Category: TV Series

SUMMARY:                                     RUNNING TIME: 11 Min.

Directed by Shaunt Nigoghossian, this episode first aired in the U.S. on May 31, 2018.  Conjuring up a new prank, Mr. Mxyzptlk exploits Uncle Dudley’s hurt feelings when young Billy Batson asks him to refrain from joining Shazam’s crime-fighting.  Posing as Shazam’s Wizard, Mxyzptlk transforms a naïve Dudley into the all-powerful ‘Captain Bamboozle.’  Overplaying his new super-hero role, Dudley may still be the League’s best hope containing a downtown crisis that Mxyzptlk has unleashed.       

Dudley H. Dudley / Captain Bamboozle: John Astin                

Shazam / Billy Batson: Sean Astin

Wonder Woman: Rachel Kimsey                                             

Mr. Mxyzptlk / fake Wizard: Gilbert Gottfried

Batman: Kevin Conroy                                                           

Red Tornado: No Vocals

Felix Faust: Jon Cryer

Note: For whatever reason, data re: official episode numbers and original air dates for this series vary depending upon its source, so such info should really be taken as a best guess. 

REVIEW:

Several major elements stand out in this well-played caper.  First, the inspired pairing of father-and-son John Astin and Sean Astin as Uncle Dudley and Shazam/Billy merits kudos — the Astins simply nailed it.  Second, restoring Dudley’s befuddled ‘Uncle Marvel’ persona (even under the new alias of Captain Bamboozle) is terrific comedy, particularly since John Astin sells the character so well. 

There’s also the presence of Gilbert Gottfried’s improved Mxyzptlk, which isn’t quite as ear-grating as his previous appearance.  This episode’s writing smartly finds a way for the obnoxious Fifth Dimension imp to harass other Justice Leaguers besides Superman.  Lastly, utilizing Mxyzptlk and Felix Faust together is a great idea — perhaps DC Comics will see fit to give them an actual team-up bedeviling the League. 

The usually chintzy animation, which gives Justice League Action its distinctive web series-like look, is kicked up a notch here.  Considering this episode’s target audience is for ages 10-and-under, there is also poignant humor for nostalgic adults to appreciate in this delightfully silly Justice League adventure.    

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                          8 Stars

Note: This episode is on the Justice League Action: Battles from Beyond! 2-disc DVD set (which collects the series’ second half).   

SUMMARY:                                    RUNNING TIME: 11 Min.

Directed by Jake Castorena, this episode first aired in the U.S. on May 30, 2018.  Aboard a Justice League starship, Batman is transporting Kanjar Ro to a deep space prison.  Meanwhile, Hal Jordan’s Green Lantern inadvertently loses his power ring at an intergalactic rest stop.  Scrambling to track down the evidently-stolen ring, a powerless Hal Jordan pursues his prime suspect, Lobo, with some help from Space Cabbie. 

Subsequently retracing his steps to the rest stop, Hal tries confronting another possible thief.  Of course, the even worse alternative is sheepishly admitting to Batman how he got into this predicament in the first place.

Green Lantern (Hal Jordan): Josh Keaton                                                       

Batman: Kevin Conroy

Space Cabbie Patton Oswalt                                                                             

Lobo: John DiMaggio

Navigational System: Grey Griffin

Notes: Due to his inexplicably black-colored hair, Hal Jordan could pass for Kyle Rayner in this episode.  Also, for whatever reason, data re: official episode numbers and original air dates for this series vary depending upon its source, so such info should really be taken as a best guess. 

REVIEW:

The premise for this Green Lantern action-comedy is ingenious, as Justice League Action’s chintzy animation is ideal for this style of humor.  For instance, the unstable worm hole that Space Cabbie and Hal pass through as a shortcut has an amusing optical effect re: their distorted faces.  The same applies to Lobo’s facial expression after being dragged during Hal’s space-motorcycle joyride. 

