100 Greatest Superhero Stories Ever
By Steve Lam
Screen Capture from Justice League Unlimited Season 2, Episode 13: “Epilogue”
#62. Justice League Unlimited Season 2, Episode 13: “Epilogue”
Medium
Animated Television Series
Release Date
July 23, 2005
Credits
Director: Dan Riba
Writers: Bruce Timm, Dwayne McDuffie
Cast: Will Friedle as Terry McGinnis / Future Batman, Kevin Conroy as Bruce Wayne / Batman / Sky Patrol Officer, CCH Pounder as Amanda Waller / Queen, Lauren Tom as Dana Tan / Kimiyo Hoshi / Dr. Light / Kai-Ro / Green Lantern, hynden Walch as Ace / Mareena Curry / Aquagirl / Ten, Marc Worden as Future Parasite / Rex Stewart / Warhawk, Maria Canals-Barrera as Shayera Hol, Giselle Loren as Courtney Whitmore / Stargirl, Nicholle Tom as Kara Kent / Supergirl
The Reason It’s Great
If we needed to choose one standout example of Batman’s positive effect on people, it would be “Epilogue.” The episode was designed to act as a season finale for Justice League Unlimited, but also tie it into the events of Batman Beyond. The story is both emotional and philosophical. It poses the concept of nature versus nurture without ever becoming preachy.
In the future, Terry McGinnis (angered by the fact that Bruce never told him that he was his true genetic father) breaks into Amanda Waller’s home. When he demands answers from her, she recollects a story of Batman’s mission to stop Ace, a metahuman who had the ability to destroy reality. Batman was to use the only known weapon that could kill Ace. However, instead of using the weapon, Batman stayed by Ace’s side and comforted her as she died.
Batman’s actions showed Amanda the type of hero he was. Someone who would never take a life, and someone with the highest of morals. After that day, Amanda became a firm supporter of Batman. As time went on, she knew that Batman wasn’t going to live forever, so she arranged to have his DNA implanted into Warren McGinnis. When Terry was conceived, he was technically the biological son of Bruce Wayne and Warren’s wife.
Terry is angered that he never had control over his fate. Amanda counters his assumption and states that Terry is Bruce’s son, not his clone. He is still free to live how he wants. In the end, Terry goes to Wayne Manor to visit Bruce. Though it’s not explicitly stated, Bruce understands that Terry will carry on his legacy.