Arleen Sorkin is the GOAT. | BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES "Harlequinade" Reaction

First time watching "The Trial" from Batman: The Animated Series!
Edited by: CalebMage
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[@leohino9211]

The Batman franchise will never be the same without Kevin and Arleen. R.I.P to these two legends.

[@jitomatino]

I know you will love/hate "Mad Love" the best episode in the series that explain the relationship between Harley and the joker. It's so profund and special

[@nickjames8726]

Really that episode came as late as it did because…all these episodes basically set it up. It’s obvious. Joker’s defining trait is his pure vanity. He’s as dark as it gets as a villain. He’s the villains’ villain. There is no way given what we’ve seen from all these episodes that he cares for Harley. Even moments when he expects to have her around is just…convenience. She tends to his errands, his hideouts and the hyenas. That doesn’t require love on his part, and there’s no evidence for it. There’s nothing in Joker that regards humanity other than his absurd understanding of it to use as an act or a strategy. The Mad Love episode just explains this directly whereas these episodes play with it.

[@Shuffle-Major-Arcana]

Easily the best Harley episode.

[@fynnthefox9078]

THE episode that TRULY explored Joker and Harley's relationship.

[@andre1999o]

Blew my mind when I found out that that song was not written for the show. It's from a 1944 film called Meet the People.

[@megafan2000]

Same!

[@Victor-qx3vx]

Seriously? Whoa 🤯

[@DanielBeadle511]

Meg's appreciation for all the creativity that went into this series is the most heartwarming thing ever.

[@Godzilla-tu2cd]

Such great legendary voice actors they will missed 😔🙏🏿

[@jalenbobo668]

Yeah I’ll miss them too 😢🙏

[@Narutoanime16g]

Her , Kevin & Mark hamil were just amazing & Everton who made the show from writers to every other actor. Ugh love this show can’t wait for the next episodes of this & Superman ^^

[@TheCryptofHorrors-DerCryptaxis]

Surprised we're so far into BTAS already, making good progress. It's been so great to revisit it and the superman series here

[@toganium4175]

I’m still sad over her passing.

[@notavailable8514]

The 'White Knight' comics will give you, almost, EVERYTHING you've asked for in this video. It's an alternate universe (so the continuity/lore is a little different) where Joker turns good, he and Harley are super cute together, and... I... THINK (in the sequels) Harley and Batman may have a thing goin' on...? Don't know for sure, haven't read them yet, but the first book is great! Check it out, and enjoy! Great video as always!

[@justingabriel1765]

I think Bruce and Harley get married later in it for some reason, I don’t remember what it was but I don’t think it was romantic, either way I believe they are married and like best friends lol 😂

[@mike-mz6yz]

do you know there is a podcast reacting to the animated series by the guy who wrote 'White Knight'? Its really good and has huge insight into both universes.

[@MegMageReacts]

I've been THIS close to picking it up and starting it, but put it off. You just convinced me!

[@raytheuglymusician2453]

Batman: White Knight is *RIGHT* up your alley, lots of exploration into Joker and Harley’s relationship in a way that doesn’t romanticize it and it’s also a great example of someone actually taking the time to question Batman’s ethics

[@Randomeststuff123]

This just made me smile so much to see that you posted a reaction to this incredible episode

[@Sweet_Venom0027]

@11:26, I mean nobody said it out loud but it was clearly implied. Sorry Mage but The Joker is The Joker, the only person he loves is himself and even then it's a toxic one sided relationship.

[@seansmith6255]

Mad love makes it clear

[@fynnthefox9078]

I'd love to see Meg react to Joker (2019). Would be interesting to see and hear what she has to say about Arthur Fleck.

[@Sweet_Venom0027]

@@fynnthefox9078 YES!! Although, frankly I welcome anyone reacting to Joker.

[@WraythSkitzofrenik]

The song Harley sang comes from an old Lucille Ball movie called "Meet the People." I believe Paul Dini heard Arleen singing it and said it was the perfect song for her and Joker.

[@sasamichan]

the movie Batman and Harley Quinn or the HBO series Harley Quin would be worth a look if you want more of them.

