My Top Five "The New Batman Adventures" Episodes

5.) In the original Batman Animated Series, I felt Scarface and the Ventriloquist were pretty weak villains. This examination of the Ventriloquist is very impressive from an animation standpoint as well as a writing standpoint. We actually see an Arkham Asylum graduate genuinely try to reform and become a productive member in society. The laughable duo from the original series made for a very interesting character examination this time around. Also, this contains one of the very few "happy" endings in both series'.

4.) A thought that sometimes enters everyone's head at some point when looking at a super villains elaborate hideout and weaponry is "where do they get the money to do all of this?" This is is fun episode in which The Joker is a little strapped for cash and he is mysteriously left with a vast fortune from an old enemy. Mark Hamill is always top notch as the Joker and the episode really goes in a different direction in taking a humorous approach to the material. It feels very natural and the result is one of the funniest and strongest episodes in the series.

3.) Whenever a lead character dies in a television series, you can always expect it to be a dream sequence so things can snap back into place by the next episode. This episode follows that formula but if you can come to terms with the predictable ending, this has some of the series most emotional and well done moments. This episode also marks an appearance from Bane, who was very disappointing in his debut in the original Batman Animated series. The success of the episode is really due to Bob Hastings as Gordon who really makes the character convincing in a fabricated reality.

2.) Harley Quinn was an original creation for the Batman Animated series and has no doubt been the most successful original character created by the series. Joker and Harley have a less than normal kind of relationship and we are treated to see what brought these two together in the first place. The continuing theme with Harley is that even after she is beaten, pushed aside, and yelled at by her soul mate, The Joker, she will still always be there for her puddin'. A super villain love story is a hard thing to come across and the episode paints a comedic and strangely endearing story.

1.) This episode is just an absolute treat for fans of the Batman mythology and history. An homage is paid to two of the most popular artists in the world of Batman; Dick Sprang and Frank Miller. The episode celebrates not only Miller's groundbreaking "The Dark Knight Returns," but also pays tribute and pokes fun at Batman's campy and colorful 40's style past. It is a great and affectionate look at the history of one of the greatest comic book superheros ever created and it is a no-brainer choice for the "New Batman Adventures'" greatest episode.