B:TAS "Heart of Steel, Parts 1 & 2" Talkback (Spoilers)

[James Harvey]

Discuss this classic two-part Batman: The Animated Series episode!


http://www.worldsfinestonline.com/WF/batman/btas/episodes/heartofsteelp1/00.jpg
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 himself. 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.

Episode #044 - Heart of Steel: Part 2
Original Airdate - November 17th, 1992.
Batman, upon escaping from being turned into a duplicant himself by HARDAC, is summoned by Barbara Gordon. She wants Batman's help to discover what is going on with her Father. Upon arriving at HARDAC's location separately, both Batman and Barbara discover the truth behind the recent behaviour of the Commissioner and other city officials.

Comments?

[JTurner954]

Before I begin, I would just like to say that this is a great block. Whenever my Fox affiliate messes up (and this has been happening more and more lately), Cartoon Network has great programming to calm me down. Tonight was even better since I haven't seen this episode in almost five years.

Anyway, I gave the episode four stars. This episode proves once again that there is no such thing as a bad Batman episode (I'm starting to think I'm a bigger batman fan than some of the people here with Batman-related screen names and avatars. Heck, I would give every episode five stars but it wouldn't be fair to everything else) .

New characters always get my attention, and this one gets even more since it involves robots (something I don't recall ever being done in other episodes and the comics). And seeing it again I completely forgot about Barbara's appearance and I now remember how she is used even more in Part 2. Animation was great as always, even though I saw those white spots show up from time to time which I can overlook. I really wish more Batman DVD's are being made.

Will Part 2 air next week, or will it be skipped like Robin's Reckoning was?

[Batman's Biggest Fan]

This is a brilliant episode and is among the best of B:TAS.

[MILatino]

Originally posted by BleuUnicorn
Sunday at 2:30 am EST "Heart of Steel: Part 1" airs on Cartoon Network.This is one of the classics in the B:TAS world. The writing, story, music, and acting are superb. Five stars from me.

Among other things, this story deals with "a day in the life of Bruce Wayne" as well as Batman. We see him at work and interacting with Lucius and we see Bruce Wayne actually having a life. It's nice when we see a lot of him out of costume, too. It's nice that a Bruce Wayne story doesn't have to directly deal just about Bruce's angst (parents and his emotions about it).

[Bleu Unicorn]

Ok, I'm going to start by saying AI freaks me out -- robots in general freak me out. After watching this, "His Silicon Soul" and The Matrix, I really, really am freaked out by AI. Having expressed this phobia, I'll continue on.

This is one of the better BTAS episodes in my mind. For one, we get quite a bit of Bruce Wayne here -- I always love these character development things. :D The plot is very interesting and is executed with almost perfect presicion. Rossum is a neat character -- and we meet him and learn that Bruce learned about electronics under him. We also get our very first glimpse of Barbara Gordon, our future Batgirl. I love that scene with her and Jim in Bruce's office. It's so touching. (Reminds me of my dad -- he saves everything of mine from when I was a kid, it's so endearing. :))

The whole robots taking over humans' lives thing, as I said, freaked me out majorly. But it really was one of those "on the edge of your seat" moments and I like that in a BTAS episode. Instead of knowing beyond a shadow of a doubt what exactly will happen. The cliffhanger for this episode (the first time I saw it) had me literally spellbound. I loved it.

The animation is a bit choppy in places -- and while that usually bugs the crap out of me -- it really doesn't detract from the brilliant arc we have here. All in all, I give it 4.5 stars.

[Joker85]

I just recently watched this episode on one of my tapes, so its real fresh in my mind! I love this one. Not only is it the first, and one of the best, appearances of Barbara Gordon-but it has a really cool plot! I just love it when Gordon Robot is telling Babs everything is "fine". That cracks me up! :D This is also one of the best cliffhangers of any BTAS episode. But, it's actually one of the few that I like part 2 better than part 1. I'm not sure why.
*runs off to watch part 2*

[Weatherman]

Great episoide, 4.5 stars. Looses that half star due to some variations in the character designs from time to time and all of the dust of the print. Come on CN, at least try to clean it up a bit. The dust was really distracting from time to time, but it was still a great episode. Good character development time and we got to hear Kevin Conroy switch from Bruce Wayne to Batman mode instantly. :D

[oranthal]

the guy who developed HARDAC, his character design and voice sounded like the guy who was in Blade Runner who had that disease where he looked older than he was supposed to be. does anyone know if he voiced the character in this episode?

