The Batman "Lost Heroes" Series Finale Talkback (Spoilers)

[The Penguin]

After five years, it comes to an end this morning. Catch the final, one-hour series finale of The Batman on Kids' WB.


http://worldsfinestonline.com/WF/thebatman/media/gallery/talkback.jpg (http://www.worldsfinestonline.com/WF/thebatman/)The Batman #64 & #65 - Lost Heroes, Parts 1 & 2
Original Airdate - March 8th, 2008 - Fifth Season Finale/Series Finale

Multiple Emmy Award winner "The Batman" closes its fifth and final season with a full-hour "movie" entitled "Lost Heroes" at 11:00 a.m. ET/PT. In the special TV movie, the most powerful members of the Justice League are abducted one-by-one. Batman, Robin and Green Arrow discover the mystery surrounding their disappearance – The Joining has returned (with some earthly villainous assistance) and has transferred the Justice League's powers into alien androids. It's up to Batman, Robin and Green Arrow to help their JL friends regain their powers and prevent an alien invasion. The one-hour special includes appearances by Green Lantern, Hawkman, Flash, Superman, Green Arrow, Toyman, Mirror Master, Dr. Hugo Strange and The Joining.

Comments?

[warnerbroman]

the flash and green arrow make a good team...wait hawkman has superpowers?

[Nexonius]

It was four years. (2004-2008).

[pharmmajor]

Am I the only one who thinks that Hugo Strange sounds like a male Margaret Dumont in this special? I keep expecting him to say "No one can save you from the Joining, not even Rufus T. Firefly!"

[Katsumara]

I don't know what the hell is going on right now, but I'm getting some basketball pre-game bullcrap while the finale is supposed to be going on. I can't stand my area's CW as it's always messing up. >< I don't give a crap about this college basketball pre-game. I want the series finale back on. UGGH.

[Blackstar]

This episode is also noteworthy for being the 1st time ever that Batgirl has appeared in an episode alongside any of the other Justice League members.

Also, I'm with warnerbroman; I wasn't aware that Hawkman had any powers on this show before today.

[CapdCrusader376]

Definitely the best episode this season and possibly one of the best in the series. WB is stupid to not spin it off. A JL show in continuity with TB would be better than a Brave and the Bold.

[Silverstar]

The overall plot (villainous threat arises, takes out the powered heroes and steals their powers, leaving the non-powered heroes to save the day and show that they can still get the done without any powers) is a tad cliche, but it wasn't terrible. Not terrific, mind you, but not terrible. I would have preferred it if they had went with an original foe and not just rehashed The Joining again, but oh well. I did like the Superman-Bot's design, though.

Now, the gripes: I'll be the third to say that I was under the impression that Hawkman didn't have any actual powers in The Batman's universe; I thought his wings were artificial and he used an "Nth element belt" or some such business. And while we're on the subject, Green Lantern technically doesn't have any powers either, it's all the ring. And how is an artificial life form with no imagination able to utilize a GL power ring anyway?

Interesting how they went with some old Pre-Crisis/Super Friends allusions: i.e. Supey being able to fly in space without a spacesuit and GL's ring possessing a vulnerability to the color yellow.


WB is stupid to not spin it off. A JL show in continuity with TB would be better than a Brave and the Bold.

After September there won't be a Kids' WB, so there wouldn't be any point in pitching a spinoff to dying block. Anyway, I would NOT want to see that unless they were going to diversify the team's roster so it wouldn't be just a bunch of white guys (plus a green Martian). I have nothing against white males, but hi, it's the 21st century; a little ethnic/gender diversity would be nice.

[warnerbroman]

I would NOT want to see that unless they were going to diversify the team's roster so it wouldn't be just a bunch of white guys (plus a green Martian). I have nothing against white males, but hi, it's the 21st century; a little ethnic/gender diversity would be nice.as long Wonder Woman appears I would not mind.

[ROBOTRON]

:D - 3 Stars.

Another "Joining" episode.

Anyway, it was ok, actually I'd rather seen more Toyman or Mirror Master than the Joining. Super powered droids of Justice League members that had their powers...good plot but not executed well, at least not well enough for me. The most satisfying part of the episode was Batman's mastery over all of the JL including the Joining, of which Hugo Strange admitted to.
_____________

Oh, well...it was good while it lasted. Now I have nothing to look forward to on Saturday mornings but a "dumbed down" version of Spiderman. If whoever is running the WB or 4 Kids or whatever, thinks people are going to tune in weekends to see shows like "Quest" and the "Toilet training frog"...must be demented.
_____________

Goodbye for now, Batman.:sweat:

ROBOTRON

[lukecage]

Definitely the best episode this season and possibly one of the best in the series. WB is stupid to not spin it off. A JL show in continuity with TB would be better than a Brave and the Bold.
what is the brave and the bold.

[CapdCrusader376]

After September there won't be a Kids' WB, so there wouldn't be any point in pitching a spinoff to dying block. Anyway, I would NOT want to see that unless they were going to diversify the team's roster so it wouldn't be just a bunch of white guys (plus a green Martian). I have nothing against white males, but hi, it's the 21st century; a little ethnic/gender diversity would be nice.

