The year 1999 marked an entirely new era for both the Batman character and the Batman mythos, as Warner Bros. Television Animation produced an animated series known only as Batman Beyond. The series is set in the future of the same universe as Batman: The Animated Series, Superman: The Animated Series, Justice League And Justice League: Unlimited which meant fans could expect outstanding quality.
When it was released, the series received great praise from critics and to this day enjoys a cult following that repeatedly calls for a revival of the series or a live-action adaptation. The name of the Batman of the future, Terry McGinnis, has been heard around the world and given the great response the series has received, it doesn’t seem like he will be forgotten any time soon.
10 “Ascension”
Season 1, Episode 13
Image via Warner Bros. Television Animation
IMDb score: 8.1/10
In the season one finale, Derek Powers, aka Blight, begins to deteriorate, and in order to avoid constantly having to go to great lengths to hide it, he decides to hire his son Paxton as the company’s next acting CEO. But as Derek begins to fully transform into Blight, a dark truth comes to light.
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Fans around the world seemed to really enjoy Blight as a villain for Terry, with the climactic episode revealing to fans that Blight was actually responsible for the murder of Terry’s father. This revelation gave room for outstanding tension in the writing of the episode and kept the audience glued to the television screens.
9 “Ace in the Hole”
Season 2, Episode 26
Image via Warner Bros. Television Animation
IMDb score: 8.1/10
Many casual DC fans may not have known this DC League of Super Pets that Batman has a dog named Ace and many may not know that he has been part of the mythos for some time. In the second season finale of Batman Beyond, Ace learns his origin story while disappearing into the present after chasing a strange man who seemingly triggers him. Through current events and flashbacks, we learn more about what makes Ace such a good partner for the caped crusader.
The episode truly captures the deep bond between Bruce and Ace and gives fans many heartbreaking moments. Ace really gets to shine here in a way he’s never been able to before, and it really pays off and cements him as an important member of the Bat-Family.
8 “Rebirth: Part 2”
Season 1, Episode 2
Image via Warner Bros. Television Animation
IMDb score: 8.3/10
Terry McGinnis’ origin story was split into two episodes instead of being limited to just one, giving us a comprehensive origin story for the new hero. Part 2 of this origin story continues Terry’s rise as Batman, with him nearly being killed by Derek Powers and Mr. Fixx, who reclaim their hard drive. Terry must suit up to stop them once and for all.
The finale of Terry’s origin story was incredibly well written and directed, as it needed to be to sell fans a new Batman. The episode also touches on topics such as chemical warfare and the deep corruption within capitalist companies. The episode didn’t misjudge the mental capabilities of its younger audience and created a wonderful story.
7 “Eyewitness”
Season 2, Episode 14
Image via Warner Bros. Television Animation
IMDb score: 8.3/10
When Commissioner Barbara Gordon thinks she has seen the new Batman commit a murder, she goes looking for him and takes him down. Meanwhile, Bruce once again puts his detective skills to the test to find out the truth about what happened.
What did … do Batman Beyond Season 2, Episode 14, “Eyewitness” One such exciting episode on television was that not only was Terry being hunted by the entire police force, but the police force is being led by someone who is aware of his secret identity and is a former superheroine herself, meaning she is watching his every move can predict.
6 “Sneak Peek”
Season 2, Episode 18
Image via Warner Bros. Television Animation
IMDb score: 8.4/10
When an incredibly pushy reporter, Ian Peek, gains the ability to become intangible and begins recording the secrets of people across Gotham to reveal them in a show called “The Inside Peek.” When Terry finds out that his and Bruce’s secrets will be revealed next in the series, he must crack the whip and hunt down the reporter before all of Gotham finds out his secret identity.
The episode touches on topics such as press ethics and paparazzi culture, topics that are still just as important, if not more so, in today’s culture. The episode also features one of the series’ most disturbing villain battles, with Ian unable to control his tangibility and sinking to the center of the Earth.
5 “Rebirth: Part 1”
Season 1, Episode 1
Image via Warner Bros. Television Animation
IMDb score: 8.4/10
When Bruce Wayne, the Batman, realizes he must retire, he finds the heir to the Batman legacy in teenager Terry McGinnis. As Terry grapples with becoming the new Batman and struggles with his father’s recent murder, he begins to learn what it really means to be a hero.
The episode’s scene depicting Bruce’s final night as Batman is one of the series’ most pivotal and powerful moments. When Bruce is forced to use a weapon he swore he would never do, he realizes he can no longer hold the mantle. The episode highlights everything that makes the Batman character special.
4 “Meltdown”
Season 1, Episode 5
Image via Warner Bros. Television Animation
IMDb score: 8.4/10
The fifth episode of the series marks the return of fan-favorite Batman villain Mr. Freeze. When Derek Powers becomes fed up with his constantly cracking plastic skin, he plans to clone his original body to replace his current one. But Powers decides to first test Mr. Freeze and give him a new organic body after years of being just a head in a container.
The episode served as Mr. Freeze’s final farewell in this DC animated universe, sending him away with a hero’s death, giving Freeze a chance to redeem himself. Writing the episode about Bruce and Terry’s conflicting thoughts about Freeze and the question of whether to trust him makes for wonderful character moments and interactions.
3 “From the Past”
Season 3, Episode 5
Image via Warner Bros. Television Animation
IMDb score: 8.5/10
Somehow still young and spry, Talia al Ghul returns to Gotham to tell Bruce that she has finally mastered the Lazarus Pit and offers to restore Bruce’s youth. But when Bruce realizes that this restoration isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, he and Terry must find their way to safety.
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This episode was a treat to watch for a long time Batman: The Animated Series And Justice League fans as they finally got to see Bruce in action again. The sight of Terry and Bruce fighting side by side is something fans never expected. Bruce also gets some wonderful character work here and is finally given the chance to find closure with Talia, his former lover.
2The Call: Part 1 – Season 3, Episode 7 (8.6/10)
Image via Warner Bros. Television Animation
Fans of the DC Animated Universe already knew there was a return in “The Call” in Batman Beyond Season 3, Episode 7, when Superman approaches Terry about joining the Justice League and asks Bruce for help in figuring out what he thinks after a traitor is The Team.
The thrill of seeing Superman and Batman together again was enough to make fans around the world cheer with excitement. When it turns out that the traitor is actually none other than Superman himself, Bruce supplies Terry with kryptonite and thus prepares a Future Batman vs. Superman for the second part.
1 “The Call: Part 2”
Season 3, Episode 8
Image via Warner Bros. Television Animation
IMDb score: 8.7/10
With Superman branded a traitor to the Justice League and the League no friend of Terry’s anyway, it seems like he’ll have to move mountains if he wants to save the day. As Batman and the League face off against Superman, their many questions about Superman’s move are answered with a star-shaped alien, Starro.
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Not only did the episode give us more universe building and of course more Superman, but it also gave Terry new experiences he hadn’t had before working with a full team. But when he gains the league’s respect and is offered full-time membership, he follows in his mentor’s footsteps and accepts part-time membership. As they leave, Superman makes a comment about the similarities between him and Bruce, ending the episode with the wonderful quote: “More than you know, my son. More than you think.”
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Source : collider.com