Pick The Best 'Batman: The Animated Series Episode - Poll #4

[James Harvey]

The fourth of 12 polls has begun! Below are the voting choices for the fourth 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 fourth 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 #5 Begins Monday, March 4th!!

Here's the rundown for episodes #31 - 40:

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Episode #031 - The Cape and Cowl Conspiracy
Original Airdate - October 14th, 1992.

Batman investigates a theft of bearer bonds intended for the starving people of Byelocroatia. One suspect is Baron Waclow Jozek, a European nobleman. He confronts Jozek, who tells him that Josiah Wormwood, the 'deathtrap specialist', is responsible for theft. Jozek contacts Wormwood and sets him a task; to use his talents to get Batman's cape and cowl.

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Episode #032 - Robin's Reckoning: Part 1
Original Airdate - February 7th, 1993.

When Batman and Robin bust up an extortion, Batman learns the name of the gang leader. To Robin's surprise, he refuses to let Robin continue the investigating with him, preferring to work alone instead. When Robin discovers the truth, he finds that the case is connected with Tony Zucco, a gangster who was responsible for the death of Robin's parents.

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Episode #033 - The Laughing Fish
Original Airdate - January 10th, 1993.

The Joker has developed a chemical which induces "Joker" smiles on fish. He makes a visit to the Gotham copyright offices, demanding a copyright for his Joker fish. When the frightened bureaucrats tell him that such a copyright is impossible, he threatens to kill them one by one until he gets what he wants.

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Episode #034 - Night of the Ninja
Original Airdate - October 26th, 1992.

Wayne Enterprises' various companies are robbed by a mysterious figure known as the Ninja. Batman and Robin discover that the Ninja is actually Kyodai Ken, the only man who could beat Bruce Wayne when they studied martial arts together as boys in Japan. Bruce exposed Kyodai's attempt to rob the dojo, which got Kyodai expelled and now Kyodai is back for revenge.

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Episode #035 - Cat Scratch Fever
Original Airdate - November 5th, 1992.

While tracking down her missing cat, Selina Kyle uncovers a plot by Roland Daggett and his company scientist, Professor Milo, to infect animals with a disease that will spread through the city's strays and eventually affect the human populace as well. Daggett, of course, has the only cure, which he plans to introduce onto the market at a high price.

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Episode #036 - The Strange Secret of Bruce Wayne
Original Airdate - October 29th, 1992.

When Judge Vargas, a friend of Bruce Wayne's, is blackmailed by Dr. Hugo Strange, Bruce journeys to Strange's health resort in Yucca Springs to investigate. Strange has invented a machine that can see people's thoughts, and he uses this on Bruce to discover that Bruce is Batman. He then attempts to auction Batman's secret identity to the Joker, Two-Face and the Penguin.

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Episode #037 - Robin's Reckoning: Part 2
Original Airdate - February 14th, 1993.

Robin heads off in hot pursuit of Tony Zucco, despite Batman's forbidding him to do it. Some tricky detective work takes him to the crook's hideout at the old amusement pier where Zucco has accidentally trapped Batman.

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Episode #038 - Heart of Steel: Part 1
Original Airdate - November 16th, 1992.

High-tech secrets are stolen from Wayne Enterprises by a robot and Barbara Gordon suspects that her father is not herself. Both instances lead to a plan by HARDAC, an Artificial Intelligence computer created by Karl Rossum, to supplant humanity with machines. Batman soon investigates, only to put his identity on the line.

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Episode #039 - If You're So Smart, Why Aren't You Rich?
Original Airdate - November 18th, 1992.

When Edward Nygma, the creator of the computer game, "Riddle of the Minotaur," demands his share of profits he is fired. Nygma vows revenge, and years later when his former boss is selling his company Nygma makes his move, in a new guise, that of the Riddler!

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Episode #040 - Joker's Wild
Original Airdate - November 19th, 1992.

An enraged Joker breaks out of Arkham Asylum when he learns billionaire developer Cameron Kaiser has built a gambling casino exploiting the evil clown's likeness. Batman is also infuriated, knowing the Joker will destroy the casino and everyone in it to avenge his wounded pride.

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Poll #5 Begins Monday, March 4th!!

[Naraht]

If you're so Smart, why are you voting?

Seriously, this is the Ridder's week. He's so awesome in this episode, and the ending is just spot on. Robin shines in the ep, so even you Robin fans need to vote for the episode with the really long title.

[JusticeLeagueLegion]

I went with "Robin's Reckoning" Part One.

[Divv]

I did the same JLL. I really got into Robin's Reckoning part one. I'm not even that huge a Robin fan either but I thought that this episode just edged 'If you're so smart' - which I saw for the first time this morning.

[Bird Boy]

I went with.. Robin's Reckoning Part 2...I liked pt2 better for some reason...

-BB

[Sparvid]

The Laughing Fish.

I loved how they took two comic stories (Batman #251 "The Joker's Five-Way Revenge" & Detective #475 "The Laughing Fish") and created a funny and interesting episode.

[Ed Liu]

Howdy all,

Hey, isn't "Heart of Steel" supposed to have a Part 1 or 2 attached to it?

So far, I think this is the toughest poll yet. My current front-runners:

- Robin's Reckoning Part 1 & 2: The image of the Flying Graysons and the way their death was depicted was a moment in animation that is unsurpassed. I also really dug the Akira and Bettie Page references in Pt. 2.

