Harley Quinn – S2 Ep13 – The Runaway Bridesmaid Review

Directors: Tom De Rosier and Juan Jose Meza-Leon

Writer: Sarah Peters

Starring: Kaley Cuoco, Lake Bell, Matt Oberg, Ron Funches, Christopher Meloni, J. B. Smoove, Alan Tudyk, Tisha Campbell-Martin, Andrew Daly, Mary Holland, Sanaa Lathan, Jonah Platt, Jim Rash

Feels Like An Episode For Shakespeare

“The Runaway Bridesmaid”… wow. We had a lot of lead up to this episode; highs and lows throughout Harley Quinn season two, as everything culminates on the big day. With Harley in Arkham Asylum, trying to work things out, and Ivy prepares for her wedding to Kite Man, there’s so much to discuss. Let’s dig in.

A Rose By Any Other Name

Harley’s locked in Arkham, after the chaos that wrecked Gotham. She’s fully down on herself as Ivy’s wedding day grows closer. Even when King Shark, Frank, and Clayface come to pick her up, saying that Ivy wants her there, Harley says no. Ivy, on the other hand, is dealing with the aftermath of everything that had happened between her and Harley being broadcast by Dr. Psycho. Kite Man’s not handling things well, which is to be expected. Ivy does her best to repair things, by getting their dream venue… but Harley’s learned that Gordon’s planning to take down all the villains in attendance. What will happen when everything crashes down, and the decision about how to move forward comes down to Kite Man?

Would Smell As Sweet

The entire Harley Quinn team has given us cohesive and relatable stories this season, with each episode building on the characters and their lives. “The Runaway Bridesmaid” is an excellent jewel in the crown that is this show. The scene that touched me the most was where Kite Man makes the decision for Ivy that she can’t. It’s a situation that resonated with me, as I’ve also been fortunate enough to have had someone care enough to do the same for me. That’s one of the things that makes this show so good. Each week my colleagues and I discuss the episodes and the writing, along with the humor and emotion that, of course, come from a place of passion and heart.

This always makes for an enjoyable experience, even in the uncomfortable raw moments that wrench your heart. The writers have never shied away from the moments that force change, and show all the facets that totally humanize these weird and wonderful characters. This season gave us all of that… and then some. The voice cast has made these characters their own and, honestly, I’m unsure I could ever not hear Kaley Cuoco or Lake Bell as Harley and Ivy, moving forward. The rest of the crew, too.

Conclusion

“The Runaway Bridesmaid” delivered a satisfying conclusion to Harley Quinn Season 2. While, yes, the show’s come to an end, there’s still hope for a Season 3. If I’m totally honest, though, I’d be happy to leave the story where it is. Granted, yes I want more… much, much more, but they’ve closed up all the major plot points, and left everything in a really good place.

There have been moments of laughter and tears, joy, and heartbreak. This season left me crying with emotion as much as with laughter. Kudos. Brava! Thank you to each member of the team who helped bring this beautiful show to life, and here’s to a season 3! I give yet another 10/10, not only for the episode but to the series as a whole!

What are your thoughts for Season 2 fellow viewers? Let us know your most memorable scenes in the comments below, and I will – hopefully – see you next time!

Harley Quinn – S2 Ep12 – Lovers’ Quarrel Review

Directed By: Christina Sotta

Written By: Adam Stein

Starring: Kaley Cuoco, James Adomian, Jason Alexander, Diedrich Bader, Lake Bell, Ron Funches, Tony Hale, Matt Oberg, Michael Ironside, Phil LaMarr, Jim Rash, Vanessa Marshall, James Wolk, Alan Tudyk

Thai Or Italian?

As we edge ever closer to the finale for Harley Quinn Season 2, we encounter a “Lovers’ Quarrel”. Last week, in “A Fight Worth Fighting For”, we saw Harley working with the Joker to free the JLA from the Queen of Fables’ storybook, and Ivy being the newest member of Dr. Psychos’ mind control, and finding herself hell-bent on killing Harley.

Let’s jump right in as there is plenty going on in “Lovers’ Quarrel” to discuss.

Sy In The Machine

Ivy’s still under Dr. Psycho’s control as “Lovers’ Quarrel” opens. The diminutive villain may have bitten off more than he can chew, regarding his deal with Darkseid, but he’s being as evil as he can be in the attempts to take Harley down. Not only does he use Ivy’s pheromones on Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman leading to… interesting results, he also uses Ivy against Harley in a showdown to the death, If there’s one thing to be said of this episode, it’s do not underestimate what Dr. Psycho is willing to do to win, at any cost. It remains to be seen if there will be any team left to speak of in the season finale.

She Is Soaring, Majestically

“Lovers’ Quarrel” is one of those episodes that works brilliantly, both on its own, and as a perfect lead up to a finale. We’re used to seeing danger, and cliffhangers that are nail biters, to be sure, but this one does it in a different way. Every relationship we’ve loved in this show is on the table, and what will happen to all of them remains to be seen. The writers have given us stakes of a different kind, and the voice cast has risen to that challenge at every turn.

