harley quinn retrospective (1)

|| SOCIALS ||
Twitter: / leo4x1
Patreon: / implicitlypretentious
|| CONTENTS ||
0:00 - intro
1:08 - and it begins...
2:24 - t r a u m a
5:21 - Harley's successive selves
6:55 - Harley's deepest need
8:19 - credits and message
|| mystery song of the day ||
If time is a vessel, then learning to love
Might be my way back to sea
The flying, the medal, the turning above
These are just ways to be seen
We all get paid
Yeah some get faith before they die
But the stars we will navigate
Through the holes in your eyes
How many days will it take to end
How many ways to reach your hand, oh
You and I
Oh, so swoon baby starry nights
May our bodies remain
You move with me, I'll treat you right, baby
May our bodies remain
There is love to be made
So just stay here for this while
Perhaps heart strings resuscitate
The fading sounds of your life
How many days will it take to land
How many ways to reach your hand, ahh
Oh, you and I
So swoon baby starry nights
May our bodies remain
As weak we move, I'll feed you light, baby
May our bodies remain
Oh yeah in history, I'll treat you right, baby
I'm honest that way, hey
Swoon baby starry nights
May our bodies remain

[@KingOfMadCows]

Yes, now do a video about how Bane's self doubt and lack of self esteem is symbolized by his inability to get over Harley and Ivy's refusal to pay him back for his pasta maker.

[@iplat]

Yeah, but it worked out for him in the Valentine's day special

[@Marconius6]

And also his insecurity about the size of his penis. Or maybe that's just the steroids.

[@ibn6437]

You win the internet

[@VNM-Venom252]

Its amazing how a parody has more maturity and emotional intelligence than a lot of other projects.

[@youtubeuniversity3638]

...parody? Hm?

[@johngrace1312]

I remember a quote from some other KZbin commenter a few years ago, about how “In order to make a parody worth a damn, you should actually understand and respect the material you’re parodying”

[@noachlive]

@@youtubeuniversity3638 it’s a parody of the DC universe

[@ToonBoom788]

Let alone almost every other adult cartoons that have “meta” jokes

[@gfilmer7150]

Velma really tried to be this and failed

[@BlueBeetle1939]

Such a good show both extremely funny and good parody but also deeply touching at times. All the stuff in batmans head is super sad him watching his parents die over and over again but also its making a point about the constant reboots so clever

[@beckyginger3432]

The version of batman in the show is kinda the only time he's made sense to me as a character

[@alchemistofsteel8099]

@@beckyginger3432 have you seen the animated series

[@Numbabu]

Lego Batman.

[@beckyginger3432]

@@alchemistofsteel8099 no I've tried a couple of times but never been grabbed by it

[@tobsonasanya4765]

​@@beckyginger3432 bruh

[@jesserivera2043]

Seeing this video made me realize one fun detail about the Joker: instead of having his wild hair he has douchey rom-com love interest hair. You know, the hair of that one character whose strings along the female lead.

[@itsjustme6018]

Harley Quinn is my favorite modern dc tv series, it's funny how a dc parody show is probably one of the most well written dc tv series in a long time. it's able to have well know comic book characters and bring a new funnier side to them without making it feel like it's laughing at the expense of the character instead then laughing with them. The characters aren't unrecognizable variations of themselves but in fact the same character just be explored in a new funnier but interesting way.

[@garethhughes7430]

Everyone seems to think Parody means lazy writing, probably because of a spree of bad parody movies. The thing about any good comedy, it has to come from a place of understanding. To satirize or parody something, you must first understand that thing.

[@adammyers7383]

Something worth noting is that Harley hasn’t been defined by abuse and exploitation for a long while, having moved on from Joker as far back as some of the later episodes of BTAS-but her popular perception has struggled to do the same, to definitely move her beyond the Joker the way she has in the comics. What this show has done is to bring that full story into the mainstream

[@AbigatorM]

I am always concerend when my rl friends referto themselfs as joker and harley as couples. for exactly that reason. Every real comic fan knows that this is not a goal to have. and this show hopefully puts it more in the main stream.

[@Axetwin]

I love when this show stops and takes the time to remind us that Harleen (not Harley) is actually incredibly intelligent. I love when the show gives Harleen and Harley a chance to flex her psychological muscles. I loved both mindscape episodes, and I'm really looking forward to you covering that one when you get there in a future video.