- The Laughing Fish: A remake of the Denny O'Neil classic, well done except for the cop-out with Batman's quick-on-the-draw Joker venom antidote so nobody actually dies (if he has it, why doesn't he just distribute it to all of Gotham and defang the Joker permanently?)

- The Strange Secret of Bruce Wayne: I know a lot of people don't like this one, but I do. Hugo Strange was an interesting character in that arc that remade him in Legends of the Dark Knight, and I thought the episode was an entertaining and wildly fun romp through familiar 1950's Batman stories.

- Heart of Steel: Nothing less than a loving homage to almost every classic sci-fi killer robot story ever told! I fondly remember playing "Spot the Reference" on the rec.arts.animation newsgroup at the time (this was back when "http" didn't mean anything =8^), and learning all kinds of things I never would have known (e.g., the first usage of the word "Robot"was in a Czech play called "Rossums Universal Robots," which is referred to directly in the character Carl Rossum and in the "RUR" license plate at the start of the show). In addition, it sets the stage for Barbara Gordon to eventually become Batgirl.

So, out of 10 episodes, I have 5 potential candidates to choose from (6 if "Heart of Steel" is parts 1 & 2). Sometimes, life can be so difficult =8^).

Here's a question for the board: does it make sense to have Parts 1 and 2 as separate poll entries, or as a single story? If they're separate, should we put both episodes in the same poll or in different ones?

-- Ed/Ace

[DisneyBoy]

I'm really going to be torn between both parts of the "Robin's Reckoning" storyline and "The Laughing Fish" - the latter being most likely the best episode of the entire series. I think T.L.F. will win this round, because it had the best of everything: atmosphere, action, animation, plot...That episode is pure gold!


But can it compete with Robin's origin tale?

[PeppeRaskell1]

Originally posted by DisneyBoy
I'm really going to be torn between both parts of the "Robin's Reckoning" storyline and "The Laughing Fish" - the latter being most likely the best episode of the entire series. I think T.L.F. will win this round, because it had the best of everything: atmosphere, action, animation, plot...That episode is pure gold!


But can it compete with Robin's origin tale?

I also liked "Laughing Fish," but I voted for Part One of "Robin's Reckoning," because it tells us the story of how Robin became Batman's sidekick, and also shows us some of the rebelliousness that later caused the Dynamic Duo to break up, and eventually led to Dick Grayson becoming Nightwing. It also featured Thomas F. Wilson ("Biff" from the BTTF movies) as the voice of the episode's villain, Zucco.

[Naraht]

Wow..lots of laughing fish fans out there...

funny, since I didn't even like the ep. =p Oh well, I'm 0 for 3 so far, looks like 0 for 4....

[Failure]

Weren't the poll results going to be hidden?

[James Harvey]

Originally posted by Failure
Weren't the poll results going to be hidden?

Yeah - but the poll didn't want to agree with me there. I'll try and figure it out intime (hopefully) for the next one.

[Joe Wagner]

I had to go with Steel Heart Part 1 here. I just remembering seeing this ep and being totally blwon away by it. I also enjoyed the unique take on the "Invasion of the body snatchers" type of a story. This was a tough choice as I did like "If you're so smart..." and "Robins Reckoning" quite a bit. I guess Steel Heart just edged over them a little bit.

-Joe!

[Blight]

"The Laughing Fish" was my choice. That was a great episode, not to mention a bit creepy (with those smiles plastered on the peoples faces and all). I also loved it when Batman switched places with that guy, only for the plan to end up not working. That was a ridiculously accurate impersonation of Batman that guy made.

See ya!
Blight

[Mattashell]

Unfortunately, the two popular ones, Robin's Reckoning (both parts), and Laughing Fish, are the two I haven't seen this week. R'sR sounds like it definitely deserved it. My choice came between Heart of Steel, and If Your So Smart..., I went with If Your So Smart...

Matta

[Failure]

Originally posted by Jim Harvey


Yeah - but the poll didn't want to agree with me there. I'll try and figure it out intime (hopefully) for the next one.

Cool.

It looks like we have a tight, two-pronged battle here. I hope we get a lot of poll participation this time around. I'd hate to see them end.

[jm5150bc]

Robin's Reckoning - Part 1... ABSOLUTELY.

Pure Brilliance. One of the best, if not arguably THE best, of the entire series. The flashback sequences are amazing, the animation was great (although part 2 was pretty weak in comparison to part 1.), the story was great. What else can you say ???!!

For the record, I was a big fan of "The Laughing Fish" also...
That's certainly one of my Top Ten...

[Karkull]

If You're So Smart, Why Aren't You Rich? for the reasons I mentioned on another thread last week. This was the best version of the Riddler I've ever seen, and the fact that he's not wearing that stupid jumpsuit clinches it!

[The Dark Knight]

I have the feeling Robin's Reckoning (part 1) is going to walk away with this poll without even breaking a sweat, but I always liked the origin stories of the villains more than the heroes. They're just more interesting.

[Lucky Bob]

Is it just me, or are all the good episodes on the other polls?