Ya I'm well aware that there won't be a Kids WB next fall, but they are prepping a Brave and the Bold, and Gee I wonder what network they might be pitching it to, I don't know the FOXBOX, so it could air along Spiderman, TMNT, LOSH(if it gets picked up again, which i hope so), and the other New DC toon.


what is the brave and the bold.
It's a new series that is secretly in the works, Which will follow Batman and other superheroes in there exploits, except it will not be in continuity with TB. if you want more info, Worlds Finest posted something on it about a week or 2 ago.

[ShadowStar]

When I saw this two-parter earlier in the week, part 2 cut out right after Batman said "Nice try" and looked out at space and the Earth with Robin and Batgirl. Aside from the credits (obviously), was there anything else?

[thedanmachine]

I thought it was an average way to send off the series. Nothing really great about it, but nothing really bad about it either.

I did like the way Strange met his end though, as just a vegetable. He finally got all the knowledge he wanted throughout the whole series. Except now he cant use it.

And I know it was a really small thing but I loved Joker's little smirk when a glimpse of him was shown. I dont know why.

Overall, a decent way to end it all.

[warnerbroman]

And I know it was a really small thing but I loved Joker's little smirk when a glimpse of him was shown. I dont know why.

Overall, a decent way to end it all.
I like it too it shows me he is not done

[Silverstar]

Ya I'm well aware that there won't be a Kids WB next fall, but they are prepping a Brave and the Bold, and Gee I wonder what network they might be pitching it to, I don't know the FOXBOX, so it could air along Spiderman, TMNT, LOSH(if it gets picked up again, which i hope so), and the other New DC toon.

The sarcasm isn't called for, friend, chill out. Also, it's called 4Kids TV now. Stupid name, yeah, but that's what they're calling it presently.

I thought that Brave and the Bold show was just a rumor; I haven't found any info about it aside from other message boards.

Anyways, I stand by my previous statement: if a Justice League show in the TB universe would just be a continuation of this version of the League, with no non-white members (except J'onn), no women and flippin' Hawkman, then I'd have absolutely no desire to see such a thing. It's not the 60's anymore.

[warnerbroman]

The sarcasm isn't called for, friend, chill out. Also, it's called 4Kids TV now. Stupid name, yeah, but that's what they're calling it presently.

I thought that Brave and the Bold show was just a rumor; I haven't found any info about it aside from other message boards.

Anyways, I stand by my previous statement: if a Justice League show in the TB universe would just be a continuation of this version of the League, with no non-white members (except J'onn), no women and flippin' Hawkman, then I'd have absolutely no desire to see it. It's not the 60's anymore.Technically Superman is not white either but I wanted more women in the league too

[Mad Mod 49]

I did like the way Strange met his end though, as just a vegetable. He finally got all the knowledge he wanted throughout the whole series. Except now he cant use it.


I agree, it's only fitting that his demented psycology obsession is what does him in at the end. :p

[CapdCrusader376]

The sarcasm isn't called for, friend, chill out.

I thought that Brave and the Bold show was just a rumor; I haven't found any info about it aside from other message boards.

Anyways, I stand by my previous statement: if a Justice League show in the TB universe would just be a continuation of this version of the League, with no non-white members (except J'onn), no women and flippin' Hawkman, then I'd have absolutely no desire to see it. It's not the 60's anymore.

Sorry for the sarcasm, nothing intended, but here are 2 sites that have news on the Brave and the Bold, Worlds finest being one of them. The othe r being TV Guide.
And with what you said after that if they do go in that direction, of a spinoff, A. Batgirl cannot be the only female in the show, and B. They would need to diversify by bring ing different characters from the league, but always maintaining the core heroes. I say add in Wonder Woman, and switch Hal with Stewart every so often. And another thing you did say we are in the 21st Century and we need diversity, but I dont want to end up this :
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/192/512188758_c7b9b3e894_m.jpg

Just to have diversity, I rather stay with the roster that we have and just throw in Wonder Woman and Aquaman.

http://worldsfinestonline.com/news.php?action=fullnews&id=66

http://community.tvguide.com/blog-entry/TVGuide-News-Blog/Todays-News/Spectacular-Spider-Man/800034714

[creativerealms]

Hugo Strange does know Batmans secret identity now, along with everything else there is to know. Sadly his mind could not handle the knowledge and now he can never act on it.

I was disapointed that the Joining were the villains again. I would have liked it better if Strange used the joining Tech to create Amazo or something along those lines instead of bringing the Joining Back.

Good Bye the batman we have had our good times and our bad time and even some Ugly times, you never made an impact like batman TAS but you have earned a place in my heart at least.

[Captain Highwind]

I don't know what the hell is going on right now, but I'm getting some basketball pre-game bullcrap while the finale is supposed to be going on. I can't stand my area's CW as it's always messing up. >< I don't give a crap about this college basketball pre-game. I want the series finale back on. UGGH.

At least you got a ball game, I just got a black screen that lasted the full hour.

And like X-Men Evolution, this series finale will probably never see broadcast again.

[CapdCrusader376]

And on the HawkMan thing, I could of sworn that in his Episode he explained that the Nth metal from Thanagar is what gave him his flight and his Super Strength
Wikipedia says- All versions of Hawkman have shown enhanced levels of strength. The golden age Hawkman was said to have the strength of 12 men but later that idea was dropped. Whereas the Golden Age Hawkman's strength appeared natural, it was later explained (with the Silver Age Hawkman) that the Nth metal enables its wielders to carry great weights. The recent incarnation has interpreted this as the Nth metal simply enhancing the strength of the user.

