The Arkham Sessions: Psychology of Batman & More

Is the Joker actually "insane"? Does Two-Face have "multiple personality disorder" by today's standards? From an ethical perspective, do Gotham's rogues belong in prison or in rehab? In works like The Penguin, Joker: Folie a Deux, and Batman: White Knight, DC villains have brought "main character energy" to life, proving themselves as enduring figures in media storytelling—but just how well do these baddies depict the mental health landscape of today, and is there anything wrong with celebrating villain vibes? Media psychologist Drea Letamendi, Ph.D. (Necessary Evil: Super-Villains of DC Comics), screenwriter Ernie Altbacker (Batman: Hush Animated), and comics writer Kyle Higgins (Nightwing, Batman Beyond 2.0, Batman: Gate of Gotham) deconstruct, decriminalize, and debunk Gotham City's most notorious institution and the stories behind it. Moderated by Brian Ward (The Arkham Sessions Podcast).

Harley Quinn is finally asked to attend a "Prospective Member's Party" at the Legion of Doom's headquarters. Poison Ivy, however, worries that her best friend's fixation on Gotham City's villainous social group is misguided.

As Harley Quinn masterminds strategies to get the attention of the Legion of Doom, Commissioner Jim Gordon of the Gotham City Police Department shows signs of mental exhaustion.

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In a memorable episode of DC's Harley Quinn series, Harley suffers a paralyzing identity crisis. With the help of Dr. Psycho's telepathic powers, Harley learns about her "stuck points," which are strong beliefs about oneself that can prevent recovery from trauma.

Set immediately after the events that take place in The Batman (2022), The Penguin a gripping and disturbing showcase of Oz Cobb's self-serving, Machiavellian pathology as he ascends the mob underworld of Gotham City.

Joker: Folie à Deux continues the bleak story about Arthur Fleck (Joker) and his spiraling from misunderstood recluse to deluded sociopath. The film makes use of textbook forensic psychology, melancholic musical performances, and deep dissections of Fleck's psyche to pull audiences into a genuine curiosity about whether there is anything redeemable about the most realistic Joker depicted on screen.