Batman: The Animated Series- Zatanna

 "This never happens to me in Vegas!"

This is a real first for the animated series- an appearance by another DC superhero, in this case Zatanna, whom I must confess I don't know very well. I understand that, in the comics, she has real magical powers, but that doesn't seem to be the case here. But the character is fun and engaging, and this is a fun little tale. 

The story- Zatanna being framed for a bank heist, Batman helping to exonerate her and grab the real culprit- is quick and simple, as the twenty minute run time demands, although the set pieces are particularly fun, with a couple of splendidly cliched death traps. It's also nice how Zatanna is inserted into Bruce's backstory, her dad teaching him escapology.

It's not a particularly pivotal episode, perhaps, but there's nowt wrong with that. Good fun, and Zatanna herself is extremely likeable.

Batman: The Animated Series- Eternal Youth

 "Oh my.They even speak in unison."

This may not be a stand-out episode, but it's a solid one nevertheless, further establishing Poison Ivy's modus operandi as an eco terrorist who punishes those who despoil nature... and, frankly, while her methods are of course extreme, and not to mention lacking any semblance of due process, I'm certainly in favour of a much harder line on those who slash and burn rainforests.

Of course, this is a rather fun Alfred episode, and I love his dynamic with Maggie: I'd certainly be disappointed if we don't see her again. But the philosphical discussion between Batman and Pamela Isley is excellent too. And yes, turning people into trees is bonkers, so is that massive great big tree that quickly sprouts at the end, but I'm absolutely here for such things.

There are a couple of niggles, not least the highly convenient way the process is "not yet irreversible", which is both clumsy from a plot perspective and implausible, but overall this is nothing special, perhaps, but solid. Poison Ivy is by nowa well-established character.