"Batman: The Audio Adventures" Talkback (Spoilers)

Rate "Batman: The Audio Adventures"

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    2

Fone Bone

Matt Zimmer
Joined
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Couldn't find a topic for this in the search engine. I'll post my reviews here. I hope this is the right forum for them.

Batman: The Audio Adventures "Episode 1"

I like DC experimenting with the formula a little. Although this was perhaps a little more comedic than I'm used to.

Brent Spiner absolutely sucked as the Joker on Young Justice. Him nailing it here shows that was entirely on that show, and not on Spiner. It didn't help that the design was hideous and all wrong for that specific voice. If you don't know what the Joker actually looks like, the voice works. I like the experienced henchman telling the new flunky the rules of how to act around Joker. I found many of them fascinating.

Jeffrey Wright is a great Batman.

I like that Batman got the upper hand with Two-Face by throwing him off his game by talking up Harvey Dent and saying how stupid Two-Face is. I imagine that's how a lot of versions of Two-Face are played, but I realize we don't actually see a ton of them on-screen because this was really the first time the idea they were two guys sharing a body really struck home for me. I always saw it that Two-Face took over and Harvey was lost. This idea is far more interesting, and also a good weakness for Batman to cannily exploit.

Robin is an actual kid. I like that idea.

Very cool little radio play. I've always liked that format. ****.

Batman: The Audio Adventures "Episode 2"

Okay, that was fantastic. Just because the script was. And it annoyed me too. Because DC Comics has been making sucky movie after sucky movie. And my response to that is "Why does DC think it's so hard to write a decent Batman script?" And the answer is, it actually isn't. The radio play does it just fine with no fuss and muss. Good movies are not the chore DC is making them out to be. Writing decent scripts may not be easy per se, but finding writers capable of that actually is. It makes me madder and madder just thinking about this.

Hamilton Hill is a card and the antidrug P.S.A. propaganda spot firmly places this in the past due to the language warning for G-rated teenage slang from the 1950's.

I expect Kenan Thompson will get nothing but crap for being cast as Jim Gordon. But admit it. He's miles better than Ben McKenzie. And while that's true (and while Gotham ran five full seasons with that jackass hamming it up and ruining everything) people should keep their mouths shut about Thompson. He's actually fine.

That was great. I'm really looking forward to delving into these on HBO Max when they are released. Oh, and as far as movies go, DC can do practically nothing right. Decent scripts are actually super easy to produce. And this show says they can be done on a shoestring budget which makes the $180 million budget for Suicide Squad seem extra vulgar. *****.

Batman: The Audio Adventures "Episode 3"

It's amazing how well-written this is.

The stuff with the Penguin, the scared underling and the fake myna bird was riveting. Seriously unhinged stuff. This is some of the best Batman storytelling I have ever read, seen, or heard, and it's done dirt cheap. It's amazing DC can't come up with a great Batman movie so long as the audio folks can think up this.

Batman's stuff with Major Hill was great too. The voice performances of both Jeffrey Wright and Jason Sudeikis were as good as any live-action performance I've seen, and MUCH better than most animated ones. Truly talented cast.

The Riddler stuff at the end was great, but it sort of dated the radio plays in the present with the talk of WiFi. Everything else about the previous episodes suggested they took place during the 1940's. Still, hearing Dr. Arkham berate that fired doctor was SO great because of the stupid mistakes he made including not realizing the Riddler's last riddle before escaping was addressing him until after the fact. The idea that the guy left ANY sort of computer around Edward Nygma WHILE his password was "password" is someone firing is too good for. You ask me he deserves the chair for the crime of deadly stupidity. It was fun hearing him brow-beaten.

I love that the Batcomputer doesn't like Alfred. I kind of don't blame it. This Alfred is kind of a turd.

Not much call for tourism in Gotham I see. That radio brochure is pretty much the best they can promise outsiders. Also, go to Metropolis instead.

This project is knocking my socks off. *****.