[@guppygills]

so glad you covered this show! truly one of my favorite DC properties, there's a perfect blend of "flavor of the week" style episodes mixed with long arcs and great storytelling and character development. and SUCH an amazing cast, i hope Alan Tudyk is held in the same reverence at the end of his (hopefully long and prosperous) career the same way some of our most versatile late greats of live/VA hybrid acting. so hype for next season!!

[@ZekromAndYugiAndDrago123]

His Joker is unironically one of the best out there. "Where's my Goddamn Electric Car, Bruce?"

[@guppygills]

@@ZekromAndYugiAndDrago123 "muh goddamn" like yes UGH so good!! lmao idk if they'll let him expand outside of the show since it's its own universe but i agree, i would love to hear mark's thoughts on alan's interpretation!!

[@holbvgbbbbkfz]

I like how it doesn't get any pseudo intellectual like the Snyder verse and still manages to be funny watching her free Bruce from his trauma never felt forced or out of place humor It's just annoyingly perfect

[@strikermodel]

Fun fact: Bane is the nanny of the kid he is talking to at the beggining. He's scolding the kid for using the credit card he was given to commit crimes with, for something heavily aluded to be dolphin porn.

[@isaiahcontreras1761]

harley quinn is so good it really captures all the typical batman characters as actual people with emotions and personality not just hero or villain

[@joshrobins130]

One of my favorite parts about this show is actually just one simple thing that nearly every single fucking creator keeps forgetting about Harley: She was a trained psychiatrist and the fact the show brings that side of her up more is one of my favorite parts.

[@harryfleutv666]

This series helped me get out of a very toxic friendship

[@TevyaSmolka]

It’s amazing that Harley Quinn show actually turned out good.

[@rigamarooh]

sad they fucked over the Mr Freeze and Nora ark though by making Nora a terrible person

[@TevyaSmolka]

@@rigamarooh that’s true but let’s face facts all of these villains in this universe are awful people.

[@sk2178ter]

My favorite part about the show was when joker was telling her to put her old costume back on and thought it was meta, joker being the traditional fans who dont want harley to grow as a character

[@brookb5890]

Wow that was so good. I wanted there to be another 10 minutes. The backstory they have for Harley is really interesting in this show. I haven't watched it yet, but it seems to mirror the one they gave Barbara in BTAS. She was also a gymnastics star, but quit to become Batgirl. Rather than losing herself the way Harley did, her choices made her stronger and gave her a purpose. She was ultimately a victim to a terrible attack (a storyline which I still hate with a passion even though I think overall I do like the Oracle storyline), and now I wish there was space for Harley and Babs' respective traumas to be explored in the same space.

[@Elfenlied8675309]

It's a great show if you wanted to give it a try. It can definitely be a little juvenile and randomly violent but it's pretty enjoyable as a DC fan.

[@OniNoSweeney]

This show is tied with Justice League Unlimited & Young Justice as the best 3 DC animated series ever, but for all different reasons.

[@QuadZillaGodZillasbrother]

I feel like nobody talks about the show enough

[@onepresence9460]

Harley Quinn is definitely the best modern DC show (Right next to Doom Patrol and Superman & Lois). I hope it has a proper ending and they don’t cancel it.

[@andrepaul3483]

I like Harley already thanks to Batman TAS. But this show made me love her. She became one of my fav characters of all time thanks to this show.

[@thecameraman8648]

Yay!!! I like the harley Quinn show a lot. Glad your covering it

[@mitchilldudebre8712]

Always enjoy watching your new content. Can’t wait to see your season 2 episode. The characters are probably my favorite part of the show and they did Batman pretty well.

[@beckyginger3432]

This show is possibly my favourite animated show currently ish airing

[@n543576]

This was easily one of my favorite shows throughout the pandemic early days. Stuck at home navel gazing for months and here's Harley having me laugh until I cry and cry until I laugh while self actualizing herself on screen it was cathartic for me.

[@CaptainTim85]

WHY IS NO ONE TALKING ABOUT ALEX LENNEN AT THE VERY END??? IS THE CROSSOVER OF THE CENTURY REALLY ABOUT TO HAPPEN????????

