One of the few great things Fox TV has ever had to offer was the 1990s fox kids Batman afternoon series. And one of the greatest things about the show is its writing. I mean for chrissake, Joe Lansdale has written episodes of this series.
You can’t do much better than the voice work either; including the late great Kevin Conroy as Batman, and Mark Hamill, who is absolutely ecstatically terrific, as the Joker.
And, I offer you one of the great animated adventures in Christmas television, Christmas with the Joker. It’s A Wonderful 22 minute adventure where Batman and Robin are about ready to relax for the evening and watch “It’s a wonderful life”after a quick sweep of Gotham. They’re left only to find out that not only has the Joker escaped from Arkham, but he has abducted George and Barbara Gordon, as well as Harvey Bullock.
The clown Prince of crime is now broadcasting on live television how much he hates Batman, including several verses of Jingle Bells, Batman smells, he blows up a bridge, and gives the Dark Knight and his sidekick Robin the boy wonder until midnight to save his three abductees.
This is pure joy, not only is Hamill hilarious, but Conroy inhabits Batman in a way that no one I think ever has, literally only with his voice. Batman, The Animated Series has so much to offer and wouldn’t you know that in only its first season, and its second episode, it ripped out a piece of holiday classic television.
Once again, Fox television at least did one thing right.
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