Harley Quinn season 2, episode 5 review: Batman’s back! Well, sort of

Batman returns, Two-Face is a jerk, and Harley Quinn creators accurately troll.

Previously, on Harley Quinn, we got the saddest episode of the series. Mr. Freeze saved his wife Nora by sacrificing his life. We also learned that the only reason Harley wasn’t killed during the meeting of the Injustice League (the season premier) was because Freeze didn’t want to kill her. So, it looks like he wasn’t all bad after all.

In another part of Gotham, Poison Ivy and Kite Man (Hell yeah) were looking at a wedding venue. They didn’t get the place because of Kite Man’s nemesis Condiment King (thumbs down). Despite the disappointment, they both know that where they get married doesn’t matter as long as they’re together.

Commissioner Gordon update! Judging by the title of this episode, it’s safe to assume we’re going to get a happy Commissioner. Maybe he’ll put a shirt on.

“But if this sucks, we’re watching Family Guy.”

This episode starts unlike any of the previous ones. Breaking the fourth wall with two guys sitting on a couch. One of them is wearing a shirt that says, “Release the Snyder Cut” and the other one says, “The Last Jedi is not Canon.” One of them goes on about how bad the Harley Quinn show is. Fun fact, he’s never seen an episode. After the two debate, they decide to turn on the episode and give it a try.

This was perfect. There are a lot of people out there who think like this. Instead of giving the show a try, they’ll judge it. It was a perfect representation of how certain people act towards shows, movies, and comic books that have strong women leads. The shirts were a nice touch as well. The Snyder Cut shirt acknowledged that they are aware of the debates on Twitter. The Last Jedi not being canon is a direct shot at people who hate the movie because it has a strong woman as the lead. You gotta love it.

“It’s… a symbol.”

Harley Quinn officially starts with Bruce Wayne waking up from his coma. In typical Batman fashion, he wants to immediately start fighting crime. There’s a huge problem with that. Bruce can’t walk without aid. Alfred tries to tell him to take it easy, but he can’t. Especially after seeing a video of Batgirl. Of course, Bruce doesn’t listen and goes out to be a Batman who can’t stand without the aid of a cane.

If you’re a Batman fan, you know that he’s that stubborn. He would definitely try and stop Barbara Gordon from being Batgirl even though she’s saving lives. Not because she isn’t good at her job, but because he can’t do it himself. He needs to be the one who’s risking his life for Gotham. The best part of all this is Alfred. He was exactly like he is in the comics. Smug within reason. All of the side comments were entertaining. This was a perfect representation of Alfred Pennyworth.

“What happened to the 50 and the 50?”

Originally, Two-Face was trying to run Gotham all by himself. Bane wanted to team up, but Two-Face didn’t think he needed the help. That was until Batman resurfaced and started to give Gotham City hope again. After that, Two-Face changes his tune. He knows he needs Bane’s help. How does he try to persuade him? By getting Bane his own big boy chair (complete with great lumbar support) and a poster that said “Two Faces” without Bane in the picture.

Bane has continued to be an incredible part of this show. His goofy voice and antics made him a joy to watch. However, we haven’t seen him fight yet. That changed. Geared up in his very Iron Man like suit, Batman goes out to fight crime. Unfortunately, he ran into Bane and got his clock cleaned. Seeing Bane being the tough guy we know he is with the Dark Knight Rises voice was worth the watch on its own. It was a bit sad seeing Batman’s legs going in opposite directions after Bane messed him up. Admittedly, it was more funny than sad.

“Sometimes I sit.”

Despite not having any Harley Quinn and her gang in this episode, it was still great. You’ll find yourself laughing at all of the things that made this series fantastic. It doesn’t take itself seriously. For example, Alfred dressing up in a costume with a powdered wig that has armaments and calling himself Macaroni. Something we never thought we needed. Then, Batman having a codpiece that shoots a tiny rocket was a phenomenal callback to Gordon wanting one. And Lucius Fox calling the Batman armor Monica was the best. This episode also gave us an in for Batgirl. Now that she has Batman’s blessing, she’ll probably be trained to be a better fighter by Alfred and Bruce.

Comments about Quinn

• How long will it take for Bruce Wayne to heal? Or will this series be without Batman in action?
• Does Barbara Gordon know Batman is Bruce Wayne? If not, when does she find out?
• Will the next episode show Harley Quinn laughing at Batman getting beat up by Bane?
• How long does Two-Face run Gotham? It’s only a matter of time before Harley comes after him.
• How many angry letters and emails are the creators going to get over the beginning of the episode? I’m going to guess over nine thousand. Eh, there’s no way that can be right.
• Commission Gordon finally put on a shirt. But at what cost?!

What did you think of this week’s episode? Let us know in the comments below.