.
Oh Dr Leslie is a real doctor. For the longest time I thought she was a therapist or something. Read mostly modern Batman when she's pretty much phased out, at this point interacts more with [superhero] Harley Quinn than Leslie.
Batman being beaten by regular thugs does circle back to when he was having an existential crisis over how any of his enemies or even some random punk could end him.
I miss those moments when Bruce Wayne shows a more vulnerable and compassionate side that felt more genuine than a fake persona of Batman or a broody and tough Bruce Wayne that masks his sensitive side.
Great episode, showing more about the personal lives of both a hero and villain. I might have said it last year, but this show introduced me to Leslie Thompkins and love her bond with Batman. That's what I don't remember from the show GOTHAM; Leslie being friends with Thomas and Martha Wayne, or having the same bond with Bruce there like she did here.
The music is so good , it really tugs the tears out of you at the end "Tell me about my father" Then that sad music plays , damn 😢 Even as a kid I never questioned it why it wasn't action packed , it was that good.
Interesting how decades after this episode _Thomas Wayne_ being a mob doctor himself would be a plot point not only in a mainline Batman comic but also a Batman film!
What you said about finding someone to tell you about a loved that's gone is like finding a bit of treasure, got to me. I couldn't describe the feeling and that's perfect. Whenever I find someone that knew my father, I ask them about him and feel like a child again, proudly hearing how great my father was. Sadly my mother's friends all trash talk about him but, I've learned not to believe narcisistic rants or their flying monkeys. I lost my father when I was 7, and when I find someone that remembers him, it just lights up my day.
I may be wrong about it, but I remember this was the last episode of BTAS to air on Fox before it got switched to the Kids WB, and something about it just seemed so appropriate.
It's a shame that despite this episode revamping an old pre-Bronze Age villain in a sympathetic way just like Mr. Freeze, the comics don't reflect that. By the 2000s, the Crime Doctor became more psychotic than he was in the '40s.
The scene at the end when Bruce wants to be told more about his father is an emotional scene. It would have been cool to have a scene where you hear what Bruce gets told.
to me what makes the episode relatable with mostly matthew and Rupert is that we seen how Matthew did something with his life and made something of himself but once Rupert came and try to get help is where we seen his life took a turn for the worst but despite everything Rupert did we still see Matthew was never going to go down the Sampath as his brother showing one brother will always be the one to do the right things well the other will be to far gone to see and realize their mistakes
This is a fantastic episode and it’s only gotten better. Not just Bruce’s genuine wish to know more about his father but the ethical questions a doctor might have. Helping a family member or obey the law. What’s right? What’s ethical? Not to mention the more I learn about my own father.
The yearbook gives the date of 1907, which I guess would set the show around 1940? Is this the only episode that gives a firm date to any events in Batman TAS?
I hope some are realizing the importance of Bat-May since the show does such an amazing job in trying to humanize Bruce Wayne/Batman. Been noticing few a fair sum of these episodes now (more for this year than last year), of how we see Batman as someone who isn’t this seemingly “invincible human,” as what we tend to see of him in other medias. Of course, that’s kind of the point of Batman to be look upon as this symbol of fear among those who conduct illegal activities or the quiet strategist who is able to make even Darkseid surrender (even for a few brief moments). But here in the animated series, we see how Batman cares for others. When pushed to his limits, he can actually break. And how the trauma of what made him Batman still hangs over him to a point where if he has a chance to at least hear stories about his father, he would ask to hear them. It is also kind of a shame that the telltale Batman ended in a way since it did feel like it could have been a trilogy of stories (even though the two stories still do a good job). It really is fascinating to revisit the animated series since in a way, we could say it was probably one of the main reasons why Bats usually sits at the top of “greatest superheroes of all time” lists. Just a man with no powers, but trying to do what’s right. Something to which has gotten slightly... iffy when we look at other medias where the idea of Batman gets thrown off the deep end and he seemingly becomes a chaotic good (but one that the other good guys might not want to put up with).
