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The Batman is one of those series that comes along, gets roasted for not being Batman: TAS, but acculminates it's own loyal fanbase over the course of it's run, as well as acclaim. It aqquired several daytime Emmys too.
I hated it at the beggining, but it became obvious the guys behind it could learn on the job. The first season finale remains one of my favourat Batman storylines ever, and a very good intro to a new, original version of Clayface.
Season two is great, it has it's flaws though, but they don't irritate. Some are just meant to be fun and are enjoyed that way (or skipped in my case). This season introduced a risque, and very underrated version of The Riddler, now more of a Marilon Manson figure. The Clayface subplot was resolved, and the finale introduced Commisioner Gordon...it also, unfortunatly, was the final episode to feature the original status quoe and supporting cast.
Season three failed in my opinion for several reasons: The ditching of the supporting cast, the introduction of Batgirl, and generally leaving the series breifly in the wilderness. I don't really know how the writers got away with Poison Ivy's design or character...she was all but practically a minor.
Season four is where many of the writers of Batman: TAS guys took over, and the series got much darker and probably much riskier than it had been. "Seconds" stands out as the episode where one normal guy does the unthinkable with the ability to freeze time...I won't spoil anything beyond that, but it's chilling.
Season four boasted some big time guest actors like Kevin Conroy, Brandon Rough, Allyson Mack, and Mark Hamil too. I'd easily call it the finest season next to the second.
Season five really was more or less about testing the waters for "The Brave and The Bold" than really caring about The Batman. I think they knew they had done all they could and just tossed out another thirteen episodes without much care. The best episodes are the Superman team-up, "The End of The Batman", and "Lost Powers", but that's like a rehashed version of the fourth season finale
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