For the most part, the storyline is pretty good except for one huge logic gaffe re: Hal’s emergency oxygen belt.  For a lengthy chase sequence, Hal’s uncharged oxygen belt somehow still protects him in space.  Yet, a later twist re: this same depleted belt forces Hal to desperately try recovering his ring before he fatally suffocates.  Hence, the script’s inconsistencies re: Hal’s ultra-convenient failsafe somewhat diminish an entertaining romp.      

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                         7½ Stars

Note: This episode is on the Justice League Action: Battles from Beyond! 2-disc DVD set (which collects the series’ second half).   

SUMMARY:                                          RUNNING TIME: 11 Min.

Directed by Jake Castorena, this episode first aired in the U.S. on May 29, 2018.  Secretly selling Justice League Watchtower tours for extra cash during his monitor duty shift, Booster Gold’s moonlighting backfires.  Inadvertently setting off the base’s inner defense systems, Booster and his villainous tour group (each of whom are in undercover disguise) must scramble to survive.    

Booster Gold: Diedrich Bader                                                  

Granny Goodness: Cloris Leachman

Joker: Mark Hamill    

Toyman: Ken Jeong                                        

Jackie: Rachel Kimsey                         

Batman: Kevin Conroy            

Note: For whatever reason, data re: official episode numbers and original air dates for this series vary depending upon its source, so such info should really be taken as a best guess. 

REVIEW:

Somehow, this can’t-miss sitcom premise almost does. Considering it’s another spoofy Booster Gold showcase, Diedrich Bader keeps Booster’s wise-guy attitude from becoming ultra-tiresome.  Guest spots from Cloris Leachman, Ken Jeong, and Mark Hamill are well-played, but they are given too little to do.  Had some unsuspecting League members passed though, it might have boosted the hilarity factor.  Yet, all viewers get is a fast Batman cameo.     

Curiously, two animation gaffes evidently weren’t caught during the episode’s editing.  In one instance, the Joker’s disguise permanently loses a shoe, but then he has the shoe back in a later scene.  Soon afterward (and correctly), the missing shoe is gone again.  However, that goof isn’t nearly as bad as the misspelling of “Unknown” on a Watchtower monitor screen.  At any rate, “Watchtower Tours” offers some chuckles, but there isn’t enough LOL humor to qualify as one of the series’ better comedies.               

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                             6 Stars

Note: This episode is on the Justice League Action: Battles from Beyond! 2-disc DVD set (which collects the series’ second half).   

SUMMARY:                                 RUNNING TIME: 11 Min.

Directed by Jake Castorena, this episode first aired in the U.S. on December 2, 2017.  After thwarting Solomon Grundy’s wintry rampage with Plastic Man, Green Arrow hosts the League’s Christmas party.  Due to a scheduling conflict at S.T.A.R. Labs, Plastic Man brings along a heavily-tranquilized Grundy to join the team’s festivities. 

While Batman’s reluctant presence further stirs the party up, the League appreciates the archer’s best efforts to entertain them.  Yet, could an inspired Grundy’s latest escape lead to one more holiday surprise?        

Batman: Kevin Conroy                                                             

Flash: Charlie Schlatter

Wonder Woman: Rachel Kimsey

Zatanna Zatara: Lacey Chabert                                              

Superman: Jason J. Lewis

Green Arrow: Chris Diamantopoulos                                       

Solomon Grundy: Fred Tatasciore                                           

Plastic Man: Dana Snyder

Female Reporter: Uncredited                                                  

Keely (female child): Uncredited

Notes: Multiple Leaguers (i.e. Supergirl, the female Dr. Light, Black Canary, Mr. Terrific, Martian Manhunter, and Dr. Fate) appear in the background as non-speaking cameos.  A Tom & Jerry cartoon on television makes a cameo.  For whatever reason, data re: official episode numbers and original air dates for this series vary depending upon its source, so such info should really be taken as a best guess. 

REVIEW:

Who would have predicted Tom & Jerry appearing in Justice League Action?  It’s one of many welcome elements in the League’s Christmas party, including a decent change-of-pace for Solomon Grundy (no matter all the clichés).  Another gem is the unlikely sight of Green Arrow’s efforts to impress a grumpy Batman – one would think he’d be instead trying to catch Black Canary under the mistletoe. 

