THE BATMAN EPISODE REVIEW:
"A Matter of Family"
ORIGINAL AIRDATE: September 23, 2006
EPISODE: 4.1
CAST: Rino Romano, Alastair Duncan, Evan Sabara, et al.
WRITING CREDITIS: Michael Jelenic
DIRECTED BY: Brandon Vietti

REVIEWER: Bill Ramey
POSTED: Saturday, September 23, 2006

Robin has now entered the world of THE BATMAN in a familiar, yet entertaining episode.

In the 4th season-opener title “A Matter of Family,” we are introduced to a circus trapeze act called The Flying Graysons. This act is a family also - John, Mary, and their young son Richard (voiced by Evan Sabara). The Graysons are confronted by Tony Zucco and his gang who plan to shake down the circus. They are offering “protection” in return for a nice monetary contribution in return. John Grayson, who we learn is also the circus manager, refuses Zucco’s services. This sets up the tragic event which is well-known by all Batman fans.

Zucco tampers with the trapeze riggings prior to a Flying Graysons performance which causes John and Mary to plunge to their death in front of the audience and their son. Also on hand to witness the murders is none other than Bruce Wayne. Bruce, who now feels a connection to the orphaned Dick Grayson, decides to take him in as his foster son.

Without giving too much away, Dick eventually becomes Robin and helps The Batman take down Zucco.

I found “A Matter of Family” to be one of the better episodes of THE BATMAN to date. And even though I’m more a fan of the solo Dark Knight, I thought that inclusion of Robin was handled well and is quite respectful of the Batman mythos. Robin/Dick Grayson wasn’t changed any to be honest -- his addition to this show is very much on par with his comic book origin.

The only negative is that the entire "Robin origin" is done in one episode, so it's a bit rushed. I'd like to at least have had it spread over two shows.

Bat-fans will be glad to know that the longtime voice of Batman from the “DC Animated Universe,” Kevin Conroy, voices John Grayson, while Mark Hamill (The Joker from B:TAS) voices Zucco.

THE BATMAN has been criticized by many fans of being too much of a “kiddie show” at times, and rightfully so. After a promising start, let’s hope that just because Robin is now part of THE BATMAN‘s universe, the “dark” isn’t taken out of The Dark Knight.