DC encyclopedia-say that the Nth metal is what gives him his strength

[Silverstar]

Sorry for the sarcasm, nothing intended,

It's OK. Consider it water under the bridge. :)


but here are 2 sites that have news on the Brave and the Bold, Worlds finest being one of them. The other being TV Guide.Thanks.


And with what you said after that if they do go in that direction, of a spinoff, A. Batgirl cannot be the only female in the show, and B. They would need to diversify by bringing different characters from the league, but always maintaining the core heroes. I say add in Wonder Woman, and switch Hal with Stewart every so often.I wasn't suggesting putting Batgirl in the League; she's just a teen sidekick, and IMO teen sidekicks would have no place in the League, unless they actually took Barbara's idea of a Junior Justice League seriously, even though that would basically be Teen Titans.

I'd personally rather just have an elite 6 or 7 member team, rather than a revolving door of characters; that latter idea would smack too much of Justice League Unlimited, which has already been done, and was kind of overkill, IMHO. There'd especially be no point to redoing JLU if we're actually going to be getting a Brave and the Bold show.


And another thing you did say we are in the 21st Century and we need diversity, but I don't want to end up this :
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/192/512188758_c7b9b3e894_m.jpg

Just to have diversity, I rather stay with the roster that we have and just throw in Wonder Woman and Aquaman.Urgh! My eyes! No, I certainly didn't mean that. The only way I'd want to see these pantless wonders again would be if they were to be revamped and redesigned into cooler, less embarrassing versions like the Ultimen on JLU.

I'd love to have Wonder Woman on this League, and it's true the only way they could use her if she were one of the stars of the show or a team leader, so she'd have to be on the core team. Unfortunately, I remember reading an interview by Alan Burnett in which he said that Wonder Woman and Aquaman couldn't be used because of the WW and Justice League movies. But there are still other characters they could use: Black Canary, Vixen, Mr. Teriffic, Fire and Ice, to name just a few examples.

I remember the Hawkman thing too; IIRC, on his debut on The Batman, he said his flight and strength were owed to the 'Nth element', and that his wings were in fact artificial. So technically, this version of Hawkman doesn't have any actual superpowers, just like Hal Jordan. So The Joining could have easily just stolen GL's ring and Hawkman's Nth metal equipment and stuck them onto robot drones rather than abducting the 2 heroes themselves, FWIW. Although that would've killed the whole point of the story: to show that the non-powered heroes were just as vital to the League as the powered ones by having Bats and GA save everybody else.

[DerekPowers]

And like X-Men Evolution, this series finale will probably never see broadcast again.
I hope not, I missed the first part. :sad: Maybe they'll eventually show it on Boomarang.

But I saw the second part and it was okay. I wasnt blown away or anything, it seemed like standard fare for TB. I was also disappointed that the Joining is the big threat. It was nice to have Hugo Strange involved, but I wanted to see some big name villians.

My favorite part was the last scene with Batgirl and Robin hinting at a YJ or TT, and I like that it ended w/ the bat-team. It kind of reminded you it was a Batman show.

Overall I found this season to be a dissapointment. The JL characters werent interesting, as designs or characters. My favorite JL memeber was Hawkman. TB should have had a more unique design and angle for the JL, the way it did on the Arkham villians in season 1. This season was my least favorite season of TB, but it was a decent show overall.

As far as the new "Brave and the Bold" show, if its anything like this season of TB I probably wont watch it that much. This show's got to be fresh and interesting or i'm not going to bother much. I'm hoping they'll finally start making DTV series, like in Japan.

[Hades]

BTW, did X-Men Evolution ever get completed on DVD? I remember they released individual sets for Seasons 1 and 2, and a season set for 3, but that is it.

[Deadman]

that was good. im going to miss the batman.

[CapdCrusader376]

Well season 1 and 2 of XMEN Evo are scattered between 4 separate dvd's each total of 8 and season 3 got the full season release, but unfortunatly season 4 has no plans at this time to get released.

[ShadowStar]

It amuses me that people want more diversity in the League. I know we need some women, but wanting more ethnic diversity is kind of funny when you consider than Superman, Martian Manhunter and Hawkman/Hawkgirl are aliens. :p Maybe I'm just taking having John Stewart on JL/JLU for granted.

Hope you don't mind me repeating my earlier question: after Batman said "Nice try" and looked out of the Watchtower with Robin and Batgirl, was that the end of the episode? The shot of the Watchtower in space was the last thing we saw, right? 'Cause it got cut off after that in the UK.

And Strange didn't find out Batman's identity, because the Joining gave him the knowledge of the universe they had accumulated, which wouldn't include Batman's identity. Unless the Lucious bot in the Bat-cave in "The Joining part 2" told the Joining...

[RonDrakenfan17]

I enjoyed the episode. The Flash and the Geen Arrow made me laugh. Seeing BatMan on the team of heroes was pretty cool and I liked the fights. Animation was nice but I was kind of sad that Wonderwoman wasn't apart of the team, I would have liked to have seen BatMans reaction to her since they did have a relationship in the JL series.

[warnerbroman]

I just noticed something the androids looked like rumor

[Wonderwall]

I gotta say..it was very average episode, which in series finale terms isn't a good thing. But I'm only rating the episode itself, which really wasn't anything special. 3 stars.

