The Batcave Podcast

The wait is finally over!  The Filmation 1968 Batman Bluray set is now available for ordering! Follow the link here to get your copy from Amazon. ​John and Dan Greenfield of 13th Dimension get back to the Hall of Justice and open another case from The Filmation Files, this time discussing this long awaited Bluray release.  In it, they talk about the wonderful clarity of the picture, the packaging both good and bad, and the disappointing menu.  ​Comment on the episode here or by writing us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.

A group of super villains have set a doomsday device to go off in one hour and the superheroes must find it before it's too late.   ​John and writer Jim Beard and filmmaker Robert Long are in the Batcave this Christmas Day and discussing the two episode series of specials featuring Adam West, Burt Ward and Frank Gorshin reprising their classic Batman 66 roles.  The first episode is an actual story, of sorts.  The second episode is a roast.  Seriously, it's a roast of the heroes by the villains.  In this episode, we look at the casting of heroes for this team, the lack of real action, and the range of Frank Gorshin. ​It's all here and we want to hear what you think.  Comment here or write us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.

Birds of a Feather Fool Around Together" May 7 1977 The Penguin and Joker are vying for the presidency of their underworld gang and Penguin's campaign promise is to corrupt Batman and Robin. John and Joe Stuber of Comic Book Central are back in the Batcave talking the penultimate story in the 1977 Filmation series.  In it, they discuss the appearance, but not teaming up, of Penguin and Joker, the lack of energy awareness, and the only moll ever in the series, Gigi. Let us know what you're thinking as you listen to the episode by commenting here or by writing us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com. Vote for The Batcave Podcast and Comic Book Central in Podcast Magazine's Top 50 Podcasts.  You can vote once each and every day!  Click on the link here to take you to the page.

Detective #81 "The Cavalier of Crime" September 24, 1943 Writer - Don Cameron Pencils - Bob Kane Inker - George Roussos We've got a holiday special for you, Citizens!  The 12 Days of Batmas where John and a special guest sit down and discuss an issue of Batman or Detective Comics and figure out to adapt it to the 1966 television show. For the 10th day of Batmas, John and author Keith R.A. DeCandido get together to discuss a character that seems to have been created in 1943 with the 1966 TV series in mind - the Cavalier.  They talk about who should play the role, the eccentricity of the crimes committed, and the placement of the cliffhanger. ​​It's all here and we want to hear what you think.  Comment here or write us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.

Detective #345 "The Blockbuster Invasion of Gotham City" September 30, 1965 Writer - Gardner F. Fox Pencils - Carmine Infantino Inker - Joe Giella We've got a holiday special for you, Citizens!  The 12 Days of Batmas where John and a special guest sit down and discuss an issue of Batman or Detective Comics and figure out to adapt it to the 1966 television show. For the 9th day of Batmas, John and The Fortress of Baileytude's Michael Bailey get together to discuss another man mountain vs. the Dynamic Duo - Blockbuster.  They talk about who should play the role as well as the brother, how to handle the flashback sequence and the fight sequence with Adam West. ​​It's all here and we want to hear what you think.  Comment here or write us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.

Batman #75 December 19, 1952 "The Gorilla Boss of Gotham City" Writer - David Vern Reed Pencils - Lew Sayre Schwartz Inker - Stan Kaye We've got a holiday special for you, Citizens!  The 12 Days of Batmas where John and a special guest sit down and discuss an issue of Batman or Detective Comics and figure out to adapt it to the 1966 television show. The wonderful Billy Flynn of Geek Radio Daily joins John in the Batcave for the 8th Day of Batmas to discuss an unusual entry for consideration for Batman 66 - "The Gorilla Boss of Gotham City".  They talk about who should play the role, the need to have the character speak, and the possibility of making it a third season Batgirl episode. ​​It's all here and we want to hear what you think.  Comment here or write us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.

Batman #181 "Beware of...Poison Ivy!" April 19, 1966 Writer: Robert Kanigher Penciller: Sheldon Moldoff Inker: Joe Giella We've got a holiday special for you, Citizens!  The 12 Days of Batmas where John and a special guest sit down and discuss an issue of Batman or Detective Comics and figure out to adapt it to the 1966 television show. For the seventh day of Batmas, John and 13th Dimension's Dan Greenfield get together to discuss a fan favorite of speculation  - Poison Ivy.  They talk about who should play the role (and it's not who you think), the simplicity of the character in her premiere, and the timing of the premiere. ​​It's all here and we want to hear what you think.  Comment here or write us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.

Detective #381 "Castle with Wall-to-Wall Danger" May 28, 1964 Writer: John Broome Penciller: Carmine Infantino Inker: Stan Kaye We've got a holiday special for you, Citizens!  The 12 Days of Batmas where John and a special guest sit down and discuss an issue of Batman or Detective Comics and figure out to adapt it to the 1966 television show. For the sixth day of Batmas, John and fellow podcaster Andrew Leyland discuss a fun, but plot thin issue of Detective Comics from 1964.  It's the perfect vehicle to turn into a third season Batgirl episode.  John and Andrew discuss how Batgirl could be worked in, the feasibility of all the settings of the comic, and the casting of the main villain. ​​It's all here and we want to hear what you think.  Comment here or write us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.

