I really don’t know how to start an article about the 1966 Bat
man television show without sounding like a stereotypical old fogey. “Back in my day, Batman wore tights and no one ever died on the show.” Well, once, and what a terrible way to go-go. It does sound funny to talk about that show like I am opening a time capsule but in a sense I am opening a time capsule. This show, for some of us, was our first real introduction to the Caped Crusader and although campy (which we were so unaware of in our youth) it gave us our lifelong love of Batman.
When I was growing up in New York City, Batman was re-run on our local WPIX in the afternoons and I remember never missing an episode. I know I wasn’t the only kid to safety pin a towel around his neck and pretend to be Batman, or in my case Robin. There are so many photos of me in my youth with my fists up ready to do battle with a super-villain. The show had a big impact on me. Even though my mother mocked it mercilessly, one of my fondest memories of her was the night we sat at the kitchen table trying to remember all of the actors that made up Batman’s rogues gallery. You have to remember this was before the internet so it took a while. We sat there for hours talking about the show, laughing and discussing who was who. I guess that’s why when I watch Batman I am 8 years old again, sitting at that table smiling.
In recent years Batman the series was only available as re-runs on stations such as The Hub or more recently Me-TV (which I love). The only way to own these old episodes was to either record them on a VHS or DVR or for the less scrupulous, purchasing bootlegs. Now finally the un-cut series has come to Blu-Ray/DVD; collecting all 3 seasons in a beautiful boxed set.
The numbered, limited edition set comes with a plethora of extras including a 4 inch metal Batmobile from Hot Wheels, an Adam West Scrapbook, a set of reproduction cards based on a set from the 1960s and an episode guide. The series is contained on 12 discs with a 13th disc filled with 3 hours of special features. The bonus features include:
• Holy Memorabilia Batman! (Ralph Garman shows Adam West his Bat-collection)
• Hanging with Batman
• Batmania Born-Building the world of Batman
• Bats of the Roundtable (Adam West, Kevin Smith, Phil Morris, Ralph Garman and Jim Lee)
• Inventing Batman-in the words of Adam West
• Na Na Na Batman (Cast members of Arrow and The Mentalist discussing the song)
• Screen Tests
The special features give insight to many things including Adam West’s approach to being Batman. The “Inventing Batman” featurette has West explaining the episodes 1 and 2 from the first season. He even shares the notes he wrote on his script back in 1966 and how he tried to channel Basil Rathbone to get into detective mode.
Everyone has their own opinions on which episodes are the best. I wanted to share my list of which episodes left an impression on me. I do have to admit that out of 120 episodes it is hard for me to pick just a few that are my favorites but I will narrow it down to my five favorite. The two parters count as 1…
First and foremost has to be second season episode 51 (A Piece of the Action)/ 52 (Batman’s Satisfaction). This is the crossover episode with the Green Hornet (Van Williams) and Kato (Bruce Lee) in which the dynamic duo go up against Col. Gumm (Roger C. Carmel). Though we had this great crossover the best part about this episode was the fact that Batman was able to get a message out of a bowl of alphabet soup. Don’t get me wrong the Green Hornet and Kato rock but how cool is an alphabet soup analyzer? This episode is probably on a lot of “favorite” lists.
My second favorite is the first season episode 1 (Hi Diddle Riddle)/2 (Smack in the Middle) which had the first appearance of the Riddler (Frank Gorshin). This is the episode had the only (actual) death on the show when Molly (Jill St. John) falls into the reactor and dies. Batman utters the great line, which I still use today, “What a terrible way to Go-Go!”
Third has to be episode the season 3 episode 1 (Enter Batgirl, Exit Penguin). This episode introduced the woman my 8 year old self wanted to marry, Batgirl (Yvonne Craig). She was cool, she could fight and she had her own theme music. What was not to like? I think this is where my love for redheads comes from, which has completely ruined my adult life…don’t start me on that one.
Fourth is season 1 episode 29 (The Bookworm Turns) episode 30 (While Gotham Burns) which had Roddy McDowell as Bookworm. Even as a child I was a big fan of Roddy McDowell because of the Planet of the Apes movies. Part of the character reminded me of my uncle Bob who was very well read and always seemed to be quoting books.
Last would have to be season 2 episode 40 (That Darn Catwoman) and episode 41 (Scat, Darn Catwoman). I like this episode because Robin sort of gets a girlfriend. After Catwoman drugs Robin she forces him to join her gang. It is at this point that Robin meets Pussycat (singer Lesley Gore) and takes a shine to her. Catwoman’s evil scheme is thwarted and she and her cohorts are shipped off to prison. We are also treated to Ms. Gore performing the song, “Maybe Now.”
Naming just 5 episodes is actually difficult since there are so many great episodes and so many amazing actors. With 120 episodes it really is a matter of taste of what you are going to choose. This also goes for picking a favorite villain which then extends to the villains who had multiple actors playing the role.. You even have two Mr. Freezes (Eli Wallach and Otto Preminger), two Riddlers (Frank Gorshin and John Ashtin) and three Catwomen (Lee Meriwether, Julie Newmar and Eartha Kitt) to choose from so there is something for everyone.
There are so many who may look upon Batman the 1966 series as campy and absurd but it is a treasured memory to so many, including me. When you watch the special features you can see that many people in the comic book and movie industry hold the series in such high regard.
The beauty of this series is that unlike the darker versions of Batman that have graced the big screen in the last 2 decades this Batman is something you can watch with children of all ages. The violence is less than anything that you see on prime time any given night. My 3 nephews, ages 4-10 would absolutely love this show. I don’t know if they have been exposed to this classic but I am certain that they would turn away from Marvel heroes if they were watching Batman.
This set is a beautiful addition to any collection. The episodes look great with the vibrant colors of the 1960s popping out in high definition. As long as it took to get these episodes to home video it may have been the right time with the technology. The transfers of these episodes look better than when they first aired (I am guessing about that since I didn’t see them in 1966).
Granted the set is a bit pricey with the limited edition is going for $199.70 for DVD and $269.97 for Blu-ray but it is worth your hard earned cash. The packaging really has a groovy 1960s vibe and when you press the button on the side of the box a snippet of Batman’s theme plays. The child in me keeps pressing that button almost every time I pass the box. Though I am quite enamored with packaging and the toy Batmobile inside, the true stars after all, are the remastered episodes.
As I stated before this set is great for casual fans and collectors alike. Batman is something you can share with your kids or watch alone when you want to get reacquainted with your inner child. The Batman Limited Edition set is available now so don’t waste any time…”To the Bat-poles!”
