BATMAN: THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD “The Criss-Cross Conspiracy” Season 2 Episode 19 – Let’s use some terms comic book enthusiasts would follow. Though not quite high grade, “The Criss-Cross Conspiracy” was still a collectible episode of BATMAN: THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD. The short opener, with the Atom (Ray Palmer or Ryan Choi? Not sure, ’cause he’s called “Professor,” but they’re both professors, though the outfit looked like Choi’s Atom costume). There was also a short cameo from the ever-boisterous Aquaman and that’s always fun.
The main story began with a flashback that was another wonderful slice of Silver Age comics circa late 1950s/early ’60s: Batman, no yellow circle, with a slightly different look (and utility belt) and young, short pants Robin, too. Again, it’s the producers attention to detail, in art and writing that makes it all click so well. We met Batwoman, right out of that era, revealed to be, despite the costume, not Kathy Kane from the comics, but Katrina Moldoff (the last name a nice tribute to Batman and other comics artists Sheldon Moldoff). The Riddler pulls off her mask to reveal her identity so she stews in anger for ten years as the courts forbid her from thrilling-seeking as a vigilante.
In present day, when the new reports Riddler has (yet again) escaped from prison, she heads to back alley magic shop owned by none other than Felix Faust, noted DC universe sorcerer, who takes a shine to Katrina and gives her an incantation to switch bodies with Batman. Both Nightwing (Dick Grayson Robin grown-up, of course) and Batgirl notice Batman is acting…odd. Eventually Batman in Batwoman’s body shows up and they set things straight and take out the Riddler along the way.
The magic here isn’t too out there and Faust is more that loathario than pure evil guy (unlike his Justice League animated series portrayal). Katrina in Batman’s body was pretty funny flexing, asking Robin how he(she) looks in the outfit; same went for Batman in her body, coping with “a different center of gravity” (aka her chest) and coping with high heel boots.
Nightwing and Batgirl have secondary roles, but that’s okay. And making this version of Batwoman less squeaky clean more adventurous and sly and then, years on, vengeance seeking was a solid update. So score a VF (that’s very fine) for “The Criss-Cross Conspiracy” While not a Mint or Near-Mint episode, BATMAN: THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD continues to be one of the cleverest multi-layered animated shows on TV.
Please make sure to read our comment policy before posting a comment.