Batman #81 "The Boy Wonder Confesses December 2, 1953 Writer: David Vern ReedPenciller: Sheldon MoldoffInker: Stan Kaye We've got a holiday special for you, Citizens!  The 12 Days of Batmas where John and a special guest sit down and discuss an issue of Batman or Detective Comics and figure out to adapt it to the 1966 television show. ​For the fifth day of Batmas, John and writer Jim Beard discuss Batman #81.  In it, they talk about the look for Mr. Camera, the casting of the villain with gang members, and a means to make the ending a little more exciting. ​​It's all here and we want to hear what you think.  Comment here or write us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.

2001  PILOT  NO AIRDATE In 2001, the Krofft Brothers attempted to bring back Electra Woman and Dyna Girl for a more modern audience with, what appears they thought were modern sensibilities.  Electra Woman has fallen on hard times as she lives in a trailer park and Dyna Girl has run off with her husband.  A young college student whose Electra Woman had saved as a child makes it a point to return the favor, but she may wind up regretting that decision. This time around, John and Kevin Eldridge of The Flopcast discuss the ever youthful Markie Post, the use of suggestive situations and language, and should this be looked upon as a sacrilege or as a possible contender for something worthwhile.  Take a listen and let us know what you think by writing us here or at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.

Detective #110 "The Crime Clinic" February 22, 1946 Writer: Don Cameron Artist: J. Winslow Mortimer We've got a holiday special for you, Citizens!  The 12 Days of Batmas where John and a special guest sit down and discuss an issue of Batman or Detective Comics and figure out to adapt it to the 1966 television show. ​For the third day Batmas, John and writer/podcaster Kevin Lauderdale discuss Detective Comics #220.  In it, they talk about how Alan Napier could become more involved in the plot of this late 40s comic as a 66 episode, the elements of Londinium that have already been established and the use of Venerable Ireland Yard. ​​It's all here and we want to hear what you think.  Comment here or write us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.

"The Crime Clinic" May 21, 1943 Writer: Bill Finger Penciller: Bob Kane Inker: George Roussos We've got a holiday special for you, Citizens!  The 12 Days of Batmas where John and a special guest sit down and discuss an issue of Batman or Detective Comics and figure out to adapt it to the 1966 television show. For the second day Batmas, John and filmmaker Robert Long discuss Detective Comics #77.  In it, they discuss the guest cast for this story, the character of Crime Doctor, and the added features needed to make this a two-part second season story. ​It's all here and we want to hear what you think.  Comment here or write us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.

"The Murders of Clayface" May 7, 1940 Writer: Bill Finger Penciller: Bob Kane Inker: Jerry Robinson We've got a holiday special for you, Citizens!  The 12 Days of Batmas where John and a special guest sit down and discuss an issue of Batman or Detective Comics and figure out to adapt it to the 1966 television show. We start off with Fire and Water Network podcast host, Chris Franklin and a look at Detective Comics #40.  In it, they discuss the guest cast for this story, the handling or non-handling of the murders, and the flaw of often telling and not showing in the early Batman comics of the 40s. ​It's all here and we want to hear what you think.  Comment here or write us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.

"THE AMAZING ADVENTURES OF LITTLE BATMAN" Little Preston falls asleep one night after watching the news of four escaped inmates and dreams he is Batman facing the Riddler, Joker, Penguin, and Catwoman!  Can he stop them from attacking the United World Organization? ​John and Robert Long sit down in the Batcave and discuss a fan film that once again features children as actors, but this time, the producer went out of his way to give this as much of a feel of a 66 episode based on the steps he took with the visuals.  Together, the two discuss the tricked out kids' Batmobile that we still want, the collection of Batman memorabilia seen in the production and the appearance of Scott Sebring as Batman.  ​Take a listen and let us know what you think by commenting here or writing us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.

1949 - Episode Fifteen "Batman Victorious" The noose tightens around the Wizard as he tries to maintain his invisibility as the police dragnet surrounds him.  Will Batman catch him?  Who will save Vicki Vale?  And how is Carter still involved in all this? ​John and writer Jim Beard discuss the 15th and final episode of the 1949 Batman movie serial.  In it, they discuss the terrible ending, the more organized Batman, and the uselessness of Vicki Vale. ​It's all here and we want to hear what you think.  Comment here or write us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.

1949 - Episode Fourteen "Batman Vs. Wizard" The Wizard's next target is Jim Gordon, but he also takes out a few others along the way. ​John and writer Jim Beard discuss the 14th episode of the 1949 movie serial.  In it, they discuss how wrong Jim got the identity of the Wizard, the red herrings that abound in the story, and the science of the invisibilty for the Wizard. ​It's all here and we want to hear what you think.  Comment here or write us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.

"Return of the Pharaoh" Aired: December 18/25, 1976 The Pharaoh returns and wants to trap the Voltage Vixens in King Tut's tomb!  This time around, John and Kevin Elddrige of The Flopcast discuss the lack of real plot in this episode, American ingenuity, and the premiere of the Wilfred Brimley Podcast.  Take a listen and let us know what you think by writing us here or at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.

1949 - Episode Thirteen "The Wizard's Challenge" The Wizard develops an invisibility field that makes him impossible to stop! ​John and writer Jim Beard discuss the 13th episode of the 1949 movie serial.  In it, they discuss the oddness of adding invisibilty to the story, the themes to both movie serials, and the goofy, but charming cliffhanger. ​It's all here and we want to hear what you think.  Comment here or write us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.

"The Dead Ringers" April 30, 1977 Clayface is back and he's recruited a trapeze artist with a criminal past to help him impersonate the Dynamic Duo.  John and Joe Stuber of Comic Book Central are back in the Batcave talking about an episode that has much in common with a 1968 Filmation episode.  In it, they discuss the history of Clayface, Robin and Batgirl working together, and how Batmite proves he is more than a cute cartoon character with this episode! Let us know what you're thinking as you listen to the episode by commenting here or by writing us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.

1949 - Episode Twelve "Robin Rides the Wind" The Wizard wants the neutralizer in order to continue his crime spree.  Can Batman stop him? John and writer Jim Beard discuss the 12th episode of the 1949 movie serial.  In it, they discuss the problem with Barry Brown, the midleading chapter title, and the waste of location that should have been Wayne Manor. ​It's all here and we want to hear what you think.  Comment here or write us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.

1949 - Chapter Eleven  "Robin's Ruse" Robin must trick the Wizard's men in order to free Bruce.  Will he succeed? ​John and writer Jim Beard discuss the 11th episode of the 1949 movie serial.  In it, they talk the fast paced content in this episode, their list of suspects, and the silliness of the Wizard extending the power of the nullifier. It's all here and we want to hear what you think.  Comment here or write us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.

1949 - Chapter Ten  "Batman's Last Chance!" Batman infiltrates an office building, where the Wizard's men are hiding out, in a quest to find Vicki Vale.  But Vicki's brother Jimmy is there.  Is he friend or foe? ​John and writer Jim Beard discuss the 9th episode of the 1949 movie serial.  In it, they talk about Jimmy Vale's final fate, the use of footage from 1943, and the buidling the Wizard's men hide out in.. ​It's all here and we want to hear what you think.  Comment here or write us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.

1949 - Chapter Nine  "The Wizard Strikes Back!" Jimmy Vale is in need of rescuing as he plans to spill the beans on the Wizard.  But is it all too good to be true? ​John and writer Jim Beard discuss the 9th episode of the 1949 movie serial.  In it, they talk about Jimmy Vale, Bruce Wayne - Gordon confidante, and Batman's car program. It's all here and we want to hear what you think.  Comment here or write us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.

"The Spider-Lady"Aired: December 4/11, 1976 The Spider-Lady uses the ultimate disguise, that of Electra-Woman, to steal an idol. This time around, John and Kevin Elddrige of The Flopcast discuss the creation of Spider-Woman and her relation to Spider-Lady, the special effects of the episode, and the effective use of henchmen in this episode.  Take a listen and let us know what you think by writing us here or at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.

1949 - Chapter Eight  "Robin Meets the Wizard" The Wizard threatens the railroad lines with his vehicle control device. ​ John and writer Jim Beard discuss the 8th episode of the 1949 movie serial.  In it, they talk about excessive padding in some of these episodes, the tiresome Batman trapped in a fire cliffhanger, and the dismissive nature of Batman towards Vicki Vale. It's all here and we want to hear what you think.  Comment here or write us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.

"THE ASTROLOGER" October 23, 1976 Monster Squad was a one season NBC Saturday morning live action show for kids in 1976.  In it, Walt, who worked in his uncle's wax museum, discovered that he could bring the figures of Dracula, Frankenstein's monster, and the Wolfman to life.  Wanting to atone for the sins of their past, the trio, with Walt's crime computer set out on a mission to stop evil wherever they found it. We move on to the seventh episode with the villain - The Astrologer, masterfully played by Jonathan Harris of Lost in Space.  His plan is to make one of his predictions, an earthquake rocking the city, come true by using a thirty year old atomic bomb. John and Joe Crowe of RevolutionSF and the Dragoncon American SciFi Classics Track discuss the performance of Jonathan Harris, the parallels of the clam trap with Batman 66's Joker/Penguin meetup, and how this is the best Drac episode to date. ​Take a listen and let us know what you think here or by writing us