[@ComicPhreak]

Read the Batman: White Knight series if you want to see Bats and Harley together.

[@mike-mz6yz]

There is a story out there where Bruce meets Harley at Arkham before Joker gets there. This leads to her falling for him instead of Joker and has a huge effect on who she becomes and on how Batman views his criminals. I cant remember what its called but if you interested i could try to find it again.

[@cartoonking1789]

Oh please tell me, that sounds fun 😄

[@quiett6191]

This was my favorite episode as a little kid in the 90s. Man we were spoiled with great shows back then.

[@Swenglish]

Yes, Harley does make choices, but those choices are rooted in delusion, and the Joker knowingly takes advantage of the fact that she believes - completely erroneously and in spite of so much evidence to the contrary - that he loves her. He couldn't care less about her, it's all an act (and not his best work). He has eyes only for Batman (and that's not "love" in any healthy sense, but it's his one true obsession and all he cares about). Harley teaches us that being intelligent in some general sense does not make one immune to delusion, and being well versed in psychology does not make one immune to psychological traps. The Joker baits Harley with the promise of connection, but only goes through the motions, and rather minimally at that, and all he does is use her as a henchperson. She does choose to put herself in that situation, and there is a sense of freedom that she gets out of being with the Joker, but it's not real. Being with the Joker is like being in a cult. The question it leaves unanswered is, is Robin also in a cult? The song Harley sings in this episode is called "Say That We're Sweethearts Again", and it was written and composed by Earl Brent and originally sung by Virigina O'Brien in the 1944 film "Meet the People" (which is also a very good performance of the song, worth finding the clip for O'Brien's face acting alone).

[@mariebourgot4949]

Thanks for writing this comment for me. :)

[@Swenglish]

@@mariebourgot4949 No problem;) Figured I'd save you the typing.

[@robertsims7828]

Very Good Fun Episode RIP to Both Kevin Conroy and Arleen Sorkin.

[@no1guy825]

when she has her "day out" and tries to reform....it might be even more perfect if not equal to this one. and her and Batman might have their best shared moment in that one. Harley's Holiday.

[@davidhanson9280]

I wonder what you would think of their relationship after watching the Mad Love episode, which is in continuity with this.

[@ThunderLizardsRule]

I think the versions in "The Batman" are really in love with each and are equals.

[@strooba7035]

harleyquinade and harley’s holiday are my absolute favorite episodes I love them so much

[@cheshirekat528]

I have flirted with your channel the past few months, but your beautiful words in this video have made be a subscriber. I Loved your understanding and appreciation of Harley and the amazingly talented Arleen Sorkin. This show was my after school must watch every day of my adolescence in the early 90’s I fell in love with Harley immediately, how could you not! Wonderful reaction and commentary!!!

[@Daniel-ct3np]

This is probably the best reaction to this episode that I have ever watched on KZbin 😂

[@eah4452]

"i think she's being an air sign and fluid" so true lol

[@jeezyc_6776]

Harley Quinn (2019) is a funny campy take on Harley & Ivy. Penny from the Big Bang Theory voices Harley in this rendition ✨ if you dont mind a little blood & violence then this will be a fun venture 🔥

[@tonyantonellis9983]

Green Lantern Emerald Knights is a good idea.

[@adamvialpando106]

This great episode never made me ship Harley and Bruce like it did many others. No, a DIFFERENT episode made me ship Batman and Harley together as a kid. And part of me still does. I love their chemistry.

[@no1guy825]

Harley's Holiday? Been waiting for that one

[@adamvialpando106]

@@no1guy825 Same. I know she's gonna love it. That and Baby Doll.

[@PrixtoTNT]

I love the ending of this episode. The way Harley literally tried to shoot him and them reacted like a kid who broke a glass lmao. I just think it summarizes the relationship of these two f*cked up people

[@denise-comicnerd-bray]

Looking at this episode again, from your reaction. This actually feels familiar. Batman asking Harley Quinn's help, to stop a mastermind. It sounds exactly like that movie! Appropriately titled; Batman and Harley Quinn. That movie is actually the extended version of this very episode. I just come to realise it now

[@ethanjames8268]

She does. Harley is know part of the bat family in the comics. She has been for a couple years now

[@SnarkKnight1]

This episode makes me think y'all would like The Emancipation of Harley Quinn movie.

