Category: TV Series

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MORK & MINDY: LONG BEFORE WE MET (Season 4: Episode 7)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date May 12, 2022

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 25:00 Min.

First airing on ABC-TV on November 9, 1981, Frank Buxton directed this episode. With Grandma Cora babysitting their son, Mearth, Mindy and Mork attend her ten-year high school reunion.

Introducing husband Mork to her former classmates, Mindy deliberately avoids geeky Dickie Nimitz, who exhibits some of Pee-Wee Herman’s future mannerisms. Nudged by two of her old friends, Mindy dances with her smarmy ex-boyfriend (and now Wyoming Lt. Governor), Steve Sanders. Consoled by Dickie, Mick experiences marital jealousy observing Steve blatantly flirt with his wife.

Come the next morning, Mork & Mindy quarrel over Steve’s affections for her. An unsolicited gift’s arrival and Mearth’s prodding convinces Mork to use his magical ruby red shoes to go back in time. On Prom Night 1971, Mork poses as a Russian exchange student to verify for himself that Mindy would still choose him over Steve the arrogant jerk.

Returning to his present-day life, Mork realizes the true answer. In this episode, Mork doesn’t report his findings back to Orson.

Mork: Robin Williams

Mindy McConnell: Pam Dawber

Fred McConnell: Conrad Janis

Mearth: Jonathan Winters

Cora Hudson: Elizabeth Kerr

Steve Sanders: Robin Strand

Dickie Nimitz: Paul Reubens

Glenda Faye: Crissy Wilzak Comstock

Althea: Marilyn Kagan

Cora Hudson: Elizabeth Kerr

Messenger: Laura Leigh Carlson

Orson: Ralph James (credit only)

Crissy’s Date: Uncredited

Note: There’s a welcome dose of retroactive continuity: in the pilot three years earlier, Mindy’s age is stated as 21. Now, her age is shifted to 28 in 1981, which is a realistic approximation to Pam Dawber’s actual age.

REVIEW:

Aside from virtually zero laughs, a few other things spring to mind. Clearly, the show’s budget couldn’t manage much, as Mindy’s sparsely attended prom, let alone its small venue, proves mighty hard to believe. That’s even ignoring a lack of de-aging make-up to help the actors remotely resemble teenagers. Then, there’s Paul Reubens previewing his future Pee-Wee Herman chuckle. It says plenty that even Robin Williams, Jonathan Winters, and Reubens combined can barely muster a chuckle in this disappointing episode.

Though this Back to the Future-like premise has some intriguing potential, its ultra-convenient, cop-out finish makes watching the episode irrelevant. Even with Mork supposedly interfering in the past (it’s now an alternate-reality past), nothing actually changes in Mork & Mindy’s present-day lives.

Though Mindy’s true love is inevitably Mork, “Long Before We Met” infers that her husband has retroactively rigged the odds over the ultra-arrogant Steve of 1971. Mork, unsurprisingly, is given an ethical pass by the scriptwriters, given the Mindy of 1971 was destined to dump Steve, anyway, without Mork’s nudging.

Considering that neither she nor her father (appearing in a 1971 cameo) remember meeting a Russian student resembling Mork, the creepy little gag ending the story falls far short. And, really, the less said about Mork’s magical ruby red shoes (ripping off The Wizard of Oz’s Dorothy) the better. Shrugging this dreck off as Mork’s what-if fantasy might be best considering the inane Mearth character is likely the least of its problems.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 2 Stars

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MORK & MINDY: THE WEDDING (Season 4: Episode 2)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date May 12, 2022

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 25:00 Min.

First airing on ABC-TV on October 15, 1981, Bob Claver directed this pivotal episode. Overcoming her disapproving father’s skepticism, Mindy expects Mork to demand, if necessary, Orson’s consent to their impending nuptials. Defying Orson’s adamant refusal, Mork assures Mindy that all is well – that is, until he finds himself transforming into a sheepdog one hour before the wedding.