[Simpler Simon]

Much improved over the bulk of the season and an enjoyable episode overall, but i do agree it didn't hit that "grand finale" note, which season 4 did quite well. My only quibble about bringing back The Joining was that there really wasn't time to rehash the whole invasion story again, which part 2 really wanted to do. Like creativerealms mentioned the story would've worked a lot better if it'd focused on Strange and his AMAZO-esque androids.

Otherwise it was nice to hear the league interacting after seeing them individually throughout the season (Hawkman unfortunately, only gets like 2 lines and some grunting). Putting them together masks some of the weaker personalities like Green Lantern and Hawkman. And good to see Robin and Batgirl get some facetime, since this is a Batman show.

Well The Batman's been an interesting ride. Hasn't always hit the mark, but it's constant evolution has made it a unique standby throughout its run. Maybe we'll get one more DTV movie yet...?

[Hades]

Well, this episode was really good, and as a season finale, it was great, as a series finale however, I wish there was a little more closure. Like maybe a little extra minute to pretty much say goodbye like JLU had.

[Steven C]

I enjoyed this episode a lot!!! I wish we had more Green Arrow episodes.

[Silverstar]

I enjoyed this episode a lot!!! I wish we had more Green Arrow episodes.

It was only fair. Each Justice Leaguer only got a single episode, besides the finale, which featured them all. (OK, Superman's episode was a 2-parter, but it still counts as a single story.) Not trying to start a debate, but really, how would more Green Arrow episodes have added to the show in any significant way? The show was The Batman, not The Batman and The Green Arrow; why should Ollie have gotten any more screen time than any of the other guest JLers?

What was unfair (IMO) was how Batgirl never got to appear in any of the JL episodes other than the finale.

[DrTooth]

First off, I think it's just rotten on the part of Warners to cancell this a year before the next Batman film. We really could have used that series another season to pump up and hype up the film.

But I felt it was a decent ending. No closure? That's pretty much the norm in American Cartoon land (Look at how Xiaolin Showdown ended. Ambiguosuly). And I haven;'t seen a good JLA team up since the Superman episode. The others simply felt like "look how we can draw JLA in The Batman style" (Kind of a shame. Are they going to sell any T-shirts or action figures? I doubt it).

But no last face off with the Joker. At least we have a final face off of Hugo Strage. I guess it's just DTV land for ol' Batsy.

Clearly this is a sign that WB wants out completely of cartoons. I wouldn't be surprised if the other shows, Shaggy and Scooby Doo, Tom and Jerry Tales, Legion of SuperHeroes, would all be canned at the end of the season.

[warnerbroman]

It was only fair. Each Justice Leaguer only got a single episode, besides the finale, which featured them all. (OK, Superman's episode was a 2-parter, but it still counts as a single story.) Not trying to start a debate, but really, how would more Green Arrow episodes have added to the show in any significant way? The show was The Batman, not The Batman and The Green Arrow; why should Ollie have gotten any more screen time than any of the other guest JLers?

What was unfair (IMO) was how Batgirl never got to appear in any of the JL episodes other than the finale.she did more here than in any episode this season

[veemonjosh]

Clearly this is a sign that WB wants out completely of cartoons. I wouldn't be surprised if the other shows, Shaggy and Scooby Doo, Tom and Jerry Tales, Legion of SuperHeroes, would all be canned at the end of the season.

IIRC, Legion of Superheroes has already been confirmed for a third season.

[Wonderwall]

Clearly this is a sign that WB wants out completely of cartoons. I wouldn't be surprised if the other shows, Shaggy and Scooby Doo, Tom and Jerry Tales, Legion of SuperHeroes, would all be canned at the end of the season.

Are you kidding me?

[sdp]

It was an alright episode but a weak season finale and an even weaker series finale. The first part was better than the second too, once they revealed the threat, it was actually pretty stupid, "copying robots" is the best they could come up with? and the final battle againt the joining was just as bad. last season's finale did this a lot better. The biggest thing is this felt like a The Justice League episode, he didn't even get an episode for him in the finale. I haven't seen most of Season 5 but man besides Green Arrow they all have unfitting voice actors and personalities. I thought flash was supposed to be Barry Allen, why was he acting goofy? meh. The Batman was a pretty good show, I would have liked to see more of it but it got a good run.

[CapdCrusader376]

IIRC, Legion of Superheroes has already been confirmed for a third season.

When and were did they give the confirmation to LOSH season 3??

[ROBOTRON]

Are you kidding me?

Whats so hard to believe about what Dr.Tooth said? WB wants out...at least Sat morn toons anyway...I don't know about future movies/DTVs, but 4Kids is taking over KidsWB after 2008, correct?:confused:

[BlackoutCreature]

The movie didn't really impress me much. The other JL members had the same problem in this episode they had in the team-up episodes over the season - very little personality. Actually Green Arrow did improve a lot, but Lantern, Hawkman, even Superman were back to there boring Silver Age cliche ways.

The return of the Joining didn't do much for me. There story was finished in last season's finale, there was no reason to bring them back. They kinda brought down the awesomeness thats been The Batman's version of Hugo Strange. I think they would've been better off with an Injustice Gang type episode using the guest villains from the season. Metallo, Mirror Master, Shadow Thief, Sinestro, Count Vertigo, throw in Wrath for Batman, introduce another villain for J'Onn (Psycho-Pirate?), maybe have Hugo Strange secretly controlling the team from behind closed doors. With some good writing I think this would've worked much better.

