What did everyone think of The Strange Secret of Bruce Wayne? Follow Walter on Twitter - twitter.com/Awesome_Walter Watch all the Bat-May here - bit.ly/3dhEQHT Follow us on Twitch - www.twitch.tv/channelawesome
This is actually one of my favorite episodes. I love the character of Strange, the story, the appearance of the villains, how Bruce outsmarts Strange, and the moment where the villains don't believe him about Bruce being Batman. That moment especially always stood out to me.
Even though I couldn’t fathom why Bruce would voluntarily place himself in a position that could result in his secret identity being revealed, I still love this episode! If memory serves, this also happened in the Sixties TV series (or some earlier iteration) and I always enjoy seeing how the revelation is going to be resolved. By the way, I respectfully disagree with Walter’s opinion on said TV show. I can allow myself to enjoy the seriousness with which Batman was originally created and the intentional campiness of Adam West’s version. I still, however, draw the line at Bat Nipples. And the Bad Credit Card. Oh, and Ice Puns! And Batgirl being anyone other than *BARBARA GORDON!* Also- 💚😉😉💚
Chill out, what ya yellin' for? Lay back, it's all been done before. And if you could only let it be, you will see that I am the funniest YouT*ber of all time. Admit it, my dear follow*r shainw
I'm surprised you didn't mention Joker's sick burn at Two-Face. Two-Face: "GET OUT OF MY FACE CLOWN!" Joker: "which one?" Also. I think it's interesting that Bruce has brown eyes in BTAS. He usually has blue eyes in the comics and everything else.
I see the point though. Brown eyes are more hardened and how genile Bruce acts in BTAS it reminds you he’s not this persona, just a very traumatized man. in TNBTAS Bruce grows a lot darker. The blue eyes is to showcase he still has some humanity in both the show and comic through his callous nature
Fun fact: Mark Hamill and Paul Williams voice Strange's henchmen in this episode. So when the Joker threatens one of them with decapitation, he's actually threatening himself.
So this "Doctor Strange" didn't just have the Joker but also the Penguin as well!!! Love Mr Williams' lines in Baby Driver as well as his guest appearance in the last Daft Punk album
@@liveac3694 i don't think robin would fitt that well in the suit since the suit its tight to the muscles, at least with a formal suit you can fake the level cloth to make him look bigger. Plus he can hide the heels.
Its pretty well established Batman would never let anyone wear the Batsuit... Not unless he was so old and feeble he couldn't wear it. But that's another story
@@motor4X4kombat Also, Bruce has a strong, pronounced jaw line & chin, whereas Dick has a smaller face & chin. Gordon is a good commissioner and detective in his own right where he could tell there's a different man under the cowl just from the exposed parts of the face. Oh, and Batman's mask can ONLY fit Bruce's face & head.
He was done the dirty in TAS. In the comics, he’s a cross between Hannibal Lecter and Professor Moriarty, more interested in psychological domination than money. This episode was weak as fuck.
Strange: "Joker, please! I was set up! Bruce Wayne is Batman!" Two-Face: "That's absurd! I know Bruce Wayne. If he's Batman, I'm the King of England." Joker: "And people say I'm crazy! Say... it is hot in here or is it just me? Harv, open that door so we can get a breeze!"
{after seeing the results of Batman sabotaging the fuel system} Joker: Man, things just haven't been the same since deregulation. And when I first saw this in high school, I'd been reading enough Art Buchwald collections to get the reference. I genuinely appreciated it.
I really liked when Joker, Two-Face, and Penguin came out of the plane each of their themes played as they exited the plane, I always thought that was a nice touch.
As a kid, I always enjoyed this episode especially seeing Joker, Two-Face, and Penguin. Made me always think of how cool it would have been to see Jack Nicholson, Danny Devito, and Tommy Lee Jones together on screen as their respective characters
As much as enjoyed the episode, I think the comic book that was based on, "Strange Apparitions", was far superior, specially Hugo development in the end, where he learns about Batman's identity but, while at first he wanted to sell Batman's identity to his rogues, in the end he changes his mind and decide instead to keep it for himself, judging that his discovery of Batman's identity is his greatest achivement. He even refused to shared this information with Rupert Thorne, despite being tortured by the mobster, showing how, despite being enemies, Strange truly respects Batman as opponent.
Strange: "Wait! That's not the right tape!" [BANG!] Penguin: "Fellow miscreants, we've been had!" Joker: "I'm gonna use your head for a bowling ball!" And he GROWLED that one.
This is also a nice tie-in to the Return of the Joker movie where we saw how Joker gives NO SHITS for Batman's identity, since he only cares for batman, nothing else. (and again, how HILARIOUS was his reaction in the Harley Quinn series)
Hugo Strange has been my favorite Batman villain ever since I learned of him. He's not some psychotic ego. He's not a mutated powerhouse. He's not a god. He's a man. A regular human. Realistic, intelligent, and driven. Hugo Strange is just a pragmatic doctor with no morals. And that is far more terrifying than some Manshark any day.
Actually Strange is psychotic. His whole motivation usually is eliminate Batman so he can replace him as the dark knight, with him constatly expressing admiration and jealousy for the hero.
Fun Fact: This episode is probably why Amanda Waller knows Bruce Wayne is Batman in Justice League Unlimited and an error is there when Strange holds up the case ''Bruce Wayne'' is very readable
Fortunately he gets some great episodes in 'The Batman' in 2004. I liked how he isn't necessarily always doing his own schemes, often merely acting as a civil servant to help catch a different rogue. But when he DOES use his own plans, the results are devastating, apocalyptic stuff.
Personally one of my favorite episodes. When Strange exclaims that he showed the wrong tape and the Joker responds with "You're telling me?" I still use the Joker's response when someone tells me something painfully obvious.
