Blind as a Bat

I remember liking 'Blind as a Bat' when I was younger because Batman losing his sight was something from out of left field. It doesn't hold the same appeal for me as an adult, and instead comes off as an average episode (it's largely the animation; the character work is shaky, although some of the backgrounds are great). There's just something off about this. It feels like an excuse to turn Batman into Daredevil (with a dash of Tony Stark, what with WayneTech dealing in weapons). It isn't bad by any stretch, but it's aimed at a younger audience in almost every respect.

6/10

While observing a trial run of an amazing aircraft, it is realized that the Penguin and his cohorts have taken over this deadly machine. During an explosion, Bruce Wayne is blinded (of course, so is Batman). The Penguin begins to make an all out assault on the city. He says he will stop if they pay a hefty ransom. Now Batman, whose eyesight needs time before sight will return, must fight against the Penguin without the aid of his eyes. Of course, the Penguin, having no scruples, begins to torture our guy, but ingenuity is necessary, and Batman has plenty of this. The Penguin, whom we were supposed to have sympathy for in the previous episode, is utterly despicable.

Blind as a Bat is one of my favourite episodes. And as i've gotten older, i now appreciate it even more.

The gist of the story is Penguin stealing a a high-tech Army helicopter and holding Gotham City to ransom. Meanwhile, as a result of the high-jacking, Bruce Wayne is blinded. Can a blinded Batman stop The Penguin? I think it's a fantastic story, and shows that Batman is only human too. This episode marks the last story where Penguin is the main villain, which is a shame as I think he was one of the more colourful, and diabolical villains, who is perfectly voiced by Paul Williams.

I love a good Penguin episode, and if you do too, then definitely check this one out.