Almost Got 'Im

Last updated
"Almost Got 'Im"
Batman: The Animated Series episode
Almostgotim.jpg
Episode no.Season 1
Episode 46
Directed by Eric Radomski
Written by Paul Dini
Original air dateNovember 10, 1992 (1992-11-10)
Guest appearances
Episode chronology
← Previous
"Terror in the Sky"		Next →
"Birds of a Feather"
List of episodes

"Almost Got 'Im" is the forty-sixth episode of the Warner Bros. television program Batman: The Animated Series , which first aired on November 10, 1992, and was written by Paul Dini and directed by Eric Radomski. This episode features seven villains of Batman's rogues gallery, with five of them telling their respective stories of the times they each came closest to killing the Dark Knight (via a frame story), and the ending leading to a singular plot twist.

Contents

Plot

While hiding out from the police, Joker, the Penguin, Two-Face, Poison Ivy, and Killer Croc gather at the criminals-only Stacked Deck Club. While passing time with a card game, their conversation focuses on their mutual foe, Batman. Eventually the subject leads each to an argument over who came the closest to killing Batman, and at the Joker's behest each criminal details their own story about how they "almost got 'im".

Ivy recounts how she had unleashed poisonous gas on Halloween through thousands of pumpkins, only for Batman to thwart her plans by overcoming a trap. At first Poison Ivy managed to weaken Batman with the gas, and prepared to unmask him. However, Batman programs the Batmobile to chase her, and he used the opportunity to escape.

Two-Face recounts how he had staged a robbery at a mint for $2 million in two dollar bills and had managed to take away Batman's utility belt and strap him onto a giant penny that he planned to catapult. However, Two-Face realized that Batman had stolen his coin and used it to break free, before apprehending him and his gang. He mentions that the police allowed Batman to keep the penny, confirming it to be the one displayed in the Batcave.

Croc describes facing off against Batman in a quarry and throwing a rock at him. The villains are unimpressed and move on.

Penguin recalls how he trained dangerous birds to attack Batman at an aviary, including a cassowary and poison-beaked hummingbirds. However, Batman soaks them in water with the aviary's sprinkler and injects himself with an antidote; Penguin was forced to flee as a direct result.

With his cohorts having told their stories, Joker recalls how he had been close to killing Batman the night before. After capturing Batman, Joker commandeered the set of a late-night talk show, holding the audience hostage. With help from his gang and Harley Quinn, Joker intended to kill Batman with an electric chair powered by the audience's laughter. Before Batman was subjected to a lethal dose of electricity, Catwoman broke into the studio, distracting Joker long enough for Batman to escape. Before she can keep Joker from fleeing the studio, Harley knocks Catwoman unconscious, with Joker instructing that she be hidden away.

With his story over, Croc questions Joker on what he did with Catwoman, to which he answers that she was taken to a cat food factory to be dealt with once he was finished at the club. To Joker's surprise, Croc attacks him, revealing himself to be Batman in disguise. As the other villains prepare to deal with him, Batman reveals that they were lured there as part of a sting operation organized by Gotham police, who were present in the club, in an attempt to find out Catwoman's whereabouts. While Commissioner Gordon and Detective Bullock arrest the group, Batman heads out to the factory.

At the cat food cannery, Batman finds Harley with Catwoman, who is tied down to an assembly line, set to be ground up. Harley attempts to escape by turning on the conveyor belt, forcing Batman to choose between apprehending her and saving Catwoman. Batman, finding the machine's power switch, is able to capture Harley and rescue Catwoman. As Harley is arrested, Catwoman thanks Batman for the rescue, to which he states he owed her one for saving him. As Catwoman discusses their relationship and makes a pass at him, Batman pulls off his trademark disappearing act, leaving her to smile and mutter to herself "Hmm. Almost got 'im".

Voice cast

ActorRole
Kevin Conroy Batman
Adrienne Barbeau Catwoman
Mark Hamill Joker
Aron Kincaid Killer Croc
Richard Moll Two-Face
Diane Pershing Poison Ivy
Arleen Sorkin Harley Quinn
Paul Williams Penguin

Reception

The episode is widely regarded as among the series' best, [1] [2] and is ranked by fans on IMDb at 9.2. [3] Ranking it the No. 2 best episodes of the series, IGN writes, "It's one of Paul Dini's cleverest episodes, and typifies the distilled iconography that the show did so well." [4] Sandra Dozier calls the episode "charming" and praises it for showing "the origin story for the Bat Cave's giant penny." [5]

D.N. Ace did a tribute to the episode in episode 39 called "Almost Aced 'Em".

