Pick the Best 'Batman: The Animated Series' Episode - Poll #3

[James Harvey]

The third of 12 polls has begun! Below are the voting choices for the third set of 10 episodes. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to pick your favorite episode out of the ten listed below. The results will be tallied on Sunday (likely around 2pm (ET), and a new poll will open the following Monday. For more information on the poll, go <a href="http://wf.toonzone.net/btaspoll.htm">HERE</a>. Remember - the success of the poll depends on you! If the turn out for this third poll is low, then it will be shut down. The episode options are above! Stay tuned for updates on this thread, and feel free to discuss the poll here as well.

Poll #4 Begins Monday, Febuary 25th!!

Episode Synopsis:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Episode #021 - Feat of Clay: Part 2
Original Airdate - September 9th, 1992.

Clayface learns that Daggett is going to appear on TV to hype his new product, the same chemical that was his downfall, as a skin conditioner. Clayface takes the disguise of a woman and joins the audience of Summer Gleeson's show. Batman is there, however, and a free-for-all in the Galaxy Broadcasting Building results.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Episode #022 - Joker's Favor
Original Airdate - September 11th, 1992.

Charlie Collins, a nondescript accountant, accidentally runs afoul of the Joker. Pleading for his life, the run-of-the-mill every man promises the Joker anything, if he will only let him go. Joker makes Charlie promise to do him a favor. The favor: Charlie must distract the Batman while the Joker infiltrates a testimonial dinner for Commissioner Gordon to plant a bomb.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Episode #023 - Vendetta
Original Airdate - October 5th, 1992.

Detective Harvey Bullock is framed for suspected murder and goes to jail. Batman, though he has no great love for Bullock, thinks he's innocent. His investigation reveals that the real criminal is Killer Croc, a mutant hit man who wants revenge on Bullock because Bullock sent him to jail years ago.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Episode #024 - Fear of Victory
Original Airdate - September 29th, 1992.

The Scarecrow has come up with a fear chemical that is triggered by the release of adrenaline. He uses the chemical on Gotham's greatest athletes, then bets against them to rake in the winnings. Dick Grayson, a.k.a. Robin, learns about this scheme, but while trying to help Batman track down the Scarecrow, Robin is infected by the chemical and becomes stricken senseless with fear.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Episode #025 - The Clock King
Original Airdate - September 21st, 1992.

Strange things begin happening in Gotham, all having to do with time. Synchronized traffic lights go awry, subway trains collide, etc. These disasters are a result of Temple Fugate, The Clock King, who is attempting to discredit Mayor Hill. He finally kidnaps Hill and ties him to the minute hand of the Gotham Clock Tower. Unless Batman can rescue him, when the clock strikes 3:15, Hill will be crushed.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Episode #026 - Appointment in Crime Alley
Original Airdate - September 17th, 1992.

Every year at the same time, Batman makes a pilgrimage to meet Dr. Leslie Thompkins. But this time a series of dangerous distractions keeps the Batman occupied, causing him to miss his appointment. Next to that, Daggett has hired arsonists to make sure that the part of Crime Alley goes up in flames to make way for his new condo development.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Episode #027 - Mad As A Hatter
Original Airdate - October 12th, 1992.

The Mad Hatter develops a form of mind control which he implements by placing devices in people's hats. He uses this to impress Alice, a woman he's smitten with, turning all of Gotham into a wonderland to please her every whim. When he learns she's in love with another, the jealous Hatter decides to use his mind control power to do away with her beau.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Episode #028 - Dreams In Darkness
Original Airdate - November 3rd, 1992.

When Batman attempts to thwart the Scarecrow's plan to poison Gotham's water supply with a chemical that induces non-stop nightmares and hallucinations, the Dark Knight is infected with the concoction. Unable to tell reality from fantasy, he is committed to Arkham Asylum. He must find a way to escape and stop the Scarecrow from plunging the people of Gotham into a nightmare without end.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Episode #029 - Eternal Youth
Original Airdate - September 29th, 1992.

A health spa which advertises a 'back to nature' rejuvenating potion lures Alfred and his friend, Maggie Paige, there. It is in fact being run by Poison Ivy, who is using a new form of chlorophyll to turn people into trees.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Episode #030 - Perchance to Dream
Original Airdate - October 19th, 1992.

Bruce Wayne wakes up to find his dearest wish has come true: his parents are not dead, and he is not and has never been Batman. Not only that, but he's engaged to Selina Kyle. At first he's ecstatic, but a number of clues force him to the conclusion that somehow this is all an elaborate charade. His quest to find the truth eventually pits Bruce against Batman in a surreal battle atop a church tower.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Previous Poll Winners:

Poll #1 - Two Face Part 1
Poll #2 - Heart of Ice

[Divv]

Had to be 'Perchance to Dream' for me. A really moving 'what if?' episode.

[TheHuntressDiana]

So many good episodes....

But I have to agree with Divv...."Perchance to Dream" is probably the best of them all...

[Naraht]

Geez...Yeah, I liked Perchance to Dream, but I also liked Mad as a Hatter...

Feat of Clay 2 was also outstanding...

