As Batman: Caped Crusader‘s third episode, “Kiss of the Catwoman,” debuts, you know it’s an episode featuring Catwoman even not knowing the title. Bruce lingers over a display of a beautiful necklace on display… a setup that screams Catwoman. But, the episode’s most surprising twist isn’t the introduction of Selina Kyle/Catwoman, but another female future villain.

A reference to his parent’s murder puts Bruce into a rage, causing him to punch an individual and winding up in court mandated therapy. His doctor? One Dr. Quinzel. The episode not only introduces Catwoman but the future Harley Quinn.

The episode brilliantly uses the story of Selina Kyle to examine Bruce Wayne. Both are from wealthy families, Selina hitting hard times as her father is in jail and now she’s broke. This drives Selina to become Catwoman, inspired by stories of Batman in the newspaper. Batman and her parent is the driver of Selina’s origin as Catwoman. While this story plays out, Dr. Quinzel explores Bruce’s life and the impact of his parents’ deaths have had on him and questioning his bachelor life. It’s a familiar story of tragedy but the steps from that to Batman isn’t the classic story of a bat flying through a window. It’s something much more sinister underneath. This is a Batman who’s truly out for revenger and very cold and lifeless underneath.

The designs continue to be interesting. This Catwoman takes on a classic look, closer to the original design from comics instead of the leather clad versions we know today. Dr. Quinzell is a shocker missing her blond hair for a darker look.

“Kiss of the Catwoman” is a brilliant episode that creates a new and different dance between Batman and Catwoman, explores Bruce’s trauma, and introduces another popular character. It’s a hell of an episode that shows while Batman: Caped Crusader has roots in the classic Batman: The Animated Series, it’s something completely of its own.

Overall Rating: 9.0