Harley Quinn is not known for being predictable, so I think it is safe to say that things could go any way this coming Friday, when we witness the finale of Season 2.

Conclusion

I’ve given almost, if not all, of the episodes in this series a 10 out of 10. The reason I do so is because of how engrossing this show is. I see the reactions of friends, colleagues, and family, as every week we wait and ponder on what each episode will bring. How completely and utterly enthralling it is, how each one instantly becomes a favorite.

There are so many reasons to like this show, and it brings a new vision, not only of Harley Quinn, but of every single character it touches on, regardless of how small a role they may have. This episode as well gets a 10 out of 10, and I can’t wait to see what the finale holds for us all.

What were your favorite parts of “Lovers’ Quarrel”? Did they surprise you? Let us know in the comments below, and I’ll see you next review!

Batman: TAS – S1 – Prophecy Of Doom Review

Would you trust your money with a man who claims to know when the great fall will happen….of course not, so why are Gotham’s most wealthy doing just that?

Everyone is have a great time on a casino ship that is until a bomb in the boiler room goes off and they have to get to the lifeboats. The casino patron’s watch as the ship sinks into the sea.

In a fancy restaurant Bruce Wayne is having dinner with a banking friend of his Ethan Clark and his daughter Lisa Clark. Ethan tells Bruce about a fortune tell who warned him not to go on a recent gambling cruise which sunk. Lisa is not so sure and believes that this fortune teller named Nostromos is full of baloney. Ethan reminds Lisa of other predictions by Nostromos that did in fact come true.

Outside Lisa confides in Bruce that she thinks Nostromos could be making his predictions come true by nefarious means. Her father won’t make any moves financially without Nostromos’ approval and he has even joined a secret society to support this purveyor of predictions. You can see Bruce take all this information in and I predict that Nostromos will receive a visit from a bat.

At a meeting of the secret society Nostromos speaks a load of rubbish and the crowd are lapping it all up. Well all but one, Bruce is there and as instantly singled out by Nostromos. He claims the messenger of death is crying out for Bruce.

Back at the batcave Batman analyses Nostromos’ finger prints he got from the meeting. The Batcomputer finds a match and they belong to career criminal and con man Carl Flowers. The Batcomputer also shows Carl’s old partner Lucas a special effects man who was arrested for fraud but never convicted.

As Bruce is about to use his private elevator at Wayne Enterprises a security guard tells him it had just been repaired. Bruce is unaware of any issues with his elevator. As it nears the top of the building we see someone throw a spanner into its gears and pours acid on the cable. As the elevator falls Bruce now dressed as Batman (I’m so glad he had time to change) uses his Batgrapple to reach the top and go after the saboteur. After a long chase the masked saboteur manages to escape by throwing acid on to a gas pipe, with Batman distracted he gets away.

Lucas (the saboteur) is explaining to Nostromos or should I say Carl that he didn’t know Batman would show up at Wayne Towers. Carl is angry that Bruce survived as his death would of made the stupid…sorry I mean the secret society give him even more money. Ethan calls Nostromos and tells him that Bruce has seen the light (I’m sure he has).

Bruce goes all Basil Karlo on Nostromos and acts like his near death experience has shown him that Nostromos has a divine connection and he begs for forgiveness. Ethan asks if Bruce can now become a full member of the secret society, Nostromos agree as he knows how big Bruce’s pockets are. Lisa sees this and is disappointed in Bruce and she tells Nostromos that he has ripped off his last victim. Bruce wants to tell Lisa the truth but he can’t break character now or give away who he really is.

As Ethan drives Bruce to a meeting he explains that Nostromos has predicted a great fall, an economical collapse but every member of the society has donated a lot of money to a trust fund that will guard against it. Nostromos controls the fund but he can’t spend any of it without Ethan’s   signature.

At the meeting Nostromos declares that the great fall with happen very soon and as he speaks of all that will happen he starts to levitate. As this is happening Lisa has snuck in to the meeting and she finds Lucas literally pulling the strings. He is using his special effect experience to hoist Nostromos up in the air with wires from a control room. Lisa goes to tell everyone the truth but Lucas catches her before anyone sees her.

Alfred is shocked to find out Bruce has donated $10 million dollars to the Trust fund. Bruce explains he had to so he could keep the act going. He is worried that Ethan will undergo a spiritual crisis that will make him sign the money away to Nostromos.

Ethan visits Nostromos and tells him he can’t find Lisa. Nostromos tell him that Lisa is fine and he sees Ethan joining her soon. Nostromos levitates again and asks that the fund be converted into gold bullion so it is protected from the great fall. He just happens to have the correct paperwork for Ethan to sign so that can happen straight away. Ethan is reluctant so Nostromos shows him Lisa tied to a planet on a planetarium set he uses in some of his tricks. He warns that if Ethan doesn’t sign Lisa will pay as Lucas has set the building up with enough explosives to create a supernova.