ARG!

Then there's Apoinment in Crime Ally, a great Bruce story...and the best Joker episode, Joker's Favor...=\ Harley makes a great cop..

[Phantom Cruiser]

No question: "Feat of Clay" part II. An animation tour de force by TMS. A lackluster part 1 almost made Clayface uninteresting, but part II brought him to life.

[Salvor]

"Feat of Clay" part II had the best animation any Batman episode could ever dream of... besides the story was particularly solid.

[optimal321]

Man, it's too bad i don't hardly remember most of these eps :rolleyes: . I voted Perchance to Dream because it's the best of the ones i do recall.

[Theking]

I voted for Joker's Favor, it may not be one of the 'best' on the list but it was one that really sticks in my head. I loved Charlie, he reminded me of an everyday 'Joe' (or Charlie as the case may be) that got caught up in something he shouldn't have been in.

And I loved the music, usually a selling point for me.

TheKing

Go Joker's Favor

[The Game]

I voted for Joker's Favor also. The first episode I saw and still one of my favorites.

I love the evil way the Joker is shown and I think Harley looks good in a police uniform... It's just a very sentimental episode to me.

[TimTwoFace]

This was even tougher than the last one, because for me, I had JOKER'S FAVOR, APPOINTMENT IN CRIME ALLEY, DREAMS IN DARKNESS, and MAD AS A HATTER to contend with.

Ultimately, JOKER'S FAVOR was my choice, it is a nostalgic episode for me - and I just dig CHarlie Collins' musical theme. :)

-Tim

[Theking]

Originally posted by TimTwoFace
This was even tougher than the last one, because for me, I had JOKER'S FAVOR, APPOINTMENT IN CRIME ALLEY, DREAMS IN DARKNESS, and MAD AS A HATTER to contend with.

Ultimately, JOKER'S FAVOR was my choice, it is a nostalgic episode for me - and I just dig CHarlie Collins' musical theme. :)

-Tim

Oh man!!!
I completely forgot how good Harley looked in the cop uniform
hubba hubba

TheKing

[James Harvey]

Looks like Perchance To Dream has taken the early lead, which doesn't surprise me, really. I think this poll will be a three way fight between Joker's Favor, Feat of Clay 2, and Perchance To Dream. Those are three of the most highly regarded episodes, so I think those three will be dukin it out.

[Bird Boy]

I always pick the episodes that never win.lol..I chose "Fear of Victory"..

-BB

[Failure]

I voted for Perchance to Dream, that ep is just incredible. Feat of Clay pt2 was a close 2nd though. AiCA is doing surprisngly well, I've completely forgotten how that episode was.

[Caretaker]

Am I the only one who really likes Appointment in Crime Alley?

[MILatino]

Episode #022 - Joker's Favor
Original Airdate - September 11th, 1992.

Charlie Collins, a nondescript accountant, accidentally runs afoul of the Joker. Pleading for his life, the run-of-the-mill every man promises the Joker anything, if he will only let him go. Joker makes Charlie promise to do him a favor. The favor: Charlie must distract the Batman while the Joker infiltrates a testimonial dinner for Commissioner Gordon to plant a bomb.


Er... not quite. The favor: Charlie must merely open the door to the dinning hall as Harley wheels in a giant cake (the Joker's hiding place) in the Commissioner's honor. Batman was nowhere in sight at that point. The whole point to the "favor" was that the Joker didn't need Charlie at all. The two years of intimidation followed by Charlie's impending death at the explosion for merely opening the door was the sick part to Joker's favor.

Excellent episode, especially at the end when it was the only time Batman truly laughed in the Joker's presence... and he was laughing AT the Joker! Ed Bagley, Jr. did a wonderful job as the "miserable little nobody", Charlie Collins.

[Joe Tully]

I had to pick Feet Of Clay 2. That story had me on the edge of my seat the first time I saw it. Those other two were close, particularly Perchance...but Feet of Clay was always really one of my very favorites, so I had to go with that one.

[Randy H]

Caretaker, you're not alone. Appoiuntment in Crime Alley really sticks out in my mind as well. I liked PtD too, but it doesn't stand out as one of the "great" episodes IMHO. The other ones I don't remember too much about. I remember bits and pieces of nearly all of them, but nothing stands out as being to wonderful.

Later,
Randy H

[ShadowWolf]

Not an easy poll, but the one I liked the most on this list is "Appointment In Crime Alley" I love the way the episode runs down.

[Theking]

Excellent episode, especially at the end when it was the only time Batman truly laughed in the Joker's presence... and he was laughing AT the Joker! Ed Bagley, Jr. did a wonderful job as the "miserable little nobody", Charlie Collins. [/B][/QUOTE]

Boy did I like the Batman Laugh in that episode. Almost scarry.

He he

TheKing

[Naraht]

I had to go with Apointment...

It defines Batman....and it was nice to see him dealing with problems of the non-supervillian variety...all for the memory of his parents...

[TimTwoFace]

The laugh was good, but I still think his laugh in MAD LOVE was far creepier. Too bad it wasn't the Joker that heard it. :-)

ANd YES, Charlie Collins really should have been involved in some other episode - I would have loved that! Why didn't they ever bring him back?

