As a child, Batman episodes were such a part of my life that I quite literally wore out some VHS tapes watching and re-watching them. It didn't matter how many times I had seen them...they still captivated me every single viewing. The great (magically, really) thing about the 1960's Batman episodes is that they are just as entertaining when viewed as an adult as when I was a child. As a kid, I took everything as seriously as possibly. Batman was my hero, I wanted to BE Robin, and I allowed myself to get swept away in their colorful, brash, over-the-top adventures. As an adult, nothing is taken seriously whatsoever (save for the usually-great acting). I now roar in laughter at the camp humor, the ridiculous traps, and the cringe-worthy dialogue made to be exactly that. It truly is a show that can cross the generation gap.
In this first season, the main villains of the show are introduced, including...
-Riddler (Frank Gorshin) -Joker (Cesar Romero) -Penguin (Burgess Meredith) -Catwoman (Julie Newmar) -King Tut (Victor Buono); if to a lesser extent
Another part of "Batman's" appeal is its liberal use of celebrity guest stars as villains. These include...
-Zelda the Great (Anne Baxter); one of the most underrated episodes of the entire show. -Mr. Freeze (George Sanders); easily the best Freeze actor of the show's run. -Mad Hatter (David Wayne) -False Face (Malachi Throne); a case can be made for this episode being the best in show history. -Bookworm (Roddy McDowell)
Pound for pound, this season contains the best complement of episodes overall. "Batmania" was running high and the show could seemingly do no wrong. The series would ultimately burn hard and burn fast, producing a sort of fatigue that showed in the second--and especially third--seasons. But in S1, everything is still fresh and new.
By and large, there are few items of media that I care to own for the long haul. Usually it's one watch and back on the market. "Batman" episodes, however, have become a permanent part of my collection. Every few years, they are an easy trip down my childhood nostalgic lane.
In this first season, the main villains of the show are introduced, including...
-Riddler (Frank Gorshin) -Joker (Cesar Romero) -Penguin (Burgess Meredith) -Catwoman (Julie Newmar) -King Tut (Victor Buono); if to a lesser extent
Another part of "Batman's" appeal is its liberal use of celebrity guest stars as villains. These include...
-Zelda the Great (Anne Baxter); one of the most underrated episodes of the entire show. -Mr. Freeze (George Sanders); easily the best Freeze actor of the show's run. -Mad Hatter (David Wayne) -False Face (Malachi Throne); a case can be made for this episode being the best in show history. -Bookworm (Roddy McDowell)
Pound for pound, this season contains the best complement of episodes overall. "Batmania" was running high and the show could seemingly do no wrong. The series would ultimately burn hard and burn fast, producing a sort of fatigue that showed in the second--and especially third--seasons. But in S1, everything is still fresh and new.
By and large, there are few items of media that I care to own for the long haul. Usually it's one watch and back on the market. "Batman" episodes, however, have become a permanent part of my collection. Every few years, they are an easy trip down my childhood nostalgic lane.