[Justice League 2000]

hello my good friends I vote it the laughing fish because

1. so funny

2. the laughing cat

3. the laughing fish :)

[James Harvey]

I think they may be a close one. Robin's Reckoning Part 1 features, arguably, the best animation of the series, while Laughing Fish is a great Joker tale. I think they may be neck and neck for awhole, then Robin will win it.

[Maxie Zeus]

1. We get a great adaptation of a great story, and one that actually improves on the original comic. That great ending in the aquarium is actually lifted off of "The Joker's Five Way Revenge." This is a classic example of how an adaptation should proceed: by isolating the great bits of the comic, thinking them through, and improving on them where possible.

2. The Joker's scheme is ingenious, and he has a whale of a good time putting it over. Everything clicks: The ingenious plot for getting rich, the nasty way he takes out (or tries to take out) an innocent pencil-pusher as an extra joke, the chortling fun he has with the commercial and at the aquarium.

3. Batman is supposed to be a detective, and in this one he really does show his mettle. Not just in the "I'll dump it in the Batcomputer and see what gets spit out" way, but in the real "Let's think things through, and try to anticipate the Joker's moves and motives" manner.

---------------------
Yeah, this isn't the most stellar bunch of eps. "Robin's Reckoning (I)" is a close contender, but I have a prejudice against voting for individual "parts" to a multi-parter. I prefer to think of them together as a single ep. (But that's just me. :p )

[Goop]

I voted for " If Your So Rich ". I thought the episode was put together well and introduced I great villian like the Riddler. The Riddle of the Minotaur was cool. The ending was eerie and left people wondering when the Riddler would be back.

[The Game]

I voted for "The Laughing Fish" because it is just such a sick, awesome episode- probably the best Joker episode of the series. I echo the comments Maxie made about why it's so strong-

Go Laughing Fish! :D

[Joker85]

My vote went to the Laughing Fish. This is without a doubt the best Joker eppy of all time. Classic episode. It was a tough decision though. Robin's Reckoning is GREAT!! In the end, I had to be true to the J-Man! :D

[Sugar Daddy]

Robin's Reckoning Part 2 is what I vote for. I havent picked the winner yet. Hopefully I will someday.

[Knight2]

I thought The Cape and Cowl Conspiracy was really good. I loved how Batman outsmarted that guy who thought he was so smart! :D

[Barb Gordon]

Ack, this is evil!!! *sobs* making me attempt to choose between either Part 1 or Part 2 of Robin's Reckoning?! *dies*....anyhoo, I voted for Part 1,lol. Although Night of the Ninja probably would have been my third choice, I always liked seeing that one.

Barb^-^

[The Penguin]

"I know. You keep thinking. . . 'If only I could have done something differently. . . If only I could have. . . warned them.' But there isn't anything you could have done. There isn't anything either of us could have done." -Bruce Wayne to Dick Grayson, Robin's Reckoning, Part I

I almost voted for the Riddler, but this episode is just too powerful to pass on. I always like the retelling of origins in the animated world and this one is excellent imo. You really feel Dick's pain in both this one and Part 2. I can't wait til these two come back up on CN!

[adoptedBatpuppy]

I just close my eyes and pick a random episode, since I did not watch all of the episodes just some of them.

[Failure]

Originally posted by Rimma Likover
I just close my eyes and pick a random episode, since I did not watch all of the episodes just some of them.

Doesn't it make more sense to pick from the one's you've seen, at least you know how it is then.

[Theking]

Well I had to go with Robin part 1.
I remember first seeing it and just sick that I had to wait a Whole WEEK to be able to see part 2.
I liked Biff as one of the voices, that was a nice touch.
So go Robin Part 1, I will be voting for 3 out of 4 winners if this ep wins.

:D

TheKing

[sun]

Tony Zucco is one of the most believeable villians ever introduced in the series. A greedy, selfish leader of an extortion gang, hangs around in slezzy places, and keeps turing up...Yea, it is possible that a guy like that really exists, or has, and has committed crimes . He is really a lier and a thief, coward too, takes some detective work to find him...Part 2, is very good, in the carnival, and shooting at the Merry Go Round, but Part 1, introduces a real person, kind of killer that gets away, and turns up again...Too real,unfortunately, often, the wrong individual is convicted with a guy like Zucco getting away.. If anyone reads the news, they know that this does indeed happen....I think this is one of the great eps of all....Stuart

[James Harvey]

A huge highlight for Robin's Reckoning Part 1 is the amazing animation. Just watch that opening sequence. Look at all the shading and coloring. Layers upon layers of color. Just...wow. Episodes don't get much better than this!

[Theking]

So, Jim

How may votes it a success?

I was just wondering if 500 votes is great but 100 is still good?

TheKing

ps. is this considered off subject? (curious)

[Joe G.]

I've been waiting for this little batch just so I could vote for Robin's Reckoning, Part I. I am very hard-pressed to think of any better episode in the entire 85-episode run of the original B:TAS. Perchance to Dream and I Am The Night come close, but they still fall short of the retelling of Robin's origin.'

I chose Part I for two reasons:

1. The craps-shooting scene. This is a great character development scene. You see that Bruce is still new at doing what he's doing (he hesitates before he gives them his name like he hadn't thought up an alias before; the precursor to Matches Malone :)), but that the parts that he KNOWS he knows REAL WELL (the cracking of the knuckles was GREAT). That and the lack of a yellow oval around the bat just made my day. If only TNBA had stuck with the original animation style.

