The world’s greatest detective continues his mission for justice
icipated shows of the year, “Batman: Caped Crusader”came out towards the end of the summer and it’s…interesting. If you know me, that might be kind of shocking to hear. Batman is my favorite superhero, bar none.
I won’t make this about my obsessions, but just for context, know that I really want to love this show. Spoilers: I do, but I do have thoughts. Elephant in the room, Batman’s voice. This show is produced by Timm, Matt Reeves and JJ Abrams. Bruce Timm, specifically, is notable for his hand in bringing “Batman: The Animated Series” and its subsequent spinoff universe to life.
Due to his involvement and the art style of the show harkening back to that world, the expectation was that the titular voice of Batman, Kevin Conroy, would be returning to reprise his role. Tragically however, Kevin passed away in 2022, leaving this project without a voice, among other distribution issues.
Now in 2024, we are introduced to Hamish Linklater, the newest voice of Batman. While nobody could ever replace Conroy, Hamish gives an awesome performance that I feel leaves a unique mark on the Batman legacy. It’s his own take and I find it really works especially for this take on the character.
I’ve heard his voice be compared to a mix of Conroy and Robert Pattinson as the Batman, and I can see where people are coming from. He’s still new, but I’d say he makes a great first impression.
Speaking of first impressions, the show is somewhat of a period piece. It’s set in the 1940s and follows a version of Batman based on his first appearance. Timm has said a few times that this Batman is about two weeks into his mission.
That being said, he does still do all the Batman stuff you expect (within reason). Lurking, sleuthing and crime-fighting are here, and it never gets old. This show presents an air that I personally really enjoy.
The world the show inhabits is littered with characters from across not only Batman’s history, but other DC superheroes as well. It’s refreshing to see new takes on classic.
Batman villains like Clayface and Harley Quinn, but characters like Gentleman Ghost and Onomatopoeia that come from other areas of the DC mythos are so interesting to see.
While I do have a lot of positive things to say about this show, there are some genuine qualms I have.
Namely, I feel like the animation just isn’t up to par with the rest of Timm’s projects around the time of BTAS.
Honestly, I tend to feel like this with a lot of modern incarnations of the “Timmverse”. Character designs as well in general I think just aren’t all that remarkable.
The costumed characters are spared a bit, but in a show with so many unique characters that aren’t wearing a cape and or tights, the everyday Gothamites are pretty forgettable.
My issues with production aside, I think, overall, “Batman: Caped Crusader” is a pretty good show that deserves a shot at a season two. I give it an 8 out of 10.