It's well-documented that while Marvel bests DC in live-action movies at every turn, Batman: The Animated Series is the best superhero show of all time (Sorry, The Boys). And it’s in this series that viewers first encounter Dr. Harleen Frances Quinzel, eventually known to us as Joker’s love interest, Harley Quinn. Now is good time to mention that she was not named after the romance novels. Theatre kids know that in medieval European stock theatre, the Harlequin was the beloved jester (and sometimes also the narrator) character.
In a genre notorious for downplaying the contributions of women, Harley did the impossible. She came into the Batman mythos as a planned one-off over 50 years after Batman’s first comic appearance. She eclipsed other Rogues Gallery members in ferocity and popularity and was introduced into the comics in 1999, Harley has forged (and broken) multiple allegiances and pursued lofty goals. She also has the best breakup story in the history of ever.
When Harley Quinn (AKA Harley Quinn & Poison Ivy) debuted in 2019, it focused on Harley’s breakup with Joker. When this happens we immediately see that the show is grounded differently. Joker tells a journalist that it was he who did the dumping, causing Harley’s friends to rally around with moral support. Harley’s journey of self-discovery is full of swears, sexually charged commentary, and all the violence we’ve come to expect from her. It’s rad.
Kaley Kouco and Lake Bell are utter delight as Harley and Ivy, whose relationship develops over time in wonderful ways that will totally trigger the haters in your life. The supporting cast includes heavy hitters like Jason Alexander, Maria Bamford, Alan Tudyk, Ron Funches, Wanda Sykes among others. This case is seriously insane.
Fair warning, Harley Quinn is not a show for people who hate profanity, can’t bear to hear crass humor, or don’t like stuff that’s awesome. If you do like things that are awesome though, you’re only cheating yourself. But beware: Doctor Psycho will call Wonder Woman the c-word. Dick Grayson will pull. Bane will try and fail to date, and an anthropomorphized plant will masturbate. A lot. The show isn’t clean like you’d expect a Batman show to be. It is great viewing for girls though because it’s aspirational (in some ways, and cartoonishly evil in others) and feminist AF while promoting goal setting, self-reflection, assertiveness, and the benefits of stepping outside the box.
Ultimately Harley Quinn teaches us that you can be a villain without being a jerk to the people you care about. As a side-bonus, you may walk away with tips on bashing things with mallets. Give it a watch and get ready to laugh. And if you find yourself feeling bad for Kite-Man, know that he’s got a new girlfriend and his own spin-off that you can also see on HBO-Max.