[@gamingcinema8836]

Ok, if you liked this, you NEED to watch the "Batman and Harley Quinn" movie. It is such a good time and expands upon this episode's concept. However, it is Melissa Rauch playing Harley instead of Arleen, but she still does a great job. Hope you check it out and keep on with your batman journey 🥰🥰

[@bet0v966]

Uuu you gonna love GL Emerald Knights and ya get to hear the voice most people associate with Hal, the browncoat nerd himself Nathan Fillion

[@rojobroko5979]

Love Tara but Arleen is Harley to me

[@fynnthefox9078]

Tara is okay as Harley, lol I love her and all, but her voice can get a little too annoying for my liking.

[@ManOfX305]

I honestly think Hynden Walch is a better Harley than Tara Strong-- my personal successor for Arleen.

[@DerekHamby]

Batman: The Animated Series was one of my all-time favorite cartoons as a kid and I still love them to this day. I can still remember rushing off the school bus and rushing into my living room to watch it. Good memories.

[@Stelly777]

batman the animated series is a GREAT art study because it only uses the bare minimum in terms of detail and makes beautiful art the three important things that this art style relies on is shape, shading, and emotion

[@christianfrost8660]

I think you would like the Harley Quinn show. Lots of Harleen Quinzel moments.

[@PrixtoTNT]

Rest In Peace, Arleen. Thank you for everything

[@masterbeast-sz1yq]

R.i.p legends 😢

[@GamerPup13]

I'm so used to reaction channels being somewhat negative about the content they cover with a very "let's get this over with" attitude, so it's refreshing to see someone actually be positive and enjoy both the content they're reacting to as well as the content they're making

[@Jackie-McCann]

11:17 “They’re so cute!” Oh, you sweet summer child 🥺

[@deusvermiculus1072]

there actually is a parralel dimension in which the joker is a hero.

[@Koko_clair]

rest in peace she passed away this year.

[@LordNifty]

My two favorite versions of Harley, other than BTAS: the version in "White Knight", and the version in "Injustice" and "Injustice 2". I think you would really like the interactions between Black Canary and Harley Quinn in the "Injustice" series (both parts).

[@MegMageReacts]

Stoooop I have White Knight on my nightstand, I just haven't picked it up yet. I need to!!

[@LordNifty]

@@MegMageReacts "White Knight" is definitely a shorter read than the whole "Injustice" series, and I like it more overall, but I and numerous others really like the Dinah/Harley friendship formed during the "Injustice" series. Here is a short excerpt with voiceover from the beginning of that friendship: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z6mQnKCVjJ2mmpY Warning: I've heard the animated film adaptation of "Injustice" isn't very good.

[@tonyantonellis9983]

There is a film with Harley Quinn teaming up with Batman & NIghtwing to foil Poison Ivy and Jason Woodrue aka the Floronic Man's plan to turning all of humanity into plant people. And the film is called Batman and Harley Quinn and it is animated film released in 2017.

[@JokerFan-hj4iv]

It’s so messed up how it was the fact that Harley would actually kill him is what made joker like her 😂.

[@fireeaglefitnessmartialart935]

You should watch the animated film, "batman and harley". Its funny. It technically takes place later in the animated series universe, but there isnt really any spoilers besides some character cameos.

[@Filbi]

This is definitely the funniest episode in the whole series, I love it

[@justingabriel1765]

I love when Harley gets the spot light, she’s so smart and as a character she can be so much more then jokers pawn, I love the stories that bring her to the forefront so much, she may be crazy but she’s our queen and she’s awesome lol 😂. If you want some type of Harley Nightwing shipping there’s always the 2017 movie Batman and Harley Quinn, it’s plot is meh but there’s plenty of funny and enjoyable moments in it, but that’s more comedy then anything, and for her and Bruce White Knight is definitely up there. Definitely an interesting plot and refreshing take on the characters

[@njerisonko1384]

Batman the animated series and Superman the animated series were the begining of the DC Animated Universe so after you finish watching Batman TAS and Superman TAS can you please continue with Batman Beyond and Justice League Unlimited. I couldn't watch full videos of Batman TAS and Superman TAS so I watch them on your channel. Thanks.

