The Batman "The Breakout" Talkback (Spoilers) [Archive]

The Penguin

11-11-2006, 10:01 AM

Black Mask makes his on-screen animated debut in an all-new episode...

http://worldsfinestonline.com/WF/thebatman/media/gallery/talkback.jpg (http://www.worldsfinestonline.com/WF/thebatman/)The Batman #45 - The Breakout
Original Airdate - November 11th, 2006

When notorious crime boss Black Mask is captured, his organization works to break him of out jail. But when Batman is sidelined, Batgirl and Robin must prove they can be heroes on their own and stop Black Mask.

Comments?

Duke

11-11-2006, 10:20 AM

Black Mask wasn't really all that special. I have about 0 clue about Black Mask in the comics, but this guy is like a gangster version of Skeletor.

Anarky

11-11-2006, 10:50 AM

Black Mask wasn't really all that special. I have about 0 clue about Black Mask in the comics, but this guy is like a gangster version of Skeletor.

here's the really short version: http://dccomics.com/dcdirect/?dcd=3101

In the comics Black Mask succeeded where Joker, Penguin, Two-Face, and Scarface failed: organize a vast criminal organization, essentially owning Gotham's Underworld. His "army" was The False Face Society. I'm not too familiar w/ his current schemes but when I was reading comics about 10 yrs ago, he was serious business who was a threat to both Bruce Wayne and The Batman.

jv2k

11-11-2006, 11:10 AM

I really enjoyed this episode. The dialogue between batgirl and robin was great, the action was great, and the story was good too. My only real issue was that black mask seemed too much like a james bond villain.

ROBOTRON

11-11-2006, 11:29 AM

:D - 4 stars.

I liked this episode.

The interesting part was the interaction of Robin and Batgirl working together (without Batman)...it came off well. Black Mask himself wasn't all that special...sorta what 2-face might've been if he were on TB. His henchmen were cool and I liked the way he turned on number 1 at the end, showed you what a scoundrel Black Mask was.

However, Black Mask and his henchman bringing the copter back to police headquarters at the end was way too easy and unrealistic. Otherwise, a good eppy.

BTW...it was pretty funny Batman heard every word Batgirl and Robin said. LOLz.

CyberCubed

11-11-2006, 11:45 AM

Robin and Batgirl made this episode, but that was obvious, wasn't it?

They really worked well together, especially all the ways they stopped the guys from getting in the police station. Nice stuff.

Black Mask was uh...ok. He wasn't especially compelling himself, but still a great episode.

Mad Mod 49

11-11-2006, 11:54 AM

Robin and Batgirl own all. :cool:

And yeah, Blackmask was a dissapointment. His lead guy Dr. One was more of an active threat in this episode than he was. :sweat:

tb4000

11-11-2006, 12:05 PM

The zombie one for next week looks pretty disturbing.:eek:

creativerealms

11-11-2006, 12:16 PM

Dick and Barbara shippers would really like this episode. They had great chemestry in this episode.

Yeah Blackmask's Organization was a bigger threat then Black Mask himself. Only when he turned on his own Number one did we see how menising he was.He came off as a terrorrest leader and thats about it.

Batman's voice actavated feature in his utility belt was a nice feature. The thugs come to mock Batman saying he is powerless without his belt and bam they are knocked out and Batman is free. Man I wish Batman was written this consistantly well in the other seasons.

The game of Cat and mouse between Robin and Batgirl, and Blackmask and his orginasation was well played.

Using police veacles to break into the police department showed how skilled and organized this group was.

Batgirl is improving, maybe it's that everytime Robin interacts with someone it's gold.

4/5

Main problem is like most The batman villains we know nothing about Blackmask, just that he is a crimeboss with terrorrest like motaves.

Caswin

11-11-2006, 12:52 PM

As one who knows nothing about Black Mask and only that everyone was looking forward to his appearance: I loved it. The warehouse fight in particular was one of the most intense of the series, and that's saying something. And, of course, loved the Robin/Batgirl dialogue.

One qualm: Batgirl catching up with Mask's helicopter on foot. Eh, same thing happened in Mask of the Phantasm.