That's right. While many adapations like the movies usually focus on Batman dark side, showing how badass and brooding he is, the TAS version is able to balance this with his human side, portraying Batman as dark vigilante but not a unreasonable heartless monster, showing his compassion, caring for others and his determination to push himself in order to protect people and prevent them to suffer the same trauma he had to go through. The best exemple of this are in episodes like "Two Face", "Feat of Clay" and "Baby Doll", where Batman tries to defeat his enemies not by punching them, but rather by trying to reach their humanity and offering help, knowing that, behind their surface, his villains are just like him, people whose lifes were ruined by tragedy and are dealing with their own personal demons and problems.
This is the first episode that doesn't immediately jump to mind. I do remember the "tell me about my father" scene, but nothing else. I'm sure I've seen the entire episode though. Seems awesome though. I agree that any Leslie episodes are always great though.
i like when a low level thug beats batman a little, DCAU have give him some humanity as good in fight you are every one can surprise you, you are just human
I’m surprised you brought up the Mr. Freeze Movie Sub zero. I vaguely remember watching it when it aired on Television but I really liked the aspect of it! Mr. Freeze didn’t get a lot of episodes in the Batman animated series, so to see him getting his own movie based on the show was a pretty cool idea! I really hope you or Doug do a review on that movie, i feel like it would be something that you both enjoy and would consider it a better Mr. Freeze movie than what Shoemocker had!
I actually like it when a low level henchman poses a real threat to Batman in this series. It is a constant reminder that Batman is working himself ragged full time and in all likelihood will one day be taken out by some punk with a gun.
Exactly. The harder modes in the Arkham Asylum games do a good job showing how much effort it can take just to clear out one room of armed thugs. Half of Batman's power is his reputation and the fear it generates in that superstitious, cowardly lot- it helps him to win battles that he would otherwise lose.
I can really relate to this episode as I never knew my great grandfather that well as he passed away when I was 2 but the way my family talks about him I wish that I could have spent more time with him so I cherish those talks a lot.
This was always one of my favorite episodes. The final line was great, but that missing family angle was what I always appreciated. I always wondered, did Bruce ever have family besides his parents and Alfred? Does he even have grandparents or uncles and aunts? This provided a nice catharsis to those questions, even if not direct.
I really loved the interaction with those around Wayne's family and how they got so much going on outside of Gothams crooks and villains! Makes the whole life in Gotham quite interesting!
With the limp ear he looks like Bat-Mite who has the same limp ear on his Batman costume. While the character was around in the comics back then I wasn't really aware of him till his appearance in Batman the Brave and the Bold. I wander if this was an intentional nod to the Bat-Mite character who never shows up in this continuity. Though Bat-Mite does originate from the same universe manipulating species as Mr. I'm going to butcher the spelling of this name... Myselplix who did show up a few times on the New Adventures of Superman which is part of the same animated universe so Bat-Mite could of been around as well we just never see him. And Bat-Mite from Batman the Brave and the Bold is fully aware of the show he's on being a cartoon series and of the existence of other Batman shows that aired earlier including this one so maybe we can retroactively include that Bat-Mite as part of this continuity just by virtue of being a trans-dimensional being capable of hopping universes?
I guess compared to Stromwell, Thorne is the Scrooge who left his Ghost of Christmas past in cement shoes. Just as much as it is for Batman, it's nice to a see a moment where Thorne shows vulnerability, not merely being this insanely rich and ruthless crime boss standing in for the Falcone/Maroni clans, but a real human being with physical problems like anyone else his age and occupation. The fact that he repeatedly coerces his own brother into helping him against his will only intensifies the dislike for him.
I loved this show growing up as a kid, but episodes like this never interested me (preferred episodes to have a costumed villan), but as an adult, these type of episodes are the best of the series!!! Episodes like this one, Bullet for Bullock, It's never too late, I am the night & Robin's Reconning!!!
