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).
