SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 11 Min.
Directed by Doug Murphy, this episode first aired in the U.S. on July 22, 2017. With Gorilla Grodd and his army of simian minions attacking the United Nations building, Batman, Superman, and a rookie Stargirl seemingly have the crisis well in hand. The mischievous 5th Dimensional imp, Mr. Mxyzptlk, decides to have some fun by body-switching the three heroes.
Amidst the ensuing chaos, the League’s ‘Bravo’ squad: Zatanna Zatara, Flash, Plastic Man, Cyborg, Martian Manhunter, Shazam (aka Captain Marvel), and Firestorm enter the fray. Further upping the ante, the imp plays another round of ‘Justice League roulette’ by body-switching them, too. Who is left to bewilder Mxyzptlk proving that two can play this mix-up game?
Stargirl: Natalie Lander
Gorilla Grodd: David Sobolov
Superman: Jason J. Lewis
Mr. Mxyzptlk: Gilbert Gottfried
Batman: Kevin Conroy
Professor Martin Stein: Stephen Tobolowsky
Firestorm: P.J. Byrne
Shazam (Captain Marvel): Sean Astin
Flash: Charlie Schlatter
Plastic Man: Dana Snyder
Gorilla Minion: Uncredited
Notes: Martian Manhunter, Zatanna Zatara, & Cyborg have non-vocal roles. 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:
It took two viewings to digest Gilbert Gottfried’s ratcheting-up of Mxyzptlk (there’s no mistaking that voice). Still, as intended, his casting is perfect. Complementing the imp’s wacky look, Gottfried’s grating take is a more entertaining fit than Mxyzptlk’s bland appearances in The Super-Friends TV series. Suffice to say, the other voice actors are overshadowed, but David Sobolov’s Grodd and Stephen Tobolowsky’s Professor Stein add some extra shine. This comedy relief episode makes good use of its cast, including the League’s ‘Bravo’ team in a glorified cameo.
The chintzy animation, which gives Justice League Action its distinctive web series-like look, is kicked up an extra notch here. Impressively, the artwork supplements the script’s Freaky Friday-style antics well. Considering this episode’s target audience is for ages 10-and-under, there is still plenty for adults to appreciate in this delightful Justice League sitcom, i.e. the sight of Batman trapped in Stargirl’s body.
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).