The gag involving two Leaguers getting the same cheapo Secret Santa gift is another fun gag.  While it’s delightful for the animators to include so many Leaguers into background cameos (for the first time since Justice League Limited), the resulting problem is disappointing.

Relying on a series of single background shots, various Leaguers appear frozen in place (usually two at a time) while only the episode’s central players actually move and talk.  Though this cost-effective maneuver is a new low for the program’s chintzy animation, this terrific episode is worth catching.  The ensemble cast’s vocal work alone is a wonderful asset.     

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                         7½ Stars

Note: This episode is on the Justice League Action: Battles from Beyond! 2-disc DVD set (which collects the series’ second half).    

SUMMARY:                                       RUNNING TIME: 11 Min.

Directed by Jake Castorena, this episode first aired in the U.S. on November 17, 2017.  Lex Luthor attempts to sabotage Superman and Flash’s charity race by siphoning access to the Speed Force.  By doing so, Luthor has gained his own super-speed and the ability to effectively halt time.  With the League outmatched trying to thwart Luthor’s raid of S.T.A.R. Labs, it’s up to the their last three standing heroes to catch up to Luthor’s fast getaway.   

Batman: Kevin Conroy                                                             

Wonder Woman: Rachel Kimsey

Green Lantern (Hal Jordan): Josh Keaton                                

Lois Lane: Tara Strong

Superman: Jason J. Lewis

Lex Luthor: James Woods                                                       

Flash: Charlie Schlatter

Chronos: Andy Richter                                                              

Notes: Hawkman & Firestorm appear in non-speaking cameos.  For whatever reason, data re: official episode numbers and original air dates for this series vary depending upon its source, so such info should really be taken as a best guess. 

REVIEW:

Revisiting the Flash vs. Superman ‘fastest man alive’ race concept, this storyline doesn’t offer any surprises.  Yet, its entertaining script overcomes the series’ chintzy animation by playing off the Justice League’s teamwork.  James Woods’ condescending rendition of Lex Luthor is spot-on, as even he acknowledges how grating the whiny voice of Andy Richter’s Chronos is.  Charlie Schlatter’s Flash and Tara Strong’s Lois Lane also contribute solid vocal performances. 

If anything, this episode’s ironic last scene is an amusing treat.  While “Race Against Crime” isn’t among the series’ best entries, it’s still one worth watching.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                               7 Stars

Note: This episode is on the Justice League Action: Battles from Beyond! 2-disc DVD set (which collects the series’ second half).   

SUMMARY:                               RUNNING TIME: 11 Min.

Directed by Jake Castorena, this episode first aired in the U.S. on November 11, 2017.  Amidst a computerized simulation in a pocket dimension, five Justice Leaguers ominously realize they are, in fact, super-sophisticated robots.  The question becomes: why do they exist? 

Batman: Kevin Conroy                                                             

Wonder Woman: Rachel Kimsey

Cyborg: Khary Payton                                                             

Superman: Jason J. Lewis

Booster Gold: Diedrich Bader                                                  

Darkseid: Jonathan Adams                                    

Note: Green Lantern and several villains (including Harley Quinn, Zod, and Black Adam) make non-speaking cameos.  For whatever reason, data re: official episode numbers and original air dates for this series vary depending upon its source, so such info should really be taken as a best guess. 

REVIEW:

Along with “Trick or Threat,” this episode is the other top contender for Justice League Action’s best episode!  Easily overcoming its chintzy animation, “System Error” is practically flawless in its execution.  Case in point: the voice actors are in peak form, particularly a terrific moment as Wonder Woman gladly punches Batman in the face upon request (to prove his suspicions).  Khary Payton’s Cyborg and Diedrich Bader’s Booster Gold also get solid screen time. 

Still, one might quibble at an unlikely plot twist re: how a JLA distress signal penetrates this ‘pocket dimension,’ but even this contrivance doesn’t diminish the satisfying climax.  Sporting perhaps the best animated JLA premise ever, “System Error” is definitely recommended.              

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                       9 Stars

Note: This episode is on the Justice League Action: Battles from Beyond! 2-disc DVD set (which collects the series’ second half).   

SUMMARY:                                      RUNNING TIME: 11 Min.

Directed by Jake Castorena, this episode first aired in the U.S. on November 4, 2017.  Tracking down elusive escape artist, Mister Miracle (who is opening for Zatanna’s magic act), Batman needs his help rescuing Big Barda on Apokolips.  Her life is at stake in a trade, as the escape artist holds the last vital component missing from the ominous Anti-Life Equation.  Harassed by Granny Goodness and her Female Furies, the three Justice Leaguers reckon that booking an escape route off Darkseid’s home planet won’t be easy.      

Batman: Kevin Conroy                                                             

Big Barda: Laura Post

Mister Miracle (Scott Free): Roger Craig Smith                      

Granny Goodness: Cloris Leachman             

Darkseid: Jonathan Adams                                                      

Bernadeth & Lashina: Non-Speaking Roles

Note: For whatever reason, data re: official episode numbers and original air dates for this series vary depending upon its source, so such info should really be taken as a best guess. 

REVIEW:

Roger Craig Smith’s take on Mister Miracle’s razzle-dazzle, self-involved persona treads too close to Booster Gold, but it’s still an entertaining effort.  The same applies to the other guest actors, as i.e. Cloris Leachman offers a fun rendition of Granny Goodness.  Curiously, Zatanna Zatara doesn’t make a cameo appearance, considering she should have been in close proximity to a lengthy battle scene on her magic show’s theater stage.  Still, the script is well-played, particularly Mister Miracle’s nonchalant efforts ditching Batman backstage.  Above all, the throwaway last scene is hilarious. 

“It’ll Take a Miracle!” may not be one of the series’ best episodes, but it’s certainly satisfying to watch.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                       7½ Stars

Note: This episode is on the Justice League Action: Battles from Beyond! 2-disc DVD set (which collects the series’ second half).    

SUMMARY:                                       RUNNING TIME: 11 Min.

Directed by Jake Castorena, this episode first aired in the U.S. on October 28, 2017.  Attempting to thwart an escaped Zod from also freeing Faora and Quex-Ul from the Phantom Zone, the trio of Batman, Wonder Woman, and Superman are increasingly reduced to an intangible, ghost-like state.  Their sole hope against Zod is a seemingly clueless Booster Gold, who is on Watchtower monitor duty.    

Batman: Kevin Conroy                                                 

Wonder Woman / Arkham Asylum employee: Rachel Kimsey

Superman / Zod / Quex-Ul: Jason J. Lewis                   

Booster Gold: Diedrich Bader

Faora: Fryda Wolff                                                                  

Note: For whatever reason, data re: official episode numbers and original air dates for this series vary depending upon its source, so such info should really be taken as a best guess. 

REVIEW:

Unlike the use of Firestorm, Stargirl, and Blue Beetle in Episode 18: “Field Trip,” pitting ‘The Zod Squad’ vs. Wonder Woman, Batman, and Superman makes far better sense.  The comedy bits of Diedrich Bader’s Booster Gold offer welcome charm, particularly Gold’s raid of his fellow Leaguers’ costume lockers for some zany playtime. Still, Booster’s dress-up in Wonder Woman’s gear might be deemed inappropriate viewing for some younger viewers. 

The story’s plot twists are spot-on, including a satisfying climax and wrap-out before the credits.  Although the chintzy animation isn’t much to admire,  the script for “Phased and Confused” more than compensates for this high-caliber episode.          

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                 8½ Stars

Note: This episode is on the Justice League Action: Battles from Beyond! 2-disc DVD set (which collects the series’ second half).   

SUMMARY:                                           RUNNING TIME: 11 Min.

