With the fond memory of Adam West, let’s dive into a comprehensive episode guide for the iconic Batman TV series. Here’s a look at every episode, rated on a five-star scale, from the dazzling heights of Gotham to the depths of campy villainy. “Put your gum under your seat, and get ready to cheer Batman!”
“Hi Diddle Riddle/Smack in the Middle” *****
The series pilot, a gem loosely inspired by the comic book story “The Remarkable Ruse of The Riddler” from BATMAN #171 (May 1965), which was published just months before filming began. This episode stands as the pinnacle of the series. For those critics who generalize, “seen one Batman episode, seen them all,” this is the essential episode to experience. Season one, particularly, leans into pop art sensibilities more than outright camp. Frank Gorshin’s Riddler is simply magnificent, overshadowing Jim Carrey and Corey Michael Smith’s later interpretations. The pacing is sharp, the suspense is genuine, and the dialogue is brimming with clever puns that subsequent episodes struggled to match. The infamous “Batusi” scene, while iconic, is a minor detraction for purists.
Overall, it’s a fantastic episode, a true embodiment of ’60s pop art. Jill St. John as Molly, remarkably, is one of the few characters to meet their demise in the entire series. Keen-eyed viewers might notice Robin’s cloth gloves, a detail unique to the pilot before switching to leather gloves for the rest of the series. Batman’s cowl design is also subtly different, arguably superior in this episode, along with a slightly enhanced utility belt. In this initial outing, Batman is portrayed more as an outsider, even facing the potential unmasking in court—a concept later episodes conveniently ignored, often depicting Batman within the establishment, even filling in for the district attorney. The original concept envisioned a darker Batman, prepared to let Molly fall to her death. However, DC intervened, leading to the scene where Batman heroically attempts to save her. Interestingly, while Dick Grayson’s Aunt Harriet was already part of the comics, writer Lorenzo Semple, Jr. might not have been aware, initially scripting Mrs. Cooper, the Wayne Manor maid. Eventually, the comic’s Aunt Harriet and Mrs. Cooper merged into one character. The visual of Jill St. John in a Robin costume is believed to have inspired Frank Miller’s Carrie Kelley in “Dark Knight Returns”. While Adam West’s comedic Batman is often discussed, Burt Ward’s portrayal of Molly impersonating Robin is equally brilliant.
“Fine Feathered Finks/The Penguin’s a Jinx” ****
An above-average Penguin episode, distinguished by an excellent cliffhanger that bridges the two parts. Notably, this is the only episode where Batman is consistently referred to as “The Batman,” thanks to Burgess Meredith’s perfect casting and delivery as The Penguin. Re-watching the series reveals the surprising frequency of “The Batman,” although never as pronounced as in this episode. The narrative is based on “Partners in Plunder” from BATMAN #169 (February 1965).
“The Joker is Wild/Batman is Riled” *****
A top-tier Joker episode, drawing inspiration from “The Joker’s Utility Belt” from BATMAN #73 (October 1952). The Joker feels genuinely menacing in this installment. Nancy Kovack as “Queenie” is arguably the most captivating guest star in the series – eat your heart out, Harley Quinn! Queenie’s comic book origins trace back to “The Riddle of the Missing Card” in BATMAN #5 (Spring 1941), also featuring the Joker. For a rare instance in the series, Batman’s emblem is correctly positioned on his chest rather than his belly in some scenes. The Joker’s disruption of TV broadcasts is a nod to his radio broadcast interruptions in BATMAN #1. This gimmick was also echoed in Steve Englehart’s pop art-influenced Batman serial in DETECTIVE COMICS (1978), the 1989 Batman movie, and 2008’s The Dark Knight. The Joker’s opera mask is another element borrowed by The Dark Knight.
“Instant Freeze/Rats Like Cheese” *****
George Sanders’ somber portrayal of Mr. Freeze elevates this episode to near-dramatic heights. Freeze amasses a significant body count in this episode, which clearly inspired the Animated Series’ Emmy-winning “Heart of Ice”. Sanders’ performance leaves Schwarzenegger’s Freeze in the cold. Originally known as Mr. Zero in the comics, the TV series rebranded him as Mr. Freeze.
