Original Airdate: January 13, 1966
Villain: Riddler (Frank Gorshin)
We start where last we left off, with Batman in the Batcave fretting over Robin, who was abducted by the Riddler at the end of the episode. Unbeknownst to Batman, Riddler has a most dastardly plan: with a replica of Robin's face made, he'll have Molly, his accomplish, taken to the Batcave, and when there, will kill Batman.
The plan, for the most part, works out. Riddler lures Batman to come after him, with Molly, disguised as Robin, by his side. When their car crashes, Riddler leaves the scene, and Batman brings Robin, seemingly injured, back to the Batcave, where Molly reveals herself.
Batman, however, always knew that it wasn't really Robin, and deactivated her firearm by burning the firing beam. Trying to get away, she climbs up a ladder, leading to the Batmobile's nuclear power energy source. Despite trying his best, she falls in, and Batman is unable to save her.
Using a call from the real Robin received earlier, Batman tracks down the location Riddler is keeping him to a subway station. Batman attacks, and is able to save Robin, but Riddler gets away thanks to bullet-proof glass.
The clues Robin overheard leads them to suspect Riddler will rob the Gotham City National Bank. Riddler's target, however, is the Moldavian Pavilion at the World Fair, where he and the Mob Hill Gang are planning to flood the room in laughing glass and steal priceless jewels and priceless postage stamps. And they almost do so, Riddler adorning a classy elephant mask all the while. Batman and Robin, though, were waiting, and attack Riddler and the gang, dispatching of them.
In the end, Riddler is trapped when a grenade goes off, leaving Robin to suspect he may be dead, but Batman concludes that since no body was found, he's still out there. Still, it was a job well done - the only regret Batman has was the death of Molly. Bruce shakes it off, and helps out Dick with his algebra.
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| Riddler in aforementioned elephant mask |
This episode was a pretty good conclusion, if for no other reason, tackled something more serious than what one might expect from this show, being the death of a young, albeit criminal, woman. Batman expresses regret over this, though there was little he could do to prevent it (save getting rid of his nuclear power source, of course).
The plot to kill Batman using a Robin mask was somewhat ridiculous, but if it hadn't been for Batman's keen observational skills, it very well could have worked.
Also done well is Batman's desperation at the beginning of the episode, as he's worried over the well-being and whereabouts of Robin. From what I remember, this episode seemed to deal with ever-so-slightly darker topics than usual, and overall, it came across as quite solid.
Corny quote of the episode:
Robin: "You went awry, Riddler. Years ago. Don't you know crime never pays?"
Rating: Above Average
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