Home media

The episode features a commentary on the DVD release. [6]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Poison Ivy (character)</span> Comic book character

Poison Ivy is a character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by writer Robert Kanigher and artist Carmine Infantino, she debuted in Batman #181 and has become one of the superhero Batman's most enduring enemies belonging to the collective of adversaries that make up his rogues gallery.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Legion of Doom</span> Group of super villains in the DC universe

The Legion of Doom is a group of supervillains who originated in Challenge of the Superfriends, an animated series from Hanna-Barbera based on DC Comics' Justice League. The Legion of Doom has since been incorporated into the main DC Universe, appearing in comics, as well as further animated and live-action adaptations, and also video games.

<i>Batman: The Animated Series</i> American animated television series by DC Comics

Batman: The Animated Series is an American animated superhero television series based on the DC Comics superhero Batman. Developed by Bruce Timm and Eric Radomski, and produced by Warner Bros. Animation, it originally aired on Fox Kids from September 5, 1992, to September 15, 1995, with a total of 85 episodes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Arkham Asylum</span> Fictional psychiatric hospital in DC Comics

The Elizabeth Arkham Asylum for the Criminally Insane, commonly referred to as Arkham Asylum, is a fictional forensic psychiatric hospital appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, commonly in stories featuring the superhero Batman. It first appeared in Batman #258, written by Dennis O'Neil with art by Irv Novick. Located in Gotham City, the asylum houses patients who are criminally insane, as well as select prisoners with unusual medical requirements that are beyond a conventional prison's ability to accommodate. Its high-profile patients are often members of Batman's rogues gallery.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Harley Quinn</span> Character in the DC Universe

Harley Quinn is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. She was created by Paul Dini and Bruce Timm for Batman: The Animated Series as a henchwoman for the Joker, and debuted in its 22nd episode, "Joker's Favor", on September 11, 1992. While intended to appear in one episode, Quinn became a recurring character within the DC Animated Universe (DCAU) as the Joker's sidekick and love interest, and was adapted into DC Comics' canon seven years later, beginning with the one-shot Batman: Harley Quinn #1. Quinn's origin story features her as a former psychologist at Gotham City's Arkham Asylum who was manipulated by and fell in love with the Joker, her patient, eventually becoming his accomplice and lover. The character's alias is a play on the stock character Harlequin from the 16th-century Italian theater commedia dell'arte.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Riddler</span> Comic book supervillain

The Riddler is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character was created by Bill Finger and Dick Sprang, and debuted in Detective Comics #140 in October 1948. He has become one of the most enduring enemies of the superhero Batman and belongs to the collective of adversaries that make up his rogues gallery.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Killer Croc</span> DC Comics character

Killer Croc is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Gerry Conway, Don Newton and Gene Colan, the character was introduced in Batman #357. He has become one of the most enduring enemies of the superhero Batman and belongs to the collective of adversaries that make up his rogues gallery.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Batman: Hush</span> Story arc in Batman comics

"Batman: Hush" is an American comic book story arc published by DC Comics featuring the superhero Batman. It was published in monthly installments within the comic book series Batman, running from issue #608–619 in October 2002 until September 2003. The story arc was written by Jeph Loeb, penciled by Jim Lee, inked by Scott Williams, and colored by Alex Sinclair, under the editorship of Bob Schreck.

<i>The Batman Adventures: Mad Love</i> 1993 comic book by Paul Dini and Bruce Timm

The Batman Adventures: Mad Love is a one-shot comic book written by Paul Dini and Bruce Timm. It won the Eisner Award for Best Single Issue and the Harvey Award for Best Single Issue or Story in 1994. It was later adapted as an episode of the animated series The New Batman Adventures, and incorporated in the video games Batman: Arkham Asylum and Batman: Arkham Origins. In 2018, Titan Books released a novelization of Mad Love written by Dini and Pat Cadigan, which expanded upon the original comic book.

<i>The New Batman Adventures</i> American animated superhero TV series (1997–1999)

The New Batman Adventures is an American animated superhero television series based on the DC Comics superhero Batman, which aired on Kids' WB from September 13, 1997 to January 16, 1999. Produced by Warner Bros. Television Animation, it is a continuation of Batman: The Animated Series (1992–1995), serving as the third season of the show, and the third series in the DC Animated Universe. It was followed by Batman Beyond (1999–2001). The series was revamped from BTAS, replacing its art style with streamlined designs to allow for more consistent animation and maintain similarity with the simultaneously running Superman: The Animated Series (1996–2000), with episodes airing on Kids' WB under the title The New Batman/Superman Adventures.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bud and Lou</span> Fictional spotted hyenas from DC comics

Bud and Lou are a pair of spotted hyenas that appear in American comic books published by DC Comics, originally created for Batman: The Animated Series. Their names are references to the comedy duo Abbott and Costello.