Link

11-11-2006, 01:35 PM

It was pretty good, except yeah, I thought Black Mask was pretty lame. His organization should of been the crime boss, all he did was sit around and wait for them to do everything for him. Batgirl and Robin ruled and were great as a team. It's nice to see they're starting to get along after everything in Team Penguin. I was kind of hoping Batman wouldn't be the one to disarm the bomb, but I figured as much when he broke out of the cage. I'll go with a 3 1/2.

MJC

11-11-2006, 01:59 PM

Ruseri

11-11-2006, 02:17 PM

3.5 stars

The dialogue was great and I loved the Batgirl/Robin interaction.

But...Black Mask was lame. All he did was a bunch of trash-talking. Plus, why exactly did he want to blow up half of Gotham? The Batman is pretty weak when it comes to giving the villains motivations...

His ransom demands (from the beginning of the ep) weren't met, so he was following through with his threat.

Great ep, BTW! I loved it!

Jonah

11-11-2006, 02:28 PM

I loved Black Mask in this episode.

"You! You're my new Number 1."

90'sCartoonMan

11-11-2006, 02:33 PM

I was pretty impressed with Black Mask. I like how he stumped the cops with his identity, and when he actually killed Number 1! That shocked the heck out of me.

The real stars of the episode were Batgirl and Robin, though. It's good to see their relationship was taken to the next level, as it would've been annoying to see them bicker all the time. I really liked Robin asking her if she was ever scared as well as him beating himself up over the rebreather thing.

Aside from his comment at the end, Batman was a little wasted...

Batman's voice actavated feature in his utility belt was a nice feature. The thugs come to mock Batman saying he is powerless without his belt and bam they are knocked out and Batman is free.

Sadly, I thought that was a bit too convenient. Those guards were stupid to take his belt and walk up to him like that.

Captain Highwind

11-11-2006, 02:50 PM

Sadly, I thought that was a bit too convenient. Those guards were stupid to take his belt and walk up to him like that.

But...they always do that.

CyberCubed

11-11-2006, 03:25 PM

I thought it was really amusing to introduce a new villain and then have him taken down in the first three minutes of the show.

Black Mask spent the majority of his time locked away in his debut episode, how cool is that? The writers took a risk by downplaying a new villain from the getgo and it paid off wonderfully.

Arrakhat

11-11-2006, 03:33 PM

Well this episode was good, but Black Mask fell short of my hopes. In the beginning he was great, blowing things up and demanding ransoms, and even holding up under questioning. Unfortunately, he spent nearly the rest of the episode muttering threats and praising his men. Kudos for having him kill Number 1 though, I didn't expect that until he uncharacteristically "congradulated" him on the roof. I guess it's hard to be all tough when you spend an episode behind bars.

Batgirl and Robin's interactions made up for it though, and Gordon actually did something this episode.

****, and here's to more of Black Mask.

Cortez2301

11-11-2006, 04:12 PM

I assume that he did not carry a weapon anywhere in this episode.

Anarky

11-11-2006, 04:39 PM

Black Mask demoting No. 1 reminded me of Bob the Goon from Tim Burton's BATMAN

Batman91

11-11-2006, 04:41 PM

Cortez2301

11-11-2006, 04:44 PM

Black Mask demoting No. 1 reminded me of Bob the Goon from Tim Burton's BATMANHow did he kill him?

Ruseri

11-11-2006, 04:50 PM

How did he kill him?

with an electrified projectile cable. somewhat gun-esque, but obviously not a standard gun. he shot it at "Number One's" chest and electrocuted him after saying, "you're fired."

Anarky

11-11-2006, 04:51 PM

How did he kill him?

I doubt he killed him since it happened on screen. He used a taser on him and left him on the roof of GCPD HQ. Either way, he's "dead" to the syndicate.

Ruseri

11-11-2006, 04:54 PM

I doubt he killed him since it happened on screen. He used a taser on him and left him on the roof of GCPD HQ. Either way, he's "dead" to the syndicate.

We can assume, though, that it was an implied death based on the fact that he never shows up again, and it looked like the shock he got was substantially more powerful than anyone else's. and the fact that Black Mask said, "you're fired," and immediately "promoted" another goon.

Anarky

11-11-2006, 04:55 PM

I Liked this weeks episode alot, Black mask was somewhat dissapointing, but he was still pretty dark villian, robin and batgirl were fun, though I wish Batman were in it a bit more. I think the cool thing about this episode especially was the entire idea of Black Mask having his own army. 9/10 Great Episode

not a new concept. In the comics,he took over the Gotham Underworld, consolidated numerous gangs, and formed The False Face Society. Whether or not the title carries over to this series remains to be seen.