Batman: The Audio Adventures "Episode 4"

Confirmed: As far as Young Justice's Joker being awful and one of the worst animated versions of the character goes? Brent Spiner was NOT the problem. At ALL. He's amazing here. It was down to crappy writing and a terrible design. It steams me that Spiner took the bulk of the blame there when it was entirely on Greg Weisman and Brandon Vietti. I'm glad he got another shot here because he's probably the second best voice for the Joker after Mark Hamill. And I say that after only hearing him twice. He's that good.

I like the idea that Batman sort of didn't push his luck with the fake penny. It's interesting that he had to psychologically navigate what Two-Face would accept with what Harvey would believe. Very smart and subtle writing there.

I like that the Riddler won. I especially like Batman saying that the Riddler may be smarter than him on his best day, but he's more violent than him on his worst day. That's an amazing concept that strikes me as something that should be true of ALL Batman / Riddler dynamics, but usually isn't.

Spiner was robbed. He's actually an amazing Joker. ****1/2.

Batman: The Audio Adventures "Episode 5"

That was pretty good. I liked the stuff with Batman and Catwoman and the Mayor's answering machine was pretty hilarious. I also thought Riddler owning Penguin was funny and Tuesday made me laugh too.

Solid outing. ****.

Batman: The Audio Adventures "Episode 6"

That also worked. The stuff with Joker killing that actor on the radio broadcast was pretty great (and also weirdly funny). I also dug the stuff with Batman and Two-Face.

For the record, the Penguin totally sucks. What a jerk.

I love these radio plays. ****.

Batman: The Audio Adventures "Episode 7"

Whoa! Riddler breached the Bat-Computer! Yikes!

I liked him making fun of the name. It IS kinda dumb.

Catwoman messing with Two-Face was pretty great. Her and Vicki Vale are interesting too.

The story of the bomb squad and Joker was actually horrifying.

Good episode. ****.

Batman: The Audio Adventures "Episode 8"

Joker's thing with the cartoon tuna and the guy on the phone kind of unnerved me because he's right. Charlie the Tuna should NOT be happy, and maybe he's a secret deviant.

We'll see where Penguin teaming up with Two-Face goes.

Batman owning Riddler at the beginning was the best part of the episode. I enjoyed every inch of that. I didn't actually SEE Eddie squirm. But I pictured it perfectly. Him being mad at the file being thin was perfectly in character. So of course Batman had really swapped it out with Killer Moth.

Tuesday remains awesome. She's probably the most emotional healthy relationship Nygma has ever had. Is it weird I'm starting to ship them?

Blabbo's career downfall is getting outright painful to listen to. I'd almost feel sorry for him but I get the sneaking suspicion he's a loathsome person.

That was pretty awesome. ****1/2.

Batman: The Audio Adventures "Episode 9"

The thing with Joker and the stuttering kid was chilling. It also raises the question of whether or not the Joker is Blabbo or merely impersonating him here.

I am with Alfred in being annoyed that Bruce gives himself nightmares. I actually find that a bit obnoxious.

Did not expect King Scimitar to get such a crucial role at this stage of the game. I had thought he was a one-and-done joke character.

Excellent. ****1/2.

Batman: The Audio Adventures "Episode 10"

Amazing. The stuff with Batman and Joker at the end was golden. I like the idea that Batman soaked himself in the Ace chemicals to see what would happen, but I don't think it effected him because he was already crazy. You'd have to be to do that.

Harley Quinn coming in season two? Neat!

What was up with the Twin Peaks Dwarf backwards-talking at the end? I couldn't decipher it.

Spectacular finale. Why can't DC give us a movie with writing this good? *****.
 
Joined
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Messages
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Batman The Audio Adventures just released its Second season last week. Ever since this series debuted last year, it has been an unexpected surprise! I'll probably write more in depth thoughts over time but it's a really fun series that practically feels like a fun campy animated Batman show (that does get dark in quite a few places). The cast, writing, music are all great! Also, the first season has become widely available to listen to while Season 2 is an HBO Max exclusive at this point in time. Anyone else listening to the show?

