Batman Caped Crusader -The Nocturna Episode

[@CasuallyComics]

Which episode would you like to talk about next?

[@GarrettTheViking]

Gentleman Ghost!

[@dangdino3433]

Would love to see you talk about Clayface. As much as I love goofy clayface like Harley Quinn or SSI versions, it was really cool to see him as a serious villain again. I'm not normally into the "why won't she love me" type plots but I was pleasantly surprised at how much I liked the episode, top 3 for me.

[@luisz0339]

Talk about the Harley Queen Episode!! (you can reference Punchline, I swear)

[@amanzeihedioha]

Onomatopoeia! DUN DUN DAAAA~!

[@TimPoultney]

The Harley Episode -- There's a lot to unpack there... Cameos! Changes! Borderline fetishism! ...I couldn't think of a third C for the alliteration, I just couldn't get over what I saw.

[@angryspork610]

I can only think of two reasons Fleischer Lois is in Gotham. 1. On a long-term assignment for the Daily Planet. 2. She's banned from all Metropolis wedding planners for constantly demanding refunds when her latest fiancé turns out to be an alien or an elaborate prank.

[@queenannsrevenge100]

😂👍

[@ravenwilder4099]

Trying to adopt Robin out from under Batman is such a bonkers great villain move, I bet the rest of the rogues gallery is kicking themselves for not thinking of it.

[@arlibrarian]

Well Joker *sort of* did that in the DCAU.

[@ravenwilder4099]

@@arlibrarian Dark, but true.

[@davidbjacobs3598]

@@arlibrarian And that one wasn't even an orphan! (Oh, maybe that's why Tim wasn't in this ep.)

[@WhiteRaven696]

Hardy Boys Robins?! I would love that. Forget doing it in the show, make that an AU comic book! All six Robins, as kids, solving mysteries!

[@scifiguy9000]

YES!!!!!

[@tomorrow4eva]

Wait, six? When did I lose count?

[@scifiguy9000]

@@tomorrow4eva I think they meant in comics. (I'm guessing Dick, Jason, Tim, Stephanie, Damien (I think) and Carrie from TDKR. Maybe Duke in place of Damien)

[@tysondennis1016]

That would be awesome

[@WhiteRaven696]

@@tomorrow4eva 1. Dick 2. Jason 3. Carrie 4. Tim 5. Stephanie 6. Damian I was including the two not featured in the episode.

[@TheMule47]

Batman showing compassion to a gothy pre-teen girl whose superpowers are out of control. Reminds me of the best Batman moments in JLU, sitting with Ace before she dies.

[@andrefantin832]

Reminded me of Baby Doll as well

[@hunterfogleman7443]

I feel like that was the intention.

[@claudius3359]

Thought it was Ace before clicking

[@crafterofheart]

Except she’s not “Goth” just a dark character with issues more so.

[@jazzmyn5804]

THIS! I was thinking the same thing

[@GamerSlyRatchet1]

Apparently Timm was going to use the B:TAS design for this show and she was going to be an orphanage donor who used her position to get close to the children and feed off their energy. The crew didn’t feel it until they got inspired by Let the Right One In and reworked it into what we got. Also, I wonder how Beware the Batman would’ve handled Nocturna since she wasn’t “off the table” for their use.

[@Dougeb7]

Bruce made me chuckle as he tries to keep up the rich playboy image. "Helluva tax write-off!"

[@ProfessorHurt]

Part of me wonders if the little girl whom Leslie comforted with a blanket over them when Stephie went missing (and who also showed up in the prior episode when Firebug burned the apartment complex she was in) might've been a nod to Cassandra Cain. I mean okay, maybe it wasn't but this little girl showed up TWICE in the season and her being quite sad about Stephie Brown being gone. Well, too much coincidence for my taste.

[@dazzlethestar151]

You mentioning that made me go back into the episode and look and I noticed something while doing that During the part where Leslie has the orphan kids take a picture with Harvey, one of the kids is literally just a re-coloured version of Jason. I found that kinda funny.

[@dakotanelson8523]

Honestly I really hope not, otherwise we're gonna be 2-for-2 on stories that throw out Cass' fundamental backstories that informs her as a character to instead just .ake her an average Gothamite girl.

[@jordanloux3883]

I hope we see more of Natalia. Considering she lost her brother and the carnival probably isn't waiting for her to leave the hospital, I'm sure that the orphanage is about to get a kid.

[@scockery]

A lifeforce vampiress would-be-murderess. Just what every orphanage needs. The show didn't have the guts to kill her, unlike the male villains.

[@jeremyroberts9065]

​@@scockery Well, it's more of the fact she's a kid than anything else. And the male adult murdered amount to only two out of 10. 3 if you count the one who was a ghost.

