My Top Ten "Batman: The Animated Series" Episodes

10.) The Joker is perhaps Batman's greatest villain. Joker episodes always make fan favorite's not only for Mark Hamill's incredible voice interpretation, but the entertainment value of when these two polar opposites face each other. This particular episode has a nostalgic value for me, it's one that I've always vividly remembered from my childhood. Hijacking a garbage scow is one of the Joker's craziest and most memorable escapades.

9.) What really stands out with this episode is the great risk it takes not having Bruce Wayne in his Batman uniform. This episode had Bruce in circumstances he could not control, taking his gadgets and even his identity out of the mix. The episode is very cleverly written and it has one of my favorite climaxes in any Batman episode: when Alfred rescues Bruce. This is such a great twist, usually Batman is the one who worries about the saving. Alfred finally gets to step out of the mansion and prove to be more useful than just doing housework.

7.) Alfred is the show's most charming character. He brings a high class British wit and sophistication to the lineup of strange people. This episode reveals a huge past for Alfred. He has worked as a secret agent for her Majesty the Queen. For some, that whole plot could be a bit hard to swallow, but I thought it was great finding out more about this mysterious but lovable character. I find it engaging when you reveal that there is more than meets the eye with some people.

8.) Scarecrow is a unique villain, a character that makes all your worst fears come true. It's a great idea, and this episode really puts him to good use. The animation here is absolutely top notch. It really showcases the animator's drive to take no shortcuts and create a quality animated show for one of DC's most treasured heroes.

6.) A truly bizarre episode. It seems to have a stroke of inspiration from Tod Browning's "Freaks," where Killer Croc lays low with a bunch of carnival entertainers. I also love the scenery this episode showcases. People sometimes forget a whole world exists outside of Gotham; seeing trees, grass and blue sky was a refreshing change of pace from the usually dark atmosphere.

5.) I find this episode to be particularly hilarious. Having all of the show's key villains sitting around a poker table talking about the time they almost killed the Bat is really inspired. It reminds me of the way old fisherman crone on about the time they hooked a fish that was half the size of their boat, but it got away at the last second. The show has a history of being dark and somewhat serious, but this episode shows that it can also have a great sense of humor. Plus, it's always a treat when you see a gathering of unpredictable villains interact.

4.) Ra's al Ghul is a very fascinating character and it was a treat to see him get a great treatment on the Animated Series. David Warner has the perfect voice for the character and he has an unconventional motivation: he wants Batman to be his heir. I'm glad they never resorted to Ra's al Ghul robbing a bank or something in the series, he was very well written from the start. His debut in the series will always be the most memorable for me; the episode really generated mystery and had an unpredictable quality to it. A very strong episode from every aspect.

3.) Mr. Freeze is the series' most sympathetic character. He appears to be cut off from his emotions until he thinks of his wife. Even in his advanced stages of insanity he is still completely devoted to her. This episode actually has him partially working with Batman. I always love it when villains and heroes team up, but it rarely is done well. This episode really stays true to the characters' behaviors. The cameo by William Sanderson as Karl Rossum (a tribute to his role in Blade Runner) is really special too. His character also appeared in three previous episodes.

2.) A really strong script delving into the psychology of Batman makes this one of the best episodes in the series. The tragedy of the character is the loss of his parents and his inability to commit to a meaningful relationship. For a short period of time, all that history disappears and he is simply Bruce Wayne. It's something he thought he always wanted, but he finds out he can never escape his calling. He tries to be satisfied living in the life he's always wanted, but he can't accept being happy. He comes out of the dream world with a new understanding of his true purpose and the reason for his misfortune.

1.) This is my favorite Batman episode because of how emotionally charged it is. I can't remember the last time I've been so involved in a 20 minute cartoon show. The setup is what really makes this episode memorable. If you watch the series in order, you see Harvey Dent appear multiple time. He is a committed, moral character who is a close friend of Bruce Wayne. The first part of the "Two-Face Two Parter" establishes the anger that he has been storing in his subconscious for years, and the second part really lets loose on the transformation of the person(s) that he becomes, Two-Face. Everything that was great about "Batman: The Animated Series" is in top form here. The animation is spectacular, and the voice acting is fantastic. This is the episode I would single out in explaining why this was such a great and influential show.