The Batcave Podcast

Our next look at those movies from around the world inspired by the 66 Batman TV series takes us to the Philippines.  Mere months after the premiere of the television series, James Batman burst on to Filipino screens.  In fact, the movie came out before the American theatrical one did.  That in itself is impressive, but then there is the added wrinkle of Batman teaming up with James Bond.​

As you have heard before on the podcast, we're not entirely sure of the broadcast dates or order of episodes when it comes to Filmation Batman 68.  We have been relying on Wikipedia for our schedule.  Based on that, the penultimate episode features a double dose of The Riddler.  In these two stories, he wants to blow up an art museum that refused to feature his artwork and then kidnaps Dick Grayson to stop the development of a crime lab by Wayne Enterprises.

A fan favorite among the episodes of the 66 series is when Batman met The Green Hornet. And so it made sense that when the comic of the series was released, a rematch between the two would happen. And so, with the elements in play, plus the return of Colonel Gumm, now General Gumm plus The Joker, you have a six issue mini-series that has a lot to offer.

For years, fans of Gotham City 14 Miles have been clamoring for a sequel.  Jim Beard comes into the Batcave to explain why it hasn't happened and what he is planning instead - a "sidequel".  Jim is kicking off an anthology of review essays on each and every episode of the Batman '66 series as seen through the eyes of a myriad of authors, some who contributed to Gotham City 14 Miles.

It's the first in a series looking at other takes on Batman in other countries.  We start with Betmen, a Turkish film which, despite its flaws, is actually better than one of the episodes of the 66 series. The two discuss the oddness of the stolen American soundtrack, but the lack of Batman music in the movie, the strange obsession with long, ponderous walking shots, and how Robin is in many respects a faithful adaptation of the character while Batman is simply horrible. Listener discretion is advised

King Tut is back in Gotham, but he has done nothing wrong other than to steer a barge down Gotham Harbor.  But Batman suspects the phony Pharaoh is up to something and he's proven correct as he pursues him through time to Ancient Egypt.  Plus, Alfred's cousin Eggbert has served his time for his involvement with the Joker in the TV series and he realizes he would never have gotten in trouble if he had lived the life Alfred had.  So he kidnaps Alfred and takes his place!

False Face gets the return engagement many fans of the 66 series have always wanted and this is a story that could easily play out on the 66 seres with one exception (based on budget, that is).  Plus, the Joker is the backup story in a tale that is a comedic take on our employment system.

The Bookworm is one of John's favorite villains in the Batman 66 universe and he's back in a story written by new to the series writer, Tom Peyer.  Bookworm is researching Batman's every habit to determine who he really is and wants to sell the information to the highest bidder.  Plus, Olga, Queen of the Cossacks, wants Batman to marry her since he put her Eggy in jail.

It's the final appearance of Mr. Freeze on the Filmation 68 animated series and his record to date has not been well received by John and Dan. Here, Freeze still comes across as a thug and he's committing another fraud as he did previously with the Vikings, but there's something about the way this story flows that makes it a cut above the others featuring Freeze. Plus, there's the introduction of The Judge, an original Filmation villain.

The Sandman is back in Gotham City with a plan to put the entire populace under his spell while trying to learn the location of the Batcave.  Plus, Batgirl has her hands full taking on Catwoman by herself.

It's the end of The Hornet's Sting and we go out with a bang as we review the two-part adventure, "Invasion from Outer Space".  The city is gripped with terror as it appears an alien invasion is happening.  When the aliens do show up at Britt Reid's home, Britt is certain the whole thing is a hoax and he's quickly proven right as the aliens steal an H-bomb and threaten the city with it.  

It's the Harlan Ellison Batman story that featured a never seen villain in the series, finally getting the 66 treatment.  Or does it?

Filmation's original Batman baddie, Simon the Pieman, returns for more cross dressing villainy in a story that might just be better than his first appearance.  Simon has a pie themed park for the kiddies all set to launch, but his plans are interrupted by Barbara Gordon and chaos ensues.  Plus, what might just be the best Mr. Freeze story to date deals with Christmas in Gotham City and a scheme to steal valuable Christmas icons.

The Dynamic Duo travel to merry old England to track down the Mad Hatter.  There's a lot to love about this story, including the fact that the back up story is actually a follow-up to the main one featuring Clock King.

There's a new villain in town, The Red Hood, and he's calling out the Joker.  Batman must work with his greatest arch-villain in order to bring down the Hood and his gang.  Plus, Egghead has captured the Dynamic Duo and placed them in an inescapable egg trap.  But Batman has a trick and a Batcopter up his sleeve.