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Rebirth: Part 2

Episode #02 - Rebirth: Part 2
Original Airdate - January 10th, 1999

After stealing the Bat-suit from the Batcave, Terry McGinnis plans to stop Derek Powers and find the man who killed his father. But what will Bruce Wayne do?

Media by James Harvey
Review by Robin III
Credits:
Story Alan Burnett
Teleplay by Alan Burnett, Paul Dini & Stan Berkowitz
Directed by Curt Geda
Music by Michael McCuistion, Lolita Ritmanis
Animation by Koko / Dong Yang

Voices:
Will Friedle as Terry McGinnis/Batman
Kevin Conroy as Bruce Wayne
Teri Garr as Mary McGinnis
Michael Gross as Warren McGinnis
Sherman Howard as Derek Powers
George Takei as Mr. Fixx
Ryan O'Donohue as Matt McGinnis
Lauren Tom as Dana Tan
Yvette Lowenthal as Chelsea
Seth Green as Nelson Nash
Sam McMurray as Harry Tully
Cch Pounder as Anchor Woman
Jack Roth as Virtual Newsman
Clyde Kusatsu as Coach
March Worden as Joker on Monorail
Rino Romano as Kidnapper
Bruce Timm as Jokerz Leader
Corey Burton as Vilmos Egans
John Rubano as Reporter
Phil Hayes as Guard
 
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Pans


 
Review

I was surprised on how well this show was dealt with. I was afraid it was going to be taken overboard into a twisted version of the future where people and aliens live together with otherworldly problems and usually the deaths of many characters that we've known so long. It was not like that at all, and I commend the producers for not taking it in the direction of other Elseworlds tales.

The writing was brilliant, especially scenes involving Bruce Wayne such as the disgust of his use of a gun, his reaction to his parents being mentioned, and his all round stubbornness. His confrontation with the Jokerz was also well handled when the leader proudly says "We're the Jokerz!" and Bruce merely smirks and replies, "Sure you are. . ." knowing full well what these people are trying to be and how the gang couldn't possibly even imagine what this old man's dealings with the Joker ever were.

Derek Powers was an interesting character, and despite objections by fans, his transformation into the glowing-green fiend, mirroring the origin of the Joker's, was a nice touch rather than already having him this way before the new Batman's appearance. If Batman did not transform Powers into the villain to be known as Blight, then Powers would have no beef with the Batman and there would be no reason to try and kill him each and every week.

I'm still not to sure on Batman's new ability to fly, because it was always neat to see how Batman would get out of a situation without having to fly. He'd always have a bit more surprise in his actions, especially in the scene where Derek's 'stormtroopers' had Batman cornered on the building ledge. If it were the old Batman, it'd be a lot more interesting to have him jump knowing he couldn't fly and would have to rely on other means to come to a safe landing. Now it's like having Superman jump off a building and we're supposed to be afraid of how he's going to survive.

The animation was well done but Bruce Wayne seemed to change at times, having a longer face or a fatter body. Also, Batman's eyes were off at times, one being larger than the other while he was squinting. It would have worked if they arched one as if he was thinking, but in these episodes it just look like the animators couldn't draw the eyes right.

The music was. . . interesting, but it soon became mindless noise after awhile. You could tell they were trying to make a Batman-ish theme at times, but it just wouldn't work. Just because it's the future doesn't mean orchestral doesn't exist anymore. Also, the music when Terry gets a job with Wayne was too sitcom-ish. The other music, usually the 'despair' music was quite dramatic. It fit well and added extra effect, but it wasn't quite the work of the old series. When Batman jumps off a building, screeching guitars will never replace the famous theme music on trumpets.

Overall, the new show has great possibilities, and shouldn't be taken as immediate crud without thinking about what you saw on the screen. My hopes are that more people will come to appreciate what the show is producing because it is very well done.


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