Script Fix

Justice League

At a young age I think you will agree, we have all watched a cartoon series that we loved more than any other. For me that series was Batman The Animated Series. Not only did it feature my favorite Superhero of all time, but it was dark, brooding and more serious than most shows were at the time. Now you might be thinking how has this show held the test of time so well that I am talking about it today. The answer is in the subject of this blogger channel you come to most often for. Yes, not only is the show well regarded by critics as one of the best animated shows ever(there's a difference between kids shows and this), but it also has a cult following by comic nerds and animation aficionado's. The show was so well received, that it received multiple extensions in other shows. One of these was Justice league/Justice league unlimited. The show was also a hit, but had lost some of its fans due to certain additions or changes. Today we will look at my second favorite animated TV series and at the same time fix it. 

1. Keeping the mature themes. In this show the first two seasons looked at the main seven, their past, their exploits and their personalities. But as the show went on, it began to give in to the younger, more hip audience by changing the epic opening theme with...a rock song, really?! Also the Flash had become a little more childish, rather than the cocky comic relief. But for what really annoyed me, follow me to number two.
2. The villains need more depth. In Batman the animated series(BTAS, It's shorter) the stories were dark, tragic and deep, examining the psyche of not only Batman, but also his enemies, making them sympathetic and relatable. Here they are just enemies to be stopped, not reasoned with. Also the series really needed some more of the original series villains. People like Mr Freeze is one of my favorite batman villains due to how sympathetic he is. The same can be said for Catwoman or Ra's al Ghul, both have reasons for why they do what they do, to survive or because of their beliefs. Here, the villains are more simplistic, doing things because it's evil. This too began more around Unlimited. Occasionally the villain they had was developed, but for the most part they were kind of weak. So some effort is required. I'm not saying they all need an emotionally crippling back-story, but a bit more depth and reason is required.
3. Batman Beyond. I need to get this out...I disliked this show. I mean the premise wasn't bad, the whole idea of batman retiring and needing a replacement. But by god was it depressing. all the old characters dead, Batman being recluse and The Joker is gone. Worse still, batman recounts Barbra Gordon as the one that got away. I like Barbra, I really do, but the fact that batman has no one, not even Selina Kyle(Catwoman) to be with. And the fact that the JL was heading towards that despite how optimistic about the future it might be, it can be a little disappointing some times. So I say cut of all ties with Batman Beyond and leave the future up to the fans.
4. Everyone is a bad-ass(or at least good at there jobs). When I first saw the series I remember thinking,"Batman is a bad-ass", but now thinking back, most of the league was awesome. Except for Superman. Seriously in each episode is either punched into space, blown up, zapped or exposed to kryptonite(Where do they get it all?). It would be better if Superman was a bad-ass or if it was shared out equally. Just saying, this is more of a nitpick.
5. The Character design should be individual. If you saw BTAS first and then compared the animation style of each, you will notice brighter colors and sharper lines. After Superman the animated series, the design for the characters were used on Batman and most shows after. In BTAS each character is a little more individual, with kinder curves and smooth movements. That's not to say It's all bad. Call me sexist if you want(not a request), but the women in the show all looked like supermodels...and I'm OK with that.
6. Finally, The first three episodes. Aside from robbed plot-elements from War of the worlds, the show literally threw the league at us. Batman follows Superman to find the Martian Manhunter, they are immediately joined by Hawkgirl, Wonder Woman and Green Lantern right out of nowhere. Flash is given a pass as he appeared in previous episodes of Superman, but these guy's come without much of an intro. Just 'we need help...oh here they are'. They refer to them as if they have been with us for a while and we know them. I guess the idea was reveal there character over the coarse of a few episodes. But showing us them saving someone or doing what they do can help us identify them. Maybe they could have had cameos in the multiple other series. Just give them a proper intro next time.

And now for whats good. Can't do that, it's way too good. Aside from the fixes, I stand by my love of this show. It's a guilty pleasure and a cult classic, two things I enjoy. Now If you have never heard of or seen the series, allow me to give you my ten favorite episodes. 

10: Legends. Not only a love letter to the comic book and nostalgia fans, but it has a decent mystery behind it all.

 9:Secret Society. Trust is put to the test as Grodd pulls together a super group to take down the JL.  

 8:A Better world. A good what if episode that sets up for some decent plot points later in the series.

 7: Double Date. Two of my favorite hero's go on a mission to bring a convict to justice, while we receive some background on an otherwise bad ass hero 

 6.Starcrossed. An interesting secret about hawkgirl, as the hero's must go to their lowest low to defeat an impossible enemy.

 5:  This Little Piggy. A good return for one of my favorite hero's and some of the Batman/Wonder Woman relationship is delved into. Also the climax will have you laughing for hours.

 4:Flashpoint Saga. The hero's must deal with negative backlash and government meddling when an  old enemy returns.

 3:Wild cards. Featuring a joker that is out of control and in for the win. Also the easter egg in that the super group hired by the Joker is voiced by the cast of Teen Titans.  

 2:The Terror Beyond. Delve into a world of HP Lovecraft, with a surreal world of monsters, questions on faith and one of the saddest endings on the show. 

1:Alive/Destroyer. The villains latest plan goes horribly wrong as they must seek out the help of their only enemies in the final episode of the show. What an ending.

Any episodes you feel I left out please comment. Any shows you want me to review, do not be afraid to ask. Thank you for reading and good day to you.