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).
