By Jamie Miller
Batman has long been a staple of television, from the Adam West show from the 60s, to the animated series of the 90s, to even the “Justice League” cartoon of the 2000s. Batman has also been a staple in many households for years. And now, with the second season of “Batman: Caped Crusader” released, he’ll be a staple for a few more.
Season two of “Batman: Caped Crusader” which dropped on Amazon Prime on Friday, July 31, continues the story from season one. Crime boss Rupert Thorne keeps exerting power over Gotham City while Batman persists in his nighttime crusade to stop him. However, a new, much larger threat looms on the horizon, and this threat also has a flair for the dramatic and a colorful name… Joker.
Season two of “Batman: Caped Crusader” features a new and returning cast, including Hamish Linklater, known for roles in the likes of “Midnight Mass” and “Legion” as the voice of Batman. Jason Watkins, who is known for roles including “Being Human” and “The Crown,” is the voice of Alfred Pennyworth, Batman’s butler, father figure, and most trusted confidant. Krystal Joy Brown, known for appearing in “She-Ra and the Princesses of Power” and “Final Space,” returns to lend her voice to Barbara Gordon, a Gotham City public defender and ally to Batman. Eric Morgan Stuart, known for his work in “Fallout 4” and “Prototype 2,” lends his voice once more to Jim Gordon, the Gotham City police commissioner and ally of Batman. Gary Anthony Williams, known for roles including “The Boondocks” and “XCOM 2” returns as the voice of Arnold Flass, a corrupt Gotham City Police Department officer on Thorne’s payroll. Cedric Yarbrough, known for roles in “Reno 911!” and “The Boondocks” returns as the voice of Thorne.
New to the series is Matthew Needham of “House of the Dragon” fame, who lends his voice to The Joker, a mysterious pale-faced criminal who favors a toxin that causes people to literally laugh themselves to death. Laraine Newman, known for roles in “Saturday Night Live” and “Coneheads” lends her voice to the character of Hattie Tetch, a reimagining of the classic Batman villain, The Mad Hatter. Tetch is a television host who is critical of Batman and the GCPD and supportive of Thorne.
Now what did I think of this season? Well, much like when I reviewed season one, I love the 1940s aesthetics, and the voice acting is top-notch, and it’s fun to see Batman in a classic cloth costume again with a Batmobile that isn’t a tank. The whole show is a love letter to the early days of Batman, and I’m all for it. Season two is also an overall improvement from season one. Batman comes off as less of a jerk to his allies and more aloof, which is how Batman should be, though I still feel like him always calling his loyal butler Alfred Pennyworth just by his surname comes across as a little too cold for Batman, especially given the close relationship between Alfred and Batman. Overall, it’s a dang good show. I give it a solid six torches out of 10. I definitely recommend it.
