Batman S:02 E:39

Episode Title: The Penguin Declines
Original Airdate: January 18, 1967

When we last left Gotham City, Batman, Robin, and the Joker’s former gal Venus had all been captured by the Clown Prince of Crime and chained up to be fed to a giant monster clam. In fact, Robin has already been slurped up by the creature. Let’s find out how they get out of this one in the conclusion of the series’ first three-part story, The Penguin Declines. Continue reading Batman S:02 E:39

Batman S:02 E:38

Episode Title: The Joker’s Hard Times
Original Airdate: January 12, 1967

When we last left Gotham City, Batman and Robin were tied up underneath a giant meteorite that is just about to drop and squash them into pancakes. Meanwhile, Joker is out continuing his string of zodiac-themed crimes. Let’s see what happens next in part two of this three part story, The Joker’s Hard Times. Continue reading Batman S:02 E:38

Batman S:02 E:37

Episode Title: The Zodiac Crimes
Original Airdate: January 11, 1967

We’ve made it through 70 episodes of Batman, and so far they’ve all followed the same basic two-part story format. Producers decided to do something a bit different, though, to celebrate the one year anniversary of the show. Which brings us to the first of two three-part stories that would air during the show’s second season. For that, one villain would not be enough. So here come Special Guest Villain the Joker (Cesar Romero), as well as “Extra Special Guest Villain” the Penguin (Burgess Meredith) in The Zodiac Crimes. Continue reading Batman S:02 E:37

Batman S:02 E:36

Episode Title: The Mad Hatter Runs Afoul
Original Airdate: January 5, 1967 (By the way, that’s exactly 50 years ago, yesterday)

Well, it’s been a few weeks since we last visited Gotham City. I just know you’ve been on pins and needles all this time wondering how Batman and Robin were going to get out of their current predicament. If you recall they have been trapped inside a giant X-Ray machine by the Mad Hatter and are about to be zapped out of existence. Let’s see what happens in today’s episode, The Mad Hatter Runs Afoul. Continue reading Batman S:02 E:36

Batman S:02 E:35

Episode Title: The Contaminated Cowl
Original Airdate: January 4, 1967

So far in the Batman series I can only think of one villain who is regularly referred to by his real name by those around him. That villain is Jervis Tetch, aka the Mad Hatter. Actor David Wayne played the character for one story arc in the first season and is now back in today’s episode, the first of 1967, The Contaminated Cowl. Continue reading Batman S:02 E:35

Batman S:02 E:34

Episode Title: The Catwoman Goeth
Original Airdate: December 29th, 1966

Last week’s episode of Batman featured a team up between a well-known villain, Catwoman (Julie Newmar) and a new villain, Sandman (Michael Rennie). The result was quite possibly one of the worst episodes in the history of the series. Can part two possibly recover? That may be a bigger cliffhanger than the actual one…which sees Batman about to be stitched into a giant quilt. Let’s see what happens in part two of our story, The Catwoman Goeth. Continue reading Batman S:02 E:34

Batman S:02 E:33

Episode Title: The Sandman Commeth
Original Airdate: December 28, 1966

When I hear the name Sadman used for a super villain I think of the shape shifting character from the world of Spider-Man. But in today’s episode of Batman we get a different Sandman. He’s brought to life actor Michael Rennie, who is probably most remembered for playing the role of Klaatu in The Day the Earth Stood Still. But that’s not the only baddie we get in this episode! Julie Newmar’s Catwoman is also on hand for today’s episode The Sandman Commeth. Continue reading Batman S:02 E:33

Batman S:02 E:32

Episode Title: The Duo is Slumming
Original Airdate: December 22, 1966

When we last left Gotham City, our heroes had been captured by Riddler substitute the Puzzler (Maurice Evans) and are now tied up in the basket of a hot air balloon which is slowly rising higher and higher. Once it hits 20,000 feet, the basket will drop like a stone…and our heroes with it! How will they get out of this one? Let’s find out in today’s episode, The Duo is Slumming. Continue reading Batman S:02 E:32

Batman S:01 E:31

Episode Title: The Puzzles are Coming
Original Airdate: December 22, 1966

Of all the guest villains who appeared in the first season of Batman, the highlight for me was Frank Gorshin’s Riddler. He was clearly a highlight for others as well. Gorshin appeared on the show more than any other guest in the first season and he was nominated for an Emmy. But when season 2 of the show rolled around, Gorshin was unavailable due to his Vegas show. So Batman’s producers had to come up with a plan B. That included reworking a script written for the Riddler and inserting a new villain. So, enter Maurice Evans (Dr. Zaius himself) as the Puzzler in The Puzzles are Coming. Continue reading Batman S:01 E:31

Batman S:02 E:30

Episode Title: The Bat’s Kow Tow
Original Airdate: December 15, 1966

When we last left Gotham City, Batman and Robin were about to have their eardrums turned to mush due to being trapped inside Catwoman’s giant echo chamber. They are mere seconds away from being driven completely mad! Let’s see what happens in this week’s conclusion, The Bat’s Kow Tow. Continue reading Batman S:02 E:30