DC Universe’s cartoon rom-com bloodfest is a new kind of Bat-spin-off.
He’s maybe the eighth lead onHarley Quinn, not even the most important henchman in his criminal crew.
Harley Quinnis, technically, a spin-off focusing on an increasingly famous Batman villain.
Credit: DC Universe
It’s a trip and a half, a hidden gem in our days of TV plenty.
The supporting cast dements familiar comedy archetypes.
Clayface (also Tudyk) is a decloseted aspiring actor.
Commissioner Gordon (Christopher Meloni) rage-drinks through delusions of grandeur.
Harley Quinnwas developed by Justin Halpern, Dean Lorey, and Patrick Schumacker.
A lot of the usual franchise-corporate guard rails seem to be removed, and some major icons died.
What’s more impressive is how cleverlyHarley Quinnkeeps building its own askew DC universe.
I don’t know if I could define the specific audience forHarley Quinn.
People who wishGothamhad been more likeYou’re the Worst?
But there’s a welcoming-to-everyone charm in how this series combines straight-up satire and old-fashioned character comedy.
All the obvious heroes are doofs.
Batman (Diedrich Bader) is a rich gasbag; Gordon is a declining slob.
Season 1 is, in broad strokes, a violently extreme breakup comedy.
Which brings up a freaky possibility: Maybe they won’t.
A third season hasn’t been ordered yet.
Friday’s finale seems designed as a potential wrap-up.
I hope this show doesn’t get lost in the larger corporate shuffle of 2020’s streampocalypse.
This is a series that’s just beginning to refine its specific brand of crazy.
Give King Shark a chance!A-
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