All I can say is that after last years awesomeness, this was a mediocre ending to a disappointing season. I miss Bennet and Yin, would a cameo have hurt anybody?

[warnerbroman]

};2802978']It was an alright episode but a weak season finale and an even weaker series finale. The first part was better than the second too, once they revealed the threat, it was actually pretty stupid, "copying robots" is the best they could come up with? and the final battle againt the joining was just as bad. last season's finale did this a lot better. The biggest thing is this felt like a The Justice League episode, he didn't even get an episode for him in the finale. I haven't seen most of Season 5 but man besides Green Arrow they all have unfitting voice actors and personalities. I thought flash was supposed to be Barry Allen, why was he acting goofy? meh. The Batman was a pretty good show, I would have liked to see more of it but it got a good run."the end of the batman" served as the stand alone finale

[mr.happy]

I can't say I have ever watched The Batman much. The few episodes I have seen have generally been very disappointing, but with this being a series finale, I thought I'd check in and see if things had improved, or if they would at least go out in style. The answer was no. If anything, the show had gotten worse. Replacing what little authenticity The Batman's world might at one stage have had with jetpacks, alien invasions and a JLA rooster with interchangeable personalities, might seem like a good way to sell toys, but probably not to entertain anyone over the age of 4.

Apart from the uninspired art, rigid animation and irritating score, the show is completely devoid of wit and imagination, and saying that "it's for kids" just doesn't seem like a good enough excuse for producing something as mediocre as this. The fact that it's for kids should just make you work harder to produce something that isn't brainless and condescending.

Since The Batman producers felt it was alright for him to share the finale with The JLA, I'm going to take a slight detour myself here and cast the spotlight on someone far more deserving, by saying that it's really easy to forget just how spoiled we had been by the Bruce Timm shows for the better part of 15 years, and it's a crying shame that nobody has been able to pick up the torch from him.

[DrTooth]

When and were did they give the confirmation to LOSH season 3??


I'd like to see that confirmation as well. Also confermation for Tom and Jerry and Shaggy and Scooby Doo (though next week's episode looks like they're winding it down). Godd thing for Legion (I'm not a fan, I just can't get into it), if it's true. If not, this will be the first time since before Tiny Toons in 1990 that Warners didn't produce a regular cartoon series.

Unless we have a "The Batman Eulogy Thread" somewhere, I'll just give mine.

The Batman was a show that started off on the wrong foot, continued on a worse foot, and got its act together in the last 2 seasons. Was it as great as Batman TAS? Its always going to have that comparison hanging over its head. But I can't say that it wasn't good at all. Sure, there were things I needed to warm up to. Joker being a kook, imnstead of a sadistic gangster, Mr. Freeze being a common crook, Riddler looking Marylin Manson-esque... but after a while, they grew on me.

This last season saw steps forward and steps backward. Blending Batsy with the Justice League was hit or miss on occasions, but on the whole it worked better than I thought it would work. The only real stain on the season would be that Mutation episode, IMO- knocking off a much better plotline from Batman Beyond. Even the Joker Train was alright (though the second half of the episode was pretty dull). As for the end of the series, I'm disappointed by the fact that the batman didn't get any hits in to any of the other villains. Joker had a breif non-speaking cameo. That was it. We got closure on Hugo Strange, rather anti-climactic. I wish they at least implied he knew the Batman's alter ego, but was to paralized to release the information. That would have at least given it a sense of coming full circle.

It was a decent "Ambiguity" ending. You know, not closing anything so one day they might (but probably won't) really end it. But what was anyone expecting? Batman giving up his identity? Batman killing off Joker once and for all? I feel that it works as a Batman Begins type ending. This is only the beginning. So of course, it won't end.

[Mad Mod 49]

I can't say I have ever watched The Batman much.

And that's why your whole post fails, bub.



the show is completely devoid of wit and imagination, and saying that "it's for kids" just doesn't seem like a good enough excuse for producing something as mediocre as this.

And you say this when you haven't even watched the whole damn show yourself.


I'm going to take a slight detour myself here and cast the spotlight on someone far more deserving, by saying that it's really easy to forget just how spoiled we had been by the Bruce Timm shows for the better part of 15 years, and it's a crying shame that nobody has been able to pick up the torch from him.

GOD, I knew that was coming. If you've been "spoiled" by Bruce Timm so much, go back and watch that and stop mindlessly bashing anything new, you spoiled brat. Honestly, I'm beginning to even dislike Bruce Timm due to the sheer elitist glory put on him all the time. His interpretation of Batman is NOT the only one; it never has been and it never will be. If you like it best, that's fine, most people do. But there's always going to be new Batman interpretations, and my advice is that you just let that be instead of pining for an old one back. Thank you.

[mr.happy]

And that's why your whole post fails, bub.How so, pub?


And you say this when you haven't even watched the whole damn show yourself.If by "whole damn show" you mean every single episode, sure. I also don't need to taste every McDonald burger to know it's not exactly going to be 5 star cuisine.


GOD, I knew that was coming. If you've been "spoiled" by Bruce Timm so much, go back and watch that and stop mindlessly bashing anything new, you spoiled brat.Spoiled? Sure. Brat? Hardly. Though you might want to reflect on your own aggressive behavior. There's nothing mindless about criticising something that isn't very good, and it's simply wrong to assume I would be equally critical of anything new.


