The Batman: 10 Characters The Arkham Asylum TV Show Should Introduce
Welcome to Arkham Asylum, a serious house on serious Earth.
In a time where cinematic expanded universes have taken center stage, it should come as no surprise that the critical success of Matt Reeves’ vision of the Batman universe has warranted not just a sequel, but two spin-off shows set to debut on HBO Max. Among these is a series set to take the audience deep into the bowels of Arkham Asylum.
Arkham Asylum is an integral part of Batman lore, housing a plethora of the Dark Knight’s rogue gallery. First appearing in October of 1974 in Batman #258, the home for the criminally insane has been featured in a multitude of Batman media since its inception, becoming the focal point of a variety of graphic novels and even its own video game series.
Reeves’ version of Arkham Asylum appeared briefly in The Batman, housing the antagonistic Riddler and a surprise appearance from the newest version of the Joker. While it’s both possible and likely these characters will return in the new series, a show based on Arkham presents an opportunity to explore characters in Reeves’ universe that normally wouldn’t get the spotlight on the big screen. Contrarily, there’s also the possibility of fleshing out new characters before their appearance in the inevitable silver screen sequel.
10. Jervis Tetch (Mad Hatter)
An obsessive, depraved individual, Jervis Tetch took his love of Lewis Carroll's book, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, a little too far.
Although his backstory has changed throughout the years, the most recent iteration saw a young Jervis Tetch suffering from a hormonal issue that prevented him from maturing physically. Tetch began taking testosterone enhancing supplements, before falling into addiction. Unfortunately for Tetch, the pills subjected him to life altering side effects, including a loss of mental stability and an increased obsessive personality.
Although it's unclear whether or not Matt Reeves would go as far as introducing the mind control technology the Mad Hatter is known for, Tetch's obsession with Carroll's novel lends to a much sinister aspect of the character. Fixated on the titular character, Tetch began abducting young women named Alice, forcing them to join him for "tea parties", before either killing them or selling them into slavery.
Tetch's kidnappings could act as a point of intrigue in the series, details revealed through his sessions while the GCPD attempt to uncover the whereabouts of the missing women. The ongoing investigations could even justify a surprise cameo from Batman himself, confronting the Mad Hatter, potentially teasing what's to come. Like most on this list, Tetch's mental state could be subject to analysis throughout the series, exploring his addictions issues and the resulting damage it caused him, providing a stimulating perspective that allows his uniquity to shine.