Superman on Television

The Batman: Episode Reviews

Season 5 - Episode 12 & 13: "Lost Heroes"

Review of Season Five, Episodes 12 and 13 of "The Batman" with guest-star Superman in "Lost Heroes"

Reviewed by: Barry Freiman

"The Batman" goes out with a bang with the two-part series finale "Lost Heroes". The episode features guest heroes Superman, Green Lantern, Flash, Green Arrow, Hawkman, and the Martian Manhunter going up against the Joining, a cybernetic alien entity that had attempted a world-wide takeover in last year's season finale.

As far as a Superman appearance goes, this episode lacks the in-depth characterization of "The Batman/Superman Story" - there just isn't time with nine heroes (the seven JLA'ers plus Robin and Batgirl), an alien invasion, Hugo Strange, plus Mirror Master and Toyman. The episode is stuffed with plot and action - and the contrivances that have generally been typical of too many episodes of "The Batman" during its five season run. Not to mention the use of the now pretty clichŽd "Independence Day" solution to an alien invasion.

Superman gets moments to shine in action. There's a new version of the Toyman based on the "Challenge of the Super Friends" version. Then there's a great homage - in reverse - to the cover of "Superman #279" which showed Batgirl plunging off a building and Superman flying to her rescue with Batgirl telling him he has to let her drop. It's moments like these that show the promise of "The Batman" - what the show has been at its best. And its nice to know the short-list of what was best on "The Batman" includes Superman in both of his appearances (not to mention a cool semi-cameo of the Clark and Lois from "Superman II" in "The Joining").



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