-Tim

[TimTwoFace]

This IS a tough poll, because the only not-so-great episode there is ETERNAL YOUTH. Everything else there is fabulous...yes, even THE CLOCK KING. Why no one has voted for VENDETTA yet beats me - the mood in that episode is superb.

-Tim

[Sugar Daddy]

Joker's favor, what a great ep, that got my vote

[Karkull]

Here's where it gets tough...

I voted for Fear of Victory. Not only was it well written and used one of the better animation houses, but it has one of my favorite scenes from BTAS: where Batman walks down that hallway in Arkham Asylum and you see him pass his imprisoned adversaries. Then he gets to Scarecrow's cell--which he appears to be in--but Batman discovers his escape and the Joker laughs. Perfect use of suspense.

[The Game]

Whoa... This poll is neck and neck. I knew that it would be closer than last weeks Heart of Ice destruction, but this is crazy. Four eps have very good shots at taking it home! :eek:

[Clark J. Kent]

Once again, Jim, a very tough choice! While last round was harder for me, personally, this round is challenging in its own right.

I had to go with Dreams in Darkness. It's KIND'A like Perchance to Dream except that this all really happened whereas Perchance to Dream was a dream world.

I love when Batman narrates his adventures and I love Kevin Conroy as Batman.

Perchance to Dream is great, yes, but for me it doesn't compare.

And my favorite Joker episode was in the mix as well. Even so, I have to go with Dreams in Darkness. Final answer.

[Goop]

I love all of these eps. but I got to vote for Mad as a Hatter. It had a great story and good animation. Also one of favorite actors of all time,the late great Roddy Mcdowall { Cornelius in the org. Planet of the Apes and Peter Vincent in Fright Night}. All and all one of the best in the series. The wonderland was cool to.

[The Penguin]

"Alfred, will you do me a favor? It's an odd favor. . . Would you tell me about my life? Just humor me, please." –Bruce Wayne, Perchance to Dream

This was a tough choice for me I just about voted for Fear of Victory or The Clock King, but ultimately I decided on Perchance to Dream. I really liked this episode. The confusion Bruce feels as the world he is living in becomes more and more clear as his "life" goes on. Despite how nice the life is in this very different Gotham, Bruce learns it is not his life and he can't live like that. He knows must return to who he really is despite his real life being much more difficult.

[Heehaw]

I went with Appointment in Crime Alley. With the exception of Joker's Favor and Mad as a Hatter, this is one strong list. Anyone realize that Charlie(from Joker's Favor) is modeled after Alan Burnett? On a related note, the mad Toy Collector from Grey Ghost is modeled after and voiced by Bruce Timm. He is, after all, a crazy toy collector.

[Batman 80]

Feats of Clay part 2 gets my vote.

[James Harvey]

Perchance to Dream has a small lead while the rest seem to be battling it out for second place. With still 5 days left to vote, this is going to be on heckuva close match...

[Joker85]

Geez this is tough!! Joker's Favor and Appointment In Crime Alley and The Clock King are all tied as far as I'm concerned. But, ultimately I went with Joker's Favor. I just couldn't turn my back on the J man! I hope next weeks is easier!!

[Theking]

come on Jokers Favor.

Up till know I was sure I was going to pick every winner.

Think of Harley in a cop uniform.

(there that should get a couple more votes)
:p

TheKing

[The Dark Knight]

My vote when to "Joker's Favor", not just as the best episode in this poll, but as the best episode in the series. It was Harley's first appearance, in anything, ever. That alone should warrant its entrance into Round 2 at least. For those of you that argue that the best villain Batman has is the Joker, this is his defining episode, and you owe it to yourself to vote for "Joker's Favor".
I would go on, but some clown I met 2 years ago just asked me to do him a favor. What's the worst that could happen?

[peterparker05]

Feat of Clay Part II was such an awesome episode that it just has to get my vote as soon as my computer will let me vote that is.

[Maxie Zeus]

Hard, hard decision. I love so many of these eps.

But I'll go with "Perchance to Dream," the most intricate and subtle of them all. At least, that's what I argue at my website (http://www.scrye.com/~jallman/anbat/btas/ind/perdream.html), and I don't feel like repeating it all here. :p

[Joker Jr]

I went for Joker's Favour because it just makes me laugh so much even when I've seen it so many times.

[Blight]

I had to go with "Dreams in Darkness". It was really great to see Batman battling it out with his fears. I nearly voted for "Joker's Favor", but DID slightly tops it for me. It's probably not going to win though. Only 4 votes so far. :(

See ya!
Blight

[BatChick]

Jim,
Do you have to make these polls so difficult there were three that I really like on this one.

I picked Perchance to Dream though cause as much as I like Batman I always had a soft spot for Bruce Wayne too.

[jm5150bc]

This was the toughest one so far !!!

