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).