“Zelda the Great/A Death Worse Than Fate” *****
While often disliked by children, adults appreciate this episode as one of the series’ best and least campy. The mafia hitmen who accidentally shoot each other are the last fatalities in the series. Based on “Batman’s Inescapable Doom-Trap!” from DETECTIVE #346 (December 1965), writer Lorenzo Semple, Jr. swiftly adapted it into a TV script, airing just months later. In the comic, Zelda was a male magician named Carnado.
“A Riddle a Day Keeps the Riddler Away/When the Rat’s Away the Mice Will Play” ****
Riddler episodes are consistently engaging, though this one feels like the weakest of season one’s Riddler quartet. Around this time, Frank Gorshin released a 45 RPM single, “The Riddler,” penned and arranged by Mel Torme. Gorshin’s manic performance of Torme’s witty lyrics perfectly captured the series’ essence. It’s a missed opportunity that Gorshin never performed it on the show, which would have amplified the Riddler’s insanity. Adam West’s single, “Miranda,” while catchy, would have been a disaster on the show. However, West did perform it as Batman at live events in the ’60s.
“The Thirteenth Hat/Batman Stands Pat” ***
A slightly above-average episode introducing Jervis Tetch, The Mad Hatter. It blends elements from “The Mad Hatter of Gotham City” (DETECTIVE #230, April 1956) and “The New Crimes of The Mad Hatter” (BATMAN #161, February 1964).
“The Joker Goes to School/He Meets His Match, the Grisly Ghoul” *****
The best Joker episode, also providing Burt Ward a chance to shine as Dick Grayson. The school setting action is excellent, and it’s unfortunate this aspect of Dick’s life wasn’t explored further. Lorenzo Semple, Jr., the show’s script consultant, subtly gives Joker a backstory: when Batman shows Joker’s mugshot to the kids, Joker is in a normal suit, with a reference to his mastery of disguise. This suggests this Joker uses clown makeup as a disguise (akin to The Dark Knight version), contrasting with comic and Jack Nicholson versions disfigured by chemicals.
“True or False Face/Holy Rat Race” ****
Another above-average episode featuring the eerie False Face. Contrary to popular belief, False Face wasn’t a TV-created villain nor a Two-Face substitute. This episode is based on “The Menace of False Face” from BATMAN #113 (February 1958).
“The Purrfect Crime/Better Luck Next Time” *****
Season one’s sole Catwoman episode is a clear standout. A classic episode that remains highly enjoyable. The closing walls with spikes deathtrap is a callback to the 1943 Batman serial. In the script, for the scene where Robin holds a cat statue, Batman was scripted to say, “Watch it, Robin! Don’t keep your face so close to that pussy!” West and Ward’s laughter repeatedly ruined takes, leading to the line being cut. Had a usable take been filmed, censors would have likely intervened. This episode is also notable for being featured on a GAF View-Master set.
“The Penguin Goes Straight/Not Yet He Ain’t” *****
A superb episode. The police gunfight scene with the Dynamic Duo is classic, as is Penguin stealing the Batmobile and Burgess Meredith’s hilarious ad-libbed one-liners as Batman controls it from the Batcycle (making its debut here, distinct from the movie and later episodes).
“Ring of Wax/Give ’em the Axe” *****
Another excellent Riddler episode. Robin’s solo fight against Riddler’s goons is a strong scene.
“Joker Trumps an Ace/Batman sets the Pace” **
An average Joker episode marred by plot holes large enough to drive the disappearing van through. Based upon “A Hairpin, A Hoe, A Hacksaw, A Hole in the Ground” from BATMAN #53 (June 1949).
“The Curse of Tut/The Pharaoh’s in a Rut” ****
Victor Buono’s King Tut is the series’ funniest villain. The first villain created specifically for the show. Features a great cliffhanger. Olan Soule, playing a TV anchor in this episode, later voiced Batman (with Casey Kasem as Robin) in Saturday morning cartoons for nearly two decades.