2. The Flying Graysons' death scene. POWERFUL stuff. The first time I saw it I was a little disappointed (I was a little kid at the time, I wanted blood and guts :-D), but I watched it again a few weeks ago and a chill ran down my spine. The suspense leading up to it, the music, the frayed rope, the use of shadows, the crowd reaction, Dick's reaction, Bruce's reaction...EVERYTHING about this scene is PERFECT.

Scratch that, everything about this EPISODE is perfect. That's why it got my vote. An excellent set-up to an excellent story.

[Lucky Bob]

Where are the Harley Quinn episodes? They were funny! We should at least have one per poll!

[Naraht]

Originally posted by luckybob1985
Where are the Harley Quinn episodes? They were funny! We should at least have one per poll!

Laughing Fish had Harley in it...and we're going in ORDER..rather than haphhazardly.

[rhynokane]

I voted for Laughing Fish because I think Joker is the best. Also because it was a good episode and the only episode on the list that I've seen within the last year.

[Lucky Bob]

Originally posted by naraht


Laughing Fish had Harley in it...and we're going in ORDER..rather than haphhazardly.

Well, I mean having her as a central character, or one of them anyway. But I can see your point.

[Terminatah]

Originally posted by Rimma Likover
I just close my eyes and pick a random episode, since I did not watch all of the episodes just some of them. Thanks for helping, but that kinda DEFEATS THE ENTIRE PURPOSE OF THE POLL.

-Terminatah

[The Penguin]

To get the average we'll still get about 100 votes. This poll can still go to anyone really. Keep on voting people. :)


And a special TZ welcome to rhynokane! Hope you stick around. We still have many weeks of polling to go! :D

[peterparker05]

I voted for The Laughing Fish because its one of my favorite episodes for reasons that have all ready been mentioned by countless others. Also, the Joker himself was pure evil in the ending moments of that episode. It was great!

By the way, why are you trying to make it so we can't see who's winning the poll, JH? I'm just curious because I kind of like to know who's winning.

[James Harvey]

Originally posted by peterparker05
By the way, why are you trying to make it so we can't see who's winning the poll, JH? I'm just curious because I kind of like to know who's winning.

Hiding the votes means that posters would have to wait until they voted to see the results. They would be unable to click the "view results" button. This may initiate more posters to help. But I can't seem to get it working properly for some reason, so I'll have to hold back on that. But things are going great this week....

[peterparker05]

ohhh


I'd never even seen that option. I thought that you meant that we wouldn't be able to see results even after we voted.

[Terminatah]

Originally posted by Jim Harvey


Hiding the votes means that posters would have to wait until they voted to see the results. They would be unable to click the "view results" button. This may initiate more posters to help. But I can't seem to get it working properly for some reason, so I'll have to hold back on that. But things are going great this week.... Another good reason to hide the results:

Everyone is changing their opinion of which episode really is their favorite. They might like one episode, then look at the results and think, "Oh, my real choice is never going to win. I'll just cast my vote for one of these two runaways, where I can really make a difference." This is why the results always end up with one or two episodes destroying the competition. I guarantee we'd see more natural results if we kept the ballot secret. Had this secret ballot policy been implemented in earlier polls, we might have seen different winners.

-Terminatah

[The Game]

Everyone is changing their opinion of which episode really is their favorite. They might like one episode, then look at the results and think, "Oh, my real choice is never going to win. I'll just cast my vote for one of these two runaways, where I can really make a difference." This is why the results always end up with one or two episodes destroying the competition. I guarantee we'd see more natural results if we kept the ballot secret. Had this secret ballot policy been implemented in earlier polls, we might have seen different winners.

What's wrong with making your vote count? If I'd known the general results in the first poll, I would have voted for "On Leather Wings" instead of 'Pretty Poison", because voting for Pretty Poison was like a waste- where as I might have helped On Leather Wings defeat Two-Face Part 1.

I understand what you're saying- every episode should get an equal shake from the fans, but I don't think there's anything wrong with making your vote count.

[Terminatah]

Originally posted by thegame8866


What's wrong with making your vote count? If I'd known the general results in the first poll, I would have voted for "On Leather Wings" instead of 'Pretty Poison", because voting for Pretty Poison was like a waste- where as I might have helped On Leather Wings defeat Two-Face Part 1.

I understand what you're saying- every episode should get an equal shake from the fans, but I don't think there's anything wrong with making your vote count. Yah, my point is that Pretty Poison might have gotten more votes if it weren't for people voting according to previous voters, rather than their own instincts. The misconception is that your vote will only count if you give it to one of the current vote leaders. Hiding the results before a vote is cast helps eliminate that option.

-Terminatah

[Meow]

Dang...I was pretty sure "The Laughing Fish" would be in the lead, but it looks like "Robin's Reckoning" is definately going to win this one. :(

[BatChick]

I had to vote for "The Strange Secret of Bruce Wayne" because I love the ending. Here is Strange thinking he's got Batman right where he wants him, and what happens? The Bat outsmarts him.

When are these villians going to learn there's no way to outsmart the "worlds greatest dective?"