[@RJ_Cormac]

Great take on the reality of Harley Quinn mental problems and abuse.

[@eyesore21]

I see so little people talking about this show and I’ve loved it since it was on DC and thought it was doomed to go down with that service. It’s so good!

[@Arcsut]

Man, you only post banger after banger, easily watchable and repeatable and even in such short amount of time. Really good video.

[@uchihabomber1296]

This show is so good man I wish it got more attention plus it’s too funny I honestly consider the show as the adult teen titans go since everyone in that universe is a parody

[@numbernumber25]

Very nice, this is the nicest analytical video about a story I have seen in a long time. Just about every other video I have seen in the last month about stories I have watched were criticisms that basically led me to not care about storytelling, given how the other content creators discuss the holes into the logic and choices made about characters. It really felt pointless to be a writer; that no matter how relaxed and well written someone could write a story, someone will always point to all the issues and all the work a writer puts in will feel worthless. There is of course the use of criticism for improving a story, but sometimes some points that critics leave a mark and the other part is it just feels like people are continuously badgering a person's work without giving any leeway on admitting improvements that the writer has listened to.

[@NigelThrashner]

You son of a bitch, I’m in. I’ll watch this show. I need something to watch between Succession and Breaking Bad.

[@eatatjoes6751]

It cracks me up immensely how you've kind of picked up this "Trauma: the Channel." niche and are running with it.

[@vikhyathnalla624]

Everyone"i enjoy Harley Quinn show, it's funny! " This guy, "this show is sad"

[@ReverseSkeleton]

Thank you so much for covering this

[@niloticnya]

i never got into DC, or much of the superhero genre. i like animation the most, and the Harley Quinn Show is one of the best shows i ever had. i used it to heal and get out of an abusive relationship so i’m thankful for a piece of media like this show for taking dark relatable topics, making them funny, but ultimately offering a solution that is actually helpful. im glad harley uses her medical experience

[@3Rayfire]

I hope you continue on talking about this show, it's splendid. I love Harley's growth as it goes on.

[@kidhermes5494]

I’m so glad to see you talk about this show!

[@diegogchacon]

I just started the video so I’m sorry if you already covered it in it but the Bruce Wayne therapy episode in Season 3 broke my heart, I’d love to see you do a video on it. It really made me view Batman in a different light

[@Tyler_W]

The problem i have with the Harley Quinn self-ownership arc is that her entire brand name is dissonant with that outcome. Sure, they can say that she "jumped in herself," but while the outcome of taking ownership of her choices is a good outcome, that doesn't change the fact that the clown/playing card imagery is still a riff on the Joker's image. The entire "Harley Quinn" name and brand relies on her association with and dependence upon the Joker for her exiatence because, in the real world, she was specifically created to be his sidekick/toxic partner, the Bonnie to his Clyde. I like the idea of Harleen growing beyond her toxic codependency with the Joker and self-improving, but the necessary and logical conclusion of that, I think, would require a complete break from any association with Joker by establishing another, unrelated persona independent of her iconic brand imagery, but that can't happen because her "Harley Quinn" persona and brand are tied to her popularity just as much as she used to be tied to Mr. J. As a result, they can never truly fully commir to that growth, so it always feels like a half-hearted metamorphasis that is always in danger of reversing. Technically, it is and always will in a meta sense because no matter what else happens, some story out there is always going to have the Joker/Harley duo in their toxic relationship because thats how she started, and her codependent, more villainous form is still a popular portrayal of the character. Maybe I'm a bit off in how I'm interpreting this, but I don't think I'm entirely off base here. I think the show is still a bit too tryhard for my liking, but its genuine character and thematic depth make up for it enough to make it worth watching. Also, yeah, people who idealize the Joker/Harley relationship probably need therapy...

[@MCKevin289]

I see where you’re coming from but I always viewed it as “taking back” the name Harley Quinn. Kinda like how black people took back the “n-word”. She had the choice to going back in season 1. She chose to throw joker into the acid instead. I always saw that as her reclaiming the name Harley Quinn. We see her parents were abusive towards her growing up in another episode. I totally agree with you that any couple idolizing Harley Quinn and Joker’s relationship needs a shit load of therapy.