True. The episode where he makes Batman believe he is trapped in a apocaliptic world, controled by zombies, is the best episode in the whole series. It's really a underrated animated show
I'm suprised at you walter. You didnt mention the most epic two face burn in the episode Joker: hold it! hold it! Two face: get out of my face clown Joker: which one? Two face: 😯
Hugo Strange was honestly one of the few villains this show completely messed up. He's supposed to be one of Batman's most intelligent, diabolical adversaries (Hell he's even better at messing with Bruce's head than The Scarecrow) but this episode reduced him to a glorified blackmailer who could have been swapped out for literally any other villain.
"Batman? Bruce Wayne" "Bruce Wayne? Batman. Or have you two meet?" I loved Two-Face's interjection there. In my younger, more smart aleck-y years, when I watched this with my brothers when he said he's the King of England. I quipped "My Liege!" It's a great touch with Two-Face he always seemed the most connected of the Rogue's Gallery with dating Poison Ivy, a mob-buster before becoming a supervillain and a lawyer. So many layers.
Hugo Strange: finds out Bruce Wayne and Batman are one and the same, gets some bidders to sell the tape. But nobody believes him. Kind of like the corrupt cop who realized Clark Kent and Superman are the same seconds before he is executed...(Superman: TAS)
*Bruce:* Your relaxation therapy doesn’t seem to be working too well on me, Doctor Strange. If only Marvel’s Doctor Strange could have made an actual crossover to DC’s animated universe as Batman’s ally.
This is one of the first episodes I can remember watching, and it stuck with me for a lot of the same reasons in this video, like the villains coming together and that twist at the end. Still one of my favorites to this day.
I spent so long thinking I had made up this episode! I caught it once on rerun as a kid, and then never again for almost 10 years. It was one of the first Batman episodes I ever saw, and it really left an impression.
I loved Hugo Strange in one of my favourite episodes from the series. It was great to see the villains and I always get a surge when we see the Batlogo and Bruce's vengeful fist when he is undergoing the test. Wonderful visuals, particularly the outdoor locations in the second half and Hugo's monitoring device. 'Focus, focus....FOCUSSSSSSS!!!!!!!' I always loved the way Mark Hamill delivers his lines as The Joker. Wonderful review and can't wait to see more from Bat-May.
There was an episode in which 2 face was getting a restoration surgery that was paid by Wayne, and there was this heart wrenching scene in which they both remember old times.
You're absolutely right that two-faced found out that Bruce Wayne and Batman were one in the same that would be really devastating to him I think everyone talks about the Joker but they have to remember how dangerous Two-Face really is
I liked him at first, but I didn't like the reveal he didn't figure out the identity of Batman but it was given him by Ra's. That made the whole character seem like a faker when compared to the one in the comics. (Sure, in the comics he kinda found out the truth by accident, but he did figure it out on his own nevertheless.)
@@Vohaul86 Actually Strange didn't found Batman identity by accident. In the comics (more specifically, the "Prey" storyline from Legends of the Dark Knight) he figure out by pure deduction. Sure it takes a while, but in the end he is able to join the pieces and conclude that Bruce Wayne and Batman are the same man.
@@alexandrefrauches132 OK, I may remember wrong. I do recall Batman passing out after being bitten by a snake and Strange removing his mask. (Edit: OK, I've apparently read a re-print of a 70's story.) If Strange indeed did figure rationalize Batman's identity I'm much more disappointed how Strange was depicted in the Arkham City game...
@@Vohaul86 That's the pre crisis version. The one I mentioned is from the post crisis continuty, which was responsible for making Strage go from a mad scientist to a psychologist and investigator (basically a evil version of L from death note). However, I do agree about Strange portrayl in the Arkham City was a let down. It would have been better if he was the main villain from beginning to end, instead of working for Ra's Al Ghul (whose apperance in the climax of the game felt very forcefull and uncecessary).
I'm always surprised when I'm reminded that Hugo Strange only appears once in BatmanTAS! With his multiple appearances in other series such as The Batman and Gotham plus his significant role in Arkham City, my brain keeps trying to convince me that he was a top tier villain in this show too! I also keep forgetting about that accent he's sporting here as well...
"Get out of my Face Clown." "Which one?" Love that line. I wish Hugo Strange could have been in more episodes. But he got the spotlight in Arkham City and was Phenomenal. This episode itself is great. I like the title and Robin as Bruce Wayne.
Your point about Two-Face disbelieving Bruce Wayne could be Batman, I've never thought about that. I wish we could've seen Hugo Strange in this series though as the obsessive psychiatrist who wishes to become Batman's superior.
As a kid, I had no idea who Hugo Strange was....As I got older, and learned that this guy was once upon a time the very first recurring Batman foe, you honestly wish this series actually used him more...Good thing there was Arkham City
This feels like a severely underrated episode. I mean, I don't even remember seeing it. But it's so important! Bruce's secrets pried into! His enemies brought in! And then Dick coming in disguised as Bruce! SUCH a close call. I liked the way Bruce was drawn with more detail to his facial features in this episode, too.
This is one of those stories where the villain could have made a lot more money legitimately than he did with his criminal scheme. Strange could have used this machine to make movie special effects and made a fortune. Michael Reeves did have that script for the second unproduced Strange episode on his website, so he definitely did write it.
this is one of my favorite episodes just cause I like the character of hugo strange so much I too wish they had brought him back and used him better but it was still a good introduction to a character with lots of interesting things to have happen in an episode
Hugo Strange in the Arkham City video game has to be the best portrayal of him outside of comics. He sounded and acted like he calculates every move and has a superior intellect to outsmart Batman. Whoever was his voice actor deserves immense praise for his performance.