Realizing that it’s now up to her, Mindy desperately contacts Orson herself. In a battle of wills, does Mindy’s heartfelt stance triumph over Orson’s cold insistence upon Orkian law?

At the wedding, Fred & his wife, Cathy, observe a deranged (and straight-jacketed), best man Exidor stalling for time. Will the missing bride and groom (as a dog or not) show up? The episode’s final seconds sets up Episode 3, as to whether or not the newlyweds opt to spend their honeymoon in Acapulco or on planet Ork.

Mork: Robin Williams

Mindy McConnell: Pam Dawber

Fred McConnell: Conrad Janis

Cathy McConnell: Shelley Fabares

Cora Hudson: Elizabeth Kerr

Exidor: Robert Donner

Orson: Ralph James

Stephanie the Flower Girl: Stephanie Dizon

Reverend: James Staley

REVIEW:

Though the climatic wedding scene is worth the wait, other creative elements risk stirring up a ‘hot mess.’ Obviously, the impatient producers sought to kick-start the show’s dwindling popularity ASAP, but immediately following the couple’s long-awaited engagement episode with the wedding is unnecessarily rushed. Playing up their engagement period for a few episodes would have made good sense as a sub-plot to some ‘nervous fiancé’ Mork hijinks. Instead, the show implausibly jumps from Point A (proposal) to Point C (marriage) without hesitation, let alone forgetting to throws in any laughs.

Side Note: Speaking of rushing things, wouldn’t it be preferable to forget this final season then dubiously inserts Jonathan Winters as the couple’s ‘newborn man-child’ almost immediately after the honeymoon?

Second, was it really necessary to blatantly rip off Disney’s The Shaggy Dog? While Orson’s retaliation makes sense (sort of), why not concoct a more original creature as Mork’s punishment — i.e. a monkey? maybe a rabbit? Or a lovebird? Suffice to say, just watching Robin Williams’ half-hearted ‘Shaggy Dog’ impersonation is cringe-inducing.

Also, though it’s welcome to see the original cast reunited, but one wonders where is Tom Poston’s grumpy Mr. Bickley? For that matter, wouldn’t Jay Thomas & Gina Hecht’s characters from Seasons 2-3 have been invited? Hence, it’s disappointing that this pivotal episode doesn’t try a little harder to homage the show’s prior continuity.

Lastly and most significantly, the episode fails viewers re: how/why the intriguing Mindy/Orson stand-off is so conveniently resolved. Confronting Orson, credit goes to Dawber’s underrated acting for saving this sequence, given the eye-rolling circumstances where Mindy even threatens to still marry Mork … should he remain a dog. Cutting this ultimatum/resolution short insults both Mindy and Orson’s characters, as it would have instead been an ideal cliffhanger for a potential two-part episode.

Despite all these weaknesses, the final few minutes of “The Wedding” (i.e. Dawber & Williams’ poignant acting) makes it a genuine treat for Mork & Mindy fans.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 5 Stars

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“HOT STUFF” EDDIE GILBERT & MR. X (RICKY STEAMBOAT) VS. NWA WORLD CHAMPION “NATURE BOY” RIC FLAIR & NWA U.S. CHAMPION BARRY WINDHAM, WITH J.J. DILLON (WCW Saturday Night: Taped January 21, 1989)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date May 12, 2022

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 28:05 Min.

Taped January 21, 1989, in Atlanta, GA, for the WCW Saturday Night TV series, “Hot Stuff” Eddie Gilbert had promised a mystery partner in his challenge the week before to the two remaining Horsemen (Flair & Windham).

As shown in flashback footage, J.J. Dillon & his Horsemen condescendingly accept Gilbert’s terms. This flashback montage includes Gilbert’s interruption of a Horsemen/Dillion interview; the Horsemen’s previous in-ring beating of a defenseless Gilbert; and then Gilbert’s own pre-match interview.

To the Horsemen’s shock, Gilbert’s partner is Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat, who has returned to pro wrestling months after his WWF departure (circa 1988’s WrestleMania IV). Against the NWA’s top two singles champions, Steamboat & Gilbert defiantly serve notice to these Horsemen that change is coming.

