[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/batman_tas_s01e20_ive_got_batman_in_my_basement_0003.png]]

While trying to thwart Penguin's robbery of a rare Faberge egg, Batman is weakened by exposure to a toxic gas. He takes shelter in a basement apartment belonging to Sherman, a preteen amateur detective.
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!!Tropes in this episode include:
* AndTheAdventureContinues: The kid detectives continue solving mysteries in their neighborhood after Batman recovers.
* BatmanInMyBasement: {{Trope Namer|s}}. The usual "hide from the parents" plotline is waved away by an IgnoredConfession in favor of HomeAloneAntics.
* FormulaBreakingEpisode: A "lighter" episode in which Batman is actually out of commission for most of the adventure (after suffering a poison gas attack) and a group of suburban kids are forced to protect him.
* HumiliationConga: Capped by the newspaper headline; it's doubtful Penguin showed his face among the Gotham underworld for a while.
* HomeAloneAntics: The final act has the kids trying to fight off the Penguin and his goons by improvising a defense with the equipment in Batman's UtilityBelt. Interestingly, they ''almost'' get killed in retaliation by the Penguin (doubly so because they annoyed him into a murderous rage), but this still buys Batman enough time to recover and pull a BigDamnHeroes.
* {{Hypocrite}}: Penguin resorts to a hammy comment while calling Batman a ham; pretty blatant there.
* IgnoredConfession: When Sherman's mother asks what they're doing in the basement, Roberta answers, "We just saved Batman's life, and now we're hiding him from some bad criminals." The mom's response? "That's good, just don't make a mess."
* ImprovisedWeaponUser: Without his belt handy, Batman is able to hold off the Penguin using a screwdriver, nothing more.
* KidDetective: Sherman aspires to be one, and then gets the chance to be one in ''spades''.
* LighterAndSofter: The most lighthearted, kiddy episode of the series, and a stark contrast to episodes before and after it.
* MaliciousMisnaming: Nicholas and Frank, the two boys bullying Sherman throughout the first half of the episode, finally call him by his real name after intentionally getting it wrong up until the end.
* TheManMakesTheWeapon: When the Penguin draws his [[ParasolOfPain umbrella sword]], Batman ([[YouCanBarelyStand still injured]]) picks up a screwdriver.
%%* NoodleIncident
* OhCrap: "My house! SHERMAN!"
* RememberTheNewGuy: Like the Joker, the Penguin gets no real introduction in the show's canon, with Sherman recognizing him on sight. This was directly stipulated by the show's bible; presumably, audiences were expected to already recognize Joker and Penguin from [[Series/Batman1966 the '66 show]] and the Creator/TimBurton movies.
* StealthInsult: Penguin to his henchmen: "Gentlemen--and I use the term loosely--let the egg hunt begin!"
* TheUnmasking: The two teens almost unmask an unconscious Batman, but Sherman stops them.
-->'''Sherman:''' This isn't a game, you jerks!
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