“The Bookworm Turns/While Gotham City Burns” ***
An interesting villain in an average episode. The show starts to embrace camp over pop art adventure, exemplified by Batman’s mini-lecture on glasses etiquette before a fight. The scene where Batman and Robin are trapped in a giant book is well-executed and suspenseful. Roddy McDowall (Bookworm) later played Mad Hatter in the Animated Series with much better reception.
“Death in Slow Motion/The Riddler’s False Notion” ****
Another solid Riddler episode, this time based on a comic book tale with the Joker (“Joker’s Comedy Capers” from DETECTIVE #341, July 1965). The show noticeably declined when Frank Gorshin missed season two.
“Fine Finny Fiends/Batman Makes the Scene” **
Season one’s finale is its weakest episode, foreshadowing season two’s shift from pop art to repetitive camp.
Batman (the movie, aka “Batman vs. The United Underworld” and “Batman vs The Fearsome Foursome”) *****
Bigger and better than typical episodes, less campy, with a James Bond vibe, especially in Bruce Wayne scenes. Great deathtraps and a fantastic villain team-up: Joker, Riddler, Penguin, and Catwoman. Lee Meriwether arguably surpasses Julie Newmar as Catwoman, with cat-like moans absent in Newmar’s portrayal and a more mature chemistry with West. Penguin takes a leadership role, his sanity questioned by the others. Ironically, Joker appears the most sane, though his role is essentially a glorified henchman. Good suspense and action, and unlike the series, the movie has a noticeable death count. It’s the series’ last peak. Sets were expanded and enhanced for the movie; the Batcave and Gordon’s office feel larger and more detailed. The concept of deathtraps every 20 minutes gives it a serial-like feel edited into a feature film.
“Shoot a Crooked Arrow/Walk the Straight and Narrow” (no stars)
Season two’s premiere is a low point. Art Carney’s phoned-in portrayal of The Archer is mediocre. The show fully embraces camp/comedy. In comics, Archer was a Superman villain, and the script’s first draft included a Superman cameo, likely for Bob Holiday, then starring as Superman on Broadway.
“Hot off the Griddle/The Cat and the Fiddle” ***
A fun season two Catwoman episode, despite an overly goofy deathtrap cliffhanger. Another season two misstep: capes buttoned to Batman and Robin’s backs. The Batman-Catwoman romance is a unique comic book love story, well-portrayed in season two’s pop art context.
“The Minstrel’s Shakedown/Barbecued Batman” *
Another poor episode, but with a better-than-average plot, let down by a weak villain.
“The Spell of Tut/Tut’s Case is Shut” ***
A funny King Tut episode, uniquely a direct sequel referencing previous events.
“The Greatest Mother of Them All/Ma Barker” ***
Season two’s first decent episode without a returning villain. Great cliffhanger. Simple plots often work best. Tisha Sterling as Legs is a notable guest star.
“Clock King’s Crazy Crimes/Clock King Gets Crowned” *
Despite being written by Bill Finger (Batman’s co-creator), it’s a dud. The best scene: Batman and Robin getting burgers at a drive-in. In comics, Clock King was a Green Arrow villain, later revamped as a compelling Bat-villain in the Animated Series.
“An Egg Grows in Gotham/The Yegg Foes in Gotham” **
A weak episode with an interesting plot. Vincent Price’s Egghead, besides Tut, is the only made-for-TV villain with some success, though based on comic villain Barney “Brainy” Barrows from “The Mental Giant of Gotham City” (DETECTIVE #217, March 1955). The BATMAN ’66 comic didn’t reveal Egghead’s real name as Barney Barrows. Adam West is hilarious in the laughing gas scene and giving an “Indian” greeting to Edward Everett Horton.
