World's Finest Podcast

Calling "The Demon's Quest" epic doesn't even begin to do this Batman: The Animated Series episode justice, nor does sandwiching it in with four other episodes of the show. That said, James and Mike decided to dedicate an entire episode of World's Finest Podcast to "The Demon's Quest."

Though they only review three episodes of Batman: The Animated Series this time around, James and Mike hardly have a light week. First there's an inbox full of e-mails to read, then they cover "Harley and Ivy" (in which Batman should have died), "Shadow of the Bat" (in which the rumors about the Dynamic Duo are confirmed) and "Blind as a Bat" (in which Tony Stark could have stood in for Bruce Wayne).

In this edition of World's Finest Podcast, James and Mike answer a slew of e-mails, and then discuss five episodes of Batman: The Animated Series: "The Man Who Killed Batman," "Mudslide," "Paging the Crime Doctor," "Zatanna" and "The Mechanic."

Someone gave the hilarious "Almost Got 'Im" a perfect score. Both James and Mike are surprised by the sorrow they feel for the Penguin in "Birds of a Feather." "What is Reality?" marks the second appearance of the Riddler. Batman apparently shops at Hot Topic, as evidenced by his behavior in "I Am the Night." And two crucial Batman: The Animated Series characters are introduced in "Off Balance."

First James and Mike answer several e-mails, then they dive headfirst into a steaming pile of BTAS episodes. "Joker's Wild" numbs the brain. "Tyger, Tyger" isn't so bad... depending on who you ask. "Moon of the Wolf" is the worst episode of Batman: The Animated Series, period. Though not as good as the first part, "Day of the Samurai" is sort of okay... yet completely nonsensical. Then there's "Terror in the Sky" with its hints at marital unrest.

"Night of the Ninja" explores a small portion of Bruce Wayne's shrouded youth. Nothing makes sense in "Cat Scratch Fever." Once the rogues appear, "The Strange Secret of Bruce Wayne" becomes a fun episode. The two-part "Heart of Steel" is remarkable for introducing Barbara Gordon, and for its otherworldly eeriness. And "If You're So Smart, Why Aren't You Rich?" finally introduces The Riddler.

We're baaaaack! (In all seriousness, sorry about the long delay between episodes.) This time around Alfred takes the fall for Bruce ("Eternal Youth"). In "Perchance to Dream" Bruce Wayne is given his dream life, but turns it away. An international thief targets Batman in "The Cape and Cowl Conspiracy." Dick Grayson's emotional origin is recounted ("Robin's Reckoning"). And The Joker plots another zany scheme in "The Laughing Fish."

The Scarecrow must be insanely stupid if he can't ascertain Robin's true identity ("Fear of Victory"). Batman gives Temple Fugate way too much respect in "The Clock King," leaving James and Mike at a loss for words. Some familiar faces appear in "Appointment in Crime Alley," and Mike takes issue with Batman leaving roses in Crime Alley. Mix "Mad as a Hatter" with James' love for Lewis Carroll and you wind up with a (mostly) gushing review. And does "Dreams in Darkness" make an allusion to Jason Todd's grisly murder?

Who'd have thought the once-campy Adam West could turn in such a touching performance ("Beware the Gray Ghost"), or that Heather Locklear had a small part in the lackluster "Prophecy of Doom"? "Feat of Clay" begs a serious question, and continues to portray Batman's villains as sympathetic characters. If there's one person in the world you wouldn't want to owe a favor to, it's The Joker ("Joker's Favor"). And in "Vendetta" Batman admits he was wrong about Harvey Bullock!

"It's Never Too Late" proved mobsters could be sympathetic characters years before The Sopranos hit HBO. Not every episode can be a gem, and "I've Got Batman in My Basement" illustrates that. Bruce Wayne might be a hopeless romantic, but Batman sees everything in black and white ("Cat and the Claw"). The near-perfect "Heart of Ice" needs no description. And "See No Evil" has a shocking subtext. If that wasn't enough for you, listen just to hear Mike make quite possibly the funniest Freudian slip ever.