In September of 1992, Paul Dini and Bruce Timm debuted a brand-new character to the world of Batman. In “Joker’s Favor,” the twenty-second episode of Batman: The Animated Series, audiences were first introduced to Joker’s sidekick and love interest, Harley Quinn. While the original plan was for Harley to be a one-and-done villain, fans embraced Quinn and she not only became a reoccurring character, but she quickly became cannon in the comics as well. Twenty-seven years later, the DC Universe debute season one of a brand-new animated series, “Harley Quinn,” that focused solely on the Maiden of Mischief herself.
Season one of the show opens with Harley and Joker attacking a boat of rich, racist socialites. Batman shows up to stop the bloodshed, and Joker leaves Harley in the dust as he makes his getaway. Harley spends the next year in Arkham waiting for her lover to break her out, all while her current prison-buddies (including Poison Ivy) try desperately to convince her that Joker is never coming. After Poison Ivy breaks Harley out of prison, and the two become roommates in an apartment together, Harley finally decides to break it off with Joker to seek her own fame and respect as a super villain.
The rest of the series is devoted to Harley doing everything she can to be inducted into the infamous Legion of Doom. To do so, however, would mean that Harley would have to pull off some major jobs and reach a level of acclaim that would bring her out from the Joker’s shadow. Harley assembled a crew of misfit baddies that no other supervillain seems to want; King Shark, Doctor Psycho, Sy Borgman, Clayface, and sometimes Poison Ivy. With each success, the team begins to get noticed by higher ranking members of the Legion of Doom, and Joker starts devising a plot to foil their fame.
So far, nothing about my description would leave you to believe that this animated show is anything more than a spin off of the original Batman: The Animated Series. In fact, a live-action Harley Quinn movie debuted in theaters in 2020 with a very similar plot. What sets this show apart from its animated predecessors, however, is that fact that, despite it being animated, it is a hard-R rated production. While there’s no nudity in the series, there’s plenty of violence, gore, language, and adult situations unsuitable for children. Combine all of that with the comedy genius that is punched into the script of each episode, and you’d got a shocking fun show that many did not expect was possible.
The series is ripe with cameos from Batman’s rogue gallery and the expanded DC comic Universe. Characters like Bane, Two-Face, Lex Luthor, Aquaman, Penguine, Scarecrow, Catwoman, Black Manta, Wonder Woman, Mr. Freeze, Lois Lane, The Riddler, Maxie Zeus, Superman, and Damian Wayne all make appearances; to name a few. Even better, the show doesn’t waste time with introductions or origin stories. Instead, it throws you into the fire, and trusts that you’ll come out the other side with a belly full of laughs. Each of the thirteen episodes are chalk-full with voice talent to include the likes of Wanda Sykes, George Lopez, Frankie Muniz, Jacob Tremblay, Alan Tudyk, Lake Bell, Jason Alexander, and Wayne Knight. Kaley Cuoco, of “How I Met Your Mother,” does a fantastic job voicing Harley Quinn. She joins the ranks of Arleen Sorkin, Tara Strong, Mia Sara and more talented voice actors who have graced the role.
The debut season of Harley Quinn has been received well by many, as it seems to present the perfect balance of quality animation, funny punchlines, nostalgic cameos and callbacks, and a surprisingly large amount of character development. I certainly did not expect the show to dive as deep into the personal struggles of many of the characters. The friendship between Harley and Ivy is handled so well, and the characters each go through a rollercoaster of emotions together. Several B-level baddies get more screen time than I ever anticipated, and I was delighted each time they made an appearance. The overall plot was entertaining, and the 23-minute episode length kept this series moving at a brisk, binge-able pace. Now that season 2 has debuted, I would highly recommend old, new, and prospective fans of the Harley Quinn to check out this super adult, super fun rendition of the character.
RORSCHACH RATING:
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Victims and Villains is written and produced by Josh "Captain Nostalgia" Burkey. Music by Yuriy Bespalov & Beggars. Harley Quinn is property of Warner Brothers Television and DC Universe. We do not own nor claim any rights. Harley Quinn: Season One is available now on DC Universe!
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