5 Incredible Batman: The Animated Series Episodes You Never Got To See
1. Harley’s Final Tale - The Batman Adventures Vol. 1 #28
Harley Quinn is easily among B:TAS’ greatest triumphs. First appearing in the excellent episode Joker’s Favor, she’s gone on to be a mainstay of the Batman main continuity, and a fan favourite that rivals even the Clown Prince in terms of popularity. However, the last we see of Harley Quinn in the BTAS comic run is actually quite tragic.
After the Joker develops a new, potent Joker venom, he hurls a vial of the stuff at Batman, gleefully expecting to turn him into a violent psychopath. However, at the last moment, Joker realises that a violent psychopath Batman will inevitably murder him, and desperately shouts at Harley to catch the vial. She succeeds in preventing Batman’s exposure to the venom, but is exposed to it herself, which shatters her already fragile mind.
The last we see of her is in a totally comatose state, dreaming of the Joker and her getting married. One of the doctors in charge of her case suggests that they give her some lithium to stop to delusions, to which the other doctor sadly responds that it would do no good.
Ultimately, it poignantly summarises Harley's miserable lot in life; just another victim of Joker’s cruelty and madness. At least she made it out in time for a full recovery in Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker.