Batman S:02 E:41

Episode Title: Scat! Darn Catwoman
Original Airdate: January 25, 1967

When we last left Gotham City, Batman had been captured by Catwoman and is now strapped down to a giant rat trap. Robin, still under the control of Catwoman, is sawing away at the rope. Batman’s only hope is to agree to join up with Catwoman. What will happen? Let’s find out in Scat! Darn Catwoman.

With Robin about to slice through the rope, Catwoman gives Batman one last chance. He agrees to join up with Catwoman, not because he’s afraid of death, but because he doesn’t want Robin stuck with a murder rap. Now, of course, to make sure Batman isn’t faking, Catwoman insists on using her “Catatonic” drug on him. He agrees, but just before she administers it, he asks if he can take a bat pill since he’s feeling a bit woozy. She allows it, then she drugs Batman and he becomes her willing slave.

The duo then jump in the Batmobile and head across the bridge to the Old Criminals Home. There they pay a visit to a wheelchair bound gangster called Little Al. He’s played by the great character actor Allen Jenkins. In exchange for a million dollars, he gives Catwoman the plans to the Gotham Mint. Meanwhile, back at City Hall, Commissioner Gordon is dealing with all the reports that Batman has joined up with Catwoman. Just then, though, Chief O’Hara storms in with an anonymous tip as to where Catwoman’s lair is. They arrive to find Robin trying to get, shall we say cozy, with Pussycat. The youngsters both end up arrested.

Needing a new place to hideout, Catwoman convinces Batman to take her to the Batcave. Of course, Batman sprays her with Bat Sleep so she won’t know where the Batcave is. This also makes it clear to us that Batman is not really under her influence…as if we had any doubt (a bit woozy…seriously, Batman). While there, Batman leaves a note for Alfred instructing him to take some Bat Antidote Pills to Robin at City Hall.

That night, Batman, Catwoman and her men try to break into the mint. They bust open the safe and Robin busts out…now free from Catwoman’s spell thanks to Alfred. Batman then reveals that he was just acting the whole time. They then fight with Catwoman’s men, but she makes an escape in the Batmobile. Our heroes pursue in a police car. They then use a remote control to bring the Batmobile to a stop. Catwoman tries to escape, climbing atop of a warehouse building. Batman soon corners her, though, with no place to go but a deadly drop into the river. Just as it looks like Catwoman is going to agree to go straight, she tumbles off the roof…apparently to her death. But remember, cats have nine lives.

Watching evil Robin ham things up was one of the highlights of last week’s episode. This week we get drugged out Batman, and it’s just as fun. He keeps calling Catwoman sweetheart and cat-baby. What lessens the impact, though, is the fact that we know all along that he’s faking it. The Bat Pill thing sticks out like a sore thumb. I would’ve prefered it if he had revealed that he somehow snuck a bat pill down his throat at the climax. As for evil Robin, he does get to chew up the scenery in one scene where he gets a bit too handsy with Pussycat. The scene is actually borderline inappropriate as Robin comes across a bit like a drunk frat boy trying to score.

Lesley Gore once again appears as Pussycat. Unfortunately, her role is reduced quite a bit in this installment. Her best moment has her singing the song “Maybe Now” while staring longingly at a photo of Robin. She was just so darn adorable in the last episode that it’s more than a bit disappointing that she is relegated to a glorified cameo this time.

Speaking of cameos, the highlight of this episode for me was the brief appearance of Allen Jenkins as convalescent gangster Little Al. For over thirty years, Jenkins was one of those actors that made us exclaim, “Hey, it’s THAT guy again!” He’s got such a wonderful, distinct, New Yawk style voice. His role here is very short…but it was a treat to see him.

This episode is still a lot of fun, but it’s doesn’t quite match up to the previous installment. Next time we begin another three-part episode. After all, after doing it once they had to even things back out again. The Dynamic Duo face two villains…Burgess Meredith’s Penguin and Carolyn Jones back as Marsha Queen of Diamonds in Penguin is a Girl’s Best Friend. Same bat-time, same bat-channel (superhero).

Bat Gadgets Used:
Bat Pill
Bat Sleep
Bat Wake
Automatic Batalarm for Detecting Phone Detecting Equipment
Diversionary Batphone Lines
Bat Antidote Pills
Batmobile Remote Control

Holys:
Holy Shucks
Holy Diversionary Tactics