The co-commentators are Jim Ross & Tony Schiavone.

Notes: According to backstage reports, after spending 1988 fending off Lex Luger & Sting, Flair himself quietly recruited Steamboat to open 1989 as his new title challenger. Flair would subsequently face perennial rival Steamboat for the NWA World Championship at Chi-Town Rumble on February 20, 1989.

REVIEW:

Given the players involved, this TV main event tag bout is indeed stellar. Long predating WCW’s mid-90’s cruiserweights, a diminutive Gilbert impressively holds his own against Flair & a towering Windham, with both still in their villainous prime. Even more so, Steamboat’s reliable star power dazzles. One might describe this match’s ulterior purpose as Flair & Steamboat hosting a master class re: how to sell viewers on their imminent World Title feud.

Simply put, this high-impact grudge match is the best kind of alternative the NWA could present fans with against the rival WWF’s all-star roster.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8½ Stars

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THE BATMAN/SUPERMAN MOVIE

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date May 12, 2022

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 1 Hour, 1 Min.

Released by Warner Bros. Home Video in 2007, this animated film is three Superman: The Animated Series episodes edited together. Specifically, Season 2’s Episodes 16-18 entitled “World’s Finest, Parts I-III,” were first televised on October 4, 1997.

In Gotham City, the Joker and Harley’s Quinn’s brazen theft of an antique jade dragon leads Batman to realize that this glowing antique is composed of radioactive kryptonite. The Joker soon prods an opportunistic Lex Luthor into swapping arch-enemies for a ‘bargain’ price.

Arriving in Metropolis, Bruce Wayne senses the Joker’s likely new accomplice is Lex Luthor. He soon feigns a tentative working partnership with LexCorp to probe Luthor’s involvement. Complicating matters further, Bruce’s judgment is compromised by an unexpected love affair with The Daily Planet’s Lois Lane, much to Clark Kent’s chagrin. With Superman & Batman now public rivals amidst the Clark-Lois-Bruce love triangle, the villains launch a nefarious strike. To make amends, Batman must put his guarded trust in the Man of Steel.

A game-changing discovery occurs, after Lois decides her romantic destiny lies in Gotham City as the presumably future ‘Mrs. Wayne.’ Unless the World’s Finest Duo settle their personal differences fast, Luthor, the Joker, & Harley Quinn edge closer to scoring ultimate victory. With Luthor’s nefarious power grab unleashed, Superman will need the Dark Knight’s ominous help to save Metropolis in time.

Clark Kent / Superman: Tim Daly

Lois Lane: Dana Delany

Bruce Wayne / Batman: Kevin Conroy

Lex Luthor: Clancy Brown

The Joker: Mark Hamill

Harley Quinn: Arleen Sorkin

Alfred: Efrem Zimbalist Jr.

Mercy Graves: Lisa Edelstein

GCPD Commissioner Gordon: Bob Hastings

GCPD Detective Harvey Bullock: Robert Costanzo

Perry White: George Dzundza

Dan Turpin: Joseph Bologna

Notes: As of this writing, this title hasn’t been released separately on Blu-Ray. Instead, it is included in various DVD and Blu-ray sets, including Superman: The Animated Series – for Season 2 and The Complete Series set. It’s also available digitally as either a film or as three separate episodes.

REVIEW:

Given its time constraints, this standard-screen, animated super-caper offers solid all-ages DC entertainment. Exploring the intriguing premise of Lois Lane dumping perpetual suitor Clark Kent for Bruce Wayne, the storyline’s various twists are good as one might hope for.

In that sense, the plot infers that the DC Animated Universe was inching towards 2001’s Justice League/Justice League Unlimited animated series. Bolstered by reliable voice acting, the TV animation still holds up relatively well. In particular, some close-ups (i.e. Lois wistfully contemplating a rose from Bruce) are unexpectedly stellar.

As compared to a similar three-part team-up opening The Batman: Season Five, the kid-friendly action sequences are of essentially equal caliber. However, The Batman/Superman Movie prevails on both its welcome storytelling depth and clearly higher-quality animation.

