“But now they’ll all know I’m coming for them.” –Batman
The Dark Knight is back in action with the new animated superhero series Batman: Caped Crusader. The series from Bruce Timm, J.J. Abrams, and Matt Reeves is an excellent watch for long-time Bat fans and newbies.
Batman: Caped Crusader, a series that offers a unique and fresh perspective on the iconic character, features a young Bruce Wayne, a.k.a. Batman (Hamish Linklater), as he battles crime in Gotham City. This distinct take, inspired by Batman stories from the 1940s and 1950s, sets the series apart in the realm of Batman-related media and is sure to pique the interest of fans.
One of the most exciting aspects of Batman: Caped Crusader is its departure from a children’s animated series. This bold move allows the series to delve into darker elements, adding a new layer of excitement for the audience. This does not necessarily mean kids, specifically older kids, cannot watch or enjoy the series. Still, it could be argued that Batman: Caped Crusader was made for those who grew up with Batman: The Animated Series and are now adults.
The series explores the noir aspects of the script thoroughly, and it does this well thanks to the writers behind the show. Some of the show’s writers include Greg Rucka, Halley Gross, Marc Bernardin, Jase Ricci, Adamma Ebo and Adanne Ebo. All the writers did a fantastic job with the series, particularly with exploring the various characters introduced throughout the series. Even some characters, specifically the villains that the audience may already be familiar with, like Catwoman, Clayface, and Harley Quinn, were a breath of fresh air.
Hamish Linklater’s portrayal of Bruce Wayne and his alter ego in Batman: Caped Crusader is truly commendable. To truly capture the essence of Batman, the actor must have the ability to go from day-to-day Bruce Wayne to the menacing figure behind the cowl, and I can happily report that Linklater does this perfectly. Linklater effortlessly weaves between playboy, Bruce Wayne, and the Dark Knight behind the cowl, bringing depth and believability to his performance. Drawing clear inspiration from Kevin Conroy’s performance in Batman: The Animated Series, Linklater makes the character his own while paying homage to Conroy’s legacy as Batman, a feat that fans will surely appreciate.
In addition to Linklater, Batman: Caped Crusader boasts a thrilling ensemble of voice talent. The series has Christina Ricci as Selina Kyle, Jamie Chung as Dr. Harleen Quinzel, Diedrich Bader as Harvey Dent, Eric Morgan Stweart as James Gordon, Krystal Joy Brown as Barbara Gordon, Michelle C. Bonilla as Renee Montoya, Toby Stephens as Gentleman Ghost, Minnie Driver as Osawalda Cobblepot, and many more. Each actor brings something unique to their respective characters, and it is a treat to watch during the series. Brown, Bader, Chung, Ricci, Driver and Stephens were some of my favourites in the series, nailing their characters effortlessly.
As a fan of Batman: The Animated Series, I was delighted to see Timm’s animation style back in action. Just as Timm’s previous series was ahead of its time, Batman: Caped Crusader is similar in taking risks. Whether changing iconic characters like the Penguin from Oswald to Oswalda or bringing a new rendition of Harley Quinn to life, the series nails everything on all fronts. While the risks it takes are fantastic, the show’s writers still maintained a familiarity with Batman’s Rogues Gallery, particularly as it comes to fan faves like Catwoman (shoutout to the Ebo sisters for their work on the Selina Kyle episode) and Two-Face.
Combining familiarity that feels like a warm hug with exciting twists and turns, Batman: Caped Crusader is one of the year’s best shows. If you’re a fan of animated shows or Batman in general, it is undoubtedly one you’ll have to watch.
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