Hey Walter! I’m definitely in agreement with your assessment of this episode and its compositional moments. In his sole appearance, Strange inhabits a rather intimidating presence as his methods of psychological manipulation and extraction prove more efficacious than any physical or torturous threats other villains have subjected Batman to. I also loved the visual representation of Bruce’s childhood trauma, as its unique abstraction brilliantly conveys the emotional impression and rather desultory nature of memory as oppose to an exact replication of the events as they originally played out. Additionally, the necessity of Bruce formulating a plan to outwit Strange instead of having a physical confrontation was certainly a more appropriate means of taking him down that demonstrated Bruce’s intellectual capabilities. I definitely agree that Strange’s unique position as a more cerebral villain aware of Batman’s identity could have fostered interesting storylines moving forward, and his appearance here was almost underwritten by the other villains essentially commandeering the direction of the episode. It is, however, always entertaining to see the members Batman’s rogue’s gallery interact and play off one another. As I believe this is Harvey’s first appearance after his turn to criminality, it really is quite poignant that he still acknowledges his trust in Bruce and refuses to accept the prospect of his old friend becoming his arch nemesis, as you eloquently noted. I wish there was at least a little recognition on the part of Batman of this prior relationship, as Harvey has clearly been overtaken and submissive to “big bad Harv”, and the somber, melancholic tragedy of this decent into becoming a rogue on par with Joker and the Penguin is, in itself, devastating, yet Bruce makes no comment nor tries to appeal once again to Harvey’s forgotten humanity. I guess there wasn’t really time for that in an episode already stacked with villains and plot? Either way, I think this episode could have been a bit stronger if it had a more focused narrative with fewer characters. Great analysis, Walter! I really enjoyed the points you made on this episode!
I am torn on this episode... On one hand I do like Hugo Strange as a character (I liked him in Batman: Arkham City - regardless of what people say. He should have gotten 1-2 more episodes) and I like the general setup. Having an evil psychologist extract secret information for blackmail is a good idea. The animation is decent and the Joker especially do work well here (Two-face less so, but its nice to see a villain team-up). I like the sense of panic for the judge in the opening scene and I can really feel her frustration and fear. Batman is also putting his smarts to use and formulates a plan quickly, which is nice to see. I remember myself really liking this one as a kid and it does have a strong emotional pull with a nice airplane ending. And it did make me very confused as a kid when "Bruce" shows up. However, as soon as you start looking at it from a logical perspective - the episode falls apart. Because on the other hand - the episode suffers from a number of logical issues. Why is Bruce stupid enough to hook himself up the the machine in the first place? Why are the villains just not bidding say 1 dollar as a collective instead of giving Hugo all the money they have? And why don´t they (and especially The Penguin) believe him even a little when he tells them that Batman is billionaire Bruce Wayne who can actually buy all those toys? (Why is the Joker even interested in buying this information? It would totally ruin his little game if he found out as seen in Batman Beyond)? But the biggest problem of the episode is - we KNOW this isn´t going to work from the start! There is no way the show will change status quo and let all villains be aware of Batmans secret identity (also, why wait with the Robin double-switch until only Hugo Strange is left? Its the other three that needs convincing). Like the coming Bane episode, the problem is that we know that what they teasing/threatening with wont happen. Also, the hallucination flashbacks are a bit average and not even close to "Perchance to Dream". So, some parts I like, some parts I don´t like - I am therefore going to give it a middle grade. Verdict: 3 out of 5 bats
to be honest the scenes where Harvey, Penguin and Joker were together are by far the best by their charisma Joker - irrational extraordinary (i think that 53 cents were actually his only cash for this day) Two-Face - Easy-to-irritate mobster, which is expected from his scarred mind Penguin - almost poetic voice of reason i just love when all 3 of them come together
The thing about finding out Batman's identity is that it's actually not that hard to figure out. In the cartoon 'The Batman', a robot created by Dr. Strange just ran some numbers with Gotham's population to find someone of a certain age range, approximate height, enough wealth to supply with gadgets and other materials, person's history, etc. to lower the number of potential people who could be Batman. Unfortunately Bruce Wayne was the only one who fit it all thus was found out.
If you spent enough time around someone, you'd know them in costume, too. I mean, Harley almost gets it just from the lower face. As ninja-like as Batman is, he probably doesn't factor in scent, either. Everybody has a unique smell. Batman probably smells like sweat and coffee and whatever fancy rich man hygiene products his dad used to use. When you're fighting someone, you're definitely getting close enough to smell them.
@@ashleyshanks6821 But no one is focused on smelling Batman. They're focused on trying to kill him. Plus, none of the villains (that I can recall) have a strong sense of smell. Although I will agree with the Harley bit. But just the chin isn't enough. She'd also have to recognize his voice and mannerisms, which Bruce disguises at all times.
@@neonnwave1 Some of his more animalistic or sensual enemies might pay attention to smell. Poison Ivy, for instance, strikes me as someone who might pay attention to scent more, because of her association with flowers and pheromones. She might find the smell of her enemies compelling, whether negatively or positively. Even if they don't consciously pay attention, the link between smell and memory is powerful- enough so that people recommend using a certain fragrance in your room while studying to help you remember what you learned later. It's entirely possible someone could just get a strong "gut feeling" that Bruce and Batman might be the same person without knowing that they're having a scent memory association pop up. For the record, I don't think smell alone would be enough, but smell in conjunction with a few other details would provide compelling evidence for someone who might be curious, but not really interested in proving their findings to others.
I will say this on the eyecolor the new designs blue eyecolor gives Bruce a more youthful look which he needed in the new animated series because they leaned in more with the Batman x batgirl stuff The older design Bruce could’ve been in like his 40s or 30s but the blue eye color gives him more of a 20s look at which would make him closer in age to batgirl who is a college student.
I wish Hugo Strange had his own second episode. I love how he was not decieved by the Alfred disguise. I read somewhere Strange probably told Amanda Waller Batman's secret. From Texas 11:24 PM Central Time.
I really like Dr Hugo Strange. When hes done well he can be in really great stories like Arkham City, which was one of the best versions of him in my opinion.