[Heehaw]

There's really only 4 1/2 worthy shows on this list so it was alot easier than the last one. The two Robin's Reckoning, Laughing Fish, Ninja, and Cape and Cowl(the 1/2). The rest of it is some of the lamest in the series, esp Strange Secret, Riddler, and Cat Scratch.

I went with Robin 1. This is some of the most beautiful animation in any show or film. Stunning stuff and this type of stuff is why I get so miffed at the poor quality of Justice League animation. After Robin's Reckoning(and other equally impressive BTAS shows), everything else is meaningless and kiddie trash.

A person should never vote on something simply because it is the leader or close to it. Vote what you think is the right choice. The poll results should be hidden until after a person places a vote. Anything else taints the results. Also, posters should refrain from blurting out who the leader is in their posts(WOW, so and so looks like it's going to win this time). That can also taint the vote.

[Theking]

Originally posted by Heehaw

I went with Robin 1. This is some of the most beautiful animation in any show or film. Stunning stuff and this type of stuff is why I get so miffed at the poor quality of Justice League animation. After Robin's Reckoning(and other equally impressive BTAS shows), everything else is meaningless and kiddie trash.



I go more for the voices than the animation really.
I liked the voice choises they used in the Robin Part 1 ep.
boy don't get me started on the voice for Superman in Justice League.

TheKing

:p :cool:

[Terminatah]

Excerpt from Batman: Animated detailing Shirley Walker's work as composer:

With the episode "The Laughing Fish," director Bruce Timm wanted to make the Joker scarier than he had been before. Unfortunately, the finished animation came back weaker than expected, and many of the frightening touches Bruce put into his board played rather flat on screen. To overcome the disappointing animation, Bruce turned to Shirley's score to pick up the slack: "I asked her to make it sound like a horror film," Bruce recalled. "Not a forties Boris Karloff film, but like Aliens or The Exorcist, with really dissonant, nonmelodic music. At the time I had just read a piece about Psycho and it never dawned on me before, but there are no woodwinds or brass in that film. The entire score is done with strings. And I started thinking that might be kind of a neat thing to do with this show, just play everything stripped down and haunting. There's a full symphonic orchestra in there, but a lot of the earlier cues are just moaning violas. From the first moment the Joker shows up, even though he's acting funny and wacky, Shirley has the strings doing something really strange. They're not playing his silliness, they're playing the underlying threat of what he's doing. It kicks the scene up a notch in terms of tension. It's one of our most unusual scores and it works really well."

-Terminatah

[Heehaw]

I 100% agree with the comments on the score to The Laughing Fish. Amazing stuff, truly bizarre. I have to disagree about the animation being weak, though. Some of the best in a Joker or any episode episode as far as I'm concerned.

[DisneyBoy]

I voted for Laughing Fish . It is THE quintessential Batman: The Animated Series episode. I really don't find it fair that two or three great episodes have to go up against one another like this, especially since only one can be chosen to move on to the next round, but thems the breaks!

T.L.F. had amazing animation, a chilling story, beautiful music, the "film noir" style that embodies the entire essence of the show, Joker, Batman, Harley as well as an interesting supporting cast. I really feel this episode deserves to be counted amung the best of the best! Let's help it get there!

SO VOTE FOR "THE LAUGHING FISH"!!!

[Spider-Man]

Originally posted by DisneyBoy
I really don't find it fair that two or three great episodes have to go up against one another like this, especially since only one can be chosen to move on to the next round, but thems the breaks!


But that's the whole point of the poll, to determine the best. Granted, some real awesome episodes are gonna go against each other, but they would have in future rounds. I think Maxie made this point earlier. Besides, this seems to be the best, quickest way to do the poll. I'm sure Jim wouldn't want to do a 109 week poll. So far, I'm happy with the results - and eager to see ROUND TWO come!

[Harley Fan]

The Laughing Fish is one of my all time favorite episodes - it really shows just how sick of a guy the Joker can be.

[dark knight acolyte]

I am completely against anyone tainting the vote by "trying to make their vote count." Making your vote count is not looking at what episode is in the lead or close to it and supporting it. All that is accomplished in doing that is pampering other people's votes. Think about it like this.

Let's say an episode is up by 10 votes on another episode and 20 people look at that number who would have voted for the trailing episode but instead vote for the one that would "make their vote count", the leading eps. Let's say 10 vote for the episode they like and 10 others vote for who they think will win. That allows the leading episode to win by 10...and the margin there is the number of people who voted against their favorite episode, hence costing it the victory. Keep in mind, that not only could those 10 votes have been gived to the episode you think is deserving, but also they would not have gone to the pampered episode. Hence, each time you vote for an episode that is in the leader board, it has a 2 way impact....and in the end that created a HUGE margin on some of the polls.

So everyone, just be honest with your votes. SIt back without peaking, consider what episode you felt was best or tht oyu liked the most and support it. To not do that is a dishonor to the episode you like.....and furthermore, the only votes that then truly count are those of the people who voted for the leader out of a true love of the episode whose votes you pampers, in some ways making yours count less if at all.

And if your favorite ep isn't in the running, hey....at least you were honest and gave it your best, HONEST shot.

Remember, accuracy is the key here. Just like the Russians shouldnt' have won an Olympic Gold, don't give some undeserved episode (in your opinion) your vote. Be true to wht oyu think

Sorry to get so lengthy, but that needed cleared up. I hope you all agree. It's just more accurate that way.