[@jordanloux3883]

@@scockery So you're upset the show didn't kill any children? Edit: Also they only killed like 2 villains in the first season out of 10 episodes

[@M01eFANatic79]

I'm actually hoping she becomes the show's version of Batman's partner. Only this time it's for more justifiable reasons: 1. Nobody else would have her after what she did and what she is (no offense to Natalia). 2. He relates to her pain of being a confused and angry orphan. 3. She's more capable than the other Robins because she has powers. 4. I felt that his promise to Anton goes beyond just this episode.

[@davidbjacobs3598]

@@M01eFANatic79 I'd actually be super down for that. This episode was a standout for me, even though I was frustrated with all the Robin disrespect.

[@NathanWeeks]

"She broke up with Bruce because she thought he was an ambitionless wastrel." Yeah, he's just a billionaire who helps orphans. What a loser.

[@beccaogundipe7420]

Actually then in that comic he didn't do anything. Not actually go to work on anything for the society. He was just home

[@tylerensminger]

Loved the references and that Carrie was the one to help Batman. I don't know if any of them would be become Robin in the show but it was a nice homage

[@grburr2]

Nice overview! Things you might have missed: Killer Croc especially appropriate for this episode. His pre-Crisis story had him grow up as the 'lizard boy' in a circus freak show. Also, his second appearance is in Batman 357 which featured the -first- appearance of Jason Todd. Also: I'll have to rewatch the episode to be sure, but I was thinking the carny cast who beat the crap out of Batman are the same characters who he fights in Detective Comics 410 by O'Neal and Adams. Keep up the great work!!

[@simontchang]

The "energy vampire" aspect felt like the kind of BS&P concession they would've had to make in the 90s, similar to how Morbius in the Spider-Man show had to suck plasma from his fingers, not blood. For a series targeted at an adult audience it felt like a weird form of self-censorship. Also the fact that the Robins show up as throwaway cameos probably implies there's no real plan to introduce them or that the producers aren't anticipating the show will last long enough to make sense for a Robin to appear.

[@PsychoSlaughterman]

I think there is also a reference to the BTAS episode "Baby Doll" in there with Natalia lashing out at her brother when he told her to "grow up" which as a vampire she might not be able to physically do just like Baby Doll physically still looked like a child even though she was an adult. Batman even says "I know you didn't mean to" (kill her brother) and Baby Dolls Catchphrase was "I didn't mean to"

[@jojodunn835]

Also, outside of the DC universe, Claudia from Interview with the Vampire.

[@PsychoSlaughterman]

@@jojodunn835 true, so much like Claudia, her tantrums and voracious appetite also.

[@HyattHyatt3179]

I wonder if Natalia is supposed to be a child, because she does seem quite child-like. Or if she and Anton are the same age, but she looks like a child if she doesn't get enough life-force, sort of how Dracula started looking like an old man if he hadn't had blood.

[@The_Phantasm]

So I guess Bruce Timm must be a big fan of the Addams Family because Nocturna's design in Caped Crusader looks exactly like Wednesday Addams and so did Tamara Caulder in Batman Beyond. Plus they cast Christina Ricci as Catwoman in Batman Beyond who is famous for playing Wednesday Addams.

[@SamusSelf-Destruct]

Or, that’s just kind of the stock stereotype of what people think goth girls are like.

[@lucinae8512]

Her design stands out, because she looks like she just walked out of the DCAU.

[@HyattHyatt3179]

@@SamusSelf-Destruct It is a pretty basic Goth look, and it's not really comiting too much to any specific goth style either. It reminded me a bit of Klarion the witch boy and the inhabitants of Limbo town

[@justoneguy2487]

Catwoman doesn't appear the in Batman Beyond show. What are you going on about?

[@HyattHyatt3179]

@@justoneguy2487 Not sure, but Christina Ricci plays catwoman in this show, so they probably got it mixed up

[@TimPoultney]

I liked the hokey carny act with the diodes and ray tubes -- It perfectly fit the setting and tone. This is where I expected a Ventriloquist cameo, along with the obvious Killer Croc one -- Or Babydoll!

[@jordanloux3883]

Or Pyg.

[@grimshock6983]

I like that Stephanie Brown was in it, but her and all the robins are too young to become Robins/Batgirl

[@alexandredesbiens-brassard9109]

Steph was a Robin too! She was introduced as a Robin specifically to fail at it and die. Only after years and much fan outcry did she become Batgirl.

[@eddierascalhaskell4954]

Originally Dick Grayson was like 8-9ish when he first became Robin.

[@gwinnondavis9284]

The shift of an era gets me. Batman the Animated series, "No Blood or Vampires." The Batman, "We're gonna have a movie where we shower Vampire Joker with Blood!!"

