Superman on Television

Justice League Action: Episode Reviews

Season 1 - Episodes 49: "Captain Bamboozle"

Reviewed by: Marc Lax

Justice League Action Originally Aired: May 31, 2018 (U.S.)

Written by Marc Guggenheim
Directed by Shaunt Nigoghossien

CAST:
Kevin Conroy as Batman (voice)
Rachel Kimsey as Wonder Woman (voice)
Gilbert Gottfried as Mr. Mxyzptlk (voice)
Sean Astin as Shazam (voice)
John Astin as Uncle Dudley (voice)
Jon Cryer as Felix Faust (voice)

3Rating - 3 (out of 5): While magical knights threaten the city Mr Mxyzptlk appears among the craziness wondering what century he's in. Shazam (Captain Marvel) flies in to help, only to face Felix Faust who tells him no matter how powerful he may be he can't fight an army. Enter the Justice League. Meanwhile Shazam's Uncle Dudley does crowd control trying to help. Seeing this Mxy finds Dudley amusing and has an idea. Back at the van Uncle Dudley and Billy Batson (Shazam) share a moment. Billy tells Dudley that he's his closest relative and wants him to stop helping because he's worried he will get hurt. After Billy leaves Dudley sees a bright purple light coming from the bathroom. Out of the toilet (yes the toilet), pops the Wizard (Mxy in disguise). He tells Dudley that he's been watching him and wants to give him magical super powers. Dudley is thrilled! But he needs a magic word. Mxy tells him it's Bamboozle. Dudley utters the word and becomes Captain Bamboozle! Of course Dudley tries to help but ends up causing mayhem. When he tries to catch some crooks at the bank he causes the building to nearly collapse. In flies Shazam to save the day, but is shocked to see his Uncle Dudley has gained super powers. Later while describing to Batman what the Wizard looked like all concerned realize Dudley has been duped by Mxy. Meanwhile a giant kitty starts tramping through the city. Will our heroes find Mxyzptlk? And can they trick him into saying his name backwards?

This was a breezy, quick episode. It's always great to see Mxyzptlk and even better when he's voiced by Gilbert Gottfried. Shazam is also welcome and I enjoy the way he's portrayed here. It was nice that Uncle Dudley was voiced by John Astin the father of Shazam actor Sean Astin. There's always a lot of great visuals when Mxy is involved and watching him popping out of the toilet is a highlight. But also disgusting. This reminds me that this show really is a kids show.

Our heroes go after the giant kitty trying to control the mayhem. After the kitty attacks Shazam Batman uses a bat laser to distract the cat. Uncle Dudley tells Shazam that he has an idea and while the hero's skeptical Uncle Dudley comes through. While directing the crowd to safety Mr Mxyzptlk appears wanting to know why Dudley isn't helping. He tells Mxy that he's going to wow everyone with his power including his kltpzyxm blast. After Mxy says the word he realizes he's been tricked and disappears which in turn restores the kitty back to normal. Uncle Dudley saves the day but with that his powers disappear. Oh well.

Again this was a lot of fun but it really hammers home the fact that this is a kids show. We can all still enjoy but as I've said before this no Justice League Unlimited. But for now while these remain entertaining that's okay.



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