Batman SE01 EP04 - "The Penguin's a Jinx"

Episode Name: The Penguin's a Jinx

Original Airdate: January 19, 1966

Villain: Penguin (Burgess Meredith)

Bruce Wayne is able to escape from his fiery predicament, but Penguin's not too bothered, because he reasons he won't go to the police as Wayne tried to bug his shop, making him a crook himself. At the Batcave, Robin worries about Batman's absence, but Batman returns, though his clothes worse for the wear. He and Robin study the umbrella they brought back last episode for clues of Penguin's next crime.

What they don't know is that there's a secret radio transmitter built into the handle of the umbrella, and Penguin can hear everything Batman and Robin say. 

This plays into Penguin's plan - they'll overanalyze the umbrella, and once they discover what crime Penguin's likely to commit, Penguin will actually commit that crime, ensuring that he won't be caught. Batman and Robin focus on the colors of the umbrella - Batman's sure that they are the clues to the crime Penguin's going for. That's when this beautiful exchange occurs:

Robin: "They're [colors of the umbrella] so pretty - it's like a beautiful dawn."

Batman: "Beautiful dawn? Dawn Robbins, the beautiful movie star. She's on location here in Gotham City."

Robin: "Holy popcorn! Could he be planning to kidnap her?"

Batman: "Dawn Robbins in a picture called The Mockingbird produced by Ward Eagle, and she's staying in the penthouse at The Pelican Arms!"

Of course, since there are multiple references to birds, Batman believe it to be Penguin's plan, and then say exactly how Penguin is likely to do it. Penguin, of course, is listening in, and writes down the plan as Batman says is. And of course he kidnaps her.

Dawn Robbins

Penguin gliding to Robbins' penthouse

Batman and Robin, who knew about the attempt (and unknowingly planned it), got there first to protect Dawn Robbins and her manager, but once Penguin used a "Penguin magnet," magnetizing Batman and Robin's utility belts, Penguin is able to escape with the actress.

Batman and Robin's magnetized utility belts

Penguin does slip up, though - he repeats a phrase that Batman used in the Batcave, and so with the knowledge that the umbrella contains a radio transmitter, he sets a trap for Penguin. The trap, of course, works, and Penguin is sent back to prison along with his minions.

Dawn Robbins and her agent attend a social function at Bruce Wayne's manor, and Bruce, put off by Dawn's dismissive attitude, is told by her agent that ever since she laid her eyes on Batman, she was deeply in love, causing Dick Grayson to give a knowing smile.

Bruce Wayne speaking to Dawn Robbins

This was a fine finish to the first part. You had some classic exchanges, amusing quotes ("Batman never lends himself to commercial enterprises"), and a great villain in the Penguin. As I said last episode, Burgess Meredith is a fantastic actor, and his portrayal of Penguin is extraordinarily well-done.

Worth mentioning, I actually thought Penguin's plan of having Batman come up with the crime and the plan to commit the crime unknowingly was pretty interesting. Had Penguin been smarter about it, it would have actually worked, too.

All around a solid episode, though truth be told, it's hard to imagine this series not producing an amusing time.

Rating: Above Average

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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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Batman SE01 EP02 - "Smack in the Middle"

Episode Name: Smack in the Middle

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.

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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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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