3 of the (easily) TOP TEN, and possibly TOP 5 episodes are in this one poll, at least in MY opinion:

Feat of Clay - Part 2
Perchance to Dream
Dreams in Darkness

After much hair-pulling, I had to go with "Feat of Clay - Part 2".
That episode is just... Unbelievable !! Certainly the best animation of the series (TMS Rules !). One of the most well-written, sympathetic, moving epsiodes - although if I was going that route only, "Perchance to Dream" would have had to be the winner. I think that the story / animation combo on FoC-2 was just unbeatable.

[Barb Gordon]

While I like Fear of Victory more, because it as Robin in it so much :p , I went with Perchance to Dream. All in all, it is one of the best episodes ever. Suspense, drama, action, it has it all, and it was totally awesome.

Barb^-^

[KingKoopa]

I really don't remember "Perchance to Dream", maybe I never saw it, but I liked "Joker's Favor" anyway, so I voted for it.

I wanted to vote for "The Clock King" and "Appointment in Crime Alley", but Joker's Favor was such a sticking episode that I had to vote for it.

[Anarky]

Perchance to Dream was a great episode. However, I still wonder why didn't the Hatter unmask Batman while he was unconscious? That's something that really bothered me about that story.

True, there have been other moments when Bats was out cold and could've been unmasked:

1. Two-Face Part II by the janitor
2. Joker's Wild by the Joker in the casino basement

Talia did in in Off Balance.


Joker's Favor was a good episode. It started out strong but sorta fell apart at the end. The animation was so-so.

My pick is Feat of Clay Part II. Solid story, solid action, solid music, solid acting, solid animation. The conflict on the roof was awesome. And I love the chase in the hospital. Batman using "scarlet fever" to interrogate Germs was classic.

[Palin Dromos]

Looks like we've got a real contest this week.

I voted for Feat of Clay II, though my initial impulse was for Perchance to Dream.

I chose FoC II because I remeber the animation and art being insanly gorgeous. that and the finale was awsome. PtD may have had an awsome plot but the superior animation of FoCII pushed it into th lead. Gotta love the TV studio scene.

Gonna enojy checking in this week to see who's in the lead.

May the better ep win!

[Mattashell]

I had to vote for Mad as a Hatter. This episode is so personal to me. I'm happy to see that Jervis will probably have this victory under his belt (or his hatband) reguardless.

Hatta ;)

[Meow]

I really liked Feat of Clay part 2, but in the end I had to go with Joker's Favor. I just love that episode!!! :D

[Salvor]

wow I 'm stunned to see ppl love PtD so much... personally I thought the ep was ok, the plot was nice, but the animation was really lacking at times.

[James Harvey]

Originally posted by Salvor
wow I 'm stunned to see ppl love PtD so much... personally I thought the ep was ok, the plot was nice, but the animation was really lacking at times.

Ditto! It's 20 votes ahead of the crowd. I thought that this race would be much, much tighter. Granted we still have 5 days or so, but PTD is twenty slots ahead. I throught it'd much. much closer...

[Naraht]

OK, Time for a little Pro "Crime Ally" Campaining...

Apointment in Crime Ally defines who Batman is. He makes the trip annually, to honor the memory of his parents. While PtD explores the wonderful "What If" AiCA shows it like it is. PtD had some problems...The animation had some goofs...and the Mad Hatter part of the plot was contrived. Mad as a Hatter, while also a great Batman ep also had problems...such as the fact that the writers, when searching for a name for the girl who would be cast as the Mad Hatter's Alice...chose...erm, Alice. =O Real Subtle...

AiCA Works on many levels...we see Batman struggling to complete a simple task....but the world seems to be against him...it's the perfect analogy of his life...we watch Leslie console Bruce @ the end....all I can say is AiCA has awesome characterization...you feel for these characters...you know them, you understand them. PtD the characters come off as Flat...

[sun]

Why? While the story wasn't as intricate, or perhaps, as Maxie says, subtle as Perchanse to Dream,in "Appointment" it was not a super hero, dealing with impossible, and implausable events. This story, was about real people, committing and planning a real definite crime, and with a real man,who was meeting, with a friend and confidant..It could actually happen..Defines Bruce, not just a rich guy with obvious obsession, but more human, and understanding, given the picture we usually get as a super hero......Gives additional characterization and insite into Bruce and the Doctor.

[James Harvey]

I'm a bit surrpised to see Vendetta doing so poorly. I enjoyed that episode. It had great animation and a killer climax...yet no votes for it yet.

[Failure]

I'm also surprised PtD is doing so well, if anything I would've thought that Feat of Clay was the favorite going into this. I'm also surprised as to how many votes AiCA has gotten, seeing as how it had very little buzz around it in previous discussions.

[Salvor]

Originally posted by Jim Harvey
I'm a bit surrpised to see Vendetta doing so poorly. I enjoyed that episode. It had great animation and a killer climax...yet no votes for it yet.
You're right. Great climax indeed. The ep is far better than 'Eternal Youth' if you ask me.