This was a worthwhile episode. One of the more dramatic-less action-packed of the series. And yes, I would have liked to see more of Matt. I mean, he wasn’t an exciting character… but they could have given us more. What became of him. The relationship between these two brothers. You call Matt a “former doctor”. Throughout the episode, he’s still a doctor. He just has no license. Not anymore. Doctors are required to report gun-related injuries. Still a doctor. And as for the nurse attempting to take out Batman with no given reason… there is a reason. These are professional career criminals trying to take out anyone who is a threat.
I actually like when a random mook gives Batman a hard time. Batman is, after all, just a human in a costume. He's even commented, it would only take some random thug to have a lucky night, and that would be it.
That one scene with Dr. Leslie and her patient was typical Hollywood because they were speaking two different languages, but acted like they understood each other
Again, a low level Mook hurting Batman is real, and it's always happened in comics. One time I remember and often mention is when someone throw a gun that hit Batman and almost made him get run over.
I love this episode, it’s one of my favorites, though in the comics, the crime doctor real name was changed from the comics in them his name is Bradford Thorne, though in his first appearance it is matthew thorne, he’s a bit more business minded in the comics.
This is yet another episode I wasn't exposed to during my childhood. Hell, I don't think I watched ANY episodes featuring Leslie Thompkins. I can say, for the most part, "Paging the Crime Doctor" looks okay. I don't expect something epic out of a crime boss forcing his surgeon brother to kidnap one of Bruce's allies to complete a tumor removal procedure, but except for the end where Bruce visits Matt Thorne in order to know more about his father, nothing in the episode looks memorable. We already had an episode featuring the conflict between a crime boss and his good-hearted brother and it looked more emotional.
Always like seeing a C-List villain get his due. Crime Doctor was done well. My favorite Crime Doctor story from the comics is DETECTIVE COMICS #494-495.
You know, that’d be a Brilliant take for an Elseworld’s story, Thomas and Martha Wayne were the head of a Gotham mob family and got whacked by Rupert Thorne or one of the other crime families of Gotham and Batman’s war on crime is as much to atone for the sins of the father as much as to clean up Gotham
@@jlev1028 Very late reply but not exactly. The trio running Gotham were Hamilton Hill, Carmine Falcone, and Thomas Wayne. The former hired Joe Chill to take the Waynes out, Bruce surviving out of pure luck.
It's a major bummer that once the style of the show changed in the New Batman Adventures, all these interesting side characters like Matt and Leslie were phased out. It would've been nice to at least reference them every now in then. Without them, Batman came off as less and less human.
I know not Batman related but can you do a review for Jurassic World Camp cretaceous, I believe it’s like Batman, aimed at kids yet deep and dark enough for older audiences
Not gonna lie, not having watched this episode for several months, when I read the title, I thought Professor Pig was the Crime Doctor the title was talking about 😅
Batman TAS proves three things:
1. Television aimed at children can be deep, complex, and meaningful.
2. Just because something is animated, it is not meant only for children.
3. When stories are well written, they are timeless.
I think part of it is that they knew their audience was going to be kids but the writers created stories that they wanted to see, and then edited it so that a younger audience could watch it. Also the writers put a lot of mature themes in these episodes, but tried to put them in terms kids might understand without talking down to them.
Four things the fourth is that because it's animated doesn't mean it's always for kids
Yes
@@griffingower1883 they say that in part 2
4. Being mature and complex doesn't mean having a overly gritty tone, characters who are serious, sad or miserable all the time, and unecessary violence. It means having good stories with likable characters and relatable drama.
5. Just because it's a series dealing with mature themes doesn't mean forget the moments of joy and fun, as well the fantastic elements from the comics.
I've never had a problem with scenes where a random thug or henchman manages to get the drop on Batman once in a while. If anything it ties into the reality of how even Batman could have an "off day", or that underestimating an opponent just because they don't have an outlandish costume can quickly get him into trouble.
Reminds me of a Buffy the Vampire Slayer episode where she nearly gets killed by a random run of the mill vampire who gets lucky
Anyone who's played the Arkham series cannot honestly tell you they've never been taken out by a random thug a few times, usually one with a gun or a knife, or one of those annoying karate guys in Origins.
