The Batcave Podcast

Jim Beard has been on the podcast twice before and will return for an early second season episode review. He is the developer, editor and a contributor to Gotham City 14 Miles, a collection of critical essays on the Batman 66 series. In this interview, Jim talks with John about the development of the book, the planned sequel, the role of race in the TV Batman universe, the sexuality of the three main villains, and the top three episodes to show the doubting viewer of the relevance of the Batman series

Penguin, Joker, Riddler, and Catwoman have all teamed up to hatch a plot that not only threatens Gotham City, not only threatens the country, but rather threatens the entire world. Their objective - the United World Organization main assembly. And only two people stand in their way - Batman and Robin. It's going to be a bumpy ride as John is joined by Geek Radio Daily's Billy Flynn, Cinefantatique Online's Dan Person, and Gotham City 14 Miles editor and writer, Jim Beard to discuss the 1966 movie.

Over the course of the first 17 episodes, the podcast has taken shape into something John hopes everyone enjoys. But there was a different format John considered before going ahead with the show you are listening to today. He tried out this format by sitting down with author Dayton Ward and the two recorded a commentary on the first episode of the series. Here is the first part, edited in its entirety for your listening pleasure.

The Penguin is back in town and his target is Alfred, the faithful butler of millionaire Bruce Wayne.  Batman and Robin are called in to investigate, but a short time later, Alfred is released, safe and sound.  What has happened to Alfred as he now has an odd twitch about him?  Will Batman and Robin find out before the Penguin is able to execute his entire caper? Joining John to talk about the final episode of the first season is Batman fan, Mike Fichera.

The Riddler returns to Gotham and confounds Batman and Robin with a new string of riddles.  While the Dynamic Duo race about in response to the riddles, the Prince of Puzzlers is filming the entire thing.  What is his ultimate plan?  What is the purpose of the film?  Will Batman figure it out or misinterpret the clues? Joining John to talk about Frank Gorshin's last first season turn as The Riddler is author Robert Greenberger.

A failed writer with an obsession with books has his sites on a rare collection of priceless works in the Gotham City Library. Batman and Robin match wits with the leather-clad Bookworm as played by Roddy McDowell in an episode that offers a number of firsts, including the first use of the harpsichord (which we totally forgot to mention in the podcast). Joining John is RevCast host and DragonCon American Sci-Fi Classic Track director Gary Mitchel.

William Omaha McElroy has once again reverted to his evil alter-ego, the malevolent monarch of crime, King Tut.  He has created a giant Sphinx which emits his royal decrees to the citizens of Gotham from Gotham Central Park.  One of those decrees is the death of Batman and Robin.  But what is his ultimate goal in his latest caper?  Can Batman figure it out before it's too late for him and Bruce Wayne. Joining John to talk about King Tut and Victor Buono is Gotham City 14 Miles editor, Jim Beard.

The Joker is back in Gotham City and he has a new scheme to hold the city for ransom while ruining Batman's good name.  Can Batman figure out the Joker's plan before it's too late? Joining John to talk about the Joker's last outing of the first season is author and podcaster, Kevin Lauderdale.

The Riddler returns to Gotham with a supply of wax smuggled into the country.  But what does he need the wax for?  What does it all have to do with a book on rare Incan treasures? Joining John to talk about one of the better Riddler episodes in the series is HeyKids Comics Podcast host Andrew Leyland.

The Penguin returns to Gotham City, but he doesn't appear to have a nefarious scheme to rob the citizens of their hard earned cash. Or does he?  It all seems innocent enough. He opens a protection agency, offering his services to the wealthy of Gotham City.  And very quickly, he is accepted into high society. What is going on here? Joining John to talk about this is RevCast host and DragonCon American Sci-Fi Classics track co-moderator, Gary Mitchel

The Catwoman has returned to Gotham City and it looks as though her crime seems pretty obvious, the theft of two gold cat statues.  But there's something more to the statues and some books on the history of Gotham City provides the clues.  Can Batman figure it out before the Catwoman clips his and Robin's wings? Joining John to talk about the debut of the feline felon is The Podcast Cowboy, Clay Dugger.

The mysterious False Face and his elusive sidekick, Blaze, are back in Gotham City for a crime wave filled with confusion, false clues, and guises galore!  But who is False Face?  It's not just the identity of the villain that is in question, but the actor who portrays him as well. Joining John to talk about this single outing for the master of disguise is HG World's Jay Smith.

Vending machines at Woodrow Roosevelt High are dispensing coins instead of candy or milk.  It seems like a silly prank, but in Gotham City pranks are the calling card of The Joker.  Batman is called in to investigate and he finds The Joker is recruiting students for his scheme.  Dick has to go undercover to find out who is in the gang and what Joker's ultimate scheme is. Joining John to talk about this unusual story is author Dayton Ward.

A rash of kidnappings appears to have Gotham City's Police Department stumped.  All the victims appear to have one thing in common, they wear hats.  That alone points to the machinations of The Mad Hatter.  But what is his scheme?  Why take the people as well as their hats?  What do they have in common? Joining John to figure out The Mad Hatter's scheme is life-long Batman fan, Linda-Ali Cruz.

King Boris' visit to the United States is interrupted by an exploding bouquet of flowers that hide a riddle inside, the calling card of the Riddler.  What is his scheme?  Can Batman and Robin figure it out before an international incident can occur? Joining John to figure out the Riddler's clues is author, musician, and podcaster Keith R.A. DeCandido.