[Alexandra Wayne]

Wow, difficult decision...
I didn't realize Jokerr's Favor was so popular...I love that episode! It still makes me shiver when hepless, annonymous little nobody Charlie steels himself and faces the Joker.
I also really like the Clock King episode...just a cool concept for a criminal, and I think anyone who is a little paranoid about being late can see themselves in Tempus a bit.
BUT
Ultimately, I had to pick Mad as a Hatter. So many issues at work...such a cool theme, such a sad story. All he wanted was some love, but maybe he never learned that obsession was another animal entirely. And the ending is sad...yes, he's insane and hurtful, but don't you feel sorry for him when he's been defeated? On his own, he's nothing...he's pathetic.
Well, that's my two cents. Oh, and as for Vendetta, I liked that ep too....did it end in a sewer fight, though? Seriously, many episodes end with Batman and an evildoer dukin' it out in the sewers...yeah, it was eerie and bleak one time, but I think they overused it as a climactic setting.
Alex

[Maxie Zeus]

I voted for "Perchance to Dream," but even I'm surprised by how fast it shot out of the gate. There are a lot of good episodes in this batch.

I want to make a reply to naraht's post, though.


Apointment in Crime Ally defines who Batman is. . . . While PtD explores the wonderful "What If" AiCA shows it like it is.

I'd adopt the opposite position, that PtD better defines Batman's character than AiCA because it is a "what if" story.

See, that's the way you get inside a character: To see what makes him tick, you put him in a situation and see how he reacts. AiCA puts Bruce in the same kind of situation that he's usually in -- fighting crime -- and even the trip to Crime Alley isn't a departure, since there are other episodes that put him at his parent's grave, or looking at their portrait in the study, or reflecting back on his childhood tragedy.

But PtD puts him in a radically different situation, and we get to see new sides of him. What would Bruce be like if he weren't Batman? Probably he'd be bored stiff, the way he is portrayed here. You get the strong feeling from the way he flails desperately, looking for something to do, that the "Batman" identity isn't just a cause, but maybe even in some way a hobby, something to keep him busy.

Also, take a look at the way he attacks the "Batman" figure in the bell tower. By that point he's sure he's trapped in a dream; but if that is so, then he can't regard the Batman as an "imposter," but as a part of himself. Why then does he attack that psychological phantom so violently? Why doesn't he talk to it? And when the "Batman" is unmasked as the Hatter, that too is only an illusion. It's not the real Hatter pretending to be Batman: It's Bruce's mind, mixing up a dream Batman and a dream Hatter. But if Bruce is getting his own alter ego mixed up with a villain, doesn't that suggest he's got, ah, "issues" with his alter ego, maybe a little subconscious hatred for that part of his life?

And when he jumps from the tower. He's gambling that the fall will cause him to wake up. But he's not sure. But it's still a gamble he's willing to take. Why? Because he's trapped in a world in which he is not Batman. And he's desperate to leave any such world. In other words, even with the resentments described above, Bruce is willing to commit suicide if he can't be Batman.

I'm sorry, but there is no other episode in the entire series that gets so deeply inside Batman's head and shows us what it's like in there. It teaches, suggests, and intimates things about him that I don't think anyone has ever suggested.

[James Harvey]

Also remember, in Perchance To Drea,, he was given the option to have the dream life, and it was thrust into his head. But his true persona, his Batman persona, could not take it and had to break it. Once he realized that he couldn't read, and realized it was a dream he went instantly into Batman mode. That right there shows me more of his character than any other episode. He threw it all away. The "ideal" life. A "happy" life. He through that all away becuase he knew it was not right and what he was destined to do. Such an awesome, powerful episode that didn't talk down to the viewers. That episode got my vote.

[Theking]

Originally posted by Jim Harvey
Also remember, in Perchance To Drea,, he was given the option to have the dream life, and it was thrust into his head. But his true persona, his Batman persona, could not take it and had to break it. Once he realized that he couldn't read, and realized it was a dream he went instantly into Batman mode. That right there shows me more of his character than any other episode. He threw it all away. The "ideal" life. A "happy" life. He through that all away becuase he knew it was not right and what he was destined to do. Such an awesome, powerful episode that didn't talk down to the viewers. That episode got my vote.

Well if you put it that way, I should have voted for PTD

;)

TheKing

[James Harvey]

Originally posted by Theking


Well if you put it that way, I should have voted for PTD

;)

TheKing
Nobody's perfect - LOL! It's still early with about 100 more votes to go (based on the previous two polls) so things could still change for and the episode you voterd for could get bumped in the lead! :)

[Theking]

Originally posted by Jim Harvey

Nobody's perfect - LOL! It's still early with about 100 more votes to go (based on the previous two polls) so things could still change for and the episode you voterd for could get bumped in the lead! :)

wooo hoooo *all happy now*

Go Joker

theKing

[Naraht]

=\ No fair! all the mods are going against me and telling people to vote for PtD with their subliminal mind control! And now they're extorting money from me.

=[

[Caped Crusader]

It was between Fear of Victory and Perchance to Dream . They're both great episodes, but Perchance to Dream got my vote--it's probably one of my all-time favorite eps.

[DerekPowers]

WOW, this is probably the toughest poll so far. for me, it all boils down to either "Joker's Favor" or "Mad as a Hatter".

I thought for sure those would be the two to dook it out, but it seems alot of you liked "Perchance to Dream" alot. i liked that ep, but the animation wasnt what it should have been for such a cool story.