Honestly, I'm beginning to even dislike Bruce Timm due to the sheer elitist glory put on him all the time.That probably says more about you than it does about Timm or his work. Some might even call it mindless. The fact remains that his shows are considered the benchmark for superhero TV animation and enjoy industry wide respect. The Batman will soon be forgotten.


His interpretation of Batman is NOT the only one; it never has been and it never will be.Of course not. Nobody suggested it was. It's one of the best, though.


If you like it best, that's fine, most people do. But there's always going to be new Batman interpretations, and my advice is that you just let that be instead of pining for an old one back. Thank you.I think you misunderstood. Nowhere did I suggest I wanted Timm's Batman back, just that someone would be able to match the level of quality Timm and his merry men brought to the table. Clearly The Batman didn't measure up.

[warnerbroman]

I still thinjk that joker cameo is awesome

[Mad Mod 49]

How so, pub?

Thou speaketh of what thou does not comprehend. That's how so.


If by "whole damn show" you mean every single episode, sure. I also don't need to taste every McDonald burger to know it's not exactly going to be 5 star cuisine.

Ah, not only an elitist, but a strict gourmet eater, huh? :sweat:



The fact remains that his shows are considered the benchmark for superhero TV animation and enjoy industry wide respect. The Batman will soon be forgotten.


The Batman soon forgotten? Riiight, I'm sure the success it's enjoyed among younger audiences and two emmy awards are a mere fluke...


Nowhere did I suggest I wanted Timm's Batman back, just that someone would be able to match the level of quality Timm and his merry men brought to the table. Clearly The Batman didn't measure up.

The fact that you actually expect someone to measure up to Timm's quality is absurd. BTAS should not dictate how everyone else makes Batman shows, each interpretation should be made on it's own merits.

[veemonjosh]

When and were did they give the confirmation to LOSH season 3??


I'd like to see that confirmation as well.

I don't know where it was confirmed, but I'm assuming it was, judging from this post in the General Animation board:




Shows Confirmed to be renewed for 08-09:

-Legion of Superheroes (Not neccessarrily confirmed for 4K!DS)
-Spectacular Spidey

[mr.happy]

Thou speaketh of what thou does not comprehend. That's how so.No, that's wrong.


Ah, not only an elitist, but a strict gourmet eater, huh? :sweat: No, that's wrong as well. And not really relevant.


The Batman soon forgotten? Riiight, I'm sure the success it's enjoyed among younger audiences and two emmy awards are a mere fluke...Fluke? Probably not. More like the result of weak competition. It's no secret that the quality of American television animation isn't what it used to be.


The fact that you actually expect someone to measure up to Timm's quality is absurd. Why is that?


BTAS should not dictate how everyone else makes Batman shows, each interpretation should be made on it's own merits.I think you misunderstood me again. I didn't say Timm's version should dictate how each new interpretation is made, but rather how well it's made. The Batman seemed like a big step backwards.

[Mad Mod 49]

No, that's wrong as well. And not really relevant.

It's as relevant as a McDonald's-5 star cuisine comparasion can be. :yawn:


It's no secret that the quality of American television animation isn't what it used to be.

Well, at least we can agree on something. :sweat:

[mr.happy]

It's as relevant as a McDonald's-5 star cuisine comparasion can be. :yawn: The comparison was meant to illustrate how I didn't need to watch every single episode of The Batman to get a sense of its overall quality.

[warnerbroman]

The comparison was meant to illustrate how I didn't need to watch every single episode of The Batman to get a sense of its overall quality.nor do you need to judge on 5 out of 65 eps

[mr.happy]

nor do you need to judge on 5 out of 65 epsWhere did I say I judged it on 5 episodes?

[Stu]

Can we tone it down a bit please? Surely I don't have to post another rant about the quality of this show and the effect it has on this board. Further action will be taken if necessary.

[mr.happy]

Can we tone it down a bit please? Surely I don't have to post another rant about the quality of this show and the effect it has on this board. Further action will be taken if necessary.I must have missed that. What is the gist of this rant? Link or brief summary, please?

[90'sCartoonMan]

I didn't expect this show to go on past 5 seasons, but still, it makes me sad that it's gone. Probably because this last season didn't feel like it was the height of the show, even though I did enjoy the episodes.

The finale was pretty cool, having the Justice League there, Toyman, the bit where Green Arrow tries to talk to Batman (although he's fallen asleep), it wasn't as good as last season's finale, but it was enjoyable.

Still wish they went out with a more Gotham-flavored episode. I can't even remember the last time Alfred or Gordon did something significant (although I think Gordon had a large role in "Joker Express"). I'll have to go back and rewatch the whole series until I find out what I thought was missing. I liked the use of Hugo Strange, the series' best villain, but it did feel like something was missing.


This episode is also noteworthy for being the 1st time ever that Batgirl has appeared in an episode alongside any of the other Justice League members.

Batgirl was with Martian Manhunter in his debut.



Hope you don't mind me repeating my earlier question: after Batman said "Nice try" and looked out of the Watchtower with Robin and Batgirl, was that the end of the episode? The shot of the Watchtower in space was the last thing we saw, right? 'Cause it got cut off after that in the UK.

