Crisis of Infinite Episodes - Robin's Reckoning

I am not convinced we will ever see an amazing live action Robin story. Its not that Robin is an impossible character to present, but I definitely think the idea of a teen sidekick plays out a lot better in animation. In any case, regardless of the medium its doubtful a Robin origin could be done much better than it was in this two-part masterpiece.

Crisis of Infinite Episodes - Zatanna: Trial of the Crystal Wand

Its not exactly clear to me what Cartoon Monsoon was, but it had something to do with a competition among aspiring amateur animators who produced segments for WB and then the public got to vote for their favorite. From my understanding, Zatanna was not one of the actual competing shorts, but it was produced for the Cartoon Monsoon and written by Paul Dini. The short aired in 2003 and it took me literally years of hunting to find it. Worth the effort? Well, it does feel good to be able to say I did finally get to see it even if it was not all that great. In 5 minutes, we were introduced to Zatanna and the wicked Klarion as they explored a mystic realm in pursuit of the Crystal Wand. It ended with Z taking on some evil playing cards... Fun.

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.