The Man Who Killed Batman

Every episode of Batman: The Animated Series is a classic, but every now and then we get a special, defining episode of the series. "The Man Who Killed Batman" is such an episode. It was the 51st-produced and 49th-aired on Feb. 1, 1993.

The first point I'll add will be for Sid the Squid himself. He was hilarious. An ordinary, stupid, lucky guy who just happened to (allegedly) kill Batman. He was perfect for the role. I also liked how he got a happy ending. All he wanted was to be considered a big shot, and that's exactly what he was in prison.

My next point will be for Harvey Bullock's brief, but poignant appearance. What can I say? I'm a big sucker for Bullock. But here, it was really sweet because we saw how sad he'd really be if Batman died. He always acts like he hates him, but deep down, he really cares for the Caped Crusader. Bullock also almost recognized Harley Quinn. Almost.

I'll raise the score to an 8 for Harley's wonderful performance in this episode. First there was the fun moment with Bullock, then a great line after Joker pushed a henchman into the hyenas: "I'll get the mop." And, of course, the sublime kazoo solo. I start cracking well before it even begins! Truly a comedic masterpiece.

Not only was this a great Harley episode, but it was a wonderful Joker episode, as well. First, the psychological aspect: "Without Batman, crime has no punchline." Then, the comedic aspect, encapsulated in a wide-ranging, emotional eulogy, that ends with a "Well, that was fun! Who wants Chinese?" Mark Hamill himself has said this was one of his favorite moments. The score is now a 9.

This episode is so great, and full of so many wonderful characters like Sid, Harley, Joker, Bullock and Rupert Thorne, that we don't even miss Batman. But when he comes back, it is pretty awesome. Standing tall and triumphant, with his theme song blasting away on the organ. Classic. A perfect ending for a perfect episode.

Final score: 10