In the end, the practicality for buying this rudimentary DVD is a bargain price. Otherwise, there’s multiple superior viewing options now to choose from (per the above note).

BONUS FEATURES:

Available languages are English, French, & Spanish, with subtitles presented in English or Spanish (at least, for the main feature). The extras consist of: How to Draw: Superman; How to Draw: Batman; “The Joker’s Challenge Game;” basic cast and crew information, and some obligatory trailers.

PACKAGING:

The DVD has a standard casing, Of its advertised contents (per the backside of the case), the only item this reviewer couldn’t find was a musical montage. Otherwise, the DVD’s selection menu confirms it has what the case claims.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 5½ Stars

BATMAN: THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD – SEASON TWO, PART ONE

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date May 12, 2022

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 4 Hours, 33 Min.

Originally airing on The Cartoon Network in 2009-2010, this double-disc set released in 2011 features twelve 23-minute animated episodes. Notably, some of their pre-credits sequences setting up the two-part Starro invasion storyline leading off Season Two – Part Two’s set. The matted widescreen episodes (and guest heroes) are the following:

Disc 1:

1: Death Race to Oblivion!

Guest Heroes: Captain Marvel/Shazam; Plastic Man; Huntress; & Green Arrow.

2: Long Arm of the Law!

Guest Hero: Plastic Man.

3. Revenge of the Reach!

Guest Heroes: Challengers of the Unknown; Blue Beetle (Jaime Reyes); & Green Arrow.

4. Aquaman’s Outrageous Adventure!

Guest Heroes: Aquaman; Mera; Blue Beetle (Jaime Reyes); Green Arrow; & Enemy Ace.

5. The Golden Age of Justice!

Guest Heroes: Detective Chimp; Hourman (Rex Tyler); Black Canary I (Dinah Drake); Black Canary II (Dinah Lance); Flash (Jay Garrick); Hawkman; Dr. Mid-Nite (Charles McNider); & Wildcat (Ted Grant).

6. Sidekicks Assemble!

Guest Heroes: The original Teen Titans (Robin, Speedy, & Aqualad); Aquaman; & Green Arrow.

Disc 2:

7: Clash of the Metal Men!

Guest Heroes: Aquaman; Dr. Will Magnus, & The Metal Men.

8: A Bat Divided!

Guest Heroes: Booster Gold; & Firestorm (Jason Rusch/Ronnie Raymond).

9. The Super Batman of Planet X!

Guest Heroes: The Metal Men; and Green Arrow.

10. The Power of Shazam!

Guest Heroes: Captain Marvel/Shazam; and The Wizard/Shazam.

11. Chill of the Night!

Guest Heroes: Zatanna Zatara; Spectre, and The Phantom Stranger.

12. Gorillas in Our Midst!

Guest Heroes: Spectre; Detective Chimp; Vixen; & B’wana Beast.

Note: This set is now included in a Complete Season Two on Blu-ray.

REVIEW:

With a single exception, the scripting and animation style of these dozen episodes remains consistently entertaining in all respects. For fans of the stylish Brave and the Bold TV series, this set is certainly worthwhile. Including Aquaman’s LOL family sitcom, several notable adventures rate among the program’s top-tier episodes, i.e. The Golden Age of Justice!; Sidekicks Assemble!; The Power of Shazam!; and the set’s peculiar dark horse: Chill of the Night!

Here’s the caveat re: Chill of the Night! The unrelated Batman/Zatanna Zatara pre-credits teaser is wonderful; however, the main plot darkly explores Batman’s vendetta against his parents’ cold-blooded killer: Joe Chill. Deceptively utilizing the usual kid-friendly animation, the harsh subject matter ought to have been deemed off-limits for pre-middle school kids.

Though it makes the most sense to acquire the full-season Blu-ray, this half-season is still plenty good by itself.

BONUS FEATURES:

Available languages are English & Spanish, with these subtitles to choose from: English, French, & Spanish.