I agree with a comment that another critic years ago made: This episode would have worked a little better as a two- partner, with Part One showing more of Bruce at the resort and having his psyche explored, and Part Two having more of the villains interacting with each other. Speaking of which, three Joker bits in this episode that always stand out to me as particularly funny: 1. His line "I'm gonna use your head for a bowling ball, Strange!" It's made especially funny by the fact that you can tell Joker likely wasn't exaggerating when he said that, it's something I could easily see him doing, ESPECIALLY to someone who pissed him off as much as Strange did. Plus, it also works as just a funny "You're bald" joke. 2. On a more subtle visual level, when the three villains chase after Strange, check out the weapons they each get: Two- face draws a pair of guns, Penguin of course goes for one of his trick umbrellas, while Joker merely grabs a bouquet of flowers. 3. When the plane with the villains on it goes down, Joker gives an awesome rendition of Goofy's yell from the Disney cartoons ("YAAAAHOOHOOHOOIE!"). Just pure genius.
My only gripe with this episode is that Hugo had to use a device to figure out Bruce was Batman, rather than through his own analyses and deductive work. I mean, creating a machine that allows you to record images from people's thoughts and memories is more scientifically impressive, but figuring it out with your own cunning and deduction makes it more personal.
SPOILER: The moment where Bruce Wayne appears at the end would've made more sense if it were actually Bruce Wayne and if it were someone else wearing the Batsuit.
This episode is definitely an adaptation of the Strange apparitions story from the 70s, the differences between the comic and episode are as followed: Strange decided to keep the caped crusader’s identity to himself and gains a sense of respect for the hero, Then He Was thought dead for a while when Rubert Thorne killed him but survived and haunted thorne with a holographic ghost.
That would be cool. Considering how Hugo is usually portrayed in the comics either as mad scientist or a psychologist, he would be the perfect villain for a adaptation of Arkham Asylum.
@@magallanesagustin4952 That could work, although, personally, I think The Batman 2 should be a adaptation of Robin's Reckoning (at least the flashback part), introducing Robin (Dick Grayson) and showing Bruce growing into a mentor figure for the boy.
What did everyone think of The Strange Secret of Bruce Wayne?
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This is actually one of my favorite episodes. I love the character of Strange, the story, the appearance of the villains, how Bruce outsmarts Strange, and the moment where the villains don't believe him about Bruce being Batman. That moment especially always stood out to me.
It's actually one of my favorite episodes in the Animated Series. I love the plot and everything around it. Very well done.
Even though I couldn’t fathom why Bruce would voluntarily place himself in a position that could result in his secret identity being revealed, I still love this episode!
If memory serves, this also happened in the Sixties TV series (or some earlier iteration) and I always enjoy seeing how the revelation is going to be resolved.
By the way, I respectfully disagree with Walter’s opinion on said TV show. I can allow myself to enjoy the seriousness with which Batman was originally created and the intentional campiness of Adam West’s version.
I still, however, draw the line at Bat Nipples. And the Bad Credit Card. Oh, and Ice Puns! And Batgirl being anyone other than *BARBARA GORDON!* Also-
💚😉😉💚
And good day to you... Batman. 😈 DUM-DUM. 🎵
Pretty mediocre honestly.
"I... wanted... Revenge!" Cue the Batman theme, where Strange sees the bat symbol, shocked in seeing whom Bruce Wayne really is.
That was my favorite line from that episode
Chill out, what ya yellin' for? Lay back, it's all been done before. And if you could only let it be, you will see that I am the funniest YouT*ber of all time. Admit it, my dear follow*r shainw
That shot actually gave me goosebumps
That's fighting for #1 spot with Two-Face being told the truth and Harvey Dent saying "No way, that's just stupid"
@@savinjason5515 Mine will always be: "And good day to you... Batman".
This bit always made me laugh:
Two-Face: Get out of my face, clown!
Joker: Which one?
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 I totally forgot about that line!
The second worst burn he's ever experienced.
@@wikiuser92 I love this line 51,240,685 dollars and 53 cents
@@noahbowman9111 joker probably the one with 53 cents and thats it
@@megatron2171 okay
I'm surprised you didn't mention Joker's sick burn at Two-Face.
Two-Face: "GET OUT OF MY FACE CLOWN!"
Joker: "which one?"
Also. I think it's interesting that Bruce has brown eyes in BTAS. He usually has blue eyes in the comics and everything else.
"sick burn"
I see what you did there.
True about his eyes the burn though 😅
Yes! I don't know why, but that moment just makes me chuckle every time. Joker is so sassy right there XD
I see the point though.
Brown eyes are more hardened and how genile Bruce acts in BTAS it reminds you he’s not this persona, just a very traumatized man.
in TNBTAS Bruce grows a lot darker. The blue eyes is to showcase he still has some humanity in both the show and comic through his callous nature
Fun fact: Mark Hamill and Paul Williams voice Strange's henchmen in this episode. So when the Joker threatens one of them with decapitation, he's actually threatening himself.
Joker breaking the 4th wall...
Joker: I'd be a lot more careful with that if I were you! Otherwise you wouldn't be getting a good tip! Not to mention losing your head!
Can't spell Hamill without "HAM". 😏😀
@@lworthy2518 True that! 😂
So this "Doctor Strange" didn't just have the Joker but also the Penguin as well!!!
Love Mr Williams' lines in Baby Driver as well as his guest appearance in the last Daft Punk album
Robin acting as Bruce Wayne on stilts is the greatest thing to come from this episode
Wouldn't it have been way easier to put Robin in the Batsuit rather than making a Mission Impossible style Bruce mask though?
@@liveac3694 i don't think robin would fitt that well in the suit since the suit its tight to the muscles, at least with a formal suit you can fake the level cloth to make him look bigger. Plus he can hide the heels.
@@motor4X4kombat I don’t think it’d work realistic either way
Its pretty well established Batman would never let anyone wear the Batsuit... Not unless he was so old and feeble he couldn't wear it. But that's another story
@@motor4X4kombat Also, Bruce has a strong, pronounced jaw line & chin, whereas Dick has a smaller face & chin. Gordon is a good commissioner and detective in his own right where he could tell there's a different man under the cowl just from the exposed parts of the face.
Oh, and Batman's mask can ONLY fit Bruce's face & head.
I like Hugo Strange. He was terrific in the Arkham Knight games.
