As with Legends Of The Dark Knight, alongside carving out its own place in Batman history, the Animated Series also liked to honour the many versions of the character that had come before it. This episode is one of the best for this as it features a guest role for the Batman of the 60s himself - Adam West. West plays actor Simon Trent, AKA the Gray Ghost, star of Bruce's favourite show as a child - and one of his inspirations for donning the guise of Batman in the first place. As well as paying homage to the 60s series, the episode also references Batman's pulp fiction roots, with the Gray Ghost owing something to the likes of the Shadow and the Spirit. A respectful nod to a Batman of old, this episode adds something new to Batman's origins as well as being a great use of Adam West's terrific, iconic voice - it's just a shame he didn't get to call Batman his "old chum!"