[@NelsonWin]

I was literally blown away when I first saw this episode. Arleen is so great. ❤

[@kyletonarella4353]

Fun Fact : The song that Harley sings "Say That We're Sweethearts Again" Arleen Sorkin sung this to the writer of this episode & co-creator of Harley, Paul Dini, during the LA Riots to calm him down & thus he incorporated this into the episode.

[@TheNorthlander]

When Harley said "Hands up Clown" I was like ooooh, the fierceness. 😳

[@TheNorthlander]

3:14 SAME 😂

[@secretstacker5097]

Thanks for making my day. Harley is my favorite character and this is my favorite episode with her.

[@Ahturos]

This episode is cracy, I love how this shows balance Joker being so funny but so horrible at the same time. And even if Harley and Joker is the worse kind of relationship you can be in but it´s funny to see them togheter when they try to make it work but it clearly dose´t.

[@ammash3000]

3:30 Ever since I was a kid this cracked me up 😂

[@jerbearschannel2208]

Emerald Knights is my favorite Green Lantern movie

[@mmxxiii9503]

You know something is different when the Joker gets surprised for something

[@homemaranha5649]

I cant wait to see you watch Season 2 Superman Animated Series

[@JW666]

I don't remember what the Hyenas's names are in the animated series, but in the comics they were named Bud & Lou, after Bud Abbott & Lou Costello. I'm still sad about the loss of Kevin Conroy & Arleen Sorkin, & now finding out that Richard Moll, voice of Two-Face & an iconic character actor, has recently passed away too is also very sad 😔 And Meg, *Hug* 🫂❤️ Also, I highly recommend Batman & Harley Quinn from 2017. It feels more like an episode than a movie, but it's still very funny & very entertaining! 😂😉🙂

[@danielrothman2496]

If you want another great Harley episode, I recommend Harley’s Holiday. In some ways I think it’s better than this one

[@spencernaugle]

Emerald Knight is Awesome!

[@johnpittsii7524]

Hi Meg hope you are having an great and awesome day ❤

[@shainmathew4274]

In comics Batman :white knight, Joker gets cured and weds Harley.

[@russellgarifulla1114]

HYPE

[@barkingmonkee]

Sneak...sneak...sneak...sneak....sneak! Love everything Green Lantern, can't wait.

[@perchancetodream1]

In my top 5 favorites from the series.

[@Anares_]

Love your reactions ! I also love Joker and Harley, loving a fictional relationship doesn't mean that it's a good one or that you want one irl like that lol, they're very toxic and crazy but that's what make them interesting. Also, there is a comics where Joker become good even to her but it's bcs he got hit in the head or something and she just became angry and sad😅She do everything she can to make him become a bad guy again to a point where she kiss batman in front of him🤣🤣The comics is Batman Adventures 2003 issue #3 if you're interest

[@peterb1353]

Fanfic Question Was So REAL, Need Some Recs Stat😭🙏🏾

[@tonyantonellis9983]

13:56 That is because in Joker's so called point of view. Dying is easy & comedy is hard.

[@popeye697]

Sounds like you wanna read Batman: White Knight. It's got most of what you're asking for.

[@evieblue959]

You want an anti-hero joker/harley comic? Check out Batman: White Knight. It’s set in an isolated universe, so not DC canon, but it’s absolutely amazing!

[@drewellis95]

13:24 👀👀 Batman: White Knight :)

[@super_nurd]

Funny you should ask about fan fiction. There's a movie called Batman and Harley Quinn set in the animated series universe. It's a mostly mediocre movie, but it has many nods to the series and brings back the Batman and Robin voices to do the roles again. It's basically the fan fiction you would want, but be warned there are many nods to episodes you haven't even seen yet. So many references will fly past you, but the main story is fine enough to follow along. So that's something you should keep on your radar if you want Batman x Harley and Robin x Harley on the brain.

