Batman: Caped Crusader‘s journey to the screen is almost as fascinating as the journey of its titular hero. A collaboration of DCAU architect Bruce Timm, The Batman director Matt Reeves, and J.J. Abrams, the series was initially set to air on both Cartoon Network and what was then called HBO Max as the potential crown jewel of a robust new animation line-up. Then, the WB/Discovery merger happened and much of that proposed line-up disappeared, including Caped Crusader.
Thankfully, the series wasn’t deleted for a tax write-off like so many other recent WB properties; but instead sold to Prime Video, with the first of at least two seasons now arriving over three years after the initial announcement. And on a personal note, as a huge fan of Batman: The Animated Series and the DCAU in general, I have been looking forward to this since that initial announcement.
Was it worth the wait? Absolutely. For as much as I think Batman is overexposed as a character nowadays, Caped Crusader reinvigorates the mythology with a sleek film noir look, a fresh voice cast of talented character actors and voiceover veterans, and bold new takes on beloved characters that help make this over 80-year-old property feel brand new again in much the same way that Batman: The Animated Series did back in the 90s. How did they pull it off? Let’s discuss.
What’s Batman: Caped Crusader about?
In a fictionalized version of the 1940s, Gotham City is the last place anyone wants to be. The working class struggle to make ends meet, the streets are run by organized crime, and even much of the police can’t be trusted to protect citizens; more often than not operating in conjunction with mob bosses. As more and more crazed criminals hit the scene amidst the backdrop of an upcoming mayoral election, the only ones willing to do what’s right are a handful of cops and public defenders who still believe the system can be changed and a mysterious masked vigilante some still don’t believe is real known simply as the Batman.
How is Batman: Caped Crusader?
Even without Bruce Timm’s involvement, any new Batman cartoon is going to invite comparisons to Batman: The Animated Series, fairly or not. But what makes Caped Crusader stand out from the pack is that instead of taking characterization and storylines whole cloth from The Animated Series, it uses the same storytelling structure to create plots and characters wholly unique to itself.
Much like The Animated Series, particularly in its early days, each of Caped Crusader‘s 10 episodes is a largely standalone story with its own beginning, middle, and end, usually centered on a new villain causing trouble in Gotham that Batman needs to defeat. But at the same time, there is an overarching continuity to the series that smartly plants storytelling seeds that pay off in big ways later on.
For example, in a similar manner to The Animated Series, Harvey Dent is introduced as Bruce Wayne’s friend and the Gotham District Attorney long before his transformation into Two-Face. Likewise, Dr. Harleen Quinnzel shows up as Barbara Gordon’s friend and Bruce Wayne’s psychiatrist prior to becoming the villainous Harley Quinn. And introducing these two as regular people first makes their villain turns that much more impactful.
Moreover, characters have ongoing and evolving relationships with one another throughout the season. Friendships, rivalries, even romances that help develop the characters into complex three-dimensional beings while still giving each one plenty of moments to shine on their own, aided of course by stellar scripting, pitch perfect pacing, and an absolutely incredible cast. Every actor does an excellent job, but I do want to take a moment to highlight my three favorites.
Diedrich Bader, who previously played Batman in both Batman: The Brave and The Bold and the Harley Quinn cartoon, brings the perfect balance of sliminess and sympathy to Harvey Dent and Jamie Chung’s seamless ability to flip between the fun-loving, bubbly Harleen Quinnzel and the cold, psychotic Harley Quinn is astounding.
But it’s Hamish Linklater as Batman himself who impressed me the most. Stepping into the shoes of such an iconic character, especially after the generation-defining tenure of the late great Kevin Conroy, is no easy task, but Linklater handles both the wealthy socialite Bruce Wayne and the brooding vigilante Batman remarkably well; especially since, in a refreshing change of pace, this is extremely early days Batman. Barely any gadgets, a basic Batmobile, and little to no connections with the police. He has to take on villains using solely his own martial arts skills and the shear intimidating power of his voice and Linklater helps make that second part believable.
Of course, the best Batman adaptations tend to make Gotham City just as much of a character as the heroes and villains. And Caped Crusader is no exception. The buildings, the vehicles, the clothing, the musical score, everything feels ripped straight out of a 1940s film noir. And thanks to that, the stellar animation and epic action sequences (Car chases, gunfights, hand-to-hand combat, you name it), the series is positively dripping in atmosphere and style.
Is Batman: Caped Crusader worth watching?
I could go on and on about every little detail I adore in Batman: Caped Crusader, but since I don’t want to be here all day, nor do I want to spoil anything for you, I implore you to check the series out for yourself as soon as you can. Even if you’re sick and tired of Batman stuff, this is bound to remind you why the character got so popular to begin with.
Its stylish noir sensibility is a feast for the eyes and ears, its storied characters feel fresh again thanks to its fantastic cast and clever twists on established dynamics, and its storytelling is action-packed, intelligent, emotional, and just about everything else you could want out of the Dark Knight. We’ve had a lot of Batman stuff in recent years, but this is easily the most excited I’ve felt about Batman himself in ages and probably the freshest Bruce Wayne has felt as a character since at least the Nolan trilogy if not further back. It’s a truly incredible show and I for one cannot wait for more.
Batman: Caped Crusader is streaming August 1 on Prime Video. All 10 episodes reviewed.
10/10
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