Also during this episode Batman is supposed to stay in bed all day because of his head injury from the laser in the opening sequence, and he recieved a hit in the head when the brawl started, meaning he was probably in severe pain the entire time, makes sense he struggled a lot.
Batman is just a person. And while he is quite skilled and smart. He is still human. If you shoot him he will die.
This is a great way to build tension. As you know realistically anyone with a gun could kill him. This is why he uses stealth, misdirected and his hand to hand skill to win the day.
That said sometimes no matter how prepared you are. Things don't go your way. This is just the line of work he is in.
Bats himself once commented that he might die to "some punk who got lucky"
I always loved when Batman got emotional at times. Let’s you breathe from all of the action
me too.
An underrated moment in this episode I believe has to be when one of Thorne's henchmen tells him that Batman's dead after the medical laser robbery and Thorne immediately laughs off his claims. He's clearly learned his lesson from Sid the Squid two episodes ago.
Tomorrow, it marks the first time in this series we see a DC superhero from outside the Bat-family.
Now's a good time to give recognition to John Vernon, an extremely talented actor, who gave voice to Rupert Thorne. Older viewers may recognize him as Dean Vernon Wormer from National Lampoon's Animal House and Mr. Big in I'm Gonna Git You Sucka, while animation fans will recall his voice work in Swat Kats and The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy.
Ooh, who'd he voice in Billy and Mandy?
@@ashleytuchin7693 He was Dean Toadblatt from the first two Nigel Planter episodes, who is a parody of both Albus Dumbledore and Dean Wormer. Funny enough, when John Vernon died, Dean Toadblatt got both a new voice actor and a complete redesign just like Dumbledore.
"Sounds like he snapped this guy's neck."
I figure it was just a knockout punch. Still, would be interesting to see what the S&P's notes were on that scene...
That whole final scene is brilliant! Bruce visits Thorne, offering to help him with his legal costs and put in good word for him, but Thorne, completely fed up with selling out ethics for the rich and powerful wants no part of it. Then Bruce explains what he wants and without any words, you immediately see Thorne's expression soften from scornful contempt to a compassionate smile as he realizes Bruce came there, not as a wealthy tycoon looking for favors, but as lost boy just looking to learn more about the father he barely knew.
Bruce bestest line in the this episode.
Bruce: *Tell me about my father.*
And how Bruce says it and looks is so cool. He's like a kid there.
Kevin Conroy nailed it. He sounded so small and vulnerable, just like a child.
I love how Matthew Thorne softened straight away as soon as he realizes Bruce was not asking for an illicit favour, but to reminisce about Thomas Wayne, and he was only all too happy to oblige.
Inventor: "This is a medical prototype gun."
Doctor: "What does it do?"
Inventor: "It cuts people in half."
It was a cutting device.
Everything about this episode, from the corny title to the mob doctor angle, is dripping with 1940s crime noire. Every time the show leaned into that aesthetic is a triumph.
"Tell me about my father." Oh my heart 😭
Leslie such an amazing character not on the good or bad side just wants justice
The comic books _ruined_ her
Dr Leslie Thompkins is on the side of good But she's an Extreme Pacifist
Diana Muldaur portrayed Leslie perfectly!
@@kaicreech7336 What do you mean?
@@wisconsinking323 in the Comics, Leslie Thompkins allowed one of Batman's Sidekicks to die in an attempt to discourage him and the other Gotham Heroes from crime-fighting
I always loved this episode for Rupert Thorne, as I’ve always found him to be an incredibly underrated villain. This episode is a perfect example of Thorne’s way with words and his manipulation tactics he uses to get what he wants. I’ve always found Thorne to be interesting because he’s not particularly strong or even smart, he just has a fine way of speaking, and yet somehow he still manages to be one of the most powerful and accomplished villains in the entire show. Definitely and underrated villain.
For me the episodes that didn't involve The main Rogue Gallery have the most deep and character driven moments. I especially love Bruce opening up to stranger and talk about his father. I like this episode a lot.