He was done the dirty in TAS. In the comics, he’s a cross between Hannibal Lecter and Professor Moriarty, more interested in psychological domination than money. This episode was weak as fuck.
@@lewiskazinsky7334 Bro I want mandroids back!
You mean Arkham City.
He’s only in Arkham City, not Knight.
@@douglas4934 i think he meant "Arkham games"
Strange: "Joker, please! I was set up! Bruce Wayne is Batman!"
Two-Face: "That's absurd! I know Bruce Wayne. If he's Batman, I'm the King of England."
Joker: "And people say I'm crazy! Say... it is hot in here or is it just me? Harv, open that door so we can get a breeze!"
Yes! Might be my favorite part of the episode.
"Please! It was the wrong tape!"
"You're telling me."
That was a great thing
{after seeing the results of Batman sabotaging the fuel system}
Joker: Man, things just haven't been the same since deregulation.
And when I first saw this in high school, I'd been reading enough Art Buchwald collections to get the reference. I genuinely appreciated it.
Good Idea!
Nooo!!!!
I really liked when Joker, Two-Face, and Penguin came out of the plane each of their themes played as they exited the plane, I always thought that was a nice touch.
As a kid, I always enjoyed this episode especially seeing Joker, Two-Face, and Penguin. Made me always think of how cool it would have been to see Jack Nicholson, Danny Devito, and Tommy Lee Jones together on screen as their respective characters
If we did see those exact characters I would start singing
"One of these things is not like the other"
@@aidanredding8058 billy d williams two face in lego batman movie
One of my favorite lines in the series
"Now remember, it's not the fall, it's the sudden stop!"
As much as enjoyed the episode, I think the comic book that was based on, "Strange Apparitions", was far superior, specially Hugo development in the end, where he learns about Batman's identity but, while at first he wanted to sell Batman's identity to his rogues, in the end he changes his mind and decide instead to keep it for himself, judging that his discovery of Batman's identity is his greatest achivement. He even refused to shared this information with Rupert Thorne, despite being tortured by the mobster, showing how, despite being enemies, Strange truly respects Batman as opponent.
I hope Walter eventually does BatMay Beyond too, cant get enough of these
Agreed 100%
Yes,
Strange: "Wait! That's not the right tape!" [BANG!]
Penguin: "Fellow miscreants, we've been had!"
Joker: "I'm gonna use your head for a bowling ball!" And he GROWLED that one.
This is also a nice tie-in to the Return of the Joker movie where we saw how Joker gives NO SHITS for Batman's identity, since he only cares for batman, nothing else. (and again, how HILARIOUS was his reaction in the Harley Quinn series)
Hugo Strange has been my favorite Batman villain ever since I learned of him. He's not some psychotic ego. He's not a mutated powerhouse. He's not a god.
He's a man. A regular human. Realistic, intelligent, and driven. Hugo Strange is just a pragmatic doctor with no morals. And that is far more terrifying than some Manshark any day.
Actually Strange is psychotic. His whole motivation usually is eliminate Batman so he can replace him as the dark knight, with him constatly expressing admiration and jealousy for the hero.
Strange is one of the most unique batman villains. His whole thing, the element that never changes, is him knowing Batman's secret identity
Fun Fact: This episode is probably why Amanda Waller knows Bruce Wayne is Batman in Justice League Unlimited and an error is there when Strange holds up the case ''Bruce Wayne'' is very readable
True
Probably also why Waller wanted him for Project Cadmus. She’s no stranger to working with unhinged characters, and Strange is a one of a kind genius
It's a shame Hugo Strange didn't appear in more episodes of this series.
Especially since his depiction here would be the basis for later appearances like in the Arkham games, The Batman and Gotham.
@@lucinae8512 I'm glad the 2004 series "The Batman" used Hugo more.
Yeah, the only other time he appeared in the DCAU was in a JLU episode, and that was a non-speaking cameo.
Fortunately he gets some great episodes in 'The Batman' in 2004. I liked how he isn't necessarily always doing his own schemes, often merely acting as a civil servant to help catch a different rogue. But when he DOES use his own plans, the results are devastating, apocalyptic stuff.
@@WhiteFangofWar Yep he had that one Zombie episode that was pretty crazy.
"Get out of my face clown"
"Which one"
2nd worst burn Two-Face has ever felt. 🔥
@@mattfabbs 🤣 that has always been my favorite part.
Personally one of my favorite episodes. When Strange exclaims that he showed the wrong tape and the Joker responds with "You're telling me?" I still use the Joker's response when someone tells me something painfully obvious.
Two-Face: Get outta my face, clown!
Joker: Which one?
Me: Not even *Mr Freeze* can cool that burn.
fun fact, putting ice on a fresh burn is basically the WORST thing you can do for it
@@Xarazel how come?
@@anrick1362 I think it makes it worse. Shrugs
The batman series used huge strange which was really cool
A shame the animated series never did more with him
D.A.V.E. was too good for any show
@@kaihedgie1747 god yes I loved that they took the hardac concept and did a even better take on it
Glad to see someone else remember The Batman.
@@SilverHairedFreak25 its definitely a underrated incarnation that did some cool takes on some batman stuff and some cool new stuff in it
True. The episode where he makes Batman believe he is trapped in a apocaliptic world, controled by zombies, is the best episode in the whole series. It's really a underrated animated show
I'm suprised at you walter. You didnt mention the most epic two face burn in the episode
Joker: hold it! hold it!
Two face: get out of my face clown
Joker: which one?
Two face: 😯
Best part it's Joker yelling FOCUS FOCUS FOOOOOOOOCUUUSSSSSSS!!!!!
I always loved the scene with the fake tape.
Strange: Stop, that's not the right tape!
Joker: You're telling me.
I laugh every time.
Aww... no mention of Joker doing a bad impression of the "Goofy Scream" as the plane comes down for a crash landing?
Favorite part of this episode is when two face stands up for his old friend, saying Bruce Wayne couldn't be batman. Glad Walter didn't miss that.