[Salvor]

Originally posted by Heehaw
I 100% agree with the comments on the score to The Laughing Fish. Amazing stuff, truly bizarre. I have to disagree about the animation being weak, though. Some of the best in a Joker or any episode episode as far as I'm concerned.
I agree with you. I liked the animation in this episode. The finale looked especially great! I wonder why BT felt let down...

Still I voted for Robin I. The animation was absolutely amazing, the story chilling, the direction mind-boggling... one of the best best BTAS eps for sure.

[James Harvey]

I didn't mind the animation in Laugh Fish. It wasn't horrible (a la Joker's Wild) or great (a la Robin's Reckoning) but it's not completely bad. I was always a bit mystified about that comments.

And I second dark knight acolyte's bid for some honesty in these polls. If alot of these votes are just padding, then I'll have to close the poll. I want results that are as accurate as possible, so please be honest!

[sun]

Originally posted by Jim Harvey
I didn't mind the animation in Laugh Fish. It wasn't horrible (a la Joker's Wild) or great (a la Robin's Reckoning) but it's not completely bad. I was always a bit mystified about that comments.

And I second dark knight acolyte's bid for some honesty in these polls. If alot of these votes are just padding, then I'll have to close the poll. I want results that are as accurate as possible, so please be honest!

It is sad that anyone has to write this...I do not want to think of the fact that people would post, just to add some lies to this forum...so much great info here, ideas, exchanges of thought...about a wonderful, fun topic, if people are lieing here, or padding for the sake of whatever,please, go elsewhere....I am with Jim on this one...Thanks STuart

[Caped Crusader]

This is really tough! There's so many good eps to choose from, but the best one on this poll would probably be Robin's Reckoning--it's one my favorite episodes. I'm just trying to decide on which part I should choose--they're both so good. It would be a lot easier making a decision if the two-part episodes were together. But, since I have to pick one, I guess I'd have to go with the first part--it had some of the best animation of the entire series, and it was nice seeing Robin's origin.

[The Game]

Hey- I have a question.

Why in "The Laughing Fish" did the title of the episode not appear like in all other B:TAS episode with that title card thingie, and instead just appeared in white letters like TNBA? Also, why did they go to the white letters in TNBA anyway?

[Phantom Cruiser]

Originally posted by Jim Harvey
The fourth of 12 polls has begun! Below are the voting choices for the fourth 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 fourth 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 #5 Begins Monday, March 4th!!

Here's the rundown for episodes #31 - 40:

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Episode #031 - The Cape and Cowl Conspiracy
Original Airdate - October 14th, 1992.

Batman investigates a theft of bearer bonds intended for the starving people of Byelocroatia. One suspect is Baron Waclow Jozek, a European nobleman. He confronts Jozek, who tells him that Josiah Wormwood, the 'deathtrap specialist', is responsible for theft. Jozek contacts Wormwood and sets him a task; to use his talents to get Batman's cape and cowl.

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Episode #032 - Robin's Reckoning: Part 1
Original Airdate - February 7th, 1993.

When Batman and Robin bust up an extortion, Batman learns the name of the gang leader. To Robin's surprise, he refuses to let Robin continue the investigating with him, preferring to work alone instead. When Robin discovers the truth, he finds that the case is connected with Tony Zucco, a gangster who was responsible for the death of Robin's parents.

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Episode #033 - The Laughing Fish
Original Airdate - January 10th, 1993.

The Joker has developed a chemical which induces "Joker" smiles on fish. He makes a visit to the Gotham copyright offices, demanding a copyright for his Joker fish. When the frightened bureaucrats tell him that such a copyright is impossible, he threatens to kill them one by one until he gets what he wants.

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Episode #034 - Night of the Ninja
Original Airdate - October 26th, 1992.

Wayne Enterprises' various companies are robbed by a mysterious figure known as the Ninja. Batman and Robin discover that the Ninja is actually Kyodai Ken, the only man who could beat Bruce Wayne when they studied martial arts together as boys in Japan. Bruce exposed Kyodai's attempt to rob the dojo, which got Kyodai expelled and now Kyodai is back for revenge.

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Episode #035 - Cat Scratch Fever
Original Airdate - November 5th, 1992.

While tracking down her missing cat, Selina Kyle uncovers a plot by Roland Daggett and his company scientist, Professor Milo, to infect animals with a disease that will spread through the city's strays and eventually affect the human populace as well. Daggett, of course, has the only cure, which he plans to introduce onto the market at a high price.

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Episode #036 - The Strange Secret of Bruce Wayne
Original Airdate - October 29th, 1992.

When Judge Vargas, a friend of Bruce Wayne's, is blackmailed by Dr. Hugo Strange, Bruce journeys to Strange's health resort in Yucca Springs to investigate. Strange has invented a machine that can see people's thoughts, and he uses this on Bruce to discover that Bruce is Batman. He then attempts to auction Batman's secret identity to the Joker, Two-Face and the Penguin.

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Episode #037 - Robin's Reckoning: Part 2
Original Airdate - February 14th, 1993.

Robin heads off in hot pursuit of Tony Zucco, despite Batman's forbidding him to do it. Some tricky detective work takes him to the crook's hideout at the old amusement pier where Zucco has accidentally trapped Batman.