Exactly. I still love Joker and the rest of the rogues very much, but episodes like this one and It's Never Too Late are something really special.
I know. It just helps build the entire universe, and makes the characters and locations feel more real.
I like it when we get stuff that features more obscure characters. I feel like Warner has become too reliant on the Joker as of late.
Another one of the best episodes that didn't have a single signature rouges gallery villain
Technically, the Crime Doctor is a member of the Batman rogues, but he's more obscure and on the sidelines.
Technically, Rupert Thorne is one, at least on this show.
It's nice to get those every now and then. Really appreciate Batman's origins against normal criminals
Has Rupert Thorne ever been put in the comics? I’m surprised they haven’t expanded on the crime syndicates in the comics by having Fish Mooney and Rupert Thorne going around trying to gain power in the city
@@mrcritical6751 he did show up recently in the three joker's arc but it was just a cameo. Still nice to know he exists outside of the animated series now.
Batman gets to pay it forward years later in Justice League Unlimited with Hawkgirl when she asks about her son. Love the continuity of the DCAU.
4:32
'Hey wait up, I thought you don't kill!'
'Misunderstanding. I don't let people see me kill'
He's sleeping. Fighting Batman is a very tiring experience.
Yea look at the guy. He's all tuckered out.
Rewatching this episode on Blu-ray is a revealing experience as it literally sheds light on certain details that I never noticed when watching it on VHS and/or DVD given how dark it is.
That last bit at the end with Bruce opening up to Matt. Gets me every time!
Batman with Bruce's voice: Hey whats up doc.
Oh Dr Leslie is a real doctor. For the longest time I thought she was a therapist or something. Read mostly modern Batman when she's pretty much phased out, at this point interacts more with [superhero] Harley Quinn than Leslie.
Batman being beaten by regular thugs does circle back to when he was having an existential crisis over how any of his enemies or even some random punk could end him.
I miss those moments when Bruce Wayne shows a more vulnerable and compassionate side that felt more genuine than a fake persona of Batman or a broody and tough Bruce Wayne that masks his sensitive side.
Batman's a real man. Real men aren't suppose to have feelings
Bruce Wayne IS the persona
Was wondering when you would get to this episode. The ending always gets me. Showing what Bruce truly wants out of life.
My grandfather died when I was only 2.... I often ask my mom how he was as a person... he was ok... not perfect but ok
Yea this is one where it may be a bit slow if you're little, but when you get older, you appreciate what its doing a lot more
Great episode, showing more about the personal lives of both a hero and villain. I might have said it last year, but this show introduced me to Leslie Thompkins and love her bond with Batman.
That's what I don't remember from the show GOTHAM; Leslie being friends with Thomas and Martha Wayne, or having the same bond with Bruce there like she did here.
The music is so good , it really tugs the tears out of you at the end
"Tell me about my father"
Then that sad music plays , damn 😢
Even as a kid I never questioned it why it wasn't action packed , it was that good.
Interesting how decades after this episode _Thomas Wayne_ being a mob doctor himself would be a plot point not only in a mainline Batman comic but also a Batman film!
What you said about finding someone to tell you about a loved that's gone is like finding a bit of treasure, got to me. I couldn't describe the feeling and that's perfect. Whenever I find someone that knew my father, I ask them about him and feel like a child again, proudly hearing how great my father was. Sadly my mother's friends all trash talk about him but, I've learned not to believe narcisistic rants or their flying monkeys.
I lost my father when I was 7, and when I find someone that remembers him, it just lights up my day.
I may be wrong about it, but I remember this was the last episode of BTAS to air on Fox before it got switched to the Kids WB, and something about it just seemed so appropriate.
That fight with Ruphert Thorne's orderly was EPIC Probably one of the most EPIC Boss/Mook fights Batman ever had
I like when random people fight Superheroes and manage to hold against them.
@@DieJG Same
I've always loved that episode with Mathew risking his life and license to save Lesley, his best friend. It's very touching
It's a shame that despite this episode revamping an old pre-Bronze Age villain in a sympathetic way just like Mr. Freeze, the comics don't reflect that. By the 2000s, the Crime Doctor became more psychotic than he was in the '40s.