Hugo Strange was honestly one of the few villains this show completely messed up. He's supposed to be one of Batman's most intelligent, diabolical adversaries (Hell he's even better at messing with Bruce's head than The Scarecrow) but this episode reduced him to a glorified blackmailer who could have been swapped out for literally any other villain.
Two Face: Get out of my face Clown!!!
Joker: Which one?
the "i wanted... REVENGE!" part gave me goosebumps due to the music.
"Batman? Bruce Wayne" "Bruce Wayne? Batman. Or have you two meet?"
I loved Two-Face's interjection there. In my younger, more smart aleck-y years, when I watched this with my brothers when he said he's the King of England. I quipped "My Liege!" It's a great touch with Two-Face he always seemed the most connected of the Rogue's Gallery with dating Poison Ivy, a mob-buster before becoming a supervillain and a lawyer. So many layers.
The best scene is still the Joker eating popcorn during Strange's presentation... 😂
"Remember, it's not the fall, it's the sudden stop". Love that line.
Hugo Strange: finds out Bruce Wayne and Batman are one and the same, gets some bidders to sell the tape. But nobody believes him.
Kind of like the corrupt cop who realized Clark Kent and Superman are the same seconds before he is executed...(Superman: TAS)
Oh, hey, I remember that episode.
In the comics Professor Strange discovered this with more traditional ways. Still I wish he appeared more. He has so much potential.
Strange's machine inspired Nygma's machine in Batman Forever.
You mean the "Box"?
Last Angry Geek: CONE!!!
@@alexiaNBC
The Red Lobster!!!!
Was this episode before The Riddler's first one?
@@louisduarte8763 Yes.
Two-face: Get outta my face, clown!
Joker: Which one?
Hugo Strange deserved more apperances in the show.
Hugo Strange: (to Batman)
Had you ever considered that all this
is your fault?
Your presence creates these animals...
@@Kentrc11👍
YOU'LL GET MORE APPEARANCES , UNTIL YOU FIX THIS DAMN DOOR!!
I'm sorry , couldn't help cause of your profile pic 😂
@@theswapmeetflea
Loved your comment!!!
*Bruce:* Your relaxation therapy doesn’t seem to be working too well on me, Doctor Strange.
If only Marvel’s Doctor Strange could have made an actual crossover to DC’s animated universe as Batman’s ally.
That answer phone recording is so messed up. I love it.
This is one of the first episodes I can remember watching, and it stuck with me for a lot of the same reasons in this video, like the villains coming together and that twist at the end. Still one of my favorites to this day.
It's always a treat to see the villains together. And the way Batman defeats Hugo is so, so *chef's kiss
Growing up i mostly got reruns of this show. Its nice to have these breakdowns to kinda fill in the gaps of what i didnt know i was missing.
I spent so long thinking I had made up this episode! I caught it once on rerun as a kid, and then never again for almost 10 years. It was one of the first Batman episodes I ever saw, and it really left an impression.
I loved Hugo Strange in one of my favourite episodes from the series. It was great to see the villains and I always get a surge when we see the Batlogo and Bruce's vengeful fist when he is undergoing the test.
Wonderful visuals, particularly the outdoor locations in the second half and Hugo's monitoring device.
'Focus, focus....FOCUSSSSSSS!!!!!!!' I always loved the way Mark Hamill delivers his lines as The Joker. Wonderful review and can't wait to see more from Bat-May.
There was an episode in which 2 face was getting a restoration surgery that was paid by Wayne, and there was this heart wrenching scene in which they both remember old times.
You're absolutely right that two-faced found out that Bruce Wayne and Batman were one in the same that would be really devastating to him I think everyone talks about the Joker but they have to remember how dangerous Two-Face really is
I always liked Hugo Strange as a villain and his appearances in Arkham City and in Gotham (Fox) were really great to watch.
I liked him at first, but I didn't like the reveal he didn't figure out the identity of Batman but it was given him by Ra's. That made the whole character seem like a faker when compared to the one in the comics. (Sure, in the comics he kinda found out the truth by accident, but he did figure it out on his own nevertheless.)
@@Vohaul86 Actually Strange didn't found Batman identity by accident. In the comics (more
specifically, the "Prey" storyline from Legends of the Dark Knight) he figure out by pure deduction. Sure it takes a while, but in the end he is able to join the pieces and conclude that Bruce Wayne and Batman are the same man.
@@alexandrefrauches132 OK, I may remember wrong. I do recall Batman passing out after being bitten by a snake and Strange removing his mask. (Edit: OK, I've apparently read a re-print of a 70's story.)
If Strange indeed did figure rationalize Batman's identity I'm much more disappointed how Strange was depicted in the Arkham City game...
@@Vohaul86 That's the pre crisis version. The one I mentioned is from the post crisis continuty, which was responsible for making Strage go from a mad scientist to a psychologist and investigator (basically a evil version of L from death note).
However, I do agree about Strange portrayl in the Arkham City was a let down. It would have been better if he was the main villain from beginning to end, instead of working for Ra's Al Ghul (whose apperance in the climax of the game felt very forcefull and uncecessary).
@@alexandrefrauches132 And I do love my L from Death Note. =)
I'm always surprised when I'm reminded that Hugo Strange only appears once in BatmanTAS!
With his multiple appearances in other series such as The Batman and Gotham plus his significant role in Arkham City, my brain keeps trying to convince me that he was a top tier villain in this show too!
I also keep forgetting about that accent he's sporting here as well...
This is one of the most memorable for me personally. I haven’t watched the series in a long time, but I remember quite a bit from this episode.
Hugo Strange: 'A need filled you. All consuming. All control. What was it?'
"Get out of my Face Clown."
"Which one?"
Love that line. I wish Hugo Strange could have been in more episodes. But he got the spotlight in Arkham City and was Phenomenal. This episode itself is great. I like the title and Robin as Bruce Wayne.
Your point about Two-Face disbelieving Bruce Wayne could be Batman, I've never thought about that. I wish we could've seen Hugo Strange in this series though as the obsessive psychiatrist who wishes to become Batman's superior.