Directed by Shaunt Nigoghossian, this Paul Dini-written episode first aired in the U.S. on October 21, 2017.  Mind-controlling a gigantic ape firing kryptonite optic blasts, Gorilla Grodd rampages through Metropolis, only to face off against Superman & Stargirl.  Harley Quinn’s past link to Giganto may be the League’s best hope of thwarting Grodd’s hold over him.    

Harley Quinn / Harleen Quinzel: Tara Strong

Superman / Metropolis Cop # 2 / Metropolis Police Helicopter Pilot: Jason J. Lewis

Gorilla Grodd: David Sobolov 

Stargirl: Natalie Lander                                                          

Giganto: Uncredited

Metropolis Cop # 1 (male): Uncredited                                     

Metropolis Civilians (various): Uncredited      

Metropolis Police Commander (female): Uncredited                

Jonathan Kent (cameo): Uncredited                             

Note: For whatever reason, data re: official episode numbers and original air dates for this series vary depending upon its source, so such info should really be taken as a best guess. 

REVIEW:

Clearly his worst script for Justice League Action, even the ultra-reliable Paul Dini resorts to flat-out kiddie humor this time. Recycling a dubious 80’s Superman comic book plot, Dini opts for a wacky King Kong-themed romp meant for the most undemanding kids. Its biggest detriment is Harley Quinn’s contrived presence in Giganto’s origin. In spite of this story’s incessant silliness, both Tara Strong’s Harley Quinn and David Sobolov’s deadpan Gorilla Grodd deliver the necessary goods. 

In fairness, Dini still pitches some fun and surprisingly poignant King Kong homages — even a wink-wink at a Penny & Sheldon-style lullaby from The Big Bang Theory.  Although this super-cheesy episode doesn’t score originality points, its humor is at best an okay mesh with Justice League Action’s chintzy animation style.          

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                      5½ Stars

Note: This episode is on the Justice League Action: Battles from Beyond! 2-disc DVD set (which collects the series’ second half).   

SUMMARY:                                          RUNNING TIME: 11 Min.

Directed by Shaunt Nigoghossian, this episode first aired in the U.S. on October 14, 2017.  Holding Batman captive on live television, the Joker dares Wonder Woman & Green Arrow to rescue him in time.  Forced to rely upon Edward Nigma (aka the Riddler) as their ‘Sherlock Holmes,’ the League gambles that he can decipher the Joker’s taunting clues to save the Dark Knight from an inescapable death trap. 

Joker: Mark Hamill                                                                

Edward Nigma / Riddler: Brent Spiner

Wonder Woman: Rachel Kimsey                                             

Green Arrow: Chris Diamantopoulos

Batman: (non-speaking cameo)                       

Penguin: Dana Snyder

Gotham City Punk: Uncredited                                               

Solomon Grundy: Fred Tatasciore (Uncredited)                      

Note: For whatever reason, data re: official episode numbers and original air dates for this series vary depending upon its source, so such info should really be taken as a best guess. 

REVIEW:

This well-played storyline could easily have been an episode of either Batman: The Animated Series or Batman: The Brave and The Bold.  Reminiscent of James Woods’ Lex Luthor and John de Lancie’s Brainiac, Brent Spiner (as the Riddler) is an inspired choice.  Dana Snyder delivers a solid turn voicing the Penguin’s cameo.  Compensating for Kevin Conroy’s ‘absence’ as Batman, the fun chemistry that Rachel Kimsey’s Wonder Woman and Chris Diamantopoulos’ Green Arrow share with Spiner readily moves this storyline along.  Anchoring this package is Mark Hamill’s hilariously diabolical Joker, who contributes to a memorable twist just before the finish line.      

In terms of originality, this episode deserves high marks, especially for egging on long-standing rivalries the Riddler has with the Joker and Penguin.  Overcoming its cheesy animation, the appropriately ingenious plot for “E. Nigma, Consulting Detective” highlights one of the most satisfying adventures in this series.     

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                   8½ Stars

Note: This episode is on the Justice League Action: Battles from Beyond! 2-disc DVD set (which collects this series’ second half).