Wow!!! Missed this. Nice to see some Audio Adventures love here!! Fone Bone love your reviews!! Agree on most of what you wrote out for Season 1. Season 2, is here people!!! It was so good. Will bring more detailed thoughts another time

Mod Note: Post moved to thread and merged with post
 
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Fone Bone

Matt Zimmer
Joined
Jan 19, 2004
Messages
35,261
Location
Framingham, MA
Batman: The Audio Adventures "A Taste Of Gotham"

Awesome. The end scene of Harley talking to imaginary Joker through a banana pretty much made the episode for me.

The great thing about this Batman project is that is it just as funny as it is scary. Great stuff. ****.

Batman: The Audio Adventures "New Management"

Two-Face's insane rant about angels and devils on his shoulder was great. What a nut.

I learned a lot about the cuckoo bird I didn't know.

I unfortunately didn't find the idea of how and why Penguin and Two-Face took over the police department remotely credible. Sadly, this jive is a problem with ALL Batman stories, but the project was usually better than nonsense like this last year.

Bat-Mite's cartoon sounds fun.

I think the arc of Penguin and Two-Face taking over the police sort of ruined a bit of the believability of the episode for me. ***.

Batman: The Audio Adventures "Scarecrow Wants Brains"

Blabbo isn't doing so hot, is he?

Kenan Thompson is pretty good as Gordon.

I loved the flower power song at the beginning. The stoner teen's ordeal was harrowing. Scarecrow is scary.

Harley's actual origin is a bit underwhelming, but the same thing could be said about her transformation in "Mad Love" too.

The arc feels in a bit of a holding pattern right now, and I like that the announcer seems to know it too. ***1/2.

Batman: The Audio Adventures "Stabberscotch"

I love the bit where the thug says a mime villain makes about as much sense as Calendar Man.

Scarecrow is terrific. Bradley Whitford plays the hell out of him. He is both funny and scary.

Catwoman is becoming a real thorn. Good news is Robin doesn't have to do homework.

Getting good. ****.

Batman: The Audio Adventures "The Senior Partner"

Scarecrow is SOOOO cruel. I actually felt bad for Harvey.

Why WAS the Joker in the guy's house? That COULD drive a man nuts.

Batman's meeting with Vicky Vale was kind of cool.

I kind of wish the entire episode had been the therapy session. It would have been fun to get an extended peek inside both Scarecrow and Two-Face's heads. ***1/2.

Batman: The Audio Adventures "A Lousy Hand"

Brent Spiner is amazing as the Joker. He slays me. He's equally funny and scary. When they tell him not to do anything funny he suggests improv. And why don't manly men wear opera gloves anymore anyways?

Jack Ryder as the Creeper was a bit of a let-down, but hopefully we'll get the real thing eventually.

The bratty little mob daughter girl was funny. Very cartoony.

Brent Spiner is an amazing Joker. Greg Weisman did very wrong by the guy on Young Justice. ****1/2.

Batman: The Audio Adventures "Harm...ony?"

Oh, man. That was amazing. Crane's cruel session with Harvey was revealing but I especially love the gimmick that Bruce Wayne went to see him "pretending" to believe he's Batman. What a fantastic bit of high-concept shtick. Crane expressing disbelief that Batman uses words like "superstitious" and "cowardly" was genius.

Crane's talking about his love of horror films was mesmerizing and I love the deal he and Bruce made. The writing on this project is SO good but what makes it all work is how great the voice acting is. I'm sure modern radio dramas in the U.K. have performances at this level, but in the U.S. we've simply never gotten them. All radio dramas before they went out of fashion had over the top and hokey performances. I feel like this project is a revelation for that reason. I think the thing I like and appreciate most about it, is something that exists BECAUSE it's for the radio. It understands the value of talk and conversations. Which is great and something I personally value in drama myself.

I can't say enough good things about this project. *****.

Batman: The Audio Adventures "A Hero And A Fool"

Bradley Whitford is a revelation as the Scarecrow. His stuff with Bruce was amazing. Man, sucks Bruce had to learn his ID that way. I was like "Uh oh."