“The Devil’s Fingers/The Dead Ringers” ****
One of season two’s better episodes, falsely rumored as Batman‘s highest-rated. Liberace is great in a dual role, and Aunt Harriet has a significant, plot-relevant part! This episode hints at Aunt Harriet’s backstory – unlikely to be from a circus family. Her gun handling suggests a trick sharpshooter past? Or a former sideshow fat lady? My theory: she was a socialite who fell for a circus performer (Dick’s mother’s brother, Mary Grayson’s maiden name Cooper). Drama ensued; he left the circus, they married, he tried high-class life, took a stressful executive job, developed ulcers, high blood pressure, and died young. After Dick’s parents died, Harriet moved in, fitting well at Wayne Manor due to her past social exposure, not circus roots. Perhaps too much thought. Back to the episode: Harry and Chandell’s molls are striking femme fatales. The episode’s tag is classic.
“Hizzonner the Penguin/Dizzonner the Penguin” **
A weak Penguin episode, partially inspiring Batman Returns. Overcrowded with cameos, including ex-Stooge Joe Besser. Epitomizes season two’s decline.
“Green Ice/Deep Freeze” ***
Otto Preminger’s Freeze is unlikable, but villains aren’t meant to be liked. His look inspired both the Animated Series’ Freeze and Schwarzenegger’s. Burt Ward has a bandaged arm in this episode. Miss Iceland is a noteworthy guest star.
“Impractical Joker/The Joker’s Provokers” *
Awful episode with a terrible gimmick – a time-controlling box, worse than Riddler’s “TV box” from Batman Forever and the dehydrator from the movie. Alan Napier’s dual role is fun, hinting at Joker’s past as a magician/hypnotist. A rewrite of an unproduced script, “Hickery Dickery Doc”.
“Marsha Queen of Diamonds/Marsha’s Scheme of Diamonds” *
A dumb episode. Script quality plummeted, even titles lacked cleverness.
“Come Back Shame/It’s How You Play the Game” ***
Slightly better season two episode, but that’s faint praise.
“The Penguin’s Nest/The Bird’s Last Jest” *****
Finally! A great season two episode, possibly because it was the first filmed for season two while season one’s “mojo” lingered, but held back for later. One of Penguin’s best. Great cliffhanger, very fun. Grace Gaynor as Chickadee is another striking femme fatale. Based on “The Penguin’s Nest” (BATMAN #36, August 1946).
“The Cat’s Meow/The Bat’s Kow Tow” (no stars)
Awful Catwoman episode featuring pop singers Chad and Jeremy. Stanley Ralph Ross, replacing Lorenzo Semple as main writer, leaned into slapstick sitcom, unlike Batman. Charles Hoffman and Stanford Sherman wrote the worst scripts.
“The Puzzles are Coming/The Duo is Slumming” (no stars)
Indeed slumming. Another worthless episode with a pathetic villain. Puzzler was originally a Superman villain. Originally intended as a Riddler episode, “A Penny For Your Riddles/They’re Worth A Lot More”. Frank Gorshin and a better Rocket actress might have helped, but it’s still a weak script.
“The Sandman Cometh/The Catwoman Goeth” *
Producers knew the series was declining; Adam West reportedly complained. Summer reruns favored season one episodes. Ellis St. Joseph was hired to write a “phenomenal” script to revive season one’s pop art adventure, ditching sitcom camp. But a Catwoman episode was demanded (despite Julie Newmar’s frequent appearances), so the Sandman script was rewritten and, according to St. Joseph, ruined, becoming one of the series’ worst.
“The Contaminated Cowl/The Mad Hatter Runs Afoul” *
Mad Hatter’s return? The pink cowl plot is excessive. Like the previous Mad Hatter episode, it mixes elements from “The Mad Hatter of Gotham City” (DETECTIVE #230, April 1956) and “The New Crimes of The Mad Hatter” (BATMAN #161, February 1964).
“The Zodiac Crimes/The Joker’s Hard Times/The Penguin Declines” **
A dopey three-parter. A second movie was considered – a horror script, dropped as it resembled Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein. A movie teaming King Tut, Egghead, and a new Roxy Rocket-like villain was planned, but scrapped due to bad press for season two. Urban legend claims this three-parter was edited into a foreign feature film, but no evidence like foreign posters supports this. The Joker/Penguin team-up deserved better, but the Batcave fight is classic.