Joker: “ man things haven’t been the same since deregulation, YAAAAHOOOHOOOHEEE”
Always going out on a joke!
As a kid, I had no idea who Hugo Strange was....As I got older, and learned that this guy was once upon a time the very first recurring Batman foe, you honestly wish this series actually used him more...Good thing there was Arkham City
This is another one of my favorite episode and I really liked how they managed to incorporate this story into batman arkham city.
Underrated ep
Loved it
This feels like a severely underrated episode. I mean, I don't even remember seeing it. But it's so important! Bruce's secrets pried into! His enemies brought in! And then Dick coming in disguised as Bruce! SUCH a close call.
I liked the way Bruce was drawn with more detail to his facial features in this episode, too.
Dick Greyson playing Bruce was a great way to give Dr. Strange's best efforts the middle finger.
Robin from Teen Titans Go! after he watches that scene: "Wow!! I'm a master of disguise!!"
This is one of those stories where the villain could have made a lot more money legitimately than he did with his criminal scheme. Strange could have used this machine to make movie special effects and made a fortune.
Michael Reeves did have that script for the second unproduced Strange episode on his website, so he definitely did write it.
Bro this was one of my favorites and just the fact that it was on my birthday made this day perfect. Thanks bro
Glad Strange was a main villain in Arkham City. He was so intimidating
Corey Burton's impression of Christopher Lee certainly pulled its weight there.
this is one of my favorite episodes just cause I like the character of hugo strange so much I too wish they had brought him back and used him better but it was still a good introduction to a character with lots of interesting things to have happen in an episode
Hugo Strange in the Arkham City video game has to be the best portrayal of him outside of comics. He sounded and acted like he calculates every move and has a superior intellect to outsmart Batman. Whoever was his voice actor deserves immense praise for his performance.
Same guy who voices count dooku in the clone wars.
Oh my God you’re right! Corey Burton. That’s sweet!
That sign when the villains are getting off the plane: 'Welcome Joker Two-Face Penguin' XD
I love this episode. Any time someone finds out Batmans true identity is a refreshing change of pace. It makes the risk more enjoyable.
Great episode Shem Hugo Strange didn't return till a cameo in Unlimited
Hey Walter! I’m definitely in agreement with your assessment of this episode and its compositional moments. In his sole appearance, Strange inhabits a rather intimidating presence as his methods of psychological manipulation and extraction prove more efficacious than any physical or torturous threats other villains have subjected Batman to. I also loved the visual representation of Bruce’s childhood trauma, as its unique abstraction brilliantly conveys the emotional impression and rather desultory nature of memory as oppose to an exact replication of the events as they originally played out. Additionally, the necessity of Bruce formulating a plan to outwit Strange instead of having a physical confrontation was certainly a more appropriate means of taking him down that demonstrated Bruce’s intellectual capabilities. I definitely agree that Strange’s unique position as a more cerebral villain aware of Batman’s identity could have fostered interesting storylines moving forward, and his appearance here was almost underwritten by the other villains essentially commandeering the direction of the episode. It is, however, always entertaining to see the members Batman’s rogue’s gallery interact and play off one another. As I believe this is Harvey’s first appearance after his turn to criminality, it really is quite poignant that he still acknowledges his trust in Bruce and refuses to accept the prospect of his old friend becoming his arch nemesis, as you eloquently noted. I wish there was at least a little recognition on the part of Batman of this prior relationship, as Harvey has clearly been overtaken and submissive to “big bad Harv”, and the somber, melancholic tragedy of this decent into becoming a rogue on par with Joker and the Penguin is, in itself, devastating, yet Bruce makes no comment nor tries to appeal once again to Harvey’s forgotten humanity. I guess there wasn’t really time for that in an episode already stacked with villains and plot? Either way, I think this episode could have been a bit stronger if it had a more focused narrative with fewer characters.
Great analysis, Walter! I really enjoyed the points you made on this episode!
Thanks Hayley! Great thoughts as always!
I loved how Strange was used in The Batman T.V. series
I am torn on this episode...
On one hand I do like Hugo Strange as a character (I liked him in Batman: Arkham City - regardless of what people say. He should have gotten 1-2 more episodes) and I like the general setup. Having an evil psychologist extract secret information for blackmail is a good idea. The animation is decent and the Joker especially do work well here (Two-face less so, but its nice to see a villain team-up). I like the sense of panic for the judge in the opening scene and I can really feel her frustration and fear. Batman is also putting his smarts to use and formulates a plan quickly, which is nice to see. I remember myself really liking this one as a kid and it does have a strong emotional pull with a nice airplane ending. And it did make me very confused as a kid when "Bruce" shows up. However, as soon as you start looking at it from a logical perspective - the episode falls apart.
Because on the other hand - the episode suffers from a number of logical issues. Why is Bruce stupid enough to hook himself up the the machine in the first place? Why are the villains just not bidding say 1 dollar as a collective instead of giving Hugo all the money they have? And why don´t they (and especially The Penguin) believe him even a little when he tells them that Batman is billionaire Bruce Wayne who can actually buy all those toys? (Why is the Joker even interested in buying this information? It would totally ruin his little game if he found out as seen in Batman Beyond)? But the biggest problem of the episode is - we KNOW this isn´t going to work from the start! There is no way the show will change status quo and let all villains be aware of Batmans secret identity (also, why wait with the Robin double-switch until only Hugo Strange is left? Its the other three that needs convincing). Like the coming Bane episode, the problem is that we know that what they teasing/threatening with wont happen. Also, the hallucination flashbacks are a bit average and not even close to "Perchance to Dream".
So, some parts I like, some parts I don´t like - I am therefore going to give it a middle grade.
Verdict: 3 out of 5 bats
I remember Hugo Strange from Batman Arkham City!
