Mayhem of the Music Meister!

Last updated
"Mayhem of the Music Meister!"
Batman: The Brave and the Bold episode
Mayhem of the Music Meister!.jpg
The episode's title card
Episode no.Season 1
Episode 25
Directed byBen Jones
Written by Michael Jelenic
Original air dateOctober 23, 2009 (2009-10-23)
Running time22 minutes
Guest appearance
Neil Patrick Harris as Music Meister [1]
List of episodes

"Mayhem of the Music Meister!" is an episode of the Batman: The Brave and the Bold animated series. The episode features the villainous Music Meister (voiced by Neil Patrick Harris), who uses his power to control people through song to try to take over the world. Written by Michael Jelenic and directed by Ben Jones, the episode premiered on October 23, 2009, the 24th of the first season.

Contents

The musical episode, which has been compared to Buffy the Vampire Slayer 's "Once More, with Feeling", [1] [2] was generally well received by critics and viewers. Unlike other episodes of The Brave and the Bold, the episode does not feature a traditional cold open.

Plot

The Music Meister, a villain capable of controlling others through song, induces Black Canary, Green Arrow, Aquaman, Black Manta, Gorilla Grodd and Clock King to hijack a United Nations communications satellite ("I'm The Music Meister"). When Batman intervenes, he orders them to attack the hero, which they do in a dance style reminiscent of West Side Story . His plan successful, the Meister frustrates Batman once more, escaping by forcing his captives to dance towards the rocket blast, leaving Batman to rescue them rather than apprehend the villain. Meister escapes to an empty opera house where, in a reference to "The Phantom of the Opera", he plays the organ to a cardboard audience. Batman tries to capture him on a cross-town chase, as Meister releases the inmates and villains of Iron Heights and Arkham Asylum ("Drives Us Bats"). Having heard Black Canary sing about her unrequited love for Batman ("If Only"), the Meister has fallen for her, but not enough to give up villainy, and she rejects him. Meister captures Black Canary and Batman and puts them in a death trap ("Death Trap"), in an industrial-style set. They escape as Music Meister uses the satellite to hypnotize the world with his music. ("The World Is Mine") When Black Canary becomes his slave, Batman tricks Canary into singing as high as him, using the satellite to transmit her sonic scream and break Music Meister's mind control. Batman finally defeats the Music Meister, and rejects Black Canary's advances. Though Black Canary gives up on Batman, she finds love with Green Arrow, who had unrequited feelings for her. ("If Only (Reprise)")

Reception

"Mayhem of the Music Meister!" screened on June 24, 2009 at Comic-Con, [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] where supervising producer James Tucker noted that he believed that the show would be successful after seeing people wearing Music Meister costumes after the episode's debut. [9] The episode received a standing ovation at its debut, [9] in part because of the humor of the Music Meister's dance-inducing powers. [2] [10]

The episode was nominated for an Emmy Award [9] [11] and has been called one of television's best musicals. [12] The episode has been used as an example of the merits of Batman: The Brave and the Bold. [13]

Soundtrack

Batman: The Brave And The Bold: Mayhem of the Music Meister! (Soundtrack from the Animated Television Show)
Soundtrack album by
various
ReleasedOctober 23, 2009 (2009-10-23)
Length18:46
Label New Line Records

The soundtrack of "Mayhem of the Music Meister!" was released on October 23, 2009 as Batman: The Brave And The Bold: Mayhem of the Music Meister! (Soundtrack from the Animated Television Show). [14] It contains 8 tracks from the episode and has been praised as being fun while criticized for its brevity. [15]

Track listing

No.TitleWriter(s)PerformerLength
1."Batman: The Brave and the Bold Theme" Andy Sturmer N/A0:32
2."I'm the Music Meister"Michael McCuistion and James Tucker Neil Patrick Harris, Grey DeLisle, and John DiMaggio 5:54
3."Drives Us Bats" Lolita Ritmanis and Michael Jelenic Harris, DeLisle, and DiMaggio1:46
4."If Only"Ritmanis and JelenicHarris and DeLisle2:35
5."Death Trap" Kristopher Carter and TuckerHarris and DeLisle1:49
6."The World is Mine!"Carter and JelenicHarris, DeLisle, and Jeff Bennett 3:34
7."If Only (Reprise)"Ritmanis and Jelenic James Arnold Taylor and DeLisle2:03
8."Drives Us Bats (Mayhem of the Music Meister End Credits)" Harris, DiMaggio, and Kevin Michael Richardson 0:31
Total length:18:44

Related Research Articles

<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. Mid-way through the series' run, it was re-titled The Adventures of Batman & Robin.

<i>Super Friends</i> American animated television series about a team of superheroes (1973–1985)

Super Friends is an American animated television series about a team of superheroes which ran from 1973 to 1985 on ABC as part of its Saturday-morning cartoon lineup. It was produced by Hanna-Barbera and was based on the Justice League of America and associated comic book characters published by DC Comics. The title of the series varied from season to season, as did the superheroes on the team. Nine seasons, comprising a total of 93 episodes, were produced.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Neil Patrick Harris</span> American actor and singer (born 1973)

Neil Patrick Harris is an American actor, singer, writer, producer, and television host. Primarily known for his comedic television roles and dramatic and musical stage roles, he has received multiple accolades throughout his career, including a Tony Award and five Primetime Emmy Awards, and nominations for a Grammy Award and three Screen Actors Guild Awards.

<i>The Brave and the Bold</i> American comic book series

The Brave and the Bold is a comic book series published by DC Comics as an ongoing series from 1955 to 1983. It was followed by a reprint miniseries in 1988, two original miniseries in 1991 and 1999, and was revived as an ongoing anthology title in 2007 and 2023. The focus of the series has varied over time, but it most commonly features team-ups of characters from across the DC Universe.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Metamorpho</span> Fictional superhero

Metamorpho is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. He was created in 1965 by writer Bob Haney and artist Ramona Fradon.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Diedrich Bader</span> American actor and comedian (born 1966)

Karl Diedrich Bader is an American actor and comedian. He is best known for his comedy-centered and voice-acting-related roles. He has appeared as a series regular in television sitcoms The Drew Carey Show, American Housewife, and Outsourced, along with notable recurring roles in Better Things and Veep. His film credits include The Beverly Hillbillies, Office Space, and Napoleon Dynamite.

<i>The Batman</i> (TV series) 2004–2008 American television series

The Batman is an American animated television series based on the DC Comics superhero Batman. Developed by Michael Goguen and Duane Capizzi, and produced by Warner Bros. Animation and DC Comics for seasons 3–5, the series first aired on Kids' WB on September 11, 2004, then Cartoon Network on April 2, 2005. The show would become exclusive to the former network for its third, fourth, and fifth seasons in early 2006. The Batman won six Daytime Emmy Awards over the course of its run. Many elements from previous Batman storylines were borrowed and adapted, such as those from the comic books, film series and the animated shows like Batman: The Animated Series from the DC Animated Universe, but it remained strictly within its own distinct continuity. Jackie Chan Adventures artist Jeff Matsuda served as art director and provided the character designs. The production team altered the appearances of many of the comic books' supervillains for the show, such as the Joker, the Penguin, Mr. Freeze, Bane, and the Riddler.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Egghead (DC Comics)</span> Fictional DC comics character

Egghead is a fictional character created for the 1960s Batman television series. Played by Vincent Price, the character was identifiable by his pale bald head and white and yellow suit. He believes himself to be "the world's smartest criminal", and his crimes usually have an egg motif to them; he also includes egg-related puns in his speech and uses various egg-themed weapons. Additionally, Egghead used deductive reasoning to deduce Batman's secret identity.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Paul Dini</span> American writer and comic creator

Paul McClaran Dini is an American screenwriter and comic creator. He has been a producer and writer for several Warner Bros. Animation/DC Comics animated series, most notably Batman: The Animated Series (1992–1995), and the subsequent DC Animated Universe. Dini and Bruce Timm co-created the characters Harley Quinn and Terry McGinnis.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Calculator (character)</span> Fictional supervillain

Calculator is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Originally introduced as an enemy of the Atom, the character was later redeveloped in the 2000s as a master information broker, hacker, and tactical supervisor to other supervillains, and foil to Batman's partner Oracle.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hellgrammite (comics)</span> DC Comics supervillain

Hellgrammite is a supervillain appearing in comic books published by DC Comics, commonly as an enemy of Superman, Batman, the Creeper, Green Arrow and Black Canary.

Aquaman has made several appearances in numerous adaptations since his comic book debut in 1941. The character has also been referenced beyond the scope of traditional comics entertainment.

<i>Batgirl: Year One</i> Mini-series published by DC Comics

Batgirl: Year One is a nine-part comic book mini-series published by DC Comics from February to October 2003, and then compiled into trade paperback form. Written by Scott Beatty and Chuck Dixon, with art by Marcos Martin and Alvaro Lopez, the mini-series shows how modern Barbara Gordon became the first Batgirl. It served as a sequel to Robin: Year One and the two mini-series were collected as a trade paperback in 2013.

Green Arrow, a DC Comics superhero, has appeared in media other than comic books since 1973, including animated shows, live-action productions, and video games.