4:32 - I don't know why the neck break cracks me that I want an hour loop of that 1 second crack.
The scene at the end when Bruce wants to be told more about his father is an emotional scene. It would have been cool to have a scene where you hear what Bruce gets told.
to me what makes the episode relatable with mostly matthew and Rupert is that we seen how Matthew did something with his life and made something of himself but once Rupert came and try to get help is where we seen his life took a turn for the worst but despite everything Rupert did we still see Matthew was never going to go down the Sampath as his brother showing one brother will always be the one to do the right things well the other will be to far gone to see and realize their mistakes
This is a fantastic episode and it’s only gotten better. Not just Bruce’s genuine wish to know more about his father but the ethical questions a doctor might have. Helping a family member or obey the law. What’s right? What’s ethical? Not to mention the more I learn about my own father.
The yearbook gives the date of 1907, which I guess would set the show around 1940? Is this the only episode that gives a firm date to any events in Batman TAS?
I hope some are realizing the importance of Bat-May since the show does such an amazing job in trying to humanize Bruce Wayne/Batman.
Been noticing few a fair sum of these episodes now (more for this year than last year), of how we see Batman as someone who isn’t this seemingly “invincible human,” as what we tend to see of him in other medias. Of course, that’s kind of the point of Batman to be look upon as this symbol of fear among those who conduct illegal activities or the quiet strategist who is able to make even Darkseid surrender (even for a few brief moments).
But here in the animated series, we see how Batman cares for others. When pushed to his limits, he can actually break. And how the trauma of what made him Batman still hangs over him to a point where if he has a chance to at least hear stories about his father, he would ask to hear them. It is also kind of a shame that the telltale Batman ended in a way since it did feel like it could have been a trilogy of stories (even though the two stories still do a good job).
It really is fascinating to revisit the animated series since in a way, we could say it was probably one of the main reasons why Bats usually sits at the top of “greatest superheroes of all time” lists. Just a man with no powers, but trying to do what’s right. Something to which has gotten slightly... iffy when we look at other medias where the idea of Batman gets thrown off the deep end and he seemingly becomes a chaotic good (but one that the other good guys might not want to put up with).
That's right. While many adapations like the movies usually focus on Batman dark side, showing how badass and brooding he is, the TAS version is able to balance this with his human side, portraying Batman as dark vigilante but not a unreasonable heartless monster, showing his compassion, caring for others and his determination to push himself in order to protect people and prevent them to suffer the same trauma he had to go through. The best exemple of this are in episodes like "Two Face", "Feat of Clay" and "Baby Doll", where Batman tries to defeat his enemies not by punching them, but rather by trying to reach their humanity and offering help, knowing that, behind their surface, his villains are just like him, people whose lifes were ruined by tragedy and are dealing with their own personal demons and problems.
I don't remember seeing this episode when the show was airing on TV. It wasn't till I got the DVD that I saw this episode.
This is the first episode that doesn't immediately jump to mind. I do remember the "tell me about my father" scene, but nothing else. I'm sure I've seen the entire episode though. Seems awesome though. I agree that any Leslie episodes are always great though.
i like when a low level thug beats batman a little, DCAU have give him some humanity as good in fight you are every one can surprise you, you are just human
I’m surprised you brought up the Mr. Freeze Movie Sub zero. I vaguely remember watching it when it aired on Television but I really liked the aspect of it! Mr. Freeze didn’t get a lot of episodes in the Batman animated series, so to see him getting his own movie based on the show was a pretty cool idea! I really hope you or Doug do a review on that movie, i feel like it would be something that you both enjoy and would consider it a better Mr. Freeze movie than what Shoemocker had!
Her music hits every time. All the emotional power it has was amazing then and will remain for all time.
I really like that there wasn't a flashback. Makes the episode more grounded and believable.
I actually like it when a low level henchman poses a real threat to Batman in this series. It is a constant reminder that Batman is working himself ragged full time and in all likelihood will one day be taken out by some punk with a gun.