[Calico]

****

I laughed outright several times during this episode, even though I don't think the episode was supposed to be comedic: The guard telling Bruce to wait in his office and Bruce's response; Alfred dusting the Batcomputer and then mopping up the water from the Batglider, and then his comment that AI robots could make all humans expendible - except butlers; Barbara's bear and the blush Jim gets when she explains he brings it whenever he picks her up; even that look Bruce gives Lucius when after whats-her-name gets to the office.

As usual I loved seeing Bruce doing some actual detective work. I was expecting the blonde (Roshanda?) to be a robot of Russum's daughter. HARDAC is exceptionally creepy. *shiver* Poor Barbara, she thinks her dad is mad at her.

Enough rambling, suffice to say I'm really looking forward to the second part.

[Brainiac]

I hadn't seen this episode since it originally aired, and only remembered how creepy HARDAC actually was...I really love this episode though. Not only do we get an introduction to Barbara Gordon, but also to a new villain, HARDAC. Usually, I'm not too fond of the whole AI robots taking over storylines--they usually end up a bit cliched and/or corny. But "Heart of Steel" still managed to make, IMO, one of the best episodes in the series. One of my favorite parts in this episode was when Gordon realizes Barbara left "Wubby" with Bruce, and embarrassed, retrieves it. 5 stars! Too bad CN probably won't air part 2 until a little over a month later...I'd really like to see the conclusion!!

[The Penguin]

"Some people in high places are becoming too curious about this operation—they must be dealt with. The next duplicate is ready. See to its placement, tonight." - HARDAC, Heart of Steel, Part 1

Well I'm a little (ok a lot) late, but I'm still here.


I always liked this arc and it scores high marks from me. It was interesting seeing how Bruce Wayne has Batman "ready to go" when he is at his "real" job. It's always nice seeing Lucius Fox make an appearance as well. At this point Barbra isn't on very much so it was nice seeing her interact with her father and Woobie the bear. Gordon's attachment to the toy shows a softer side of the hard-nosed commissioner. We're gonna have to wait for Part 2. If my production order math is correct it will air Saturday, Nov. 9. :(

It could be said that Batman's mind operates somewhat like a computer—the Dark Knight often works through the problems he encounters systematically until he comes to the solution to defeat his enemy. "The World's Greatest Detective" always manages to overcome the insane or foolish criminals he encounters because he is able to outsmart them, but what can he do when he faces off against an actual computer?


"HARDAC, I've definitely found something—Bruce Wayne is Batman." - Randa Duane, Heart of Steel, Part 1

[vedder]

Eep. 3 stars for me. :eek:

Hate to be the one with the lowest rank so far, but i never really liked this episode or His Silicon Soul compared with most other BTAS eps. The robots just dont do it for me especially since the technology in BTAS is 30's style, (Thompsons and Blimps anyone) we don't have the technology yet to make this type of AI (that i know of... who knows whats going on at area 51)

I always thought this ep would work much better as a Superman TAS episode, robots and Batman don't mix well IMO. Gotta say ther were alot of AWESOME moments like the android Jim Gordon's interaction with Barb, but overall the general plot didn't do it for me. :)

[otter]

3 stars

I never liked this episode all that much for some reason. I agree with Vedder--all those little robot gidgets just weren't too interesting. The episode was better than I remembered though (this is the first time I've seen it in a long time).

My favorite part was when robo-Jim smacked Wooby across the room.

[MILatino]

Originally posted by otter
I never liked this episode all that much for some reason. I agree with Vedder--all those little robot gidgets just weren't too interesting. The episode was better than I remembered though (this is the first time I've seen it in a long time).Like you, I don't like overly techie plots with too many gadgets. However, I did like this one because the "How do the robots work and what are their extraordinary powers?" gimmicks were not overplayed (with the execption of gadgets in Rossom's factory).

The duplicants were downright scary; and the execution of the story with the slow replacement of everyone--plus Barbara suspecting something wrong about her father--was just creepy. The whole episode had a "Stepford Wives" suspense to it that was enticing.

