Harley Quinn first madeher on-screen debutinBatman: The Animated Series, and since then, the psychiatrist-turned-villainess has come quite a long way. From just being a minor character in the Bat-verse to becoming the star of her own TV show.
Harley Quinnis an American adult animated dark-comedy series that centers around themisadventures of Harley Quinn and her gang of friends; including Poison Ivy, her best friend, and eventual lover. It’s quite amusing to watch Harley and her gang wreak havoc in Gotham City, as they face a variety of both heroes and villains. Interestingly, while the series does somewhat follow the DC Universe, it tends to parody and poke fun at some of the lore. The series is quite refreshing to watch, and to celebrate the success of the production, here are some of the best episodes ofHarley Quinnso far:
6Bachelorette (Season 2, Episode 9)
There’s always a high risk of emotions spewing over whenever there’s alcohol involved, which is exactly what happens in “Bachelorette.” The episode finds Harley, Ivy, Catwoman, Nora, and Jennifer on a grand excursion to the villain-hijacked island of Themyscira. The group of women party and enjoy themselves until eventually drunk, Harley and Ivy end up sleeping together. Ashamed of her actions, Ivy ends up locking herself in her room. Harley eventually pulls her friend out of her room, so the group can rescue Queen Hippolyta, who is hypnotized by Eris to sell her island to LexCorp. The girls are able to rescue Hippolyta and celebrate their victory with more alcohol, which ends with Harley and Ivy sleeping together again. The episode is a boiling pot of sexual tension, as the two women try to ignore the attraction and feelings they have for each other.
5Batman Begins Forever (Season 3, Episode 8)
Those fond of Batman will definitely enjoy"Batman Begins Forever." The episode takes the characters and the audienceback to Batman’s origin story, as Harley and the gang enter Bruce Wayne’s brain to extract information regarding Frank’s kidnapping. The gang ends up being stuck in a vicious loop as they relive his origin story over and over and over again. Harley uses her psychiatric abilities to help Bruce open up about his past trauma.
Over the years, the media has made quite a few jokes about Bruce’s dead parents. This particular episode takes Bruce’s past and turns it into a dark comedy. It’s rather interesting to see how the episodes unveil the layers of trauma, to reveal Bruce as a child who blamed himself for the death of his parents, and as an adult who lives with that guilt and loneliness. It’s rather fascinating to see Bruce and Harley interact as something other than just adversaries in this particular episode.
Related:Lady Gaga is a ‘Really Cool Fit’ for Harley Quinn, Joker 2 Cinematographer Says
4Being Harley Quinn (Season 1, Episode 5)
“Being Harley Quinn” takes the audience into the mind of none other than the star villainess herself, Harley Quinn. Perhaps this is the best episode to watch if one wants to dissect thepsychology of Harley’s character.The audience sees Harley struggle to see herself separate from The Joker. It’s shocking to discover, along with Harley herself, that it wasn’t Joker who pushed her into the acid; rather, it was Harley herself who made the choice for herself. As she says to herself, no victim is a “perfect victim”. The audience even sees a glimpse of the younger Harley, who is quite the menace. In addition, the episode allows one to explore the depths of Harley’s trauma.
3L.O.D.R.S.V.P. (Season 1, Episode 8)
“L.O.D.R.S.V.P.“is an interesting episode because it finds Ivy wondering if Harley can find validation as avillainess in a male-dominated institutionlike the Legion of Doom. When Harley is selected as a candidate for the Legion of Doom, Ivy is supportive of her friend, yet can’t help but feel skeptical about the institution and its motives. The episode gives the audience better insight into Ivy’s role as Harley’s friend. Throughout the episode, Ivy struggles to keep at bay the overprotectiveness she feels towards her friend and comes to terms with the idea that Harley is her own person with her own dreams and wants. Some miscommunications culminate in this episode between the two friends, but it’s interesting to see how they deal with their own struggles.
Related:Margot Robbie Responds to Lady Gaga Taking Over as Harley Quinn in Joker 2
2Inner (Para) Demons (Season 2, Episode 8)
“Inner (Para) Demons"follows Harley after her first kiss with her already-betrothed best friend, Ivy as she spirals into atrocious acts of villainy. Harley swears fealty to Darkseid to gain access to his demonic army to help her in her plans for world domination. One could say that Harley’s character provides a reflection of the darker side of humanity, highlighting the ugly and horrific impulses. Harley has no control in this episode, as she gives in to her darkest wishes, ascending to the god-tier of evil.
1There’s No Place to Go But Down (Season 2, Episode 7)
“There’s No Place to Go But Down” finds Harley and Ivy put on trial in a kangaroo court held by Two-Face. The two eventually find themselves in Bane’s pit prison, which is also a rehabilitation center of sorts. So far, Harley and Ivy have been tip-toeing aroundtheir feelings for each other, which has had the audience wondering if anything will actually come out of it or not. The audience is led to believe that nothing much can happen in the particular episode as it’s full of ridiculous, comedic moments. However, the humor is broken for the smallest of moments as the two finally end up kissing.
The episode definitely brings a lot of things to the forefront. For one, the audience has seen Harley struggle through her toxic relationship with the Joker; she literally threw herself in the pit for him. Now, the audience can see some form of growth in her character, as she strives to be with someone who will actually save her from falling down further into the pit. This, of course, does not mean that it’s all rainbows and unicorns for the two girls; they obviously still have a long way to go. However, this episode definitely marks a start to something.
