Batman: The Animated Series: Season 1: Episode 31: The Cape and Cowl Conspiracy
What’s the episode about? Wormwood is like the Riddler but without a costume. I find him effeminate and also I keep thinking about the Deep Throat people but actually that’s Woodward (and Bernstein). Wormwood and Batman keep trying to out-clever each other all episode. There’s a melting wax trap I don’t understand, they swordfight with barbells, and Batman finally wins when he disguises himself as a man half his height and looks perfect… it’s pretty ridiculous all around and this episode will come up again.
When does this frame happen? In the end, Woodward (sic, not intentional) is jailed without successfully taking Batman’s costume or learning his identity. Wormwood receives this package in his Arkham cell with an awful poem on cheesy Batman stationary. He opens it up, and it’s the titular cape and cowl.
Why are you sharing it? Batman is vengeance. He is the night. I know he acts like a dumb playboy millionaire for the public but… why can’t Batman craft more biting verse for a defeated foe? But beyond that — ALL EPISODE THEY ARE FIGHTING FOR POSSESSION OF THE CAPE AND COWL — and then Batman just gives it willingly in the end?!
And another thing… if a criminal actually wore the cape and cowl for warmth in prison, other prisoners would beat him up in a symbolic cathartic victory over the Bat. Is it supposed to associate him with Batman so that the others will think he’s undercover working for Batman? It’s SORT of a nice gift. but it’s also not very practical. I am confused. Maybe I should watch this episode again.
November 14, 2012