They did do the too-often-used "let's blow up everything or start an all-consuming fire" gimmick to end the show. We see this here, MotP, Subzero, "POV", "Pretty Poison", and many others. With good solid plots and writing, this "easy way out" of a bad situation is too contrived. Next.


My favorite part was when robo-Jim smacked Wooby across the room. Oh, that's just plain wrong. ;)

[The Penguin]

Tonight at 2:30 a.m. ET Cartoon Network airs the Batman: The Animated Series episode, Heart of Steel, Part 2. Part 1 aired back on October 5.


http://www.worldsfinestonline.com/WF/batman/btas/episodes/heartofsteelp2/00r.jpg
Episode #044 - Heart of Steel: Part 2
Original Airdate - November 17th, 1992.

Batman, upon escaping from being turned into a duplicant himself by HARDAC, is summoned by Barbara Gordon. She wants Batman's help to discover what is going on with her Father. Upon arriving at HARDAC's location separately, both Batman and Barbara discover the truth behind the recent behaviour of the Commissioner and other city officials.

Have a heart, post some comments. :p

[HelloKittyKat]

Was this based on a story from the comics ?

[Samhaine]

This episode was really good. I haven't seen it in a while, but just thinking about it brings back memories. We get Babs in an almost-Batgirl role. There's the machine that created a mind of it's own. The first time I saw the robots go into "robot mode", it was pretty shocking. I'll comment more after seeing it.

[JTurner954]

It's a Batman episode so of course it's good. It's too bad that this aired over a month later instead of right after Part 1 though :( . There was never a dull moment throughout the episode. Who's a robot? Are the humans alive or dead? How would Hardac be stopped? All answered in this episode. Great stuff. It's also ironic that the previous Gotham Girls had a similiar scene with the Bat Signal (and the current GG storyline ends this Tuesday).

4 stars. Would of been a higher rating if the dust (it is dust,right?) weren't in the way of the animation so much. I didn't notice them in episodes until someone mentioned it months ago in a previous thread. Would it be possible for the people responsible for making the episode (or DVD's) to "clean" those spots?

[DerekPowers]

another good ep from btas. i think part 2 was better than part 1. i loved seeing barbra doing some pre-batgirl crime fighting, it really develops her character and it foreshadows things to come.

that whole bullock scene was cool to. i loved seeing him get electricuted. that was kind of gruesome, and i liked barbra's reaction.

overall a very good ep. and i must say, i really do like the btas barbra voice better than tnba one. i dont know, its not as girly and she sounds smarter.

what was that whole thing about carl roasum's daughter? did hardac say she died and thats why he started making human like robots? i didnt really catch exactly what was said, and it seemed like a big thing to just mention passingly. i mean, it would have made sense to show that in part 1.

what i dont understand is why the heck cn would air it so far after part 1! why do they ALWAYS do that? jeez, they freaking to lazy to keep 2 parters together. oh well. i give it 3.5 stars. peace.

[Condiment King]

"Please let go of my cape." Batman Heart of Steel, Part 2


Great episode from B:TAS. "Heart of Steel, Part 2" was a great conclusion to the introduction of Barbara Gordon's character. I thought it funny at the end when she said she enjoyed the detective work. It was almost like dramatic irony. :D

Batman was Batman. Harvey Bullock and the Commissioner were fleshed out well somewhat. An overall entertaining episode.

[Bleu Unicorn]

I definitely have robot fear. I really think I have issues...I complain about a lot of things that disturb me, I'm noticing...but definitely I have robot fear.

That said, I will say I enjoyed this half better than part one...but the robot fear still makes me only give it 3 stars. Sue me. I really love Barb in this episode. It's just a wonderful introduction to our future Batgirl and it's done very well. Great conclusion to this arc. Really it is a great episode...I just...can't handle it I guess.

[AceOfKnaves]

All in all, a good episode, but I do like the first one better. :D

[Calico]

After seeing this it's really not at all surprising that Batman realized Barb was Batgirl (or the Commish if the end of 'Over the Edge' is any indication). "A police commissioner's daughter doesn't just learn things in school."