[@jamesraykenney]

Have you seen the "Harley Quinn show" It goes DEEP into her psychology... And how she breaks up with Joker, and keeps backsliding... It is very adult while being totally over the top... I think you would love the series... It takes a few episodes for most people to get hooked, but i loved it from the first... And if you want to see Robin(actually Nightwing) and Harley 'hook up', watch "Batman and Harley Quinn" (2017)!!!

[@MegMageReacts]

Not yet, but I'm SO excited for it!

[@seansmith6255]

It's funny and fun But not particularly well written Because it puts humor first which is fine But let me make something clear Harley quinn can't be an anti hero in any serious story While still being Harley quinn The only happy ending for Harley quinn is to no longer be Harley quinn Many vatman villains have an illness Harleys illness is joker Without him or his impact She's just harleen Also Ivy is a borderline raping ecoterrorist Not sympathetic in the slightest

[@ItApproaches]

Joker doesn't really deserve anything, nobody does. That's entitlement. Joker is a chaotic force that cares only about having a laugh and good time. So saying he doesn't deserve Harley means nothing. He doesn't need her, and yet her coming back to him shows the sad truth, that women give attention to those who treat them bad.

[@R.J.Godzilla81]

Harley belongs in the Adam West Batman 66 universe. If this Joker was Caesar Romero Joker, then I’d agree with you because then they’d be perfect together and would make a great, and in NO WAY toxic couple…but he’s not, he’s DCAU Mark Hamill Joker, and is a monster

[@tonyantonellis9983]

What's your opinion of Harley's song Meg?

[@TonyDracon]

I didn't know arleen sorkin died til now.....

[@Rocket1377]

There is an episode of Batman: The Brave and the Bold with a heroic Joker from another universe.

[@lordmorklen5166]

Kevin and Arleen both gifted DCAU with the best musical sequences yet to be topped - even in live-action. I mean, ok Grant and Melissa have beautiful voices but they're not matching this or Kevin's "Am I blue".

[@bxtss]

meg if u like harley i recommend u read harleen comic from 2019 is sooo good it's about her in the frist weeks on arkham is so good and the art is soooo beautiful

[@MegMageReacts]

I did! I loved it!

[@Cen0bite9]

Have you already watched the episode Harley's Holiday?

[@Biorythym]

Umm Harley and Joker becoming anti-heroes is kind of what you get in the "Batman: The White Knight" series of comics (a series of mini-series)

[@deannawoolfolk4562]

I don’t know if this helps, but there was a Harley Quinn comic issue where she went on a bidding date with Bruce and she kissed both Bruce AND Batman. Just felt like throwing that in if your interested 😉

[@tonyantonellis9983]

4:06 more like a love trap.

[@nickrocha1997]

i really hope you watch HBO's Harley Quinn it's so much fun and i know you will love it

[@JokerFan-hj4iv]

People have brought this up but definitely buy Batman: white knight for a good joker/Harley story.

[@srinivasanbalaji4867]

hi meg if you like bruce and harley together then you should check out the batman white knight series also rip arleen sorkin and kevin conroy

[@seanmccall88]

I can't wait for her to watch batman and harley quinn movie

[@frankgowett8058]

Now don't quote me on this I think there's a couple of issues from the Batman comics where the joker does work with Batman and detective comics there's a couple issues with that with Batman and the joker working together but I'm not sure

[@wesmcinerny4524]

I, for one, wonder what it would be like to have hyenas instead of dogs.

[@Leon2607]

Well if you are looking for fanfics of any kind Ao3 is your place, you will 100% find several fics with both of them together, whether it be a few chapter long bite or a few hundred thousand words full story. But be warned that many of them will be either B-man sm***ing every DC and Marvel women one afther another or the very same thing ending with a harem. Leaves will fall, snow will melt and Fanfic writers will write sm*t.

[@TehElimanator]

Batman White Knight is a perfect comic for a Joker and Harley being a more normal couple

[@Deadbynight2]

Read Batman white knight you’ll love it !

[@russellgarifulla1114]

[@alangold4658]

Batman white knight is a comic where harley and bats get together

[@bgvo4373]

Hyaenas aren’t dogs.