Batman SE01 EP03 - "Fine Feathered Finks"

Episode Name: Fine Feathered Finks

Original Airdate: January 19, 1966

Villain: Penguin (Burgess Meredith)

In front of a jewelry store, two men hand out free umbrellas, claiming that there's a prize in one of them, and they should open them in the store once it opens. Needless to say, it's a trap. Or it should be - once they open the umbrellas, they emit a lot of smoke. But no attempted robbery takes place, just confusion.

Chief O'Hara and Commissioner Gordon lament on the fact that Penguin was released from prison just a few days prior. They're not under the impression they can catch him, so call in Batman and Robin. Upon their arrival, they speak with the warden of the prison, and watch some secret videotape of Penguin in his cell, where he reveals basic tenants of his plot: Batman should be made a "crook," and his plan involves umbrellas. 

They look over recent city records, with the intent of discovering if any umbrella factories have been opened. And in fact, three have, but to the police, there is no obvious connection to the Penguin. Robin, of course, spots it - the alias Penguin used is K.G. Bird (or Cagey bird). Astounded at this, the police ask Batman to go investigate, which they do.

At Penguin's hideout, we learn that Penguin is not actively creating a plan right now - he simply is going to unleash many bizarre umbrellas upon Gotham. Batman will then piece the clues together of his crime - the thing is, Penguin is planning nothing. Batman is going to provide to Penguin with how to pull off a crime that Penguin wasn't planning to begin with, ensuring that Batman is his partner in crime.

Penguin explaining his devious plan

Batman and Robin are informed that more free umbrellas are being handed out, this time in front of the bank. They make a "bat-turn," and head to the bank, securing the umbrellas before they too start emitting smoke. Batman muses that the set-up to a robbery was clear, but no actual robbery, making him want to speak to Penguin even more.

When confronting the Penguin, claiming that they're taking him back behind bars, Penguin asks what crime he has committed. Robin's reply, "illegal umbrellas," holds less water than Batman's "assault and battery, disturbing the peace." Penguin reminds Batman that he only makes the umbrellas - what they're used for after they're bought isn't his business. Batman quietly confers to Robin, calling Penguin a "tricky little creature." Batman lets him know that while he's outsmarted them this time, they'll be watching Penguin closely.

Penguin confronting the Dynamic Duo

Batman calling Penguin a "tricky little creature."

Penguin then releases a giant umbrella, causing some minor car damage. Why Batman can't reprehend Penguin for this is unclear. Instead, they try to analyze an umbrella left behind, finding no clue to what crime they are sure he's going to commit. They need to bug his factory for clues, but since Batman can't very well go in there and do it (this was before espionage), Batman has the idea of going in as Bruce Wayne.

Bruce Wayne goes in, handing over an umbrella for Penguin to inspect, as he subtly tries to bug a lamp on the desk. An alarm goes off, and Penguin's goons trap him, and he's knocked out by some gas. Penguin believes this to be a case of corporate sabotage, and has him thrown onto a conveyor belt leading to a furnace.

Oh, the horror.

Will Bruce Wayne be able to escape? Only time will tell.

Penguin examining umbrella for Bruce Wayne

This episode was actually funner than the last one. Part of it is likely how great of an actor Burgess Meredith is as Penguin. He excels in it in ways that I sense few others could (though Danny DeVito did well in the 1992 Batman Returns). His portrayal of the villain here is fantastic. Wardrobe designer should get some props too.

Robin's cry, upon seeing Penguin in jail wearing his full suit, of "Holy haberdashery," was glorious, especially as Robin was the only person to react in such a way. Of course, Robin has some of the best quotes here, though when Gordon and O'Hara basically admit that the Gotham Police Force isn't fit to solve virtually any crime without the help of Batman, that was pretty eye-opening also.

Penguin's plot here is unique, and it'll be interesting to see how it unravels.

A good episode here, and definitely worth viewing.

Rating: Above Average

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