Next time another two-parter!
to be honest the scenes where Harvey, Penguin and Joker were together are by far the best by their charisma
Joker - irrational extraordinary (i think that 53 cents were actually his only cash for this day)
Two-Face - Easy-to-irritate mobster, which is expected from his scarred mind
Penguin - almost poetic voice of reason
i just love when all 3 of them come together
He only appeared once in the original series?? Wow. Out of all the episodes this was one I remember, so shows how good it was.
This episode was always on when I was kid
Sad you guys didn’t bring up joker roasting two face
“Get out of my face clown!”
“Which one?”
My favourite moment of the episode was:
- Get out of my face clown!
- Which one?
Thank you for the episode.
The thing about finding out Batman's identity is that it's actually not that hard to figure out. In the cartoon 'The Batman', a robot created by Dr. Strange just ran some numbers with Gotham's population to find someone of a certain age range, approximate height, enough wealth to supply with gadgets and other materials, person's history, etc. to lower the number of potential people who could be Batman. Unfortunately Bruce Wayne was the only one who fit it all thus was found out.
If you spent enough time around someone, you'd know them in costume, too. I mean, Harley almost gets it just from the lower face.
As ninja-like as Batman is, he probably doesn't factor in scent, either. Everybody has a unique smell. Batman probably smells like sweat and coffee and whatever fancy rich man hygiene products his dad used to use. When you're fighting someone, you're definitely getting close enough to smell them.
@@ashleyshanks6821 But no one is focused on smelling Batman. They're focused on trying to kill him. Plus, none of the villains (that I can recall) have a strong sense of smell. Although I will agree with the Harley bit. But just the chin isn't enough. She'd also have to recognize his voice and mannerisms, which Bruce disguises at all times.
@@neonnwave1 Some of his more animalistic or sensual enemies might pay attention to smell. Poison Ivy, for instance, strikes me as someone who might pay attention to scent more, because of her association with flowers and pheromones. She might find the smell of her enemies compelling, whether negatively or positively.
Even if they don't consciously pay attention, the link between smell and memory is powerful- enough so that people recommend using a certain fragrance in your room while studying to help you remember what you learned later. It's entirely possible someone could just get a strong "gut feeling" that Bruce and Batman might be the same person without knowing that they're having a scent memory association pop up.
For the record, I don't think smell alone would be enough, but smell in conjunction with a few other details would provide compelling evidence for someone who might be curious, but not really interested in proving their findings to others.
Protocol 10 Will commence in 10 hours...
"I know Bruce Wayne! He's Batman? Then I'm the King of England!"
That always stuck out to me. :D
Protocol ten will commence in 5 hours.
I will say this on the eyecolor the new designs blue eyecolor gives Bruce a more youthful look which he needed in the new animated series because they leaned in more with the Batman x batgirl stuff The older design Bruce could’ve been in like his 40s or 30s but the blue eye color gives him more of a 20s look at which would make him closer in age to batgirl who is a college student.
I wish Hugo Strange had his own second episode. I love how he was not decieved by the Alfred disguise. I read somewhere Strange probably told Amanda Waller Batman's secret. From Texas 11:24 PM Central Time.
5:03
Lol Two faces reaction was really great
I loved how Joker roasted Two Face in this episode.
I really like Dr Hugo Strange. When hes done well he can be in really great stories like Arkham City, which was one of the best versions of him in my opinion.
I agree with a comment that another critic years ago made: This episode would have worked a little better as a two- partner, with Part One showing more of Bruce at the resort and having his psyche explored, and Part Two having more of the villains interacting with each other.
Speaking of which, three Joker bits in this episode that always stand out to me as particularly funny:
1. His line "I'm gonna use your head for a bowling ball, Strange!" It's made especially funny by the fact that you can tell Joker likely wasn't exaggerating when he said that, it's something I could easily see him doing, ESPECIALLY to someone who pissed him off as much as Strange did. Plus, it also works as just a funny "You're bald" joke.
2. On a more subtle visual level, when the three villains chase after Strange, check out the weapons they each get: Two- face draws a pair of guns, Penguin of course goes for one of his trick umbrellas, while Joker merely grabs a bouquet of flowers.
3. When the plane with the villains on it goes down, Joker gives an awesome rendition of Goofy's yell from the Disney cartoons ("YAAAAHOOHOOHOOIE!"). Just pure genius.
Let's not forget the Joker and Two-Face's interaction.
"Get out of my face, clown"!
"Which one"?
I love this thing. Hugo strange is the most evil (bar joker)
My only gripe with this episode is that Hugo had to use a device to figure out Bruce was Batman, rather than through his own analyses and deductive work. I mean, creating a machine that allows you to record images from people's thoughts and memories is more scientifically impressive, but figuring it out with your own cunning and deduction makes it more personal.
Two-Face: if he's Batman, I'm King of England
SPOILER: The moment where Bruce Wayne appears at the end would've made more sense if it were actually Bruce Wayne and if it were someone else wearing the Batsuit.
Man I wish he was in more episodes they could have used him in the new adventures
Wow, I actually remember this episode from when I was a kid. Well, specifically just the ending with Robin. For someone reason that has stuck with me.
This episode is definitely an adaptation of the Strange apparitions story from the 70s, the differences between the comic and episode are as followed:
Strange decided to keep the caped crusader’s identity to himself and gains a sense of respect for the hero, Then He Was thought dead for a while when Rubert Thorne killed him but survived and haunted thorne with a holographic ghost.
This is actually one of my favorite episodes, I first saw it right before Arkham City came out!
6:30 I thought I was the only one, I personally did not like the change of Bruce's eye color to blue. Black felt more natural to me
Joker: "Come on Hugo, time to fly the unfriendly skies!"
Strange should be the next villain in a future Batman movie.
That would be cool. Considering how Hugo is usually portrayed in the comics either as mad scientist or a psychologist, he would be the perfect villain for a adaptation of Arkham Asylum.
@@alexandrefrauches132 or maybe in The Batman 2.
@@magallanesagustin4952 That could work, although, personally, I think The Batman 2 should be a adaptation of Robin's Reckoning (at least the flashback part), introducing Robin (Dick Grayson) and showing Bruce growing into a mentor figure for the boy.