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Episode #038 - Heart of Steel: Part 1
Original Airdate - November 16th, 1992.

High-tech secrets are stolen from Wayne Enterprises by a robot and Barbara Gordon suspects that her father is not herself. Both instances lead to a plan by HARDAC, an Artificial Intelligence computer created by Karl Rossum, to supplant humanity with machines. Batman soon investigates, only to put his identity on the line.

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Episode #039 - If You're So Smart, Why Aren't You Rich?
Original Airdate - November 18th, 1992.

When Edward Nygma, the creator of the computer game, "Riddle of the Minotaur," demands his share of profits he is fired. Nygma vows revenge, and years later when his former boss is selling his company Nygma makes his move, in a new guise, that of the Riddler!

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Episode #040 - Joker's Wild
Original Airdate - November 19th, 1992.

An enraged Joker breaks out of Arkham Asylum when he learns billionaire developer Cameron Kaiser has built a gambling casino exploiting the evil clown's likeness. Batman is also infuriated, knowing the Joker will destroy the casino and everyone in it to avenge his wounded pride.

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Poll #5 Begins Monday, March 4th!!


Definitely "Robin's Reckoning, Part One". Great flashback sequences, and nice to see an older version of Batman's costume.

[Terminatah]

Originally posted by thegame8866
Hey- I have a question.

Why in "The Laughing Fish" did the title of the episode not appear like in all other B:TAS episode with that title card thingie, and instead just appeared in white letters like TNBA? Also, why did they go to the white letters in TNBA anyway? The answer to your questions is in the book Batman: Animated. There is an overleaf gatefold with a gallery of all the title cards from BTAS in chronological order. The Laughing Fish is on there, so you must be mistaken about it not having a title card. It's a picture of a storefront sign (of a laughing fish) with the title written across in cool white text. This excerpt details a brief history of the beautiful title cards:

These imaginatively rendered title cards were a high point of each Batman episode. While some (like "Harley's Holiday" and "Time out of Joint") were character portraits, most often the cards depicted an emotional impression of the given episode's theme. According to Eric Radomski, who designed many of the cards, "Going with the overall retro-forties feel we were giving the show, we wanted to treat the episodes as mini-movies. The title cards allowed us to create great drama in a very subtle fashion. It was a process of trying to capture what the overall episode was, and not just show a scene or moment from it."

When Eric did select an actual shot from an episode, such as the image of Batman in a straightjacket from "Dreams in Darkness," he stripped it down even more, casting the figure into silhouette, picking up little highlights on his costume and lighting him from above with the vertical shadows of his cell bars. Right away the audience would see Batman had gone nuts, he was in an insane asylum, and they would be hooked into seeing what happened next.

Coming up with the perfect image was sometimes harder than it looked. Case in point: "Harley and Ivy." Remembers Radomski, "It was natural to go in and draw these two luscious babes, but at the same time it was just looking too toony. And we certainly couldn't depict them sexually because the network would have screamed at us for that." What Eric and artist Glen Murakami ultimately devised were abstract swirls of red, black, orange, and green, representing each villainess's color scheme and conveying the generally lighthearted mood of the episode.

When Batman moved to the Kids' WB! network the title cards were dropped, partially to differentiate the new Batman series from the old, and partially because Eric's departure left no one with time to devote to them.

-Terminatah

[Borg4of3]

Me loves the Batman: Animated book!

:hugs Batman: Animated :

Actually, the Laughing Fish's "title card" is simply the opening shot (animated) of the episode with the BTNS type white letters. After the words fade out, it pans to the first scene of the ep, the fishermen catching the 'laughing fish'. I didn't notice it until thegame mentioned it. Good catch! And thx Terminatah for reminding me about the Batman: Animated book!

:hugs Batman: Animated again: :D

[Darkseid]

i have to say i don't care for ow they're strucutred in one respect. You shouldn't have two part episodes divided here. Basically you're asking for people to vote for half a story and it's pretty hard to do that. they should be considered single choices. my two cents.

[James Harvey]

Originally posted by Darkseid
i have to say i don't care for ow they're strucutred in one respect. You shouldn't have two part episodes divided here. Basically you're asking for people to vote for half a story and it's pretty hard to do that. they should be considered single choices. my two cents.

It was the only way to get every episode their time in the sun. Besides, in some (well, most) two-parters, one episode was better than the other (FEAT OF CLAY - I'm looking at you! :)) so this way one part wouldn't be hampered by the other.

[Salvor]

Originally posted by Jim Harvey
It was the only way to get every episode their time in the sun. Besides, in some (well, most) two-parters, one episode was better than the other (FEAT OF CLAY - I'm looking at you! :)) so this way one part wouldn't be hampered by the other.
Very true. There is always a better part. Animation- and storywise.

[BLACKHEART]

What? The Laughing Fish is one of the greatest episodes in the history of animation.

[sun]

Originally posted by Jim Harvey


It was the only way to get every episode their time in the sun. Besides, in some (well, most) two-parters, one episode was better than the other (FEAT OF CLAY - I'm looking at you! :)) so this way one part wouldn't be hampered by the other.

