Our celebration of Batman’s 75th Anniversary at DKN continues as we rank our five favorite Batman Beyond episodes. This series came at a very appropriate time – it was the turn of the millennium and speculation of what the future may hold was rampant. Originally the idea of a suit at WB, the concept of a “teenage Batman” could have easily been a failure for the ages. Instead, Bruce Timm, Alan Burnett, Paul Dini, and the rest let their creative juices flow and concocted one of the most unique takes on Batman in any medium.
The concept was sheer genius: the new series would take place 50 years after the events of Batman: The Animated Series and sees a geriatric Bruce Wayne mentor the new, teenaged Batman in Terry McGinnis. The puzzle pieces fell into place as Kevin Conroy reprised his role as Bruce and Will Friedle brought a youthful, yet tough-as-nails quality to Terry. Some classic villains made appearances, but the producers wisely created new rogues for Terry to go toe to toe with. Despite often focusing on high school life, the show was arguably darker and more mature than the series that preceded it.
Batman Beyond struck such a chord with fans that DC Comics has created comic book adventures that are in continuity with the TV series in recent years and are still ongoing. Bruce Timm hopes to revisit the series as a possible animated movie and we can keep our fingers crossed that it will one day get the live action treatment. The latter almost happened over a decade ago and was recently kicked around at WB before the decision was made to go with Ben Affleck as a Frank Miller inspired Dark Knight.
So without further delay, enjoy our choice picks. (It should be noted that two-parters will count as one episode.)
5. EPILOGUE
Alright, this is technically an episode of Justice League Unlimited, but two of our staff members voted for it. You can certainly understand why, considering that Batman Beyond never actually got a proper series finale. That’s actually the reason this episode exists. In it, Terry infiltrates Amanda Waller’s home to inquire about the true nature of his genetics. “Epilogue” takes place 15 years after the events of Batman Beyond and rewards viewers by showing them Terry as a matured hero and what happened with his relationship with Dana. Bruce finds himself resembling Mr. Burns and is as grumpy as ever. Everything is wrapped up in a neat little package when we are also treated to flashbacks of Bruce in the cape and cowl that tie into the Cadmus arc that JLU had just wrapped. (In case you’re curious, “Disappearing Inque” would’ve gone here had this episode not been included.)
4. MELTDOWN
Mr. Freeze isn’t a villain that pops up too often, but when he does he really makes it count. This episode sees him awarded with a new body that, unbeknownst to him, is a test run for Derek Powers’ hopeful way of continuing life in a body that is a little less irradiated. Freeze is repentant and remorseful of his past crimes, but reverts to his old ways when his body deteriorates and he finds out he’s been used. This tale will take an emotional toll on the viewer and the powerful score by Kristopher Carter and Lolita Ritmanis is truly unforgettable.
3. THE CALL PARTS 1 & 2
This two-part episode from the final season sees Terry take on yet another aspect of being The Batman – joining the Justice League! He’s invited by Superman to enter the ranks of the premier team of heroes. Granted they’re mostly a new generation of heroes, but it was pretty cool to see where the future of the DC Animated Universe went. Just as Terry joins the fold, he’s sucked into a conspiracy that sees the League betrayed from within. Packed with action, suspense, and a few throwbacks, this was definitely one of the highlights of the entire series.
2. REBIRTH PARTS 1 & 2
This is the one that started it all! Classics don’t get much better than this two-part origin story in which Terry McGinnis becomes The Batman for a new age. There’s so much packed into these two episodes: the tragic murder of his father; his first meeting with Bruce Wayne; his stealing of the Batsuit; avenging his father’s death and everything in between! It’s such a well-rounded experience that it was originally released on DVD as Batman Beyond: The Movie. I have to say that it’s required viewing for any Batfan.
1. OUT OF THE PAST
This one made everybody’s list and understandably so. Here we have another episode in which a villain of yesteryear returns to complicate life for both Terry and Bruce. And not just any villain – it’s Ra’s al Ghul! Another thing to appreciate about this one is that you get to see Terry and a relatively de-aged Bruce fight side by side. It serves as a near perfect conclusion to the Demon’s Head saga. Keep your eyes peeled for a rare glimpse into Bruce’s heart.
Do you agree with our list? Do you have any favorites that didn’t make the cut?