R-Taco

11-11-2006, 05:06 PM

Anyone else notice the Willhelm scream during the fight in the elevator shaft?

M.O.D.O.K.

11-11-2006, 05:35 PM

Am I the only one who actually liked Black Mask? Sure, when he was locked, he did nothing but mutter and taunt, but whenever he was free, he was the balls. James Remar did a good job voicing him, and I think the way he "demoted" Number 1 was hilarous, but kinda badass. Mr. Mask could have been a trainwreck, but this translation was good. Next time though, he better do more stuff.

Batgirl and Robin had some nice chemistry, and there were even some serious moments with them. They weren't bickering like last time, and had some development. I also loved Batman's line at the very end. Speaking of implied deaths, was there people in that building Black Mask blew up at the beginning?

Gordon is back, and he actually spoke. The only bad stuff is Black Mask not doing a lot of stuff, but otherwise, I loved it.

5/5

NEXT WEEK: Gordon, Robin, and all the Gothamites are zombies, and Batman will have a crummy day. First vampires, and now zombies. Poor guy!

Ruseri

11-11-2006, 06:19 PM

Speaking of implied deaths, was there people in that building Black Mask blew up at the beginning?

Ha, yeah, i didn't even think of that, but there probably were... several, in fact, assuming it was a populated part of the city (which it probably was, since it was never stated otherwise).

NEXT WEEK: Gordon, Robin, and all the Gothamites are zombies, and Batman will have a crummy day. First vampires, and now zombies. Poor guy!

Don't forget Batgirl! She was, also, definitely a zombie in the preview. I can't wait for more Hugo Strange! And i'm kind of curious why he creates this "zombie-gas."

creativerealms

11-11-2006, 06:24 PM

Ha, yeah, i didn't even think of that, but there probably were... several, in fact, assuming it was a populated part of the city (which it probably was, since it was never stated otherwise).

Don't forget Batgirl! She was, also, definitely a zombie in the preview. I can't wait for more Hugo Strange! And i'm kind of curious why he creates this "zombie-gas."

besides being something he does in the comics who knows.

Cortez2301

11-11-2006, 06:29 PM

Where is the preview for the next episode btw?

John Cage

11-11-2006, 06:33 PM

Anyone else notice the Willhelm scream during the fight in the elevator shaft?

Yes! I was wondering if I'd be the only one on the board to notice it.

The episode was just okay. Didn't care for a lot of the dialogue -- Batgirl and Robin's rapport sounded tinny, and Black Mask was reduced to dull tough-guy standards. It was nice seeing Gordon though. Was wondering if he'd ever show up again or if he'd gone the way of Yin and Rojas. And I liked Black Mask "killing" his number two. I agree that Black Mask lacked a strong motivation -- that part of the plot seemed more incidental than a real threat. Would've liked a little more lead-in to the character too. It's like last week's episode. It's hard to believe that this guy is such an ongoing threat or this character is a close, old friend, when we're learning this as they show up for the first time.

Have a good day.
John Cage

Caswin

11-11-2006, 08:00 PM

It's hard to believe that this guy is such an ongoing threat... when we're learning this as they show up for the first time.I kind of thought the same thing about the Legion of Shadows in B:TAS' Off Balance, although I guess it made a bit more sense there, being a lead-in to the closest thing the show had to a season arc.

I just wonder how they're going to top this in the finale. Major, gimmickless threats that push the heroes to their limits don't come by every day.

ROBOTRON

11-11-2006, 09:54 PM

:D - Good/Better writing SHOWS.

I used to dislike Batgirl quite a bit last season...this season's storyline is much better...I like her now.;)

90'sCartoonMan

11-11-2006, 10:00 PM

But...they always do that.

Actually taking his belt from a safe distance, walking up to a conscious and caged (rather than restrained) Batman and taunting him as if to say "Here you go, take your belt back, go on, I dare ya."?

I'm just saying, we all expected Batman to get out, but this felt a little too convenient. Contrast that with Batgirl keeping a lock-pick in her boots to escape, which is a bit more believable.

Simpler Simon

11-11-2006, 10:04 PM

Yes! I was wondering if I'd be the only one on the board to notice it.