But since i havent seen "Jokers Favor" and "Mad as a Hatter" in forever, i dont remember what the quality of animation was like for either. i sort of remember JF wasnt bad animation, but not top notch like eps like "feat of clay" part 2. anyone remember?

but i think mad as a hatter was one of the best written eps ever, it really gave us a good psychological profile of old jervis, and it boarder lined on the tragic villian towards the end, sort of like "heart of ice". But Jokers favor was an awesome ep, very charming, and the first joke ep i saw, so it has a special place in my heart. I CANT DECIDE!!!!!

[Naraht]

*sigh* I have yet to pick a winner...=\

No one likes Batman the way I do...






My Way's betterer.

=\

[Dark Knight]

Yeah this was tough. For me it was a REALLY close tie between appointment in crime alley, Jokers favor, and Feat of Clay. Jokers favor and Feat of Clay just plain have better characters though so that was my first elimination, then I had to think about the very first times I saw those episodes and I must say that the ending of Feat of clay had a much more significant effect on me. After seeing Clayfaces shell crumble at the morgue and then Hagen disguised as that woman laughing maniacally I was just like "Wow. That was awesome."

[Sugar Daddy]

I'm really liking this poll idea Jim. Great idea! Anyways, I know its off topic, and really should be posted on the poll #2 thread, but i dont know if anyone is reading that anymore, so ill post it here. In the Batman Animated book, the pages where they have the cards that were aired before each of the B:TAS eps aired, I couldnt find Heart of Ice's card. Can someone help me?

[The Dark Knight]

I don't have the book, but is this what you're looking for?
http://stonegate.furvect.com/media/B/1-Heart-of-Ice.jpg

[Terminatah]

Originally posted by Sugar Daddy
I'm really liking this poll idea Jim. Great idea! Anyways, I know its off topic, and really should be posted on the poll #2 thread, but i dont know if anyone is reading that anymore, so ill post it here. In the Batman Animated book, the pages where they have the cards that were aired before each of the B:TAS eps aired, I couldnt find Heart of Ice's card. Can someone help me? It's the third one from the left in the top row.

-Terminatah

[The Game]

Can someone who voted for it answer me this question- why is Perchance to Dream so great? It just really doesn't impress me at all, and I hate episodes that "don't really happen".

You can't say it's a great defining episode for Bruce, because Appointment in Crime Alley is so much better in that area it's not even funny.

So what makes it so good- what makes it worthy to be so far ahead of great episodes like Feat of Clay P2 and Joker's Favor?

[sun]

This one is is one that I liked a lot, mainly because of "detective" work that Batman does in order to prove that Bullock is innocent....Killer Croc is really an afterthought....You get to see how Batman works to solves crimes, that any police detective would solve, Yes, he had the super computer, that was fiction then, I suppose, but it will soon be reality, or already is...Vendetta from a story view point, is excellent...In the end, I believe these are stories......which we like or do not like is preference and opinion based on personal feelings....good luck to all.....

[BeastBoyWonder]

I voted for Perchance to Dream, for the reasons that Maxie and DG stated so well. It's been my favorite episode ever, since I was a kid.

[Terminatah]

Oh yah, I voted for Joker's Favor on the first day because it's already my favorite episode out of the entire series. I almost forgot about the laughter at the end.

-Terminatah

[JChampion]

I liked 'Joker's favor' better than 'Perchance to Dream' but regardless, I think is the toughest poll by far. This was INDEED a very good season for Batman and all the work was exceptional. It's almost to hard to single one out.....

[Heehaw]

I'm really surprised that Joker's Favor and Perchance to Dream are so popular.

For me, that Joker eps. is one of the worst. Pitiful animation and worse music, a really horribly done Harley(all the hooting in a couple of scenes are grating on the nerves) and just technically bad all around.

Perchance is better, but it has the ridiculous scene with Batman out in the daylight(and swinging around a pole for God's sakes) and let's not forget the fact that Hatter doesn't unmask Bats when he's under his machine's power.

Then there's the groovy scene(in Clock King) where Batman uses his grappling hook to ascend from the moonroof of his car in a back alley. Cheesy. He's out in broad daylight, as Batman, cruising the streets with Alfred at the wheel. No tinted windows or anything. Silly, silly, silly.

Oh well, not like the polls are canon or an accurate scientific reflection. Still entertaining.

[Corran Horn]

I voted Joker's Favor.

[optimal321]

Concerning why the Hatter didn't unmask Batman, i thought it was because he didn't need to. I think he just wanted Batman out of his life for good, and w/ his current plan had no want to see who he really was. It was Batman that caused him so much misery and it would be Batman who he would keep out of his life. I guess at that point it was pretty inconsequential as to who Jervis had been fighting all that time. As long as Batman was happy in his dream world, then the Hatter was happy in his Batman-less world.

But that's just imo...

[Maxie Zeus]

Originally posted by thegame8866
Can someone who voted for it answer me this question- why is Perchance to Dream so great?

Well, I thought I answered that question earlier in the thread. But if you don't feel like scrolling back, click here (http://www.scrye.com/~jallman/anbat/btas/ind/perdream.html) for my $0.02 :)

[Karkull]

Originally posted by Heehaw
For me, that Joker eps. is one of the worst. Pitiful animation and worse music, a really horribly done Harley(all the hooting in a couple of scenes are grating on the nerves) and just technically bad all around.

I'm afraid that I'll have to side with Heehaw on this one. Harley Quinn's characterization was pretty rough in this episode and so was the Joker's. The plot was good but it just wasn't anything to crow about.

[themejoker]

appointment in crime alley for me too..

[sun]

If you have been following this poll, you will see many different opinions,some very well thought out, others, just fast ideas off of the head, I think all are valid, but, for a more in depth analysis, I would urge fans to got to #77 in this series, and link to Maxie Zeus's site on Batman eps. It is excetionally well written, presented, outstanding analysis, and insite.. While I do not agree with all at the site, it is really a great resource and starting point for all of us fans of the BATS and the followups . GREAT WORK, MAXIE. :)

[Theking]

yes I have to agree that that is a great site to get ideas.

very full of info.

TheKing

[JusticeLeagueLegion]

I went with Joker's Favor, but for some reason I just knew that Perchence To Dream would be in the head.

[Maxie Zeus]

Originally posted by oldtoonguy
I would urge fans to got to #77 in this series, and link to Maxie Zeus's site on Batman eps. It is excetionally well written, presented, outstanding analysis, and insite.. While I do not agree with all at the site, it is really a great resource and starting point for all of us fans of the BATS and the followups . GREAT WORK, MAXIE. :)

Thanks, oldtoonguy! You make me blush. :o :)

[The Dark Knight]

I can't believe "Perchance to Dream" is winning by so much. I really thought "Joker's Favor" had a shot at winning. I guess now that my favorite episode is out of the running I'll have to start thinking of my second favorite.

[James Harvey]

I'm surprised, too. I'm also a bit dissapointed at the sharp drop off in votes this round, compared to last. There still are three days left, so there could be a nice turn around. Spread the word and vote, folks.

[Sugar Daddy]

I don't know how popular this idea is, but Jim, maybe you should hide the results of the poll until the end. Some people may not vote because they think their ep has no chance to win. That's not the way I am personally, though. I'm not saying to not allow people to say who they voted for, because not everyone who votes also posts.

[James Harvey]

...Hide the results untuil the end...that's a great idea. I'll see if that's possible in the next poll...

[Sugar Daddy]

Originally posted by Jim Harvey
that's a great idea. thanks

[Sugar Daddy]

Originally posted by Terminatah
It's the third one from the left in the top row.

-Terminatah Terminatah and TDK, thanks, I just noticed now that you answered my question. Thanks

[The Penguin]

Originally posted by Jim Harvey
...Hide the results untuil the end...that's a great idea. I'll see if that's possible in the next poll...

I see the merit behind doing it, but at the same time I like to know how the episodes are doing in the poll. Like Sugar Daddy, I don't let the other votes influence me, I vote before I see the results. Last week I voted for Two-Face, Part II and it didn't even get 20 votes. I would like to think that people want to make their voices heard no matter what.

It could go either way, but if a person chooses not to vote just because they don't think their episode will win I think that's a shame.

[The Dark Knight]

Originally posted by The Penguin


I see the merit behind doing it, but at the same time I like to know how the episodes are doing in the poll. Like Sugar Daddy, I don't let the other votes influence me, I vote before I see the results. Last week I voted for Two-Face, Part II and it didn't even get 20 votes. I would like to think that people want to make their voices heard no matter what.

It could go either way, but if a person chooses not to vote just because they don't think their episode will win I think that's a shame.
Actually, I think it's more of a problem of people settling on voting between two episodes they don't really consider the best just because they are fighting for the lead. There's no doubt we have a lot of people voting, but if two episodes take off to an early lead it may discourage voting for other episodes and thus mess with what the results should be.

[Terminatah]

Originally posted by Jim Harvey
...Hide the results untuil the end...that's a great idea. I'll see if that's possible in the next poll... Just take away the option that lets you view the results before you vote. Once the vote is cast, put people on the honor system to not give away details till the poll is closed.

-Terminatah

[Toddman]

Originally posted by Terminatah
Just take away the option that lets you view the results before you vote. Once the vote is cast, put people on the honor system to not give away details till the poll is closed.

-Terminatah

Is there a way to prevent non-voters from also seeing the discussion about the poll? It would be very cool to only be able to view the poll results and the poll discussion after you've voted.

Toddman

[sun]

I do not have cable, and looked thru my collection, and that may be the only of the original BATS that I have not got on tape. How does someone get to see something, like an old ep, if they do not have cable? I'd like to know, thanks...Stuart

[Maxie Zeus]

Originally posted by oldtoonguy
I do not have cable, and looked thru my collection, and that may be the only of the original BATS that I have not got on tape. How does someone get to see something, like an old ep, if they do not have cable? I'd like to know, thanks...Stuart

Well, you put up a note like the above, and hope that some kind soul with a copy will be in touch with you. ;)

I wish I could help you, but I can't. :(

[James Harvey]

Originally posted by Toddman


Is there a way to prevent non-voters from also seeing the discussion about the poll? It would be very cool to only be able to view the poll results and the poll discussion after you've voted.