Fairly good overall, except for the elevator scene. Bruce changed way too quickly (just what did he do with the Bruce clothes?) and elevators have safety features to keep them from falling like that. It's a common misconception (and certainly fuels a lot of people's fears), but cutting a couple of cables will not make the car plummet like that.

[BrendaBat]

It's about time CN showed part 2!!
I hope this doesn't happen with the other 2-part episodes

[The Penguin]

"Well he doesn't have bolts in his neck or anything that obvious, he's so… cold to me. But it's not just that, I can't put my finger on it, but I know he's not my father. I know I sound crazy, but I'm not. Whoever is downstairs now, it looks like Jim Gordon, talks like him, but it's not him. Please, help me Batman!" - Barbara Gordon, Heart of Steel, Part 2

This was great episode and nice closer to part 1. I have very few complaints and it gets the top rating from me. :cool:

I didn't think the animation looked very good and I don't consider myself a very good judge of that sort of thing. The worst part was the often small Batman logo. Ugh.

The whole action with the duplicate Hill and the others trying to "induct" Bruce was pretty neat. The elevator crash was a great way to cap off the action. :)

The battle of the century Batman vs. Randa was rather interesting seeing has how they had a date a few days before.

"I sort of enjoyed it." It was interesting seeing Barb sneak around and figure things out and even save Batman! The Batgirl foreshadowing was great.

And ummm... well that's all I got. :(

[Carrieattheprom]

Okay, so Barbra knew which buttons on the security pad to press. But how did she know the right order to press them in? The comentary never mentions it.

[Harley_Quinn]

Okay, so Barbra knew which buttons on the security pad to press. But how did she know the right order to press them in? The comentary never mentions it.
It's just kind of glazed over, I remember thinking the same thing when I saw the episode for the first time all those years ago.

Still a very enjoyable episode.

[Mynd Hed]

Okay, so Barbra knew which buttons on the security pad to press. But how did she know the right order to press them in? The comentary never mentions it.

I thought of that too, but then I thought, "Do I REALLY want to watch for five minutes while she systematically tests every possible combination of those four buttons, or do I want to get on with the episode?" I just figure she got lucky and got it on the first try.

[Caswin]

"I am a machine. I am incapable of error. I have systematically removed every asset Batman had in his war on injustice. But I proved no match for his ability to kung-fu fight."

Just a little anticlimactic. But good - I loved Batman's reaction to seeing Randa's face. If the conclusion were anything like its buildup, this would easily be among the best episodes of the series. As it stands...

4/5

[DeathscytheVII]

"The maker's concept was sound, but he did not go far enough which is why I have taken over. " - HARDAC

This is one of my favourite BTAS eps of all time, involving one of my favourite villains. HARDAC is just so chilling in his cold computerized voice and thoughts, and the fact that his grand scheme was so logical was awesome.

Its a shame that he never made it into JL, a team up with brainiac would have been teh awesome.

Also, is HARDAC a comic book adaption? or an original creation by the team? Because he is a very great villain.

Five stars

[Mattashell]

Why is this episode so grainy?

I noticed that Rossum is played by William Sanderson, who had a vital role in Blade Runner which also deals with AI. I wonder if he was selected intentionally because of this.

This comes directly after The Strange Secret of Bruce Wayne. Two episodes in a row where Wayne's Batman identity is discovered by an unfriendly.

I hate seeing Alfred get tazed. It breaks my damn heart!

I love the scene of Batman brushing off Bullock's double and trying to walk past him. I thought they were going to bump shoulders on purpose.

I f Batman had been wrong he would have killed Harvey Bullock!

Don't you think HARDAC kind of looks like Batman? I wonder if HARDAC is from the old DC comics at all.

Spider walking is creepy.

Barbara's finger print trick showed her what numbers to push, but how did she know the order?

HARDAC is kind of dumb, I mean the way he explained his plan to everyone. Stupid villains always fall into this trap, but come on, HARDAC's a computer!

Nobody stops Barbara from running back inside, they just kind of shrug.

[The Kid Flash]

I love this episode for the fact that I'm a huge Barbara Gordon/Batgirl fan and this series really developed her character. I like that they didn't just start her off as Batgirl and instead developed her first, by introducing her detective skills. SHe was smart and beautiful. This episode definitely proves it.