Batman – Season
3, Episode 2 – Ring Around the Riddler
Batgirl continues to infuse the series with a dose of female
empowerment – though surrounded by an assertive patriarchal culture.
The centerpiece of the show is a boxing match between
Riddler and Batman. Pugilism might reek of
masculine brutality, but Bruce Wayne calls it “the manly art of
self-defense.” Riddler’s frenetic antics
work well in a comic boxing match. I think
this is one of his better episodes, actually.
Anarchic though he may be, he still echoes the patriarchal order of
Gotham City. In the throes of
melodramatic frustration, he asks “What’s looser than a thread, a fish, flying
ribbons?” The answer: “A woman’s
tongue.” It doesn’t even make much sense
to me in the context of the scene, unless he’s mad at his henchwoman for
distracting him with the offer of a drink. He just lashes out with random misogyny.
At least the Riddler’s henchwoman isn’t too ditzy. Actress Peggy Ann Garner offers a focused and
worldly Betsy Boldface, befitting her role as a reporter, and infuses the character
with a tinge of the campy cuteness that the show demands. Her role as Betsy is sadly underdeveloped
– I almost want to write some fan fiction about her life in Riddler’s
gang. We also get the introduction of
Joan Collins as the slinky, sultry Siren.
And because just about EVERYTHING is gender-determinate, her hypno-sonic voice
only works on men.
I’m more and more impressed by what Yvonne Craig was doing
with her role as Batgirl. She talks to her
pet bird Charlie with sincerity and warmth.
It could sound crazy or sad, since Batgirl is profoundly isolated within
the confines of her secret identity. Yet
Craig makes it work. And Barbara gets a
chance to show off her impressive education, reporting to Batman on ancient
scroll-work at the temple of Kafajah.
Ms. Gordon makes a sharp contrast with the clever but uneducated
Catwoman of the earlier seasons. She
manages to make Barbara Gordon optimistic, cheerful, and thoughtful in a show
where women are so often ditzy, evil, or insane. And all of that is in her role as an
“ordinary” woman – aside from what she achieves in her villain-kicking costume.
Batman praises her in a condescending manner: “It’s lucky
you were in the vicinity of Gotham Square Garden.” Batgirl replies, “Yes. Luck is
an important weapon to a woman crime-fighter, Batman.” At first I wasn’t sure whether the show was mocking Batgirl. But Craig’s look and tone are revealing –
she’s taking a jab at Batman’s condescension, even though he’s too distracted
with work to notice.
A few other moments of amusement or interest…
The Riddler says to the Siren: “Well, then men you shall
have.” Joan Collins’ look is something
between “Yes, please” and “Well, of course.”
I love how Batman tries to explain the weird convolutions
of the plot.
Robin: Holy hieroglyphics.
How would Riddler know that, Batman?
Batman: The mind of a criminal like Riddler’s is a sponge
that soaks up many strange facts, Robin.
Finally, a piece of dietary advice for the Boy Wonder, when he gets too excited about some camel-grass juice...
“Beware of strong stimulants, Robin,” warns Batman.
Personal Rating: B+
Riddler at the top of his game. Batgirl being cool. A campy boxing match. Not bad.
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