[@orderlysummit]

13:18 well considering how similar Bruce and Clark look, this might be Lois investigating to see if Bruce is Supes

[@jameljenks2584]

I appreciate that they tried different things with these characters. Some landed some didn't but I appreciate the attempt

[@ramblingRJ]

The future Robins in this episode could have banded together in future stories as a homage to DC's golden age gang The Newboy Legion (1942) four boys who helped out the Guardian. Marvel did their own version with Rick Jones and the Teen Brigade, who helped the Hulk. They were all no doubt inspired by the Baker Street Irregulars, who helped out Sherlock Holmes.

[@HyattHyatt3179]

In Gotham by Gaslight the Robins were more like the Irregulars as well, so you're probably right about them going for something more like that, than picking one Robin

[@shibumi8]

I’d totally love a detective kids club made up of all the robins.

[@JeremyTKIN]

Did anyone else sort of think that Batman's interactions with Nocturna at the end was sort of similar to the JLU episode where he stayed with Ace until she died?

[@pauldesigncomics2625]

Yes. Very similar along with how both are dressed.

[@Dunybrook]

A Scooby gang of Robins? Yes, please! For a show determined to be so gritty this episode had plenty of heart. A little goes a long way in this kind of setting. More would have been really out of place. Great job catching all those easter eggs. Imagine if Lois and Jimmy do have bigger parts in season 2.

[@tonygazso9027]

I love this series. I tend to get Batman fatigue but this take really makes a batman that I personally can't wait to see more of. I love that it's so golden age-y. Updating the character while rooting it in the era it was created is so much fun. At least for me. I'm sure it's not everyone's cup of tea. Can't wait to see you dive into some more episodes!

[@Vamroc]

Bruce Timm wanted to adapt "Red Rain" for Batman: The Animated Series and Nocturne fit the esthetic of B:TAS better than Tayna did but Fox said "NO" to the whole idea for the usual reasons "We had a hard enough time convincing Bible Belt affiliates to air the show (ignorantly thinking Batman looks a bit too much like Satan) and now you want the character aimed at kids to drink blood or imply that he's drinking blood"

[@KittSpiken]

Then he gets the chance and she's just sucking energy 🤣

[@GenerationWest]

I actually like this episode, yo there with the Gentlemen Ghost and Catwoman episode.... Only problem is... They keep doing by boy Tim Drake dirty, like, he wasn't even in the episode full of Robins, and I loved her here, but the alt reality Carrie Kelly got over him!

[@andrefantin832]

I think it is a generational thing. Millenials love Tim, and people slightly older love Carrie, people sligthly younger love Damian

[@GamerSlyRatchet1]

Tim is rich and usually starts with parents being around. It wouldn’t make sense for him to be with the orphans.

[@samuelturner6076]

I came here to make a tim being absent joke and I'm glad I'm not the only one who noticed him missing.

[@jeremyroberts9065]

​@@GamerSlyRatchet1I think that's the big point. In fact, Tim's absence ironically makes it more likely to me that if he features, he will be THE Robin due to his similarity to Bruce.

[@Nevae_696]

But tim has parents why would he be with orphans

[@ibrahimihsan2090]

3:42: That vampire episode they showed in Brave and The Bold(a show arguably less mature than BTAS) was a memorable and terrifying experience for me.

[@Zarastro54]

BATB was peak Batman and I will die on that hill. Different vibe than TAS, but equally as creative and memorable.

[@brianaweight2435]

I was plesantly surprised by Caped Crusader. To me it is a fine, at times great show but it feels like it is missing heart like you said. The characters throughout the show feel very surface level and even though you get to see them throughout 10 episodes you don't really get to see many different sides or depth to them. Other than Bruce and Harvey. This is just based on my experience but I really feel the lost of Paul Dini in this show. It feels like BTAS but missing the excellent character depth and themeing and I think thats because Dini wasn't a writer. That's just my feeling toward the show and my experience with Dini as a writer for Detective Comic in the 2000's. I liked the show, would like a season two to see where it is goes and other reimagings but not something that blowed me away.

[@negligible_reality]

I agree. Personally I've always been a fan of most anything that Paul Dini writes,his character work and story telling are phenomenal in my opinion. On the flip side, Bruce Timm is always hit or miss, and for me personally, the majority of Caped Crusader was a miss. I just didn't enjoy it nearly as much as I hoped I would, and was severely disappointed by season 1. It has it's moments and things that I liked though, so maybe it'll get better in season 2 and really start to grow on me. As it stands however, I'm not a fan, and don't think that it at all lives up to the legacy of B:TAS and the DCAU as much as Timm wants it to.

[@HyattHyatt3179]

The problem to me is that Bruce Timm writes great stories and good dialogue, but like you said his characters are a bit lackluster, and a show like this really needs deep characters to work. Hopefully it gets better in season 2, and he may write a more complex Bruce seeing how he sort of apologized to Alfred at the end of the show.

[@speedgamerdts85]

I find it weird how in BTAS they couldn’t use Vampires yet over on the Marvel side we would get both Blade and Morbius in Spider-Man The animated series a few years later.

[@tylerblake5507]

Yeah, but isn't the restriction why morbius in the animated series sucks plasma through his hand instead of blood and fangs?

[@speedgamerdts85]

@@tylerblake5507 Yes. But he was still a vampire and Blade is well…you can’t really doge what Blade is. Also, Spider-Man wasn’t allowed to punch things due to restrictions. Wild time.

[@TitularHeroine]

​Spidey punched someone only one time in the whole series, I think.

[@millernumber1]

I'm not a TAS fan, sadly, and I didn't love Caped Crusader, but the Stephanie Brown cameo made my day, and the fact that she was facing Nocturna again was an unexpected bonus!

[@lyndseywerner2196]

Yes! Irregulars Robins! I’ve been hoping that Tim would appear as the “Drake Heir” (so to speak) and it would be amazing if he were folded in too!

[@dustinduffy5870]

this was my fav episode tbh, it reminded me of the story where batman sits with that young girl on the swing till she passes away , it had the dark gritty feel of a city in the mist of collapse. let bruce shine in a more detective esk roll. i do feel there's always room for growth but that being said i LOVED the carni scene . good to know that they would protect children , in a dark world like gotham that was refreshing

[@juneberrysaint]

I don't think this Bruce is getting a kid anytime soon but I can see an episode of him dealing with a gang of child vigilantes after Carrie and the others got a taste for mystery. Maybe they'll get little uniforms like boyscouts or the DC Bombshells Batgirls and Bruce'll get another dose of empathy for poor Alfred 💀

[@darkhero-3097]

I find it funny they have Fleischer-style Lois Lane pop up here, and not their already established reporter character, Eel O’Brian, from the Catwoman and Firebug episodes. It would’ve been nice, given that those eps implied he’d be a supporting character and he has so few appearances here. Plus in the comics his Plastic Man costume was literally a circus suit, so it would’ve been a nice touch, haha. I wonder if Lois was chosen because Grey Delisle, who voices her here, was already voicing Julie Madison, and it was easier to reuse her than having Tom Kenny brought in again

[@lanternsown3525]

The BTAS art style is iconic it up with Neal Adams those are some of the first images people, when ever they think of Batman.

[@susanstorm7910]

McKenna Grace deserves an Emmy for this episode

[@yazr1712]

I really enjoyed the show. It didn't blow me away but it grew on me as it went. Some nice touches of animation. I like Batman growing and the other allies he's forming connections too. I will likely go back and watch again. There's just something simple about it all, that I like. Fav EPs: Harley Quinn, Two face 2 parter ('you're wasting my time Pennyworth!') and clayface. The firefly one was kinda crazy too. Dug it! More reviews please :)

[@tomorrow4eva]

I don't see enough commentary on Jason's collection of mothers. Catherine, Nocturna, Sheila, Talia... Are there more?

[@TravisTaft]

I enjoyed this specific episode just fine, but didn’t have any particularly strong feelings about it either way outside of it potentially being a bit weird to have the eventual Bat Family all come together and be like “Hey, didn’t we ALL go to the same orphanage?? What’s up with that?!?” The episode that really sold me on the show was the Two-Face transformation episode. At first, I thought they had screwed up, getting the wrong side of his face as a sign of how badly they understood the character. But then I realized what they were doing, that they understood the character *so well* that they made sure to scar the other side *on purpose* to fit the subversion. Really great detail.

[@TitularHeroine]

Yeah, that was pretty cool.

[@MrShamooga]

I feel like this show drives home that Bruce Timm was only one piece of the DCAU team.

[@jeancaron9325]

I think Nocturna get more energy from kids then adults.

[@Victor-qx3vx]

To her kids are easier prey. She fools them quite easily. She wouldn’t be able to do that with an adult that wasn’t her brother.

[@KittSpiken]

Nah, she was big hungry for Batman

[@oilspill2064]

I find Tim's disappearance in this episode baffling

[@SimonBuchanNz]

this is the first time I've seen Bruce Timm - he looks like a batman villian!

[@Gradamit]

I feel like they are setting up a 'we are robbin'

[@andrewknight2918]

I didn't realize it was all these Robins. It was just a feast of Robins. A feast... HA!

[@daverhoden445]

The Robin role-call had me wondering about Tim's no-show.

[@BullseyeRey]

Now i hope you do a video on the whole Nocturna trying to adopt Jason story, that sounds like a trip.

[@THE_Dodge_Morningstar]

@@BullseyeRey Yeah, I think that's a great idea Gamma. It is an interesting story. I think a lot of people would love to hear about the whole affair, along with Sasha's thoughts on it.

[@AdamSoucyDrums]

Even in the cases of referenced Robins like this, Tim is left out! WHY DO THEY HATE MY BOY 😭

[@oilspill2064]

An other universe were tim is left out

[@woow-jo7ux]

Yes, another whim on "Caped Crusader." 🖤💙 Good to know that the series is its own 'verse and interpretation or re-imagine the Batman & Gotham characters. 😮 Episode 8 [sarcastically 🙄🫨😝😜] the outrage - how dare they made a no blood sucking vampire Nocturna and the Orphans that could be Robin 🐦 🥹!?!? Me want a "My Adventures with the Robins" animated series 😅

[@bobisapanda2655]

I feel like it was fun and has good moments but a little stronger character writing could help but overall enjoyable

[@VHarlequinxQueenV]

It's so convenient that all the Robins are in one place for Batman to adopt

[@CassFan99]

Honestly my biggest gripe with the Robin stuff is that it felt like Steph drew the short straw as usual. Dick and Jason got to have some semblance of characterisation before Natalia drained them. Not exactly deep or multi-faceted characterisations by any means, but characterisations all the same. Carrie did too and got to hold Natalia off until Batman showed up, Steph on the other hand was already being drained when we first see her and the last scene with them all doesn't really give her anything either. I really wish Steph and Carrie swapped roles since Steph doesn't have much exposure at all outside the comics (whereas Carrie has the Dark Knight Returns animated movies) and the "she's a monster" bit would've worked with her too since Steph has been more open to killing in the comics before.

[@xyonmckell]

I enjoyed the series, and this ep is a favorite. It's be cool to see Natalia become this series' Robin. The growth she'd need to go through would be compelling, and it'd be interesting for Batman to have a sidekick who couldn't go out during the day.

[@The_ConenGifre]

I really enjoy the show, kind of wish that Batman comics from the bronze age were easier to find in my neck of the woods.

[@dazzlethestar151]

This was my favourite episode of the show. Nocturna was a cool and interesting villain and the references with the Robin kids was really cute! I hope we can see them and Nocturna again

[@jonahrk_rider3602]

I like to Think Tim Drake was there but didn't get kidnapped because he was too smart and knew something was off and ran off to his parents or something lol.

[@wellsb973]

“The Nightslayer” was probably abandoned as a moniker due to its proximity to “the night stalker” aka serial killer Richard Ramirez, who was active in southern California in the early to mid eighties.

[@PosthumanHeresy]

He also inherited that title from the Golden State Killer. The GSK got that nickname only in the 2010s in order to give him a new name since Richard Ramirez had taken his name. Before that, he had been being called the Original Night Stalker, having been the Night Stalker before Richard Ramirez. Even in serial killers there's legacy characters.

[@milkiassamuel780]

I really liked this episode and I since Im not familiar with the character of Nocturna, I thought that she was a creepy villain and her more supernatural but ghoulish presence really works in the show since they've established that the supernatural exists in this world. I especially loved that they showcased Batman's compassion when he saved Natalia from the sun, as that scene reminded me heavily of when Batman in Justice League Unlimited had to comfort Ace when she was about to die. Batman's compassion is always one of my favourite elements of the character and an aspect of the character people tend to forget about aince many adaptations fixate on the characters brutality or gothic, grim demeanor but truthfully Batman is one of the most compassionate superheroes and if you cant imagine Batman saving a kid or trying to help his villains than your not writing Batman. However I am a bit disappointed with how many cameo's of various Robins we see as even though I appreciate seeing the existence of characters like Dick Grayson, Jason Todd, Stephanie Brown and Carrie Kelly I do feel like this takes away some potential of these characters becoming Robin, which seems fairly likely given how they establish them all. Though there is a possibility that instead of them being Robin I can see other Robin characters like Tim Drake becoming the Robin of this universe which I would actually like since it would be refreshing to see Tim Drake get more recognition and love in adaptations since hes arguably the most intellectually skilled and efficient person to become Robin and with how badly DC Comics has recently been treating the character in comics it would nice to see the character get more love if he does become Robin for future seasons of the show?

[@payableondeath7]

I disagree that this episode lacks heart. You have Harvey struggling with falling in with Thorne and wanting to be the man he portrays himself to be, you've got Leslie Thompkins to give a brief motherly vibe for Bruce, you have Julie as a representative of romance and understanding, there's sibling love as Anton cares for his sister and is worried she's spiraling while Jason overcomes his nerves to go searching for Dick, there's the carnival folk who think they are protecting kids from a pervert, you've got Carrie who wants revenge for the children Natalie has harmed, and finally Batman, who drops nearly everything to help these kids which is atypical of his behavior going into this episode. There's all kinds of love and/or heart. That being said, I loved this take on Nocturna. It took the stereotypical lust and sensuality out of vampire mythos and made her more of a freak while also being a "child with too much power" trope. Her design outside of the act really reminded me fondly of Batman Beyond's character design, which was nice. While I wouldn't put it in the top 5 of the season, I do think it was a strong season over all, so even a good episode looks lesser compared to the great ones.

[@EthelbertCoyote]

Chatted with (also an animator) a while ago Ronnie Del Carmine who used to work on the original, who then went on to I think head of story for Pixar. i REALLY hope people an critics give Tim time to explore getting back into this show. I find it incredibly exciting seeing how many uber creatives spawned from the last one. Shows like these can be an incubator for great shows and people but it takes time for even the best of creatives to hit new strides. Please folks watch this show and let them explore new ideas you will be happy you did.

[@theawesome925]

I started calling this episode "The Night of Way Too Many Robins" after we also get Carrie Kelly, i just had to laugh.

[@BATCHARRO]

Listen, I didnt know about the scrapped Nocturna episode of TAS but uh...wouldn't it be dissapointing for someone who thought they were "finally making that episode that was too much for a kid's cartoon" for them to turn her into an energy vampire and a child, the kind of changes you do when adapting a vampire to a children's cartoon. "Oh no you see, there's no RED STUFF here, he just takes you r PLASMA from the suckers in his hand". Seems like if they sold it as finally being able to do that episode, besides the someone actually dying there's not much here that they couldn't have done content wise in the original series. All the Robins also being near the same age is...hopefully they won't have to entangle that in the future because It does feel like they shouldn't be, when you think about it, even a little. It seems fine, it all seems fine.

[@AgentNevets]

This was so neat to see (your video). Wonder why Tim wasn’t included. Because of Lois at the end, I now want a new Superman’s Girlfriend Lois Lane video. :)

[@cromblackwell6663]

I am thoroughly enjoying the series through 8. Btas is my all time favorite. This is a different take but i think very well done. I didnt know anything about Nocturna but thought it was gritty and dark. Im here for more obscure villains too. Assuming Dent will be featured in last 2 episodes so ending on an A lister is probably a good idea.

[@MidnightAge]

Every Robin but the best (Tim) and the worst (Damian).

[@lyndseywerner2196]

I spotted another Easter egg! Alfred was reading a book called “Alias the Grey Ghost”!

[@lyndseywerner2196]

I just went back and checked. The book was written by a “Max Grantwell” (which I thought might have been an Adam West reference but I can’t find anything about Max Grantwell with a cursory search). Does it ring any bells for anyone? The cover is clear at 12:56 in the ep (right as Bruce is coming to the car).

[@lyndseywerner2196]

(I also did a typo, it was “Alias the Gray Ghost” with an A not an E.)

[@randallflagg3700]

@@lyndseywerner2196 - Max Grantwell is a play on "Maxwell Grant", a pen name used by the authors of *The Shadow* pulp magazine stories from the 1930s to 1960s. It works since the biggest influence for the Gray Ghost was the Shadow. There are other connections, but if we want to keep it brief, that's the gist of it.

[@TheHeroHaven]

I’m mixed on the episode it portrayed Bruce the best out of all the episodes but if Dick is just a cameo that kinda bothers me

[@erikbihari3625]

That's modern Bruce Timm for you!

[@jordanloux3883]

I have a feeling that we'll be seeing the kids again, considering I'm pretty sure Natalia is going to end up at the orphanage with Carrie and the other kids

[@negligible_reality]

​@@jordanloux3883Sure, but will they play a substantial role, or will they just be bland side characters that don't really do anything or affect the plot? Will any of them be Robin? Honestly, I don't doubt that we could see them again in the next season, but I do doubt that they'll actually be used for anything interesting.

[@pqcowboychanel]

Especially considering that the main villain of the show is ROBERT THORN. If you don’t know Tony Zuko works for/with Thorn. Zuko killed robins parents

[@SamusSelf-Destruct]

I loved this series as a whole. This particular episode I felt was really interesting for all of the reasons you outlined. I will say that I felt really disappointed that it’s clearly signaling that they probably don’t intend to do any version of Robin, which sucks, because Dick especially is so integral to Bruce as a character. Also, the ending really reminded me of the ending of the JLU episode “Epilogue” when Batman stays with Ace as she dies. It even mirrors the end of that episode when Bruce carries Ace’s body.

[@fcm3d]

Bat Dad and his child soldier army.

[@ronaldmccomb8301]

I was thinking the exact same thing about the Lois look a like.

[@KaoticReach1999]

That is one of the most cursed thumbnails to me I think it's from my childhood PTSD from Ginyu's bodyswap in DBZ Also I had no idea about this show, I'll check it out, just found the channel too, subbed

[@drow_Lilith9940]

batman rule 1 if people cant see your batman caring for a child you writen a bad batman start again

[@negligible_reality]

Tbh this Batman cared for children, but is still a bad Batman. They need to start again, and maybe bring in Paul Dini while they're at it because Bruce Timm can use all the help he can get.

[@drow_Lilith9940]

@@negligible_reality to be all batman with any bat famliy around is a bad batman

[@andrefantin832]

​@@negligible_realityjames tucker is there, I think it is a conscious choice

[@sboinkthelegday3892]

Best Robins are Casca and Guts. Especailly since they did earn a living through murder, but are widely seen as by the Western audience even more as victims, than Batman's child recruits. Unlike Bruce Wayne, Griffith was in fact a child soldier and DID protect children, so much that Rickert was not part of the Eclipse. I mean, younger than himself, as he was taking it from adult nobles at age 15 to put food on the table of the likes of Casca. Aside from the lucrative business of murder as simple thieves, which is closr to Guts' and Casca's base moral standard. Oh but, I'm SO sorry for them, that their contract to die for a kingdom actually came due EVER. for the rcord Berserk is relevant because it's pretty blatantaly inspired by Douglas smith's scratchboard art of Batman and Gregory McGuire's 'Wicked'. And of course the fact that Batman is a mercenary bastard, more the CAUSE of fates like Jason Todd, than something to save children like Griffith originally did Casca. f course being rich he won't resort to stealing or prostitution, so hey. That's something.

[@drow_Lilith9940]

@@sboinkthelegday3892 my fav robin is tim, casca got hurt beacuse the dark kn ight return is not really that good years later even if she still fun char

[@SamusSelf-Destruct]

One thing I think worth noting is the ending really reminded me of the ending of the JLU episode “Epilogue” when Batman stays with Ace as she dies. It even mirrors the end of that episode when Bruce carries Ace’s body.

[@plushiepenguin]

Honestly your assessment of this episode is kinda how I feel about the series as a whole. Certainly had some standouts I really enjoyed like Clayface, Gentleman Ghost, Catwoman one, and this episode included. But a decent chunk of the series particularly the overarching arc ends up feeling undercooked emotionally for me. Im not wholly sure if its just because of the shorter episode count (bring back 13 episode seasons plox) or just because what they were trying to do has just been done better multiple times before. In the end im just not particularly invested in the characters involved for the finale to really hit. There's also a cardinal sin that happens that I kinda hate as a Batman fan that ends up feeling worse since I dont think its earned or necessary in this context. On the bright side, No Barb x Bruce shenanigans this time supposedly. Plz god never happen again.

[@HyattHyatt3179]

I agree with this, the emotional and character building moments just aren't really there. Like the whole Twoface story is a way to show Bruce that his attitude and methods won't end well and he needs more compassion, but it doesn't really come across in the way it needed to

[@josephadorno92]

This take on Nocturna might've been inspired by Matt Reeves' 2010 film "Let Me In", a remake of the 2008 film, "Let The Right One In", about a little girl who is a vampire. In comparison with the recent vampire movie, "Abigail", the other 2 films were more like psychological noir thrillers.

[@CasuallyComics]

There's definitely shades of it here.

[@josephadorno92]

@@CasuallyComics it also reminds me of "Growing Pains", that Clayface episode, just a little bit, with the little girl Clayface made to be a sympathetic character.

[@scotttheil7824]

Good episode. I like it more for all the Easter eggs and the development of Harvey Dent then I did for Nocturna. Producer James Tucker did a vampire episode on BATMAN: THE BRAVE & THE BOLD, "Shadow of the Bat", which I really enjoyed. Lots of Atmosphere.

[@Elfenlied8675309]

Also, that house of mirrors scene was very reminiscent of IT: Chapter 2 from 2019 lol.

[@simplycifer]

I have actually been planning to rewatch Caped Crusader already. I was always a big BTAS fan, and am a big fan of the pulp elements of Batman. I only wish the show had more than 10 episodes to play around with more stories like BTAS did. That said, this version of Batman is a lot of fun, and his dynamics with the other characters, especially villains, feels well done. The Nocturna episode did feel a little light on significance and heavy on reference, but the ending where he saves Nocturna really sold me.

[@rwby900]

Did not know someone could have a power of bad breath

[@erikbihari3625]

Maybe for her next episode sasha could cover loonatics unleashed! Bastard children from the union between anime,comicbook superheroes and looney tunes. And yes, the show truly exist!

[@rebeccakickass1776]

1 thing I didn't like about this Batman is that he's a jerk to (Alfred) Pennyworth... even after the Gentleman Ghost episode when he told Pennyworth that he couldn't be Batman without him.

[@negligible_reality]

Yeah, me too. That's just one of many things that I don't like about this show as it stands. Maybe most of my issues will be cleared up in season 2, but I doubt it tbh. This show isn't bad, but it's certainly not for me.

[@rebeccakickass1776]

@negligible_reality Yeah, that's basically how I feel about it, too.

[@matthewphillipsbetts8470]

With nocturna, I could just hear the cringe quote of "look out. Shes a real maneater" replay over in my mind

[@steveqhanson6835]

" What if we revisit Batman TAS but pull back on the quality?"

[@KittSpiken]

🤣🤣🤣

[@Defender7591]

If they're doing a slow burn to a Batman/Superman crossover, I will flip my lid. The initial designs for the Superman main cast for S:TAS do have a very Fleisherian quality to them. It'd be great to see the pair meet up in a future episode.

[@negligible_reality]

Doubt it tbh, considering that we most likely won't even get Robin or Batgirl in this series. It would be really weird for them to not include the Batfamily but still give us a Superman crossover. Also, I'm not sure that Superman would work well with the Gothic, noir tone they're trying to have in this series.

[@Defender7591]

@@negligible_realityProbably, and with My Adventures With Superman a going concern it might not happen anytime soon. It'd still be pretty cool though.

[@HyattHyatt3179]

Talking about Superman and Batman crossovers, I really want to see what they do with Lois and Bruce in the next season of MAWS. I really hope they go with the annoying journalist, slightly amused Batman dynamic, preferably with her finding out who he is at the end.

[@HyattHyatt3179]

@@Defender7591 What do you mean with "not anytime soon" season 3 is already confirmed?

[@Defender7591]

@@HyattHyatt3179 Oh, I meant not anytime soon on Batman: Caped Crusader. I'm very happy MAWS is coming back for Season 3!

[@NIGHTGUYRYAN]

2:18 that character design is so good

[@fatenabu1]

So wait a sec... Adam Knight in Smallville could be that Earth's version of her brother :D

[@FuegoSan8]

I loved this episode and the series in general for its noir pulpy take. Also reminded me and many others of the JLA Epilogue episode with Ace with how Batman also carried her away.

[@ManiacX1999]

5:42 Bob Kane's ghost artist is a wild statement

[@camerondodge2070]

The episode was pretty good. That said, I have to push back one one thing: Comics pre-Crisis Natalia had a bit more than just wanting nice things. The money and stolen goods also went to trying to find her a cure. And she did eventually actually fall for Bruce, and even act as an okay mother figure for Jason. That said, later depictions are a bit more shallow (as with so many characters introduced in the Bronze Age, Croc included).

[@starri]

I honestly loved the series when I wasn't expecting to. This is the most interesting thing they've done with Batman since at least the Nolan films, and it's honestly probably the most mature take. Not in terms of the violence of occasional adult themes, but because it's very psychologically oriented. They're not afraid to make the show complex, to the point where you have Harley--who's doing bad things but against people who arguably deserve it, and has very clear, genuine feelings for both Renee and Barbara--who honestly comes across sympathetic. I ultimately think I would have preferred a stronger arc to the season, but I think the fact that we did see developments for Bruce, Harvey, Gordon, and Barbara and that paid off pretty well in the finale. And I loved to portrayal of Renee. One of these days, they're finally going to do an adaptation where she's the Question, and I can't wait.

[@zigfaust]

Loved this version of Nocturna, possibly the best version of her in any medium. Shame it was only for a single episode...

[@Victor-qx3vx]

I agree. Hopefully we’ll see her again on season 2. I’d love for the show to make an adaptation of “Mistress of Fear” replacing Becky Albright for Natalia Knight. So we’d have the Scarecrow as her doctor/mentor.

[@Hum0ng0us]

2:56 I have those issues!! They're kinds weird but a good read. Plus Don Newton is one of my all time favourite Batman artists.

[@Mondragora99]

Man, Bronze Age Batman was realy the best era of the character.

[@DocCivil]

I hope you'll do a vid on my favorite episode "Night Ride" (the Gentleman Ghost episode)

[@dupersuper1938]

I wish Tim got a name drop as well.

[@A1ml33y]

I was skeptical of this show because I was afraid they were going to go full All Star Batman Frank Miller crazy pants & make one of his Robins Ear Rats . I like the twist of this show but it didn't give me the excitement I got from watching X-Men 97 did for . But it's cool to finally see Nocturna in something animated. She's s favorite of mine from the bronze Age . But I'm glad that this Batman is fighting vampires and Ghost , I hope we get him fighting and teaming up with Etrigan the Demon, Garth Ennis Hitman And characters like Slade Wilson and Cheshire to show up .

[@briseyk1]

Julie Madison appeared in World's Finest 248 and 253 so was on Earth 1 as well. She played a Grace Kelly type. Her 1st Earth 1 appearance was in Batman 208 though it was as a flashback

[@cdswint]

Love this episode and Caped Crusader as a whole! I think it might be my 3rd favorite Batman TV series after BTAS and Batman Beyond, though I don’t think there’s been a bad Batman series yet imo. Can’t wait until season 2!

[@Awakeandalive1]

I remember reading the Batman vs. Vampire issue in the "Greatest Batman Stories Ever Told" TPB when I was a lad -- and I'm pretty sure he kills him with silver bullets! XD