Evolution of the Batman (and Robin) - Birds of Prey

Before it was a series, Birds of Prey was a comic book focusing on Oracle's (AKA Batgirl) team of female superheroes. The series adapted the idea into a pseudo Smallville spinoff set in the future. Each episode of the series conveniently opened with an explanation of the twisted premise of the show.

Legend tells of a caped crusader, Batman, guardian of New Gotham, and his one true love, Catwoman, the queen of the criminal underworld.


Their passion left behind something extraordinary, a daughter, Huntress. Half metahuman, she has taken up her father's mantel and under cover of the night, fights to protect the innocent and helpless.

Joining her in this struggle, Oracle, who was once Batman's protégé, Batgirl.

She was caught in the crossfire of the war between Batman and Joker, now she fights crime a different way, a master of the cyber-realms and mentor and trainer to heroes.

Together, they have taken in a young runaway, Dinah, a metahuman herself with powers to open hidden doors to the mind, powers that she is only beginning to explore. Together, these three are the protectors of New Gotham - the Birds of Prey.

The main baddie of the 13 episode series was none other than Dr. Harleen Quinzel, Huntress' therapist! Dun Dun Dun...

Back in the day, the comic book Huntress really was the daughter of Batman and Catwoman (though not so in current continuity), but I am pretty sure that Catwoman never had actual super powers (unless you are talking about the Halle Berry version, and I pray you aren't) . Also, Dinah Lance was the Black Canary (not her daughter) and I don't recall her having Jean Grey powers. Aside from Haley and the Joker cameo, a couple of other notable Batman villains showed up along the way: Lady Shiva and Clayface. Also, we did get to actually see Batgirl in action. Overall, the series was more of a future elseworld than a "Batman show" which in spite of decent ratings was canceled after just half a season.

Up Next: Calling All Titans!

Batman Serial * Batman and Robin Serial * Batman '66 TV * Batman '66 Movie * Batman with Robin the Boy Wonder * Batman on Scooby Doo * Batman the Super Friend * The New Adventures of Batman * Batman '89 * Batman Returns * Batman: The Animated Series * Batman: Mask of the Phantasm * Batman Forever * Batman and Robin * The New Batman Adventures * Boo Wonder * Batman & Mr. Freeze: SubZero * Batman Beyond * Gotham Girls * Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker * Batman on Justice League * DCAU Crossovers * Birds of Prey *

* Special Musical Edition * Special Christmas Edition * Special OnStar Edition