Batman SE01 EP01 - "Hi Diddle Riddle"

The campy classic Batman went on for just over three years. The impact it had for the time period was certainly large, and altered how comic books portrayed Batman also. While the series is more something to watch for fun as opposed to a series character study on Batman, it's certainly worth viewing.

Episode Name: Hi Diddle Riddle

Original Airdate: January 12, 1966

Villain: Riddler (Frank Gorshin)

After a cake explodes in the face of the Moldavian prime minister, Commissioner Gordon and Chief O'Hara suspect the culprit to be the Riddler, which is likely due to the fact a riddle came out of the cake. Alas, this is the best detective work they can do, and so they call in Batman and Robin.

Bruce Wayne, who was entertaining guests, is grabbed by Alfred, and alerted to the situation. He then gets his young ward, Dick Grayson, and they make their way to the Batcave via Batpoles, then finally go out to the police headquarters.

The riddle ("Why is an orange like a bell?") leads them to Peale Art Gallery (because the answer to said riddle is "They both need to be peeled"), where they spot Riddler holding what appears to be a gun to the proprietor's head. Upon interfering however, and in the process of arresting Riddler (which Batman can do, as he's deputized), Riddler reveals the truth of the situation: the gun was merely a lighter, and Batman's apprehension of Riddler falls under a false arrest.

Apparently, in this case, the law is on Riddler's side, as this story is reported the next day and most legal scholars back up Riddler's interpretation. Batman would have to appear in court, and worse off, would be legally bound to remove his cowl. He feels all hope is lost, until Robin points out that Riddle likely left additional clues on the subpoena handed to them earlier. Upon locating and deciphering more riddles, the Dynamic Duo discover they must get to 222 Glover Avenue.

Riddler and his accomplices, the Mole Hill Mob, have a trap set at the location, being the new discotheque. Amusingly, when Batman and Robin get there, Robin, being underage, is not allowed in, and must stay out with the Batmobile while Batman goes in alone.

Hilarity ensues when Batman enters the nightclub ("Gleeps! It's Batman!" being a phrase I won't soon forget), culminating in Batman ordering orange juice from the bar, and dancing with one of the Mole Hill Mob's members (which, much like the above phrase, is not something easily forgotten). The orange juice, however, was drugged, and Batman goes down.

Outside, using a dart gun, Riddler subdues Robin, and at first tries to take the Batmobile, but due to anti-theft systems, he is unable to do so. He also cannot manage to cause lasting damage to the vehicle, as setting it on fire leads to it being put out quickly by an automated system. Giving up on that avenue, Riddler does all he can - he abducts Robin.

Batman, though overly groggy, does attempt to drive away and find Robin, but the police prevent him. He's simply too drugged up to drive. Meanwhile, in the lair of the Mole Hill Mob, Robin is strapped to a table, and Riddler gleefully realizes that finally, he now has the power to defeat the Caped Crusader.

Cue dramatic voice: Will Robin escape? Can Batman find him in time? Is this the ghastly end of our Dynamic Duo?

This show has always been a hoot. I won't profess to having seen every episode, but I have seen most of the first and second season. This episode is quite a decent start, though I do wish they expanded on the past occasions that Riddler and Batman have fought each other (as they've done so "half a dozen times"). On the upside, we are given a brief yet fine enough glimpse into why Bruce Wayne dons the Batman identity - to strike back against the criminal underworld, much like the "dastardly criminals" who took the life of his parents.

Choosing the Riddler as the first villain for the show is a bit of an odd choice, but Gorshin does the role beautifully and energetically. The riddles are something else, so when Robin answers them so quickly and confidentially, another source of amusement arises. The "pedestrian safety" line was fantastically amusing also.

But that dance - well, luckily, Batman once again does the same dance later on in the series. Apparently, viewers back then as well as now can't get enough of it. And who can blame them? A fine opening to this campy classic.

Rating: Above Average

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