I instantly recognized that, I'm surprised not many other people did.

This was an almost perfect episode, except for one thing: Batman's portrayal. Since season 1 we've slowly been moving away from a Batman thats dependent on his utility belt and gadgets in contrived ways. I'm very disappointed here that the only way Batman can escape his cage is to wait till the bad guys touch his belt, so he can shock them. I mean, its just a cage! B:TAS Batman always hid lockpicks in his boots/sleeve/mouth, comic book Batman could've talked the henchmen into making some stupid move. Because the whole story hinges around Batman being unable to come to the rescue, I'm disappointed that they came up with a scenario that any other incarnation of Batman would've been able to weasel out of in minutes.

creativerealms

11-11-2006, 10:07 PM

I instantly recognized that, I'm surprised not many other people did.

This was an almost perfect episode, except for one thing: Batman's portrayal. Since season 1 we've slowly been moving away from a Batman thats dependent on his utility belt and gadgets in contrived ways. I'm very disappointed here that the only way Batman can escape his cage is to wait till the bad guys touch his belt, so he can shock them. I mean, its just a cage! B:TAS Batman always hid lockpicks in his boots/sleeve/mouth, comic book Batman could've talked the henchmen into making some stupid move. Because the whole story hinges around Batman being unable to come to the rescue, I'm disappointed that they came up with a scenario that any other incarnation of Batman would've been able to weasel out of in minutes.

Good point, Batgirl had a lock pick in the heel of her boot. Why couldn't Batman have something hidden like that too?

MacGyver

11-11-2006, 10:19 PM

Where is the preview for the next episode btw?

During the credits of this episode.

Batgirl and Robin were the highlight of the episode for me. The two of them worked really well together, and I really liked the way that Batgirl was quick on her feet, and helping Robin out at some points. You've also got to love the lock pick in Batgirl's boot. Batgirl is no longer annoying like last season, and Robin continues to please. I'm sure that only good things will come from these two the rest of the season.

Black Mask... Eh. The fact that he eliminated his number one and elected a new one the way he did was pretty cool, but otherwise, nothing really spectacular here. But, I've never found Black Mask all that interesting anyway, so I'm not too surprised. He wasn't interesting when he first appeared in the comics, and frankly, I don't like him now. But for someone I don't like, I guess he was okay. I wasn't disappointed by it.

4 out of 5 (Thanks to Batgirl and Robin)

Cortez2301

11-11-2006, 10:23 PM

During the credits of this episode.Thanks.

Kolbar

11-12-2006, 12:21 AM

I found this episode to be really very enjoyable and better than last week's "The Everywhere Man."

I had heard of Black Mask, but I don't really know much about him but he seems like a really cool villain. I love that Darth Vadar/Skeletor looking mask and the fact that they said he had no fingerprints and they couldn't get the mask off. He did kind of remind me of Count Vertigo from B:TAS "Off Balance" in regard to him having the secret society of hundreds of people at his disposal. And how cool was that when he offed his Number One? His constant taunting towards Batgirl and Robin added to the creepiness of them waiting for the henchmen to get Black Mask.

The episode was also written very well and it was nice to see the sidekicks hold their own against a threat. And I love the idea of having the villain captured at the beginning of the episode and still be a threat.

I'm going to give "The Breakout" a 5 star rating. This latest season of "The Batman" has been nothing short of spectacular for me. I really hope it continues for a couple of more years.

Luke Cage

11-12-2006, 02:21 AM

...I really liked. The Batman was one of my least favorite shows before but , so far this season is batting a thousand.

I agree that b.t.'s Batman would have escaped the cage easily, but this is the early version of Batman, so I consider that he's not that good yet. By the time he joins the JL he'll walk through the bars. :)

The only nit pick I can come up with is Gordan not recognizing his own daughter when she's standing/talking right next to him? Makes him look dumb. He is the police commisioner....right?

Last silly observation. Did anyone else think "Yoda" as Robin flipped from villian to villian?

FinnMacCool

11-12-2006, 02:38 PM

Even if Batman had a lockpick on him, I doubt he could have picked the lock and escaped from the cage before the goons noticed and gave him another dose of tasering.

Caswin

11-12-2006, 03:59 PM

The only nit pick I can come up with is Gordan not recognizing his own daughter when she's standing/talking right next to him?Maybe he does. It was hinted at over in the DCAU.