PACKAGING:

The discs are safely encased on separate pages. The set’s contents are accurately listed on the back outside cover.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars

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AWA SOUTHERN CHAMPION “MACHO MAN” RANDY SAVAGE VS. NICK BOCKWINKEL (CWA television: Taped Early 1980’s)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date May 12, 2022

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 11:09 Min.

This CWA match evidently occurs in Nashville, TN, but its approximate date is likely sometime in the early ‘80s between Nick Bockwinkel’s runs as AWA World Champion. Playing the babyface (a rarity – per the commentary, the ex-AWA champ hadn’t been cheered in that region in five years), Bockwinkel challenges for Randy Savage’s AWA Southern Heavyweight title.

As a dangerously agile heel, the fiery Savage is backed by a white-haired manager (whoever it is – it’s evidently not his dad, Angelo Poffo) standing at ringside with a cane.

REVIEW:

This obscure mat classic further enhances the impressive list of future Wrestling Hall-of-Famers that Nick Bockwinkel faced off against during that era (Hogan, Flair, Lawler, Hennig, Backlund, etc.). Unsurprisingly, the less-than-flashy ring veteran demonstrates his own legendary technical skills tangling with the brash and much-younger Savage.

Plausibly delivering and taking punishment from each other, the long-time ex-AWA Champion and the future WWF/WCW World Champion both appear near the top of their prospective games. For fans, it’s a well-played brawl.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars

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THE MUNSTERS: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date April 28, 2022

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 16 Hours, 6 Min.

CBS-TV first aired these thirty-eight black-and-white episodes in 1964-65. Universal Studios Home Entertainment released the first season to DVD in 2004; a re-release followed in 2013 (as seen in the image below). Subsequently, these standard-screen, 24-minute installments are also included in Complete Series packages.

Residing in the mythical suburbia of Mockingbird Heights, the cast consists of: Fred Gwynne & Yvonne De Carlo (as happily married Herman & Lily Munster); Al Lewis (as Grandpa/Count Dracula); and Butch Patrick (as young Eddie Munster). Beverley Owen (as niece Marilyn Munster) is subsequently replaced after Disc 2 by Pat Priest.

Season One’s episodes consist of:

Disc 1:

“Munster Masquerade”
“My Fair Munster”
“A Walk on the Mild Side”
“Rock-A-Bye Munster”
“Pike’s Pique”
“Low-Cal Munster”

Disc 2:

“Tin Can Man”
“Herman the Great”
“Knock Wood, Here Comes Charlie”
“Autumn Croakus”
“The Midnight Ride of Herman Munster”
“The Sleeping Cutie”
“Family Portrait” (both black-and-white & color versions)

Disc 3:

“Grandpa Leaves Home”
“Herman’s Rival”
“Grandpa’s Call of the Wild”
“All-Star Munster”
“If a Martian Answers, Hang Up”
“Eddie’s Nickname”
“Bats of a Feather”

Disc 4:

“Don’t Bank on Herman”
“Dance With Me, Herman”
“Follow That Munster”
“Love Locked Out”
“Come Back, Little Googie”
“Far Out Munsters”
“Munsters on the Move”

Disc 5:

“Movie Star Munster”
“Herman the Rookie”
“Country Club Manners”
“Love Comes to Mockingbird Heights”
“Mummy Munster”
“Lily Munster, Girl Model”
“Munster the Magnificent”

Disc 6:

“Herman’s Happy Valley”
“Hot Rod Herman”
“Herman’s Raise”
“Yes, Galen, There is a Herman” (aka “My Friend Herman).”

REVIEW:

Reminiscent of live-action cartoons, the spoofy magic of TV’s original Munsters endures. Cleverly satirizing TV family sitcom clichés, The Munsters takes full advantage of Universal Studios’ monster movie legacy. Even a pitch-perfect combination of good-natured camp humor (including the black-and-white ‘monster flick’ ambiance), wacky sight gags, terrific make-up, and consistently solid writing wouldn’t be complete without this ensemble cast at its best.

