The Cat and the Claw: Part I

Batman: The Animated Series started out with a two-part episode, but for some odd reason Part II is Episode 8. However, since this was aired daily, they were only a week apart. Possibly it was a ploy to keep early viewers hooked, waiting on the second part of the episode.

Here we get Catwoman involved in a burglary, and then donating $10,000 to "win" Bruce Wayne at a charity auction benefitting an animal cause. Neither yet has a clue about the other's secret identities, but after a chase, Catwoman is already hooked on the Batman.

Throw in a terrorist plot they both must battle, and you have a good start to the series.

The Cat and the Claw: Part 1 focuses more on Selina and her efforts to save land from the Red Claw. Sounds boring from the synopsis, but it's entertaining and builds up Selina's character development throughout. I enjoyed the mixing of Selina's wildlife protection views and rich robbing ways. Batman takes a secondary role and I have absolutely no problem with that. A very solid first episode in on of the greatest animated shows of all time.

This episode focuses more on Catwoman than the cape crusader as she appears to be animal rights extremist and is wanting to build a mountain lion sanctuary. Angry at her lawyers Selina seeks action towards the mob and red claw when her sanctuary is rejected. Not the best episode to open on but it sets the tone of the entire series. Right off of Tim Burton's batman returns came the animated series and it's hard to believe how old this is already. For me the cinematography on the roof tops and car chase scenes are epic. This for me was and still is one of the best animated series of all time. From the dare I say, purrrrfect score, to the film like tone and pacing this stands alone as a rule breaker of its time. The Gothic surroundings and lighting set out where Burtons movies left off along with the magnificent voice talent out of the shadows comes the now all so famous Kevin Conroy voiced Batman. I nice colour palet, the stories drive the animations so well sometimes you forget you are watching a cartoon.

An interesting depiction of Selina Kyle/Catwoman, with her wildlife activist side being mixed into her rich socialite side. I'm not sure if this version of Selina has the same origin story as she does in the comics or most of the other movies and shows, but she is pretty interesting. I also like her cute secretary, Maven, and I hope she shows up in future episodes.

The actual villain of this production, Red Claw, seems more suited for a G. I. Joe production than DC Comics. I don't think she's a major villain in the comics, either.

This is an interesting series. I've watched a few episodes back in my childhood, but I've really started to watch it more productively now that HBO Max has all the episodes plus most of the other DC Shows.

I've always been a huge Catwoman fan, so I was excited to see that the series kicks off with her in a central role. Turns out that With Red Claw actually two female villains are introduced in the first episode. I don't know if that's significant or not but it's interesting and shows where we are in the culture. I guess it could be interpreted as an empowering message for girls - you can be a terrorist leader or burglar too! Great?

The story itself is pretty cliche but that's ok, it's only episode 1 after all and it allows you to focus on character and mood. We have the classic jewel heist, the skyscraper chases, the villainous lair with a movable floor, the gangsters and guns, the witty one liners.

The idea of Ms Kyle having a kitty accomplice named Isis draped around her neck is definitely a Catwoman idea I haven't seen before. The cat seemed to provide comic relief? I don't know, it's a ridiculous thing to scale skyscrapers with a cat draped around your neck but it's only a cartoon after all.

The relationship dynamic between Batman and Catwoman has always been a tense and fascinating one. I hope they explore how Mr Wayne is torn between justice & Lust / intrigue in later episodes.

The idea of Gotham having some random potential reserve for wild cats on its outskirts is kinda goofy. But I guess it makes sense if Selena Kyle set it up.

Let's see if all of the parts come to something bigger and better later on in the series.