When you think of DC Comics certain things come to mind. Among them are the big three (Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman), amazing antagonists, and musicals. If you’re wondering about the last one, it’s partially meant in jest.
Thanks to director Todd Phillips' Joker: Folie à Deux, there’s a musical no one asked for starring two of the most iconic comic book villains ever, the Clown Prince of Crime and Harley Quinn (played by Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga). Because of that, it looks like this episode of Harley Quinn decided to poke fun at one of the worst decisions Warner Bros made since canceling Batgirl (this writer still isn’t over that).
"I am not crazy. I am infallible!"Brainiac to Lena Luthor
The sixth episode of Harley Quinn season 5, "Bottle My Heart", was an unexpectedly game-changing one. After Lena Luthor tells Brainiac the truth about him being crazy because he's talking to his dead pet Koko, Vril Dox severs their relationship and sends her back to Earth. Lena immediately goes to the Dailey Planet hoping that the power of the press will warn people about Brainiac’s plan. It’s a smart move... except for one thing. She’s talking to Clayface (who’s masquerading as Perry White), Bane, and Harley Quinn. These are three people not known for rational decisions. So, instead of using their platform to warn Metropolis, they decide that writing a musical is the best course of action.
There are random shots at Joker 2 throughout this episode. Among them is Lena Luthor’s perfect explanation of Clayface’s play. She said, “That's not Brainiac. That's Clayface making the villain more likable for theatrical purposes.” Just like The Joker shouldn’t be made to be a sympathetic villain, neither should Vril. He’s a murderer who’s killed billions over hundreds of years and imprisoned thousands. There are no redeemable qualities and even his origin story doesn’t make him someone that should be pitied.
Had an interview with Lois. It went well!
— Harley Quinn (@dcharleyquinn) February 20, 2025
A brand new episode of #HarleyQuinn is now streaming on @streamonmax. pic.twitter.com/vazjGwTCHs
After a slow start for Harley Quinn season 5, the show picked up around the third episode by giving the fans everything they’ve come to love, but this episode may have been the best of the season so far. We get humor from our favorite characters like Bane and Clayface, depth from Harley Quinn, and an ending that will have you shedding tears as Frank the Plant dies and Ivy cries over him. The creative team made the conclusion sadder by Frank calling Ivy “mom” as he breathed his last breath.
Ending this episode with a cliffhanger is a perfect way to push towards the finale. The mystery will keep fans interested in what's next for Brainiac and how Ivy will deal with the death of Frank. We also have to see how Harley Quinn helps her partner deal with the loss. We can only hope that she steps up to the plate and is there for Ivy.
Lastly, no one knows who killed Frank or who Brainiac was talking to at the end. Vril was speaking in a more serious tone after Frank was killed and it appears that he knows who the murderer is. But was he breaking the fourth wall or was someone else on his ship? Stay tuned to Bam Smack Pow to find out.
Who do you think killed Frank the Plant? Who was Brainiac talking to? Let us know on our social media pages on Bluesky, Instagram, and Twitter for more on that and other DC Comics news as it comes out.