Though Gwynne and Lewis predictably carry most of the laughs, De Carlo does equal duty as the Munsters’ sensible matriarch. Case in point: in one marital misunderstanding, DeCarlo’s infuriated Lily, in a self-described imitation of Sonny Liston, knocking Gwynne’s ever-gullible Herman out with a single punch is totally LOL in Episode 23: “Follow That Munster.” The cast’s teamwork selling the Munsters’ cheesy premise, undoubtedly, is among this show’s best assets.

What stands out more is the program’s satirical mirror vs. merely scoring cheap sitcom laughs. By playing the Munsters up as a traditional immigrant family coping with current American norms, opportunities for parody shine. Hence, the naïve irony of the Munsters deeming themselves the only ‘normal’ family in their neighborhood offers timelessly relatable entertainment.

For contemporary audiences, adults may likely enjoy The Munsters’s brand of silliness best in small doses. Kids, however, discovering this series will be in for a wonderfully G-rated (aka Ghoulish-rated) treat.

BONUS FEATURES:

Subtitles are available in English, Spanish, and French. Each disc includes a separate menu screen listing its episodes.

Disc 1: Later re-filmed and expanded into Episode 2: “My Fair Munster,” the 15-minute colorized pilot was used to shop the series to TV networks. Though Gwynne, Owen, & Lewis are present, the other two actors were subsequently replaced by De Carlo & Patrick. The cheap colorization effect spells out how hokey-looking the household set actually is — let alone that the actors are wearing Halloween costumes with rudimentary make-up. This proposed cast’s lack of chemistry is also readily evident.

Disc 2: The other extra is “Family Portrait” in its rare color version. Suffice to say, this spoof re: an all-American family photo shoot is much better viewing than the primitive-looking pilot.

PACKAGING:

All six discs have separate plastic pages. Each disc’s episode titles are accurately listed on the interior back cover.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7½ Stars

THE WORLD’S GREATEST SUPERFRIENDS: AND JUSTICE FOR ALL

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date April 28, 2022

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 2 Hours, 57 Min.

Originally aired on ABC-TV in 1979, this installment of Hanna-Barbera’s “The World’s Greatest Super Friends!” (aka Season 4) consists of eight episodes, each 22-23 minutes in length. The Super-Friends appearing are: Superman; Wonder Woman; Batman & Robin; Aquaman, and The Wonder Twins (with Gleek). The single-disc DVD consists of these adventures:

“Rub Three Times for Disaster”
“Lex Luthor Strikes Back”
“Space Knights of Cameleon”
“The Lord of Middle Earth”
“Universe of Evil”
“Terror at 20,000 Fathoms”
“Superfriends Meet Frankenstein”
“Planet of Oz.”

Note: Similarly packaged, the Season 5 DVD is dubbed “Dangerous Fate;” and the Season 6 DVD is “A Legacy of Super Powers.”

REVIEW:

Aside from these Super-Friends being too easily overpowered on a regular basis, these eight episodes deliver nostalgic super-fun.

Beyond taking obvious inspiration from J.R.R. Tolkien, L. Frank Baum, Mary Shelley, Jules Verne, and Arthurian legend, the Lex Luthor caper even includes a Margot Kidder-like Lois Lane and his dim-witted sidekick, Orville, closely resembles Ned Beatty’s Otis. The unique sight of a super-charged Robin utilizing Superman’s powers is explored in “Superfriends Meet Frankenstein.” Another treat is the “Universe of Evil,” where DC’s first animated equivalent of Earth-Three’s Crime Syndicate is depicted. Hence, the inspired scripting powering several of these episodes is impressive.

At a minimum, these Saturday morning capers live up to the Super-Friends franchise’s legacy of kid-friendly entertainment.

BONUS FEATURES:

The DVD can be viewed in English, Spanish, & Portuguese, with available subtitles in either English or Portuguese. There are two DC Comics-related trailers: one for various DC animated titles and the other is ‘the real-world-needs-heroes’ PSA.

