With a successful animated series featuring a new take on Superman finishing its second season, it makes perfect sense that a Batman series would be released with similar imagery and setting time as a Superman cartoon.
What makes less sense is having the Superman cartoon it most resembles be the classic 1940's Fleisher Cartoon, down to having an appearance by that Lois Lane.
Having said that, its an impressive demonstration about the differences between the characters how well both very different series work. Superman's is futuristic and Batman's is based in the era both characters were created in. Yes the Animated Series looked like the past, but there was still evidence of modern technology and beyond. This show sticks with pre World War II machines and appliances.
Batman: Caped Crusader, (On Prime for reasons I'll never fathom) turns the noir up to levels that eclipse previous tales of the Dark Knight. Bruce Timm is the show runner, with streaming giving him the freedom to embrace that dark setting far stronger than he did in the DCAU. (However, references -including the appearance of the "Giant Lucite Map of Gotham City" - proves the 1966 series will forever leave its mark on the character.) Ed Brubaker, as the head writer, ensures bringing in the intelligent and compelling handling of both the corrupt and heroic sides of the Gotham City Police force he brought to Gotham Central. (Which I REALLY need to reread now.)
I maintain that good Batman stories will always be the best comic book tales. The coolest part about this show is, while it is set in a classic setting and is yet another take on Bruce Wayne's early development of the Batman and his relationships, many of the other characters have been reimagined in ways that bring a totally fresh take to them.
Note- Some characters are races they've never been before. This is not what I mean by totally fresh take. In fact, this show is a fantastic demonstration of changing the characters races not affecting who they are and how they fit into the storylines at all.
Some characters follow the classic mold:
The main focus is the early Batman times of Bruce Wayne as he is is learning to create the most effective "masks" for both crimefighting, and being a disinterested playboy.
Alfred Pennyworth, while chubby like the Golden Age "Alfred Beagle" version, has more of an employee relationship to Bruce. However, he clearly sees himself in the classic role as Bruce's long suffering surrogate father figure. Their relationship is one that builds and grows during this season.
Commissioner Gordon is the honorable lead of the Gotham Police, trying to work around and get rid of the corruption.
Bullock and Flass are the poster boys for the GCPD corruption.
Rupert Thorne is THE organized crime leader.
Jim Corrigan is straight out of the comics... but the question is, which comics?
The well known names of other characters cover over new interpretations that make these adventures in an old setting much fresher.
Barbara Gordon is now an idealistic public defender, with different ideas than her father, but maintaining an unshakeable bond with him.
Catwoman, like Bruce, is still in her early years and a far cry from the master thief other interpretations have shown.
Clayface goes back to his earlier version of only modifying his face, as opposed to the amorphous, super strong, shapeshifter he's become in most versions.
Harley Quin leans much more heavily into her roots as a psychiatrist and has no connection to the Joker.
Onomotopia shows up for some variety, and Gentleman Ghost to demonstrate to Bruce that the supernatural exists.
Nocturna was...
Well, I don't know, because she was before my main comic book collecting time, but after the classic runs I picked up later. She was another demonstration of the supernatural... or maybe meta-human abilities that only looked supernatural. Either way, the concept of Leslie Thompkins running an orphanage full of potential Robins was kind of hilarious.
The most interesting variations came into focus at the start and end of the season..
Minnie Driver was absolutely terrifying as Oswalda Cobblebot, the Penguin. She was part classic, faux refined Penguin, and part textbook organized crime boss, with a pinch of a dark Ma Barker from the Adam West series thrown in for fun.
Brave and Bold's Deitrich Bader as Harvey Dent was already kind of slimy and corrupted before his scarring. The scarred side, instead of a long hidden internal evil, speaks as the remorse for his past compromises.
You really can't beat a good Batman story. Here's hoping this group gives us more.
Spoiler space-
Those who know me, know any "it got so bad Batman used a gun" scene will send me into a long and detailed rant about the nature of the character. For anyone taking notes, this show did it correctly. Very early in his career, as an intimidation tactic not an attack, and with an amount of disdain afterwards indicating it cemented that he will never use one again. (So don't screw it up next season, please.)
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