WOW
So it was quite a ride, right?
One thing is clear from the outset--this is NOT the Ivy we're used to. Her very first line on the show is, "Yeah, @*#& off!" All bets are off and I think it's safe to say we're in for a very different experience.
And that's ok.
So let's get into this!
The Deal
This is our pilot episode, and it wastes no time setting the tone. Hyper violent and vulgar, to a cartoonish degree, it's like Batman the Animated Series with a South Park overlay, and honestly that seems pretty appropriate for an animated series based on Harley. Harley should be bright colors and ridiculous, over the top action interlaced with potty humor and silly jokes. In short, a recreation of volume two of her self-titled comic series by Jimmy Palmiotti and Amanda Conner.
Events happen differently (specifically with how much more of a presence Joker has here) but it's clear from the opening scene we're borrowing heavily from that new 52 comics run. Ivy is a cast member this time around, so there's no lack of her presence, and true to Harley's book, while she's present, she's encouraging, and she's offering support--especially emotional support. She's allowing Harley to solve her own problems and staying out of the action, for the most part, due to her obvious power level.
The Good
Animation
Art style and animation all feels like it was based on the Amanda Conner/John Timms/Chad Hardin art from the New 52 Harley Quinn book. It's crisp, clear, and pretty.
Voice Cast
They put together a fantastic voice cast. Kaley Cuoco is already a polarizing choice, but I found her Harley working for me. I don't want bad Arleen Sorkin impressions--I feel like there was only one Arleen and it's tacky to try to copy her. I like that Cuoco is making Harley her own. Lake Bell delivers a pitch perfect sarcastic, dead-pan Ivy, and you have to listen close to catch all of Ivy's sardonic comments amidst the over top noise of Harley's world. Diedrich Bader is Batman again and remains one of my favorite voice actors for the Dark Knight. Alan Tudyk is Joker and I found myself enjoying his portrayal. I can't gush enough about Jim Rash as the Riddler--an inspired choice.
The Bad
I understand the reasoning, but releasing the show weekly rather than making it binge worthy seems like a missed opportunity.
While Ivy isn't a villain here with a capital V--she does seem a little callous for my taste, but then, every character on the show seems pretty unfazed by the level of violence and death going on around them.
The Ivy Content
Ivy's a major player here, and I almost wonder why they didn't call it Harley and Ivy. Given the lack of Ivy content we normally get, this feels like a lot to take in.
This version of Ivy is far more normal than we might be used to. We learn she went to Sarah Lawrence college, a pretty famous liberal arts school in Yonkers, New York, where she dated a hipster guy. She enjoys Thai food. Calendar Man seems to like her. She only shops at Costco once a year.
Her biggest issue is that she hates being around other people. Harley was able to help her get to a place where she can do it without wanting to vomit.
She's sarcastic. She loves profanity. She hates sheep like people. It's obvious she's not a villain, she's just goth!
There's a slight reference to how she feels about Harley, but no major hints about romance between them yet. Stay tuned for that to become a thing.
Bottom Line
It's a solid episode, especially for a pilot, and it's given us enough of a taste I'm looking forward to more. Definitely check it out if you're not easily offended and want to see a version of Ivy on your TV screen.
Final Thought
I love how comfortable Ivy and Harley are with each other. They may not be in a sizzling romance yet, but they're already close. Female friendships are so rare in media, it's hugely refreshing to see one presented so positively--one of the strengths of these two for twenty five years now.
So it was quite a ride, right?
One thing is clear from the outset--this is NOT the Ivy we're used to. Her very first line on the show is, "Yeah, @*#& off!" All bets are off and I think it's safe to say we're in for a very different experience.
And that's ok.
So let's get into this!
The Deal
This is our pilot episode, and it wastes no time setting the tone. Hyper violent and vulgar, to a cartoonish degree, it's like Batman the Animated Series with a South Park overlay, and honestly that seems pretty appropriate for an animated series based on Harley. Harley should be bright colors and ridiculous, over the top action interlaced with potty humor and silly jokes. In short, a recreation of volume two of her self-titled comic series by Jimmy Palmiotti and Amanda Conner.
Events happen differently (specifically with how much more of a presence Joker has here) but it's clear from the opening scene we're borrowing heavily from that new 52 comics run. Ivy is a cast member this time around, so there's no lack of her presence, and true to Harley's book, while she's present, she's encouraging, and she's offering support--especially emotional support. She's allowing Harley to solve her own problems and staying out of the action, for the most part, due to her obvious power level.
The Good
Animation
Art style and animation all feels like it was based on the Amanda Conner/John Timms/Chad Hardin art from the New 52 Harley Quinn book. It's crisp, clear, and pretty.
Voice Cast
They put together a fantastic voice cast. Kaley Cuoco is already a polarizing choice, but I found her Harley working for me. I don't want bad Arleen Sorkin impressions--I feel like there was only one Arleen and it's tacky to try to copy her. I like that Cuoco is making Harley her own. Lake Bell delivers a pitch perfect sarcastic, dead-pan Ivy, and you have to listen close to catch all of Ivy's sardonic comments amidst the over top noise of Harley's world. Diedrich Bader is Batman again and remains one of my favorite voice actors for the Dark Knight. Alan Tudyk is Joker and I found myself enjoying his portrayal. I can't gush enough about Jim Rash as the Riddler--an inspired choice.
The Bad
I understand the reasoning, but releasing the show weekly rather than making it binge worthy seems like a missed opportunity.
While Ivy isn't a villain here with a capital V--she does seem a little callous for my taste, but then, every character on the show seems pretty unfazed by the level of violence and death going on around them.
The Ivy Content
Ivy's a major player here, and I almost wonder why they didn't call it Harley and Ivy. Given the lack of Ivy content we normally get, this feels like a lot to take in.
This version of Ivy is far more normal than we might be used to. We learn she went to Sarah Lawrence college, a pretty famous liberal arts school in Yonkers, New York, where she dated a hipster guy. She enjoys Thai food. Calendar Man seems to like her. She only shops at Costco once a year.
Her biggest issue is that she hates being around other people. Harley was able to help her get to a place where she can do it without wanting to vomit.
She's sarcastic. She loves profanity. She hates sheep like people. It's obvious she's not a villain, she's just goth!
There's a slight reference to how she feels about Harley, but no major hints about romance between them yet. Stay tuned for that to become a thing.
Bottom Line
It's a solid episode, especially for a pilot, and it's given us enough of a taste I'm looking forward to more. Definitely check it out if you're not easily offended and want to see a version of Ivy on your TV screen.
Final Thought
I love how comfortable Ivy and Harley are with each other. They may not be in a sizzling romance yet, but they're already close. Female friendships are so rare in media, it's hugely refreshing to see one presented so positively--one of the strengths of these two for twenty five years now.
Review: Harley Quinn the Animated Series Episode 1 (Non-spoiler)
Reviewed by IvyRebirthWriter
on
December 04, 2019
Rating:
Reviewed by IvyRebirthWriter
on
December 04, 2019
Rating: