10 Best Batman: The Animated Series Episodes

9. Robin’s Reckoning (Parts 1 And 2)

B:TAS was never just about Bruce Wayne. Exploring the wider Batman universe to its fullest, the series frequently explored the aspects of his life that made Wayne tick, not least Dick Grayson.

Robin’s Reckoning is a fantastic example of that now staple of the superhero genre: the origin story. The rich, multi-layered plot delves into how Bruce met Dick, how Dick met Batman, and how Dick became Batman’s Robin. Told in a series of flashbacks, we see also see a young Dick with his circus-performing family, The Flying Graysons, and how his own tragic upbringing mirrors that of his new-found friend and mentor.

Giving this highly-emotional story a double episode gives the subject matter the treatment it deserves, giving the writers the space and time to explore Dick and Bruce’s complicated, often combative relationship in full.

Robin’s Reckoning is also noteworthy for its introduction of Tony Zucco and his role in Dick’s life, plus the wider recognition of the importance of the Mob within the Batman universe. While Batman’s greatest enemies are typically dressed in a costume and come armed with ‘wonderful toys’, his bread and butter is the Mob. B:TAS never shies away from Gotham’s Underworld, and it’s all the better for it.