M.O.D.O.K.

11-12-2006, 08:03 PM

You know, I really liked how Robin and Batgirl were potrayed. Sure, they did joke around (their Batmobile rant was funny.), but I worried that it wasn't going to be dark, but it was, and their talk about them being afraid was kinda chilling, especially with Black Mask making it worse.

Speaking of him, I rewatched this ep., and I think I noticed something. When he was taunting the duo in his jail cell, he was doing more than that. I think he was trying to break them from the inside. He probably knew that they felt miserable, and if he exploited that weakness, they could just give up, and his escape would have been easier.

One last thing: did anybody noticed the Austin Powers nod?

Livy1213

11-13-2006, 01:38 AM

I really liked this episode. It was much better then The Everywhere Man last week. Black Mask and his organization felt like a very serious and deathly threat unlike the silly Joker or Penguin. BM felt in league with Tony Zucco this season. I really hope to see more of him this time out of jail.

With his threats and insults, BM was trying to weaken Batgirl and Robin's resolve and trip them up, sort of what Batman should have been doing when he was caged. Speaking of which that was the one thing I was disappointed with in this ep. I was expecting Batman to try and get a rise out of the goons watching him or attempt to manipulate them or instill doubt like he did with the Everywhere Men last week so I was greatly disappointed he just got out because of one of his convenient gadgets. It would have been a great Batman character moment if it had played out like that, oh well.

This entire episode reminded me of the movie Precinct 13 where the villains have the nearly empty police department surrounded with the intention of killing everyone inside and the good guys have really no hope of keeping them out. I felt real dread for Robin and Batgirl and that never happens with this show. Though that dread seemed misplaced when all they did was tazor hem and throw them in a cell. I'm pretty sure if this wasn't a kiddy show #1 or BM would have given them each one to the head just for he trouble they caused them. But it seems BM blamed #1 instead of the kids.

And about Robin and Batgirl, they really make a great team. Robin seems to be the better fighter but Batgirl has the experience and it's nice she doesn't hold that over him. I truly hated Batgirl last season and didn't want to like her this season so I got a kick out of Robin getting the best of her in Team Penguin but after this ep I'm actually liking her. No stupid quibs or immature behavior at dumb times plus her interaction with Robin is great, hell; anyone who interacts with Robin seems great.

Finally, I LOVED Batman's line at the end. I've never laughed so much with this show when it was meant to be funny before. I say I give this ep 4 1/2 (the 1/2 off is because of the missed Batman moment which would have been awesome!)

Cortez2301

11-13-2006, 04:16 PM

Great episode.To be honest when black mask got rid of No.1 that wasn't the only similarity to "Batman" (1989).The fact tht Black mask was hanging to the ladder of the plane while escaping is similar to the Joker's act in the movie.I loved the action though I really wish he had a gun.I gave it 4 stars as I did for "A matter of family".

Bones Justice

03-01-2007, 11:57 AM

Another great episode. I loved the twist of the sidekicks having to stand alone against a rather competent army of bad guys. Robin's fight scenes were particularly good. This show always has great fights and action!

The suspense was good, too. I found myself actually worrying about Robin and Batgirl when they were barricading themselves in near the end. I kept thinking they were done for if The Batman didn't show up soon.

I had never heard of Black Mask before but I thought he was a great villain. He definitely showed in the first few minutes that he was a serious threat to Gotham City. Even after he was captured, he was a tough nut for the police to crack -- no fingerprints and they couldn't figure out how to remove his mask, either. I agree that he would have looked cool with a gun in hand but the truth is, he was locked up for almost the entire episode so it wouldn't have made much sense for him to have one. Besides, I expect a crime boss to be the evil brains, not the muscle.

Great episode, five stars!

HauntedLover

03-31-2007, 05:55 PM

This episode is pure fun. Robin and Batgirl are having a good time, and Batman is... well, Batman. Not much to say about him.

I can tell now that those two are like brother and sister. In Team Penguin, they were arguing a lot, and they hated each other. In Seconds, they were teasing each other. In this episode, however, they were nice to each other, but they were very goofy. They started out by teasing Batman about the Batmobile, then they went off and took guesses at the reason behind a wanted man's eye patch, and then they started teasing Black Mask. I didn't understand that part, though. Can somebody explain it?