Exactly. The harder modes in the Arkham Asylum games do a good job showing how much effort it can take just to clear out one room of armed thugs. Half of Batman's power is his reputation and the fear it generates in that superstitious, cowardly lot- it helps him to win battles that he would otherwise lose.
Man!
They had so many great episodes in this show!
4:31 That didn't sound like a punch or neck break.
That sounded like a meteor hitting the earth! lol
I can really relate to this episode as I never knew my great grandfather that well as he passed away when I was 2 but the way my family talks about him I wish that I could have spent more time with him so I cherish those talks a lot.
Thank you for the episode.
This was always one of my favorite episodes. The final line was great, but that missing family angle was what I always appreciated. I always wondered, did Bruce ever have family besides his parents and Alfred? Does he even have grandparents or uncles and aunts? This provided a nice catharsis to those questions, even if not direct.
2:37 Tell me about my father
Just one of those emotional gut-punches this show was REALLY good at...I mean, I'm still tearing up
This episode is where I first learned what a mob doctor was
I really loved the interaction with those around Wayne's family and how they got so much going on outside of Gothams crooks and villains! Makes the whole life in Gotham quite interesting!
With the limp ear he looks like Bat-Mite who has the same limp ear on his Batman costume. While the character was around in the comics back then I wasn't really aware of him till his appearance in Batman the Brave and the Bold. I wander if this was an intentional nod to the Bat-Mite character who never shows up in this continuity. Though Bat-Mite does originate from the same universe manipulating species as Mr. I'm going to butcher the spelling of this name... Myselplix who did show up a few times on the New Adventures of Superman which is part of the same animated universe so Bat-Mite could of been around as well we just never see him. And Bat-Mite from Batman the Brave and the Bold is fully aware of the show he's on being a cartoon series and of the existence of other Batman shows that aired earlier including this one so maybe we can retroactively include that Bat-Mite as part of this continuity just by virtue of being a trans-dimensional being capable of hopping universes?
I guess compared to Stromwell, Thorne is the Scrooge who left his Ghost of Christmas past in cement shoes. Just as much as it is for Batman, it's nice to a see a moment where Thorne shows vulnerability, not merely being this insanely rich and ruthless crime boss standing in for the Falcone/Maroni clans, but a real human being with physical problems like anyone else his age and occupation. The fact that he repeatedly coerces his own brother into helping him against his will only intensifies the dislike for him.
Why did Bruce go from this to a merciless jerk in The New Batman Adventures who hardly cracks a smile?
Because it had taken a toll on him by then. Robin had distanced himself from him and broken their partnership off, so that was a big factor.
4:32 Crazy Steve approves!
I love this episode. It's different in a good way.
This episode has Bruce at his most emotional.
I think we could have in the now comics find out a little bit much more about the conversation that happened at the end of this episode.
I loved this show growing up as a kid, but episodes like this never interested me (preferred episodes to have a costumed villan), but as an adult, these type of episodes are the best of the series!!! Episodes like this one, Bullet for Bullock, It's never too late, I am the night & Robin's Reconning!!!
Pretty fascinating.
So far of the batman animated series is better fleshed out then the current batman I've seen. Makes me want to buy the dvd set of it.
We never do learn that much (that is to say nothing) about Bruce’s mother Martha.😢 Always saw that as a bit of a missed opportunity.
Why did you say that Name!!
For real though I was having the same thought. What kind of person was she.
@@DSan-kl2yc only thing I can think is, according to Flashpoint Paradox, she’s one bad day away from Joker levels of crazy.
@@R.J.Godzilla81 aren't we all? I mean we all go alittle mad sometimes.
@@strifenineteen okay Norman, LOL
This was a worthwhile episode. One of the more dramatic-less action-packed of the series. And yes, I would have liked to see more of Matt. I mean, he wasn’t an exciting character… but they could have given us more. What became of him. The relationship between these two brothers.