[@Scarethelocals]

I hadn't looked at it from that perspective until now. I'm not being disagreeable with this, in fact I believe I agree with your analysis. However, I feel like her abandoning the old costume (BTAS) and taking on an appearance that reflects her chaotic nature is a way of separating. Joker even tells her to put on the old costume at one point, which could be interpreted as Joker trying to reclaim ownership of her persona as a compliment to his. Her refusal serves as a moment of true independence, it shows that she isn't allowing anyone to control her actions or decisions. She has made herself and her happiness her number one priority and Joker is even surprised she told him no. Joker's needs, wants, wishes or whatever had always been priority and she basically lived to please and protect him. I'm happy to see her take all the mental, physical, and emotional abuse connected to "Harley Quinn" and walk proudly knowing she overcame all that and instead of throwing it away , she has adapted it to her personality and wears it like a badge of honor.

[@toganium4175]

This show is so good. I wish the live actions movies were as good as it.

[@RSRye]

Do you think you could do one on The Venture Bros.? I don’t know if you’ve ever seen it, but a lot of the same writers, actors, and animators ended up on Harley Quinn; and they share a lot of the same vibes, ur analysis with it would be perfection! Great vid as usual matey!

[@stormeagle]

woah , simply amazing analysis

[@theravenpirate4744]

Woohoo! So glad to have more harley quinn video essays

[@badger297]

Your intro always makes me smile

[@pedrocatoira2695]

Thank you for your videos 💛

[@kaimiller5551]

been waiting for dis one🫶

[@lukeferguson3405]

I grew up with Batman: TAS, realized immediately that this entire show's premise is based on the episode, 'Harley and Ivy', and now this is my favorite thing to watch---full stop. I like the show so much that I've binged-watched it over and over and over. This is the best analysis I've seen about any part of the show, has sold me on this channel in general, and I've been hoping and praying that this guy manages to talk about the other seasons. In the meantime, this guy has great stuff, even if I don't think I'll be interested in the subject matter. I'm very much prone to 'tunnel vision', have been on a Harley kick for the past year, and it took me a while to branch out to other DC stuff, but at the end of the day I'm glad I watched Doom Patrol, The Suicide Squad, and some of the Batman animated films recently. Anyway, I'm one of those assholes who almost always forgets to like and subscribe, but I'm going to take care of that right after typing this, even if he never gets to season two (which I really hope we eventually get to see a video on, *wink*, *wink*) because there's a definite guarantee of some quality fandom-related pretentiousness.

[@hendrickdavies6621]

“Where’s my damn electric car Bruce?”

[@junioresnc]

ok you can't say Gordon's integrity is preserved hahahaha

[@kaimanthelizardwizard1248]

The showrunners have a massive hate-boner for Commissioner Gordon

[@Spiedi2012]

awesome video as always

[@carciplier5197]

The harley quinn TV show is so much better than the recent marvel movies, change my mind

[@Jorg13]

​@Just a Prank Bro It was the second episode, I imagine they wanted to play it safe and not bring it up.

[@Jorg13]

​@Just a Prank Bro ...or the irony that he is fitting the stereotype is so much on the nose that it wasn't worth making a joke

[@pacman5698]

Harley Quinn, She-Ra, and the Owl House. The holy trinity of powerful lesbian shows that are well-written and a ton of fun to see alongside being complex emotional dives into great characters.

[@xlro8f853]

The show is underrated asf.

[@The7thDraconian]

What really got me hooked onto the show (besides the phone room scene in the first episode) was seeing Harley’s manifestation of her previous life as a psychiatrist telling her she’s in a textbook abusive relationship. The idea that, deep down, a part of her was able to recognize all the red flags but was never able to get through us such an underutilized idea. Like, the only examples I can think of that explore it are this show and two comics by Stjepan Sejic. One he did as a fan work and the other, Harleen, he got published.

[@a.a677]

This show is so elite

[@pedrocatoira2695]

I love this video and it has a very healthy and constructive influence on me. 💛

[@atruepanda1782]

Honestly, one of my biggest issues with BTAS and the DCAU in general is that Harley Quinn never leaves the Joker. She strikes out on her own occasionally, but never leaves him for good. I just love Harley with Poison Ivy or even fucking Batman! It’s so much better than “abused Joker lackey”.