“That Darn Catwoman/Scat Darn Catwoman” ****
A good, fun Catwoman episode. “Evil Robin” scenes are classic. Pussycat may have inspired Frank Miller’s Holly in Batman: Year One. Poison Ivy was in the first script draft instead of Pussycat, enhancing the Bat-Cat dynamic. Listen for “Ibn Kerab,” Arabic for “son of a bitch.” Continuity-wise, this should have been season two’s finale.
“Penguin is a Girl’s Best Friend/Penguin Sets a Trend/Penguin’s Disastrous End” *
A weak three-parter focused on Penguin.
“Batman’s Anniversary/A Riddling Controversy” ***
John Astin’s low-key Riddler ironically foreshadows the Animated Series’ Riddler, including his self-absorbed take and question mark cane. Based on The Riddler from DETECTIVE #140 (October 1948) and Batman’s Deadly Birthday from BATMAN #130 (March 1960). With Frank Gorshin, it could have been season two’s best. Even with Astin, it’s a decent season two episode.
“The Joker’s Last Laugh/The Joker’s Epitaph” ***
One of season two’s better Joker episodes, though Cesar Romero’s portrayal becomes more childish. The Joker-mobile appeared in Elvis Presley’s movie Easy Come, Easy Go. Lorenzo Semple Jr.’s final episode, seemingly reworking a Two-Face proposal, “About Face for Two Face,” with counterfeit money and robot henchmen.
“Catwoman Goes to College/Batman Displays His Knowledge” **
Another goofy but fun Catwoman episode; the final minutes highlight the Batman-Catwoman relationship.
“A Piece of the Action/Batman’s Satisfaction” ***
Green Hornet and Kato’s inclusion is the main draw, a last-ditch effort to save The Green Hornet from cancellation. Imagine Batman and Robin on The Green Hornet, forced to be serious.
“King Tut’s Coup/Batman’s Waterloo” ***
Typical King Tut slapstick, written by Stanley Ralph Ross, who excelled with this character. Lee Meriwether returns as heiress Lisa Carson.
“Black Widow Strikes Again/Caught in the Spider’s Den” *
Another waste, featuring a near-deathbed Tallulah Bankhead. Black Widow was inspired by the Scarlet Widow from the Superman radio show, who also inspired Spider Lady in the 1948 “Superman” serial.
“Pop Goes The Joker/Flop Goes The Joker” ***
Another good season two Joker episode, spoofing the pop art craze that birthed the series. Partially inspired the Joker’s Flugleheim rampage in 1989’s Batman, but less effectively. The scene with Joker on the Bat-poles is classic.
“Ice Spy/The Duo Defy” *
Season two finale. Eli Wallach is the third Freeze in as many episodes, a pale imitation.
Batgirl screen test **
Based on “The Million Dollar Debut of Batgirl” from DETECTIVE #359 (January 1967). Villain Killer Moth is a joke. Batgirl’s mask differs from the series. Sexual tension between Batman and Batgirl is present, absent in the series. Originally, Batman and Batgirl were to be separate shows, like Man From UNCLE and Girl From UNCLE. Poor ratings led ABC to integrate Batgirl into Batman. Producers created this new Batgirl version as Commissioner Gordon’s daughter, unlike Betty Kane, Batwoman’s niece, in comics then.
“Enter Batgirl, Exit Penguin” **
With half-hour weekly episodes, Batman feels soap opera-like, with connected episodes, though “tags” often contradict the next episode’s plot. Sets are cardboard cutouts, like a high school play or Carol Burnett sketch, giving Batman a surreal look. Batgirl overshadows Batman and Robin, now buffoonish Keystone Cops, a far cry from season one. Season three feels low-budget Saturday morning fare, shifting from camp comedy to parody.
“Ring Around The Riddler” **
Even Frank Gorshin’s return couldn’t save the show. Aunt Harriet is gone unnoticed.