<i>Batman: The Brave and the Bold</i> American animated television series (2008–2011)

Batman: The Brave and the Bold is an American animated television series based in part on the DC Comics series The Brave and the Bold which features two or more superheroes coming together to solve a crime or foil a super villain. As the title suggests, the series focuses on Batman's regular "team-ups" with various heroes similar to the most well-known version of the original comic book series. This version has a much lighter and simpler, often comic feel, targeting younger viewers more than the character's other series. The series premiered on November 14, 2008, on Cartoon Network in the United States, and ended on November 18, 2011. It also aired in Canada on Teletoon. The series was followed by a comic-book continuation which ended in 2014, and a feature-length crossover film: Scooby-Doo! & Batman: The Brave and the Bold, which aired in 2018.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Music Meister</span> Comics character

The Music Meister is a fictional character appearing in media published by DC Comics. He was created by Michael Jelenic and James Tucker for the animated television series Batman: The Brave and the Bold, where he was voiced by Neil Patrick Harris. The character later appeared in the main comics continuity in DC Pride 2022.

Black Canary is a DC Comics superhero who has appeared across a range of live-action and animated television shows, as well as in several video games. Originally the pseudo name of the character Dinah Drake, the mantle was later passed on to her daughter, Dinah Laurel Lance. Both characters have appeared in different comic continuations and in other media, but the character has also been known by other names. She is usually portrayed as a proficient fighter, using martial arts as well as her trademark sonic scream or "Canary Cry".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jokermobile</span> Automobile of DC Comics supervillain Joker

The Jokermobile is a specially designed automobile used by DC Comics supervillain Joker. The Jokermobile debuted in Batman #37, and was created by Jerry Robinson.

References

  1. 1 2 "Neil Patrick Harris is the Music Meister!". Animated Superheroes. 2009-06-23. Retrieved 2010-12-30.
  2. 1 2 "Advance Review! Neil Patrick Harris in Musical Episode of Batman". Small Screen Scoop. 2009-10-16. Archived from the original on November 28, 2009. Retrieved June 6, 2011.
  3. ↑ "Warner Brothers Announces Comic Con Panels". EveryJoe. June 25, 2009. Archived from the original on April 6, 2012. Retrieved June 6, 2011.
  4. ↑ Chubb, Tina (July 21, 2009). "Comic-Con 2009: Batman Musical to Premiere". Inentertainment.co.uk. Archived from the original on October 4, 2011. Retrieved June 6, 2011.
  5. ↑ Propst, Andy (July 20, 2009). "Neil Patrick Harris to Voice Villain in Batman Television Cartoon Musical". Theatermania.com. Retrieved June 6, 2011.
  6. ↑ "Neil Patrick Harris Sings in Musical Episode of Batman: The Brave and the Bold". Playbill.com. Archived from the original on October 21, 2012. Retrieved June 6, 2011.
  7. ↑ Burlingame, Jon (July 24, 2009). "COMIC-CON 2009; Adventures of the Caped Crooner; The first-ever Batman musical, 'Mayhem of the Music Meister!' will debut today". Pqasb.pqarchiver.com. Retrieved June 6, 2011.[ dead link ]
  8. ↑ Parks, Tim (June 18, 2009). "Harris cast as singing Batman villain". Digital Spy. Retrieved June 6, 2011.
  9. 1 2 3 Bentley, Rick (November 8, 2010). "The Dark Knight lightens up - Sacramento Politics - California Politics | Sacramento Bee". Sacbee.com. Retrieved June 6, 2011.[ permanent dead link ]
  10. ↑ "SDCC 09: Batman Brave and the Bold Panel". Newsarama. Archived from the original on July 26, 2009. Retrieved June 6, 2011.
  11. ↑ Avila, Michael (March 15, 2011). "The Remaining Season 1 Episodes of Batman: The Brave and the Bold Coming to DVD". Toonzone.net. Archived from the original on September 13, 2012. Retrieved June 6, 2011.
  12. ↑ Walters, Daniel (May 18, 2011). "Batman: The Brave and the Bold". Inlander.com. Retrieved June 6, 2011.
  13. ↑ Thill, Scott (December 14, 2009). "Ranking DC Comics' 2009 DVDs, From Great to Ghastly". Wired.com. Archived from the original on December 17, 2009. Retrieved June 6, 2011.
  14. ↑ Propst, Andy (October 21, 2009). "Neil Patrick Harris Featured on Soundtrack for Batman Animated Series". Theater Mania. Retrieved June 6, 2011.
  15. ↑ Suskin, Steven (January 24, 2010). "ON THE RECORD: Lesser-Known Guettel and LaChiusa in "A Shining Truth", Plus Neil Patrick Harris in "Batman"". Playbill.com. Archived from the original on January 28, 2010. Retrieved June 6, 2011.
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.