Definitive Episodes?

[Slash Man]

Of the iconic and reoccurring villains, which do you think are their definitive episodes?

The first one that came to mind was Riddler's Reform. Riddler is easily a top 5 Batman villain, but the writers evidently really struggled with him. The first two episodes aren't bad by any means, but strike me as a modernized, re-envisioned take on the character relying more on science fiction technology. But with Riddler's Reform gives us a truly classic take on the character and a solid episode.

Mr. Freeze gets Heart of Ice. Easy pick that's still talked about to this day.

Some villains like the Joker are tough; there's a lot of iconic episodes and I don't think one in particular stands out.

[The Laughing Fish]

Good question. Here are some off the top of my head.

Riddler: What is Reality?

Both this episode and Riddler's Reform come across as definitive endings for Edward Nygma, but I choose What is Reality? only because I enjoy the challenges he leaves behind for Batman and the authorities, and the ordeal he puts Gordon through when he's taken hostage in that virtual reality world.

Mad Hatter: Mad as a Hatter

It's one of those tragic origin stories where the villain isn't completely evil and sympathetic, with the really great character design. Jervis Tetch has a face that looks like a Cheshire Cat stuck on a Mad Hatter's body. Clever bit of design for a character adapted from Alice in Wonderland.

Joker: The Laughing Fish

I'm biased, but I love how it merges the comic's namesake and The Joker's Five Way Revenge.

Two-Face: Two-Face Part I and II.

Need I say more?

Mr. Freeze: Heart of Ice

The episode that defines Victor Fries and adapted in comics and video games. Its impact can't be ignored.

Ra's al Ghul: The Demon's Quest Part I and II.

The fact that part I alone adapts the Daughter of the Demon so faithfully and it translates so well in animation is worthy of praise.

Clayface: Feat of Clay Part II

The ending of Clayface's morphing spasms out of control is the stuff of nightmares. Great animation too.

Scarcrow: Nothing to Fear

Despite the Scarecrow's first appearance is not at all intimidating and rather sucks, this is a classic BTAS episode, in my opinion. It captures the villain's vengeful motives, Batman's needing to overcome his own fear and guilt, uses Scarecrow's weaponry against him, and caps off with Bruce paying a visit to his parents' graves in typical Batman fashion. Brilliant.

Clock King: The Clock King

The episode Time out of Joint just doesn't compare to this underrated debut. One of the best origin stories for a villain in the entire series, and hilarious too.

Special mention goes out to Harley and Ivy as the beat villain team-up episode of BTAS. Harley Quinn knocking the wind out of Joker was pure comedy gold.

I'll come back much later once I rewatch the other episodes to decide which episodes are definitive for Penguin, Catwoman, Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy.

[thecolorsblend]

The villain origin episodes tend to be those villains' best moments. Yes, Mr. Freeze appeared elsewhere. But nothing matches Heart Of Ice.

Yes, Clayface appeared in other episodes. But nothing matches his two part introduction. Ditto Two-Face, for that matter.

Scarecrow was in multiple great episodes so arguably he fared better. But I don't think Poison Ivy necessarily does. Her subsequent appearances mostly don't have the same stakes as Pretty Poison.

Same thing with Clock King. I can only remember two episodes that he appeared in. But his origin episode is definitely the better of the two.

So, I think my list of definitive episodes would be:

On Leather Wings
Pretty Poison
The Laughing Fish
Heart Of Ice
The Clock King (I just adore this episode, no idea why)
Two-Face
Feat Of Clay
The Laughing Fish
Mad As A Hatter
Perchance To Dream (that makes two great Mad Hatter episodes!)
If You're So Smart, Why Aren't You Rich?
The Demon's Quest
Mad Love
Old Wounds
Holiday Knights (a sentimental favorite)

I cheated by combining two-parters since, let's face it, they are parts of the same story.

[Catwoman]

Might not be a popular choice but for Catwoman I would say Catwalk. The way she feels like a caged animal as she's trying to go straight and lets the "cat inside" show like when she tells off Veronica Vreeland at her own event. She finally accepts, almost apologetically, that she can't escape it. It reminds me of Batman Returns and Selina's climactic rejection of Bruce and his fairy tale happy ending.

Two-Face's origin is in the running for best episodes but I think there needs to be some honorable mention given to Second Chance. I love that one as well.

[The Dark Knight]

Two-Face's origin is in the running for best episodes but I think there needs to be some honorable mention given to Second Chance. I love that one as well.

Especially the ending. The idea that Two-Face plateaus and his origin is the most interesting thing about his usage is ultimately false. His relationship with Bruce is what bears the most meaning long term. It allows to show Bruce's compassionate side and hope in rehabilitation, not just for Dent but also himself. Comics and animation capture that the best.

I largely agree with the list colors came up with. For Batman himself, I like these episodes:

Perchance to Dream
Trial
Dreams in Darkness
I Am The Night
Nothing to Fear
The Strange Secret of Bruce Wayne
Night of the Ninja
Beware The Gray Ghost