Yeah, that was the end. "Nice try" isn't the best line to go out on, but at least we saw Batman, Robin, and Batgirl together like that.


};2802978'] I thought flash was supposed to be Barry Allen, why was he acting goofy?

Because apparently that's how you make the Flash appealing :shrug:

[warnerbroman]

Where did I say I judged it on 5 episodes?no where but that what it seems like

lets drop this please

[M.O.D.O.K.]

Well, this is it... the big finale. I thought it was a good way to end the season. Like others said, as a series finale, not so much. Having the entire Justice League was pretty nice, and while some of them still have undistinct personalities, their VA did a better job with them, and their voices were more unique to each other.

Having The Joining back... it was meh. To be honest, they didn't really do much, and I was more interested on Hugo Strange. He was used well in this finale, and I liked the way they brought closure on him. Strange finally had the knowledge of the universe... but he ended up brain dead. I also liked the cameo appearances by Toyman, Mirror Master, and the Joker.

The animation was a lot better than in previous episodes of this season, and the fighting was much more intense. Green Lantern finally made a better use of his GL ring, and was much more imaginative with its use, using it for a plane, rocket launcher, automatic machine guns, etc..

The ending, though, wasn't very "finale-ish" I thought last season's "The Joining" two-parter made a better job as a series finale. Something was just, well, missing.

Well, this is the end of the show. It was a fun ride while it lasted. There were good times, bad times, and mostly, mediocre times. Still, this was a fun series, and a fresh new spin on Batman. Although this show ending won't bring as many tears as it did for the DCAU, I'm still gonna miss it.

R.I.P., The Batman

4.5/5

NEXT WE... Oh, crap.

[DrTooth]

So, uh... did they want to get rid of this due to the ratings this season, or did they have one of those rediculous "Production caps" that every animation studio is lusting for? Somehow, I thought this was a good season, but quite a few unsatisfying episodes. Esepcially that Mutegen one. Somehow, I feel the Wrath and Scorn episode would have been a stronger finale. Just do to the fact they found out about his identity, and apparently died at the end. Something about that would have been a deliciously ironic end to the series, since the Joker inadvertantly saved Batman in that one.

The closure about Hugo Strage was a nice way to end it too, but there's just something about how that other episode ended.

[Dean Cain]

I can't say I have ever watched The Batman much. The few episodes I have seen have generally been very disappointing, but with this being a series finale, I thought I'd check in and see if things had improved, or if they would at least go out in style. The answer was no. If anything, the show had gotten worse. Replacing what little authenticity The Batman's world might at one stage have had with jetpacks, alien invasions and a JLA rooster with interchangeable personalities, might seem like a good way to sell toys, but probably not to entertain anyone over the age of 4.

Apart from the uninspired art, rigid animation and irritating score, the show is completely devoid of wit and imagination, and saying that "it's for kids" just doesn't seem like a good enough excuse for producing something as mediocre as this. The fact that it's for kids should just make you work harder to produce something that isn't brainless and condescending.

Since The Batman producers felt it was alright for him to share the finale with The JLA, I'm going to take a slight detour myself here and cast the spotlight on someone far more deserving, by saying that it's really easy to forget just how spoiled we had been by the Bruce Timm shows for the better part of 15 years, and it's a crying shame that nobody has been able to pick up the torch from him.

As someone who watched probably 80% of the episodes, I agree with this entirely. At least the other poor seasons were ambitious and kind of went out on a limb, this entire last season was just one huge missed opportunity after another. It could have been written by children.

[adoptedBatpuppy]

This episode did not dissapoint. It was really good. I loved the team ups and interactions between Green Arrow, Flash, Martian Manhunter, Hawk Man Batman, Superman, Batgirl, and Robin. Hugo Strange and The Joining made a good effort to take over. The flashback sequence was nicely done. The heroes were very weak without their powers and had to rely on Batman and Green Arrow for awhile.
As a finale it was missing a spark, like some of you put it. Once the heroes got their powers back it was over way to quickly. I think the whole episode was rushed. With this series being over, is WB planing to create a new series as a replacement? :o Now that I'm older
there is a realization on how much I missed the DCAU Bruce Timm style Batman Aventures... :sad:
This Show wasn't bad, but it was far from exellent.

[A.J]

For a season finale it was great. For a SERIES finale it definately sucked.

[dtemplar]

They should've made a Justice League series out of The Batman instead B&B

[tb4000]

Now prepare for syndication, or more than likely Boomerang.

[warnerbroman]

They should've made a Justice League series out of The Batman instead B&B common if this many agree about this and if they read these boards they really need to do that

[DrTooth]

Now prepare for syndication, or more than likely Boomerang.


What syndication? Boomerang or CN is the omst likely. And maybe 4KidsWB, since there's no doubt they'd wind up repeating it in the near future.

[Nightwing]

I made a promise to myself and to The Batman to refrain from comparing the show to any Animated Batman/Superman Bruce Timm projects, ever since The Batman's first episode. It still happens on an unconscious level, of course, but I never say anything. I look at The Batman with fresh eyes, but I'd still say that the older you are, the more likely you see it's flaws and the seemingly adolescent delivery of its characters/stories/material/etc. But I think there was a departure from that when some of my favorite Joss Whedon teamed writers stepped in to do some writing for this show. There was still fun to be had, but I don't think any criticisms in this thread about the show have been derogatory or terribly insulting.