Suddenly Nostromos starts to fly all over the place but this time neither he nor Lucas are in control. Batman is using that particular special effect against him. Both Lucas and Nostromos climb up to a catwalk to find Batman. Lucas is blinded by spotlights and Batman swoops in to kick him over. He fights Lucas who is nearly a match for him. As this is going on Nostromos starts playing with levers and buttons in the control room. This sends all the planets in the planetarium spinning at a very fast pace and they starts smashing into each other. Batman and Lucas fall from the catwalk and start fighting again but this time inside the planets, Batman knocks Lucas off and he falls into another planet. Nostromos tries to get away but he is run over by the planet earth. Batman frees Lisa just in time and he reunites her with her very embarrassed and foolish father. Lucas and Nostromos are sent to prison for life.

As a child I’m sure I was looking out for The Joker or Catwoman rather than a fake psychic. But now I can appreciate a different kind of villain, a villain who was just a con man with a very handy partner. These kind of episodes make the ones with Batman’s rogues a lot more special.

Harley Quinn – S2 Ep11 – A Fight Worth Fighting For Review

Director: Tom DeRosier

Writer: Tom Hyndman

Starring: Kaley Cuoco, Alan Tudyk, Lake Bell, Diedrich Bader, Tony Hale, James Wolk, J. B. Smoove, Jim Rash, Tom Hollander, Michael Ironside, Vanessa Marshall, Justina Machado, Matt Oberg, Scott Porter

Led By Frank And Chad

“A Fight Worth Fighting For” was a hard episode to wait for, as we were all left with our jaws hanging open after “Dye Hard.” Dr. Psycho has betrayed not only Harley, but the whole crew, and Sy Borgman sacrificed himself to save Harley. The only way out leads Harley to making the hard choice of bringing back Joker, in order to get the JLA back from inside of The Queen Of Fables’ storybook.

As Frank says at the beginning of this episode, this is some heavy s#!+.

Dancing With The Devil In The Pale Moonlight

More Joker – in khakis and living the life of a suburban Step Dad with Bethany (Justina Machado) – Batman comes into the fray finally, and we also see Harley vent out her frustrations on Dr. Psycho for ruining Ivy and Kite-Man’s wedding plans, and things don’t go exactly as planned, leaving us with the worst possible cliff-hanger.

The Sopranos Re-watch

“A Fight Worth Fighting For” gives us a lot to chew on. I truly enjoyed watching. not only Harley, but also the joker, go through lessons about just what relationships and love are really about. Also, ZATANNA! There are so many little things about the episode that come at us hard, but the writers really do justice to this story.

Also, we get more of Michael Ironside as Darkseid which is always great!

Conclusion

“A Fight Worth Fighting For” delivers everything. It’s on par, if not above, series standard. There’s deep character growth, raw emotional issues are drawn to the surface, and the comedy is wonderful. Harley Quinn is absolutely a series that has not let its fanbase down, and as we draw to the close of Season Two, I’m on the edge of my seat.

Harley Quinn – S2 Ep10 – Dye Hard Review

Director: Vinton Heuck

Writer: Jamiesen Borak

Starring: Kaley Cuoco, Jason Alexander, Ron Funches, Tony Hale, Christopher Meloni, Alan Tudyk, Diedrich Bader, Tom Hollander, Rory Scovel, Jim Rash

Jesus Was Really A Shark

“Dye Hard” gives us the aftermath of the bachelorette party as well as a reunion between the gang and Dr. Psycho. It is one the fans of the series were definitely on pins and needles for. This review will have some spoilers for the previous episode “Bachelorette.”

Down To Clown

Harley’s obviously just a bit heartbroken, after the way things were left between her and Ivy.. She meets up with Sy Borgman, King Shark, and Clayface at the lair, and tries to party it up, but King Shark and Clayface bow out gracefully. Sy ends up having a heart to heart with Harley and, while she hears him, she has the pain to burn off. Hitting a Wayne Tower bar puts her in the wrong place at the wrong time with a now sane(?) Joker, who’s risen up in the bar-tending world.

Meanwhile, Gordon’s babysitting in the auto driven Batwing trying to round up the leftover parademons from recent escapades. Given the bulletproof glass of the Wayne Tower, all Harley sees is them splattering, like bugs on a windshield. What should have been a night of getting over hurt feelings leads to utter chaos.

Heavy Lifting

The series is coming to a close, with only three episodes to go, and if “Dye Hard” is any indication of what’s to come… best to have some tissues handy. The voice cast gives their all in this episode, and not only is it noted, it’s appreciated. These stories are extremely emotional, with feelings that spread farther than just the relationship between Harley and Ivy. They handle them not only respectfully, but in a blatantly raw manner, forcing viewers into the moment for each heartbreaking step that leads us, not to a conclusion, but to growth.

Conclusion

“Dye Hard” sets us directly on the path to what to expect next episode, but if the writers of this series are good at anything, it’s surprising us. They’ve fashioned a tale that has woven in every single character this season.  We must wait as patiently, as we can to see what’s to come of our beloved crew.

This episode is enthralling, action-filled, emotional, and heartbreaking in its tenderness. It absolutely does justice to what this series is all about.  A true jewel in the collection of Harley Quinn: The Animated Series. What was your favorite part of this episode? Let us know in the comments, and I’ll see you for the next review!