I can't wait for the next episode. Crane is gonna be the worst house guest ever. ****.

Batman: The Audio Adventures "H.A.H.A.H.A."

Aw, man. That stuff with Crane and Bruce at the Monarch theater was freaking chilling.

I'm not as disappointed in Harvey's reaction to the truth as the program is hoping I am. I could have told Alfred that was a bad idea.

I get the logic of letting Seth Meyers be the Creeper but it just isn't working so far.

Honest Abe's story was twisted and funny.

This program is great. ****.

Batman: The Audio Adventures "Our Feature Presentation"

What a cruel cliffhanger.

I have to say this episode made me believe Bruce could actually believe his parents would be ashamed of him in a way Batman: The Animated Series was never able to make me believe that. Probably because this program explores real psychology and really gets into the characters' heads.

The Joker's appearance in his head was pretty great too.

Man, I can't wait for more episodes of this program. It's amazing. ****1/2.
 
Joined
Oct 28, 2010
Messages
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Location
New York
Thank you mods for helping with all those thread mix ups. Fone Bone! You nailed it spot on here again! This show really is something special. Everything (for the most part) is just clicking. I especially agree with your thoughts on Bradley Whitford as the Scarecrow! He was such a highlight! Creepy, unnerving and also funny. I went back to listen to Season 1 again before Season 2 came out and it made me realize how much buildup we had to the Scarecrow. I can now say all that build up was totally worth it. He really was a scene stealer. I continue to love how they handle Harvey Dent/Two-Face. Mixing the comedic and tragic aspects of the character with amazing balance. Bobby Moynihan always brings the smug arrogance of Penguin in hilarious (and intimidating) fashion (and he did great as Bat-Mite too). Also agreed about Brent Spiner as Joker. I'm reallly glad he was able to show people how great a Joker he is. Jeffery Wright really is a fantastic Batman. Melissa Villaseñor did a deeper voice playing Robin compared to Season 1. She did great but I actually enjoyed the plucky energy she brought in Season 1 (even though some folks complained about Robin's voice). Gillian Jacobs was a really fun and loopy take on Harley. The whole cast did great with major props to Bradley Whitford, Jeffery Wright and Ike Barinholtz this season. The cliffhangers had me on the edge of my seat and I really hope this show doesn't get cancelled. There is so much they can still explore. For example the Santa Prisca references doubled this season compared to Season 1 and now it seems even more likely that Bane will be making his debut soon and I really want to know how he'd be portrayed! BTW, meant to reply to this question from Season 1:

What was up with the Twin Peaks Dwarf backwards-talking at the end? I couldn't decipher it.

Spectacular finale. Why can't DC give us a movie with writing this good? *****.

The backwards message at the end of Season 1 was Joker singing "Never Gonna Give You Up" from Rick Astley.
 

M.O.D.O.K.

Scientist Supreme
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Advanced Idea Mechanics
This podcast series is something I wasn't expecting to enjoy as much as I did. While I don't think every voice feels like my personal pick for every character, they all turn out some great performances. John Leguizamo, Ike Barinholtz, and Brett Spiner were some of my favorite voice actors in this. The tone hits a sweet spot between cheesy comedy and campiness with some darker elements at hand. The commercials they use in-between segments do some great worldbuilding that you couldn't pull off in most versions of Gotham. The Blabbo the Birthday Clown gag is a great example of all these elements in one.

I also find it curious how, until the Harley Quinn reveal at the end of season 1, the show felt like it could fit with a mainstream version of Batman. It's not until after the Harley name-drop that it starts to establish its own take on characters, from Harley's growing madness and rise in the criminal world to Scarecrow living a double life, it felt fresh. And I should also give a shout out to the tie-in comics that feel like a natural extension of this world, largely due to having the same head writer in Dennis McNicholas.

I hope there's more coming, since season 2 (part 2?) ends on an evil cliffhanger.
 

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