PACKAGING:

The DVD is solidly enclosed. For the most part, the contents are accurately listed.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars

BATMAN – THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD: THE GOLDEN AGE OF JUSTICE! (Season 2: Episode 5)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date April 28, 2022

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 23:00 Min.

Initially broadcast by The Cartoon Network on January 5, 2010, Michael Chang directed this episode. In a Clue-like pre-credits opening sequence, Batman needs Detective Chimp’s help unmasking a disguised culprit.

In the main storyline, Batman & Black Canary attend a reunion with their mentors: the Justice Society of America (Hawkman, Dr. Mid-Nite, Hourman, Wildcat, & Jay Garrick’s Flash). Yet, a grudge match against the JSA’s old time-traveling foe, Per Degaton, is complicated by the team’s over-protectiveness of the second-generation Canary.

The reason for the JSA’s attitude is depicted in flashback as to the original Canary’s fate (as she is the current Canary’s mother). To thwart an elusive Degaton, the aging JSA’s teamwork with their fully-capable protégés becomes imperative.

Batman: Diedrich Bader

Black Canary I & II: Grey Griffin (aka Grey DeLisle)

Hawkman: William Katt

Wildcat: R. Lee Ermey

Dr. Mid-Nite: Corey Burton

Hourman: Lex Lang

Flash (Jay Garrick): Andy Milder

Professor Zee: Dee Bradley Baker

Per Degaton: Clancy Brown

Detective Chimp: Kevin Michael Richardson

Maid: Tress MacNeille

REVIEW:

In a rare animated appearance, the Justice Society is in vintage form. Making the original squad this Batman’s mentors is a nice touch, along with adding more depth to this incarnation of Black Canary. Of the guest voice actors, R. Lee Armey stands out most as the original Wildcat, though Grey Griffin does solid work, too.

For all-ages DC Comics fans, “The Golden Age of Justice!” offers well-played Bat-entertainment.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars

BATMAN – THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD: CHILL OF THE NIGHT! (Season 2: Episode 11)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date April 28, 2022

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 23:00 Min.

Initially broadcast by The Cartoon Network on April 7, 2010, Michael Chang directed this Paul Dini-scripted episode. In the unrelated pre-credits opening sequence, Batman teams with a fellow Justice Leaguer, sorceress Zatanna Zatara, to thwart Abra Kadabra’s devious museum heist.

In the main storyline, Batman finally closes in on Joe Chill’s identity re: the thug who murdered his parents in cold blood years before. Observing Batman’s nightmarish obsession, the Spectre and the Phantom Stranger, meanwhile, conduct an enigmatic wager. Does Batman pursue lethal vengeance, or will he opt for another form of fitting justice?

Not only does Batman pursue a decrepit Chill, but what happens after the Dark Knight’s enemies realize who unwittingly inspired his never-ending war on Gotham City’s criminal underworld?

Batman: Diedrich Bader

Phantom Stranger: Kevin Conroy

Spectre: Mark Hamill

Zatanna Zatara: Jennifer Hale

Lew Moxon: Diedrich Bader

Joe Chill: Peter Onorati

Dr. Thomas Wayne: Adam West

Martha Wayne: Julie Newmar

Bruce Wayne (child): Zachary Gordon

Abra Kadabra: Jeff Bennett

REVIEW:

In terms of Batman’s animated history, “Chill of the Night!” serves up brilliant storytelling in this rare exploration of the Dark Knight’s origin. The guest presence of Bat-veterans Kevin Conroy, Adam West, Julie Newmar, & Mark Hamill alone makes watching this insightful episode special. Hence, adult fans won’t be disappointed.

Parents, however, need to beware that this episode’s surprisingly dark content is inappropriate for pre-elementary school kids. Specifically, multiple inferences re: cold-blooded-murder and lethal vigilantism/retribution should have merited a parental advisory.

Though “Chill of the Night!” utilizes the program’s kiddie TV animation – its plot is strictly PG-13 material. In that sense, this episode is something of a deception, given the obvious primary target audience.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 9 Stars (for adults & teens)