“Wail of The Siren” **
Joan Collins in a skimpy outfit couldn’t save it either. Robin displays a vigilante edge, threatening to let Siren fall – more of this edge could have benefited Batman and Robin. The Batgirl theme song has pathetic lyrics.
“Sport of Penguins/Horse of Another Color” (no stars)
Burgess Meredith couldn’t save it. Penguin is senile, repeatedly encountering Alfred yet never remembering him!
“The Unkindest Tut of All” ***
Victor Buono might have saved it, if he’d done more than two season three episodes. His episodes are genuinely funny.
“Louie the Lilac” *
Milton Berle couldn’t save it. Season three became topical, hurting it further. Berle plays it dramatically, against type and season three’s tone, making his character stand out awkwardly.
“The Ogg and I/How to Hatch a Dinosaur” (no stars)
Why bother?
“Surf’s up! Joker’s Under!” *
Batman and Joker in baggies surfing? If that’s your thing, enjoy! Others might prefer a gas oven. Sivi Aberg as Undine is the only redeeming quality (also Chandell’s moll in season two).
“Londinum Larcenies/The Foggiest Notion/The Bloody Tower” **
Worthless three-parter, could have been filmed in England if budget allowed, but still bad. Some Finishing School girls are attractive.
“Catwoman’s Dressed to Kill” *
Dopey Catwoman episode with a new Catwoman. Eartha Kitt’s race or producers pushing Bruce/Barbara romance (likely both) eliminates the Batman-Catwoman relationship, crucial to their characters.
“The Ogg Couple” (no stars)
Identical to previous Egghead/Olga episodes, originally intended as a three-parter.
“Louie’s Lethal Lilac Time” *
Another bad episode, padded with stock footage.
“Funny Feline Felonies/The Joke’s On Catwoman” ***
One of season three’s better episodes. Dopey but fun.
“Nora Clavicle” **
Good premise, poorly executed.
“Penguin’s Clean Sweep” (no stars)
Another bad episode featuring Penguin.
“The Great Escape/The Great Train Robbery” ***
Finally, a very good episode. Shame’s henchman Fred is hilarious, making this episode very funny.
“I’ll Be A Mummy’s Uncle” ***
A great King Tut episode, with suspense and comedy. The “drilling to the Batcave” bit is excellent.
“The Joker’s Flying Saucer” (no stars)
Just when things were improving…
“The Enticing Dr. Cassandra” **
A decent episode with some laughs. The villain team-up (stunt doubles) gives it a grander feel, a fitting series finale instead of the actual one. “Catwoman” is Julie Newmar-based again.
“Minerva, Mayhem, and Millionaires” (no stars)
The series finale – a pathetic end. ABC considered a fourth season, but demanded budget cuts, eliminating Chief O’Hara and Robin, making Batgirl Batman’s full-time partner (like the Animated Series later). Dozier and West rejected ABC’s ideas, ending the show. Ironically, NBC, The Man From UNCLE‘s network and ABC’s Batman inspiration, offered a fourth season, even restoring the twice-weekly format or a weekly hour format. Sets were dismantled, NBC declined rebuilding costs, and the deal failed.
Legends of the Superheroes: “The Challenge” ***
Ten years later, in 1978, NBC revived Batman with the Justice League. A live-action Challenge of the Super Friends. Adam West, Burt Ward, and Frank Gorshin returned, joined by Gabe Dell as Mordru, Jeff Altman as Weather Wizard, and others bringing Flash, Green Lantern, Hawkman, and Black Canary to life. Howard Morris as Dr. Sivana debuted the character live-action. Comedy with a laugh track, videotaped, but better than average season three episodes. Batman and Captain Marvel together, plus Gorshin’s Riddler. Possibly inspired Keith Giffen’s Justice League International comics.
Legends of the Superheroes: “The Roast” **
Instead of adventure, a celebrity roast hosted by Ed McMahon, with a musical finale. Ruth Buzzi as Aunt Minerva is a highlight. Frank Gorshin is absent. Writers did comic book research for references. A step down from “The Challenge”, but still fun.
