Return to Gotham City with ‘Batman: Caped Crusader’ Season 2
Return to Gotham City with ‘Batman: Caped Crusader’ Season 2
The Prime Video animated series is the title I’m most excited to stream this week.
It’s admittedly a little hard to keep track of the various Batmen running around these days. There’s the live-action version, currently embodied by Robert Pattinson in “The Batman” and its upcoming sequel. Pattinson replaced Ben Affleck in the cape and cowl, and DC Studios co-chief James Gunn has confirmed that another live-action version of the character is coming to the screen at some point in the future, as well.
There are also two animated shows featuring Batman producing new episodes: “Batwheels,” which is targeted toward younger kids, and “Batman: Caped Crusader,” which is a much harder-boiled take on the character. It’s definitely not just a show for kids — in fact, its upcoming second season is the title I’m most excited to stream this week.
Produced by Bruce Timm, J.J. Abrams, and Matt Reeves — director of “The Batman” — “Batman: Caped Crusader” is a noir-inspired detective series that follows Bruce Wayne’s early years as Batman, a vigilante who has made it his life’s mission to fight crime wherever it can be found. And on the mean streets of Gotham City, there’s plenty to fight.
On one hand, I’m definitely excited for the return of “Batman: Caped Crusader” for reasons of nostalgia. “Batman: The Animated Series” was an enormous favorite of mine growing up, and “Batman: Caped Crusader” has come the closest of any Batman title since in replicating that show’s feel. It’s dark, gritty, and omits any of the campy silliness that Batman titles can sometimes veer toward. That shouldn’t be much of a surprise, considering Timm produced “The Animated Series.”
Watch the trailer for ‘Batman: Caped Crusader’ Season 2
In Season 2, Gotham is poised to spin into chaos. The Riddler is spreading destruction across the city. Batman and the police are stretched to the breaking point trying to stop him, and just when things look like they can’t get any worse, a new, sinister man in a purple coat steps onto the scene.
Yes, “Batman: Caped Crusader” Season 2 will introduce The Joker to the series. It’s unfair to expect anyone to live up to Mark Hamill’s legendary take on the role, but “Caped Crusader” has turned to another highly capable performer in Matthew Needham, who portrays Larys Strong on “House of the Dragon.” I’m quite intrigued by the choice and excited to see what fresh aspects Needham can bring to the role.
“Batman: Caped Crusader” Season 2 will debut on Friday, July 31 on Prime Video. All 10 episodes of Season 2 will premiere on that day, and viewers can watch “Batman: Caped Crusader” with a subscription to any Prime Video plan. The streamer is included with Prime, or viewers can purchase it on a standalone basis starting at $9 per month.
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