On the subject of diversity, I think Bruce Timm's fears about "seven white guys" was well founded, and the realization of this fear can be seen in The Batman's JL team (that's not a direct comparison :p). Granted, Clark is an alien, but it's important to note that the desire for "Diversity" is a much more broad topic. It's not about skin color, and it shouldn't be. NOTHING should be. It's about character diversity, so they interact with each other in interesting ways.

I thought the plot was a little general/kiddish, but I forgave it because it was fine for what it was. This is the same reason I'm okay with logic being applied to why Hawkman and GL can have their powers stolen. You could even further that by asking why Superman could have his powers stolen COMPLETELY. Being a solar battery, it has been my opinion with EVERY version of Superman that he can just use the sun to recharge, if it's out. It would take a good long while before he is FULL strength and powers, but it shouldn't make him "human" (for lack of a better term).

Giving a cartoon show a euology sounds weird, unless you're a fanboy, but I gotta say Dr. Tooth's words were very well said.

If a network which is cold to cartoons (because they're starting to stink at it) wants to end your cartoon show, I doubt they're going to go all out for its series finale. So I wouldn't be sad if you wanted more from it. There was some fun to be had in this show. Remember Hugo Strange and the Zombies? That was cool. And remember Joker's Swich Batman plan? That was really cool too. I'd like to end on that note, but I can't help but agree that it raises an eyebrow that they'd cancel this Batman show just before the next movie is coming out. The only thing they're good at these days is milking stuff like that. They don't want to?

[thedanmachine]

I made a promise to myself and to The Batman to refrain from comparing the show to any Animated Batman/Superman Bruce Timm projects, ever since The Batman's first episode. It still happens on an unconscious level, of course, but I never say anything. I look at The Batman with fresh eyes, but I'd still say that the older you are, the more likely you see it's flaws and the seemingly adolescent delivery of its characters/stories/material/etc. But I think there was a departure from that when some of my favorite Joss Whedon teamed writers stepped in to do some writing for this show. There was still fun to be had, but I don't think any criticisms in this thread about the show have been derogatory or terribly insulting.

On the subject of diversity, I think Bruce Timm's fears about "seven white guys" was well founded, and the realization of this fear can be seen in The Batman's JL team (that's not a direct comparison :p). Granted, Clark is an alien, but it's important to note that the desire for "Diversity" is a much more broad topic. It's not about skin color, and it shouldn't be. NOTHING should be. It's about character diversity, so they interact with each other in interesting ways.

I thought the plot was a little general/kiddish, but I forgave it because it was fine for what it was. This is the same reason I'm okay with logic being applied to why Hawkman and GL can have their powers stolen. You could even further that by asking why Superman could have his powers stolen COMPLETELY. Being a solar battery, it has been my opinion with EVERY version of Superman that he can just use the sun to recharge, if it's out. It would take a good long while before he is FULL strength and powers, but it shouldn't make him "human" (for lack of a better term).

Giving a cartoon show a euology sounds weird, unless you're a fanboy, but I gotta say Dr. Tooth's words were very well said.

If a network which is cold to cartoons (because they're starting to stink at it) wants to end your cartoon show, I doubt they're going to go all out for its series finale. So I wouldn't be sad if you wanted more from it. There was some fun to be had in this show. Remember Hugo Strange and the Zombies? That was cool. And remember Joker's Swich Batman plan? That was really cool too. I'd like to end on that note, but I can't help but agree that it raises an eyebrow that they'd cancel this Batman show just before the next movie is coming out. The only thing they're good at these days is milking stuff like that. They don't want to?

Thats the kind of criticism/review of the show that I respect, not the "The Batman sucked cause Joker didnt have shoes!" crap that I see far too much.

[Reg]

Kinda bummed it had to end but all good things do. I missed a lot of The Batman's first seasons but started watching during seasons 4 and 5. I should pick up all the DVD sets. Hopefully season 5 will get released this year.

These eps were a nice way of reinforcing that Batman, despite having no powers can be the most dangers being a group of heroes who have powers. I didn't expect Hugo Strange to be the last villain for the series finale but for the type of story they had he works well with it.

[batsy2]

Kinda bummed it had to end but all good things do. I missed a lot of The Batman's first seasons but started watching during seasons 4 and 5. I should pick up all the DVD sets. Hopefully season 5 will get released this year.

These eps were a nice way of reinforcing that Batman, despite having no powers can be the most dangers being a group of heroes who have powers. I didn't expect Hugo Strange to be the last villain for the series finale but for the type of story they had he works well with it.

they already confirmed season 5 will come to dvd later this year

[M.O.D.O.K.]

I don't know about you guys, but was anyone else bothered by the fact that the computer in the Bat-cave was all fine and dandy? I mean, "The End of the Batman" showed it was blown up, and it was produced before this finale. I just thought that was kinda weird.

[Bobbywoodhogan]

I've only watched this episode twice but I have to say I think its brilliant. Its one of the best Justice League team ups I've watched in animation. If I had a complaint though it would be that the Justice League seemed to dispatch of the Super powered robots a little too quickly but thats just a nitpick. It was a great way to end the Batman its a shame they didnt do a DTV of this version of the JLA as I would have loved to have seen more of them but still a superb episode 4.5 out of 5

Further notes: I loved Toyman's design and loved the opening sequence when Batman and Superman went after him.