<i>Gotham City Sirens</i> American comic book series published by DC Comics

Gotham City Sirens is an American comic book series that was written by Paul Dini with art by Guillem March and published by DC Comics. The term Gotham City Sirens refers to three of the most popular female villains inhabiting Gotham City: Catwoman, Harley Quinn, and Poison Ivy.

Robot Chicken DC Comics Special 2: Villains in Paradise is an episode of the television comedy series Robot Chicken and it was aired as a half-hour special during Cartoon Network's Adult Swim on April 6, 2014. It serves as the sequel to the Robot Chicken DC Comics Special that focuses more on the Legion of Doom and is followed by Robot Chicken DC Comics Special III: Magical Friendship.

<i>Dark Night: A True Batman Story</i>

Dark Night: A True Batman Story is an American graphic novel written by Paul Dini, illustrated by Eduardo Risso, and published by DC Comics under its mature-readers Vertigo imprint. Featuring the superhero Batman, it is based upon a true incident from 1993, in which Dini was mugged and nearly killed. The book was released on June 15, 2016, and received widespread critical acclaim from reviewers, who praised its emotional story, artwork, and powerful message.

<i>Batman Ninja</i> 2018 Japanese animated film

Batman Ninja is a 2018 American-Japanese animated superhero film directed by Junpei Mizusaki, produced by Warner Bros., and animated by Kamikaze Douga and YamatoWorks, which features the DC Comics character Batman. Takashi Okazaki, the creator of Afro Samurai, is the character designer for the film. The first poster was revealed on October 5, 2017, and the trailers were released later on December 1, 2017.

<i>Harley Quinn</i> (TV series) American adult animated black comedy superhero television series

Harley Quinn is an American animated black comedy superhero television series based on the DC Comics character of the same name created by Paul Dini and Bruce Timm. The series is written and executive-produced by Justin Halpern, Patrick Schumacker, and Dean Lorey, and follows the adventures of Harley Quinn and her partner Poison Ivy after leaving her boyfriend, the Joker. The show premiered on November 29, 2019.

<i>Harley & Ivy Meet Betty & Veronica</i> 2017–18 US comic book miniseries

Harley & Ivy Meet Betty & Veronica is a six-issue American comic book miniseries co-written by Marc Andreyko and Paul Dini, illustrated by Laura Braga. The intercompany crossover was published by DC Comics and Archie Comics from October 2017 to March 2018. A hardcover edition collecting the series was released on August 29, 2018.

<i>Batman: Hush</i> (film) 2019 animated film directed by Justin Copeland

Batman: Hush is a 2019 American animated superhero film featuring the DC Comics superhero Batman and loosely based on the 2002 comic book story arc of the same name. It is the thirteenth installment of the DC Animated Movie Universe and the 37th overall film of the DC Universe Animated Original Movies. In the film, Batman forms an alliance with Catwoman to defeat a new villain named Hush, who knows all of Batman's secrets and targets key figures in his life.

<i>Batman: The Adventures Continue</i>

Batman: The Adventures Continue is a DC Comics comic book series starring Batman set in the world of the DC Animated Universe. It is a continuation of Batman: The Animated Series and its follow-up The New Batman Adventures. The book is co-written by Paul Dini and Alan Burnett, producers of the original animated television series, and illustrated by Ty Templeton, who also worked on previous comics inspired by Batman: TAS. The limited series was initially released as a "digital first" comic, beginning in April 2020. The first print issue, which collects the first two digital chapters, reached stores on June 10, 2020. The miniseries was extended from six to seven print issues, and later to eight. In March 2021, DC announced Season II of the series, with Issue 1 published in June 2021. As of June 2021, DC has planned seven issues for Season II. Season III, the final season of the comic, began publication on January 10, 2023.

References

  1. ↑ Agard, Chancellor (2017-09-05). "Batman: The Animated Series: The 25 Best Episodes, Ranked". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved 2022-04-03.
  2. ↑ Mitchell, Nigel (2017-01-11). "15 Best Episodes of Batman: The Animated Series". CBR. Retrieved 2022-04-03.
  3. ↑ "Almost Got 'im". IMDB. 2020-11-19. Retrieved 2022-04-03.
  4. ↑ Wheatley, Cliff (2021-08-16). "Top 10 Batman: The Animated Series Episodes". IGN. Retrieved 2022-04-03.
  5. ↑ Sandra Dozier, "Review of Batman: The Animated Series (Volume 2) Archived 2008-05-16 at the Wayback Machine ," DVD Verdict (February 10, 2005).
  6. ↑ Steve Butts, "Batman: The Animated Series, Volume Two: The Dark Knight swings into action once again," IGN (February 8, 2005).
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.