I have to go with you on this one, each ep must stand on its own merits...Maxie will have me for this, but the truth is that part I of Robin's Reconing,is diferent than part two, not necessarity part of the whole....I did get a chance to view Feet of Clay Pt 2, that animaition is amazing, it was not the same as part l...So giving each ep it's own place in the sun, I think is right.

[dark knight acolyte]

Believe it or not, Game, a few episode titles started with an "in-episode" shot in the original style of the animated series.

The laughing fish starts in episode, as mentioned.

The Demon's Quest episodes start with dark backgrounds, in story, that actually are in the episode....in the first part, the title card was in the Batcave.

Heart of Ice had a snowy background that panned out to reveal the Nora Snowglobe and soon thereafter Mr. Freeze holding the globe, with a compelling and moving message to start the episode and to truly define him. (I've always thought DC Direct should release a Nora prop snowglobe place on the hand of Mr. Freeze).

I can't think of any others, but as seen, there were a few.

[dark knight acolyte]

I second Jim Harvey as far as dividing two parters into two individual episodes.

For example, I feel Two-Face pt. 1 is one of the GREATEST episodes in cartoon history, and probably the best in the series, with I am the Night a close second (my opinion). However, as a whole story, Two-Face pt. 2, while quite good, I feel does detract SOME from the story as a whole. If they were together, I would have voted for On Leather Wings as a whole story.

But.......this poll is for best episode.


Some people will say that dividing them up, based on how I see it, in basic terms cost On Leather Wings a deserved victory as it was the better overall story (if that is the consensus opinion)......

However, I feel that not dividing them up would have or at least could have ended the push for one of the all-time great single episodes of the animated series, Two-Face part one. Even further, lets say for some unEarthly reason that Two-Face part 2 has sucked as bad as well, lets say, Critters or the Mechanic (again, my opinion)...should the superb Two-Face part one, an absolute gem, be cost its victory? Remember...the poll is best episode as a whole, not storyline as a whole.....they are 2 different episodes.

This goes for any 2-parter in the series.

This of course, if just my opinion.

[The Penguin]

All of these arguments are good, but it's as simple as looking at the logistics of the polls.
Each poll is 10 episodes in production order. The fact of the matter is each episode whether "To Be Continued..." or not is still one episode, plus you get into the trouble of the two-parts not being in the same set of 10. Too many adjustments would have to be made in order to accommodate the split up pairs. It's just plain easier to just pull the next 10 off the list and throw up a poll, rather than editing the list and putting them together.

Anywho, back to voting. There's still time left. :)

[James Harvey]

Bingo!

I hope people start to vote. I am very dissapointed at the slumping turn out of this poll. If this continues, I don't know what I'm gonna do. I'd hate to have to close this becuase of lack of participation, so please SPREAD THE WORD.

[Terminatah]

Originally posted by Jim Harvey
Bingo!

I hope people start to vote. I am very dissapointed at the slumping turn out of this poll. If this continues, I don't know what I'm gonna do. I'd hate to have to close this becuase of lack of participation, so please SPREAD THE WORD. Why would you close it? Then you'll really have no votes.

Advertise, my good man.

-Terminatah

[DisneyBoy]

I just put up a post on the he-man.org boards to help get a few more people interested...

[James Harvey]

Originally posted by Terminatah
Why would you close it? Then you'll really have no votes.

Advertise, my good man.

-Terminatah

That is what I've been doing, but less and less people are participating. Why run a poll where participation is falling? If I close it, then...well...fine it's closed. I do have a cut off limit if it falls too low, but I'm just dissapointed.

[Terminatah]

Over 200 ain't too shabby.

-Terminatah

[James Harvey]

Over 200 is where I hope to keep it, but if it falls lower than that, then I may just cut the poll. I'd hate to do it, but if the participation isn't there, then why bother? I just really, really want this poll to be a success. It has been one so far, but not as big as I hoped.

[Sable Phoenix]

I guess I'm one of the only people who voted for "Night of the Ninja". I'll admit, as far as story and drama, it doesn't stand up to many of the other episodes. Robin's Reckoning has to be one of the greatest eps of Batman. But we're voting for which ep we enjoyed the most (I assume), and I've always loved "Night of the Ninja". Tons of rockin' martial arts action. I just love the part where the girl knocks Kyodai over and runs toward Batman, and Kyodai gets up and starts backflipping across the roof, landing in between Batman and the girl, then turns around and kicks her over the edge of the building. And a fight on the edge of a volcano! Can you top that? Plus there was a lot of subtitled Japanese dialogue, which added a very realistic feel to the episode for me.

Has anyone actually read up on the real life ninjas? They were AWESOME. The stuff they could do was just incredible; of course, they trained from their infancy and for their entire lives to do the stuff they did. So I have to give this ep the nod, just because I love ninjas.

[Maxie Zeus]

Originally posted by oldtoonguy


I have to go with you on this one, each ep must stand on its own merits...Maxie will have me for this,

:D

[James Harvey]

Well, participation continued to drop! Robin's Reckoning Part 1 pulled in the easy victory! The next poll begins tomorrow!

[The Dark Knight]

Will the results be hidden in the next poll?

[adoptedBatpuppy]

Originally posted by Jim Harvey
Well, participation continued to drop! Robin's Reckoning Part 1 pulled in the easy victory! The next poll begins tomorrow!

Don't get discouraged! You just need to wait for others to join in.