Toddman

I think the vote thing can be done, but not the hiding of posts. I may impliment that for a round or two and see what happens.

[MILatino]

Originally posted by Heehaw
For me, that Joker eps. is one of the worst. Pitiful animation and worse music, a really horribly done Harley(all the hooting in a couple of scenes are grating on the nerves) and just technically bad all around.

Although you and I have similar taste in storylines, I'd have to disagree with you on this one. This is certainly not the best Joker episode, but it was good. The music was one of the best parts of it. It matched Charlie Collins' personality to the tee. This episode was really "The Misadventures of Charlie Collins" with special guest appearance by Batman. It was a refreshing change and a clever angle.

Besides... I loved Harley's line, "Oy! Beauty school is startin' to look pretty good right about now..." :p


Perchance is better, but it has the ridiculous scene with Batman out in the daylight(and swinging around a pole for God's sakes) and let's not forget the fact that Hatter doesn't unmask Bats when he's under his machine's power.

This was interesting, but it lost me when the end was revealed. Sorry, but how can anyone have Batman in his clutches for so long without unmasking him? Silly! :rolleyes:


Then there's the groovy scene(in Clock King) where Batman uses his grappling hook to ascend from the moonroof of his car in a back alley. Cheesy. He's out in broad daylight, as Batman, cruising the streets with Alfred at the wheel. No tinted windows or anything. Silly, silly, silly.[/B]

This episode was OK, but something bugged me big time. Just because the Clock King was extremely punctual does not mean he's so agile, limber, and athletic than he can jump off a roof, land on a moving train standing straight up, and dodge Batman's punches. He was an intellectual, wiry man who could certainly stay one step ahead of Batman, but certainly can't physically out-manuever him once Batman caught up. Sheesh! Batman spent years getting physically fit and studying martial arts. :mad:

[Toddman]

Sorry, but how can anyone have Batman in his clutches for so long without unmasking him? Silly!

I think that the Joker holds the record, though, for having Batman in his "evil clutches" and NOT unmasking him. The Joker has had Batman captured and tied up in at least four episodes, and never even tried to take of his mask. Maybe it's part of his obsessive psychosis or something.

However, the Joker and the Hatter aren't the only bad guys to pass up the chance to take off Batman's mask when the opportunity presented itself. Off the top of my head, I can think of at least one time each that Poison Ivy, Harley Quinn, Two-Face, Mr. Freeze, Red Claw, and The Ventriloquist all had Batman captured, but left the mask on. So did the crooks from "P.O.V." Rupert Thorne passed on the chance to unmask Robin in "Second Chance." Hell, Thorne decided to drop the Boy Wonder into the river rather than just shoot him! And don't even get me started on Red Claw's ridiculous death trap from "Cat & the Claw pt. 2."

Speaking of death traps, how many times has Batman been knocked out and/or captured, and then not only was he not unmasked, but he wasn't even disarmed!

I can only think of four occasions when Batman or Robin were captured that the issue of unmasking them even came up. Bane declined to unmask Robin in "Bane" and Batman was purposely left masked in "Dreams of Darkness." The only bad guys to remove the mask when they had the chance were Talia in "Off Balance," and (oddly enough) the Joker (w/Robin) in ROTJ.

Toddman

[Terminatah]

Originally posted by Toddman


Is there a way to prevent non-voters from also seeing the discussion about the poll? It would be very cool to only be able to view the poll results and the poll discussion after you've voted.

Toddman That's not good for people who don't remember too many details from the episodes in question, or even the episodes themselves. The discussion helps them remember and wisely cast their vote.

-Terminatah

[James Harvey]

The discussion really can't be hidden until after someone votes. It's basically impossible. Plus, having that first thread that people see allows them to see episode synopsis and such. I will try to do that 'hide the vote' thing maybe to help encourage more voters - which could turn out good.

[Lucky Bob]

Hey wait a minute! Everyone knows that the Clock King was the eeriest villian in Batman! Come one, where are the votes? :confused:

[sun]

I think these polls are great, good disucssion, insite, arguements, on exactly what is ok, we get to see points of view that we might never have even thought of...SO PLEASE!!!!!! Do not stop the polls. and they are a lot of fun too. thanks for the work and all the details that have been put in here...Stuart

[James Harvey]

Poll #3 has drawn to a close with Perchance to Dream being the victor! Poll #4 opens tomorrow highlighting episodes #31 - 40! I encourage everyone to continueto spread the word and tell friends! Poll participation has slipped since it began, and that could lead to the poll being closed - so please spread the word!

[Failure]

Dang, my predictions weren't even close.

Ok, so I'm expecting Robin's Reckoning pt.1 to pull out the victory in the next poll. Also predicting (hoping) that poll participation increases in the next poll due to the hiding of results.

[Salvor]

hmm I'm disappointed. I really really don't think 'Perchance to Dream' deserved to win... ah well.