Batman: Caped Crusader, Season Two, on Prime Video

The nickname “Caped Crusader” originated in Batman comics, but it is most closely associated with the Adam West TV series. Ironically, the “Caped Crusader” animated series is less cartoony than the campy 1960s live action show. This Batman patrols a film noir-looking Gotham inspired by the 1930s and 1940s. The police, the mayor, and the media still regard Batman as a dangerous vigilante, but Commissioner Jim Gordon and a few honest cops are starting to trust him in creator Bruce Timm’s 10-episode second season of Batman: Caped Crusader, which premieres today on Prime Video.

The good news is there is still no Robin, only Alfred Pennyworth. Also, Timm and company hit pause on the gender-swapping. However, they take intriguing liberties with traditional super-villains, starting with crime boss Rupert Thorne’s lieutenant, Eddie Nygma, who does his riddling with a tommy gun.

Season two also features some deep-cut supervillains, like Roxy Rocket, who gives episode two, “Rocket’s Red Glare,” a somewhat Rocketeer-like vibe. Fans will appreciate seeing Bruce Wayne adopt his Matches Malone undercover persona in “Deep Cover,” possibly the grittiest episode of the entire series, written by Tyrone Finch & Bryce Abood. Linton Midnite returns in the horror-flavored “The Devil’s Due,” in which a cult worshipping a bat demon takes an unhealthy interest in Batman. Their ritual murders are especially inconvenient, given the media campaign against Batman orchestrated by the Hedda Hopper-esque Hattie Tetch, hilariously voiced by Laraine Newman.

Jim Corrigan makes an unconventional but worthy appearance in “The Spectral Hand.” Those who recognize his alter-ego will know what to expect, but his backstory and fate are radically different. Probably the weakest episodes are “Sudden Fear” and “Zero Hour,” because they force Batman to act drastically out of character, collaborating with the fugitive Haley Quinn and Carrie Kelley, a ten-year-old who aspires to be a nocturnal crime-fighter.

“Her Dark Reflection” adds an intriguing psychological thriller element, as well as old fashioned eye-for-an-eye payback. Fittingly, the season concludes with the two best episodes, focusing on a very different Joker. Instead of his manic laughter, this Joker is tightly controlled. He is also a Nietzschean nihilist, who speaks with what sounds like a German accent, perhaps symbolically representing the horrors brewing in Europe.

The first season had its moments, but the second represents a considerable improvement. The quality of episodes is more consistent and it wastes less time on extraneous relationships. Hamish Linklater still growls with appropriate gruffness and intensity as the Caped Crusader, while Jason Watkins captures Pennyworth’s dry humor and fatherly concern. Plus, Gary Anthony Williams sounds flamboyantly villainous as the grotesquely corrupt Det. Flass. However, Matthew Needham’s voiceovers for the Joker are so unconventional, but so creepy, he overshadows all the other villains and could really change the way fans think of the iconic character.

Some fans will not fully embrace some of the new takes on old characters (particularly the Riddler), but the Batman remains the same Caped Crusader and Dark Knight we all know and love. Indeed, Linklater’s Batman and Needham’s Joker could become a very special rivalry. Highly recommended for DC readers and viewers, season two of Batman: Caped Crusader starts streaming today (7/31) on Prime Video.