Crisis of Infinite Episodes - Zatanna

I am going to be kind of hard on this episode. This was my introduction to the character of Zatanna and even though she was reimagined as a magicless illusionist for this episode, she never really seemed to fit in the world of BTAS to me. Years later after seeing her in other series like Young Justice (and even JLU), I am a little perplexed by her treatment in this series.

Crisis of Infinite Episodes - The Man Who Killed Batman

 Spoiler alert. Batman didn't really die. Nevertheless this episode had a clever plot in which the spineless Sid "the Squid," a low level goon nearly, but completely by accident offed the Batman. Instantly, Sid became a target for real goons and supervillains alike trying to become king of the mountain by offing him.

Crisis of Infinite Episodes - The Mechanic

I remember really hating this episode, which is probably somewhat Penguin related, but it wasn't actually that bad. Granted, Batman's mechanic was an idiot. "I'll take one Batmobile fender please... whats that? why would I know Batman? Doesn't everyone have a Batmobile?" I suppose it would make sense for Batman to have a mechanic, and at least they learned their lesson about ordering parts in a more discreet manor.

Crisis of Infinite Episodes - Harley and Ivy

Before this episode, Harley was already a breakout sidekick but this was her first step in becoming a free standing star among modern day Bat villains. This also revealed another level of jerkiness to the already despicable Joker who really cares for no one but himself - which only deepens the tragedy that is Harley Quinn.

 

Crisis of Infinite Episodes - The Laughing Fish

 Although I give the slight edge to Joker's Favor, The Laughing Fish is a strong contender for the best Joker episode as well as a one of the series best overall episodes. Like Joker's Favor, this outing demonstrates the Joker's menace by pitting him against normal everyday, semi-helpless individuals who are rendered powerless to do anything but be terrified. 

Crisis of Infinite Episodes - What is Reality?

 

One of the things that makes BTAS timeless was the retro modern approach to technology. Batman lives in a world with super computers and black and white monitors. Clearly the technology of the world developed differently from our own and that works most of the time. However, the inclusion of virtual reality which was all the rage in the 90's severely dates this episode. Nevertheless, I can roll with the idea that this is just how VR works in the world of BTAS - its based on the failed Nintendo Virtual Boy technology.

Crisis of Infinite Episodes - Off Balance

 Not only does this one feature two substantial character debuts with Count Vertigo and Talia (three if you count the cameo by Ra's), but I consider this a milestone in the animated series. A lot of that may be in my head, but before the animated series I was not very familiar with the character of Ra's al Ghul. For the first half of this series, he was no where to be found, but with Off Balance, that world would be opened setting the stage for some epic clashes in the remaining episodes. And while I will take people's word for it that Ra's was big in the comics in the 70's, I credit his depiction here as much as anything with his eventual integration in the modern Batman movies. I could be completely wrong off course, but that's just my take.