You call Matt a “former doctor”. Throughout the episode, he’s still a doctor. He just has no license. Not anymore. Doctors are required to report gun-related injuries. Still a doctor. And as for the nurse attempting to take out Batman with no given reason… there is a reason. These are professional career criminals trying to take out anyone who is a threat.
I actually like when a random mook gives Batman a hard time. Batman is, after all, just a human in a costume. He's even commented, it would only take some random thug to have a lucky night, and that would be it.
Leslie Tomkins is pretty good in Gotham
That one scene with Dr. Leslie and her patient was typical Hollywood because they were speaking two different languages, but acted like they understood each other
Again, a low level Mook hurting Batman is real, and it's always happened in comics.
One time I remember and often mention is when someone throw a gun that hit Batman and almost made him get run over.
I love this episode, it’s one of my favorites, though in the comics, the crime doctor real name was changed from the comics in them his name is Bradford Thorne, though in his first appearance it is matthew thorne, he’s a bit more business minded in the comics.
forgot how good this was I'm gonna have to re-watch it.... again of course
It's also good to see Dr. Pulaski working again.
So, am I the only person in the world who noticed the "Frank Thomas & Ollie Johnston" easter egg at 2:15 ???
This is yet another episode I wasn't exposed to during my childhood. Hell, I don't think I watched ANY episodes featuring Leslie Thompkins. I can say, for the most part, "Paging the Crime Doctor" looks okay. I don't expect something epic out of a crime boss forcing his surgeon brother to kidnap one of Bruce's allies to complete a tumor removal procedure, but except for the end where Bruce visits Matt Thorne in order to know more about his father, nothing in the episode looks memorable. We already had an episode featuring the conflict between a crime boss and his good-hearted brother and it looked more emotional.
“Tell me about my dad”
Bat-Feels activated.
~_~
Always like seeing a C-List villain get his due. Crime Doctor was done well. My favorite Crime Doctor story from the comics is DETECTIVE COMICS #494-495.
I... have never seen this episode!!!! 😳 Fascinating! I'm gonna have to find this one...
Rupert makes his poor brother an underground doctor for criminals. At least he's not that bad of a person.
I was just watching the ending scene yesterday
Such a great series
I haven't seen this episode before. It sounds good to check.
BTAS makes you want to learn more about Batman's parents while Flashpoint makes you want to learn less.
I was a teen when I saw this episode, it hit me hard
For the ending, I wondered why Matt thought Bruce would want him to do something illegal.
love the content
Bat may is epic!
This is one of the few series that has a good balance between Batman and Bruce Wayne
You know, that’d be a Brilliant take for an Elseworld’s story, Thomas and Martha Wayne were the head of a Gotham mob family and got whacked by Rupert Thorne or one of the other crime families of Gotham and Batman’s war on crime is as much to atone for the sins of the father as much as to clean up Gotham
The Telltale game apparently did that "Bruce's parents were corrupt" angle albeit it was still a simple mugger that shot the Waynes.
@@jlev1028 Very late reply but not exactly.
The trio running Gotham were Hamilton Hill, Carmine Falcone, and Thomas Wayne. The former hired Joe Chill to take the Waynes out, Bruce surviving out of pure luck.
I would love to see a lego month for nostalgia critic
It's a major bummer that once the style of the show changed in the New Batman Adventures, all these interesting side characters like Matt and Leslie were phased out. It would've been nice to at least reference them every now in then. Without them, Batman came off as less and less human.
Would have been nice to visit Matt Throne again, but we know as time goes on the series no longer had time for episodes like this.
I know not Batman related but can you do a review for Jurassic World Camp cretaceous, I believe it’s like Batman, aimed at kids yet deep and dark enough for older audiences
So Batman is basically just letting Thorne die, Trying to make his job easier if his empire fell, Okaaaaaay.
This is plot sorta of "Playing God"
This episode seems vaguely familiar, but I'm not actually sure if I've seen it, before.
I forgot this episode existed.
that title card is creepy
Not gonna lie, not having watched this episode for several months, when I read the title, I thought Professor Pig was the Crime Doctor the title was talking about 😅