When I watched the first episode of season 4, I was quite skeptical. I saw that they were introducing Robin and wondered what executive madman ordered that and why. Batman hadn't even properly established that he and Batgirl were partners. Wasn't that more important than taking on another new character that would either have an equally shallow relationship with Bruce or highlight how shallow his was with Batgirl? And indeed, by the time the opening had concluded, Robin seemed far more important to Bruce (and the show in general) than an entire season's worth of episodes had made Batgirl seem.
Fortunately, the writers knew this and called it out on the very next episode, where they finally let Batgirl in as well. That wasn't the only season 3 mistake they fixed. Everyone got a fair share of screentime together both in and out of the costume, actually having dialogue with each other. While Batgirl and Robin probably talked more between themselves than Batman to either one, it was still a vast improvement over season three.
And this extended to the villains as well. All felt like considerable threats, and all were given personality outside their gimmicks and/or had creative schemes that made for interesting episodes. Some, like the Riddler, were given belated backstories. Others, like Everywhereman and Francis (the time guy) came with one, had personality, and gave a real challenge to Batman to boot. That said, I was a little confused by Harley Quinn's introduction midway through the season (especially as it's the only Joker-centric episode in the season), but even if she's not going to be important, they still did her justice.
My only real complaints here are a few missed opportunities. There are no episodes here where Batgirl appears and Robin does not, which disappoints me because I wanted to see how she and Batman worked together as partners, something that season 3 never gave me. And there was an episode set in the future, which, while good in its own right, lacked any Batman Beyond references. A shame, to be sure.
There wasn't a single bad episode here, a near perfect season all around. I'm anxious to see how this Batman operates in the Justice League. I just hope they can keep the momentum and work towards an appropriately grand finale.
Season Four, Or: Who to Introduce, and Where
When I watched the first episode of season 4, I was quite skeptical. I saw that they were introducing Robin and wondered what executive madman ordered that and why. Batman hadn't even properly established that he and Batgirl were partners. Wasn't that more important than taking on another new character that would either have an equally shallow relationship with Bruce or highlight how shallow his was with Batgirl? And indeed, by the time the opening had concluded, Robin seemed far more important to Bruce (and the show in general) than an entire season's worth of episodes had made Batgirl seem.
Fortunately, the writers knew this and called it out on the very next episode, where they finally let Batgirl in as well. That wasn't the only season 3 mistake they fixed. Everyone got a fair share of screentime together both in and out of the costume, actually having dialogue with each other. While Batgirl and Robin probably talked more between themselves than Batman to either one, it was still a vast improvement over season three.
And this extended to the villains as well. All felt like considerable threats, and all were given personality outside their gimmicks and/or had creative schemes that made for interesting episodes. Some, like the Riddler, were given belated backstories. Others, like Everywhereman and Francis (the time guy) came with one, had personality, and gave a real challenge to Batman to boot. That said, I was a little confused by Harley Quinn's introduction midway through the season (especially as it's the only Joker-centric episode in the season), but even if she's not going to be important, they still did her justice.
My only real complaints here are a few missed opportunities. There are no episodes here where Batgirl appears and Robin does not, which disappoints me because I wanted to see how she and Batman worked together as partners, something that season 3 never gave me. And there was an episode set in the future, which, while good in its own right, lacked any Batman Beyond references. A shame, to be sure.
There wasn't a single bad episode here, a near perfect season all around. I'm anxious to see how this Batman operates in the Justice League. I just hope they can keep the momentum and work towards an appropriately grand finale.