[@ae0ns]

so glad you've decided to cover on the harley quinn series! questionably the most interesting version of the joker in the show too?

[@chadjones1266]

Neat. I might check it out

[@dredgengam4610]

Joker is literally the whole reason she was molded into what she was.. you don't need force to be a good manipulator after all... many iterations of Joker can be surprisingly persuasive instead of forceful. The fact that she can't let go of the Life of a Damaged criminal with something to prove shows that beneath all the "moving on" and "healing" post Joker, she'll never be truly fulfilled or happy. The damage is done and she doesn't actually want help, or to change. It's one form of pathological behavior to the next. This is why I see Harley's future being a miserable and disgruntled old lady, like Batman Beyond Portrayed.

[@Vent69420]

It's beautiful how a messed up character with messed up origins has a decades long narrative crafted that eventually lead them to being more than they were, better in a meta sense as a franchise and character that's feminist and ultimately uplifting but also at a character level as she gets better over time

[@aa-ron7478]

Gooshhh damn u make videos quick

[@TrowaHanada-ue8bk]

Totally missed it with this one

[@jeyolikemayo]

Cheers

[@sirspamalot4014]

Now I've got to try and find somewhere to watch this show

[@ulyssesveracruz8343]

Speaking about the harley quinn show can you do on kite man pleasw

[@TheArkhamLantern]

Spectacular! Have you ever considered doing Green Lantern? Maybe Hal in Injustice or Razar and Aya?

[@MDMoore6]

“you know what this essay is about…” All of us: “Say it! Say it!” “Trauma…” All of us: “Yay!”

[@MadameTamma]

I think something that really resonates with people when it comes to Harley Quinn is that she's a very messy person. She doesn't know what she wants out of the future. She falls into cycles of breaking out of and falling back into old bad habits. She makes a lot of choices that are bad for her and you root for her to be better. When it comes to writing female characters a lot of companies pigeon hold their writers into making them "Inspirational" or "Good role models for young girls". There's nothing wrong with these types of characters in and of themselves but there is something wrong with forcing ALL female characters to be "likable". Harley is not a role model and she's loved for it.

[@Foxster_13]

I haven't been able to watch the show in full yet, but I've seen clips, and from what I've seen, I think I'd enjoy it. I also feel that perhaps Red Hood/Jason Todd could be a great character for the show as strangely enough. Both Harley and Jason are similar in that Joker changed both their lives for the worst or influenced their lives. Spoilers, if you haven't seen Season 2: I mean, they've brought in Nightwing, Batgirl, and even Damien as Robin, so it could be cool to see the rest of the Bat-family since Batman or Bruce gone to prison (I think) and they'd likely have to be the ones to look after Gotham.

[@Benjamin-mj9pd]

This is the reason I want Talia Al Ghul in the series. I think we can explore her character past Daddy’s little fanatic and the whole Omg I love Bruce sooo much.

[@mandalorianhunter1]

I finally saw it in 2021 and it was funny as hell, though I haven't watched it since and I should really re watch it

[@badger297]

I fucking love your content dude

[@kap1618]

Harley Quinn and Inside Job is the standard to which I hold all other Adult cartoons.

[@sloppysilass3182]

FINALLY A COLLAB WITH ALEX LENNEN MY 2 FAVS

[@TachyonThunder]

Yo wrapping up some of the dcau you should do Static Shock 👀👀👀

[@yellowprime8491]

Love this show. Love this essay. Would love to hear what you have to say about season 2 & 3

[@warmongeringgood]

2:33 what the shark doin

[@boredhuman6512]

Its also funny as fuck. Typically I'm not into shows like that usually but it parodies dc in wonderful ways.

[@SMunro]

Dont Stress.

[@Mikeyd-oj5tf]

Still waiting for young justice season 4 video :(

[@Shift_Salt]

This show did for Harley what a show like Velma *thinks* it does for it's title character.

[@tamarismorgan7167]

YOOOOOOOO ALEX LENNENN FUCK YEAH!

[@richardcintron3181]

Hey, have you ever watched the Creed Movies? I'm curious to see what you'd think about them and give your take on them as you do with your other videos

[@NotEntirelyThere]

If you could, you should do a video about doom patrol It’s one of the best shows I’ve seen and it’s also really good. I enjoyed Harley Quinn aswell

[@teresakocaj9685]

Ngl, when first saw this video, I thought this was gonna be a video dissing the Harley Quinn Show. But then I decided to click on it, and it wasn’t, and I apologize. Great analysis video!!!!

[@jj12343211]

I don't really like the 'Harley had a bad home life' stuff. I always thought it was more interesting that she was a well adjusted, successful adult who was completely twisted out of shape by Joker and his charisma. That's part of what made him so evil and her downfall so horrific - if it could happen to her, it could happen to anyone who listens to him for more than five minutes. I'll admit that's a lot harder to make a likeable character out of than 'bad home life', but I still feel like it... humanizes her a bit too much? Harley was offered chaos and queendom over chaos and accepted it wholesale. To me, that's her core - I think Injustice Harley gets it just about right. This one's too hinged.

[@dredgengam4610]

I'll be real. While Batman is pretty cold. I've seen lots of iterations that seem to take some form of pity on her. He gives her truth bombs and he's harsh as hell... But he does seem to want her to get better and realize Joker truly was no good for her... Especially in The animated series. Batman may not be fantastic at being emotionally available, but I found he's always treated Harley with significantly more care and respect than Joker would ever bother to.

[@MrOrcshaman]

I went off this show because they made one complete screw up on characterization. I know its meant to be a tongue in cheek 'comedy', and the characters are sometimes portrayed slightly out of character (mostly the men because its one of 'those' shows) but the ultimate turn off for me was when they had Bruce Wayne using Ivys plant powers to raise his dead parents as zombie plant creatures and acting like this was an acceptable premise. They type of character assassination isn't clever or funny, its just taking a shit on everything that batman is. Now if you had Joker raise his parents from the dead and fuck with batmans head, That would have worked, but having Bruce himself do it is so out of character, I wasn't able to take anything else in the series as entertaining. That was when they turned the Batman mythos into Thor love and thunder levesl of bad.

[@averageperson434]

9:45 these two cheaters should make an analysis video together

[@Bruhcuh982]

Great show, also first

[@finickyscut9207]

Great show but man was Harlivy rushed! Felt like fanservice to me, I don’t mind Kiteman getting shafted and I knew Harlivy is end game but a lil more lead up would’ve been nice.

[@Kenosene]

The Harley Quinn series is all that Velma is dying to be.

[@dezjuansamon9812]

Kite-Man episode now.

[@ericmiller93]

Whatever, Bang.

[@bluedeath87]

What's the song in the credits

[@JaredJKOB]

In short, It's everything that Velma *isn't*

[@smoi9582]

Bro needs to help me with my AP English lit essay

[@BrendaSantiago1530]

I'm spontman

[@rahn45]

Personally I find Harley the least likable character in the show, and perhaps that's intentional. She's this embodiment of destructive, childish, selfish empowerment; and other characters often point this out. On a fundamental level she's a character that simply doesn't work on her own, her insanity had consequences to being tied with the Joker; but her insanity has basically zero consequences now. It's not her insanity that gets in the way, it's her twisted sense of love and loyalty instead. What made her interesting in the first place was she was one of the few examples of someone trapped in a toxic relationship that did go back to it, no matter what. Breaking free of the relationship has been done time and time again, over and over; but that's not reality. If you make enough friendships you'll eventually stumble into a situation where you watch someone return to abusive relations over and over, who will shun all of their friends and all other relationships to go back to the one that they themselves value the most. They might hate themselves for doing it, they might know it's bad for them; but they go back regardless. Maybe they don't think they deserve better, maybe they don't want redemption, who knows; but at the end of the day they stick to their choice (and it's questionable if it can be considered a choice because they would never pick anything else). Harley Quinn was an interesting window into that mentality, and it's one that has been all but abandoned; and I think that's a shame. It's basically trying to write for Batman but his parents didn't die, you carve out a key component to what made the character work. As a result, Harley Quinn ends up for me being the least likeable, least tragic, and least funny character in her own show. It's her world, and everyone else is living (and dying) in it.

[@ogto]

it's not AS good as Venture Bros (few things are), but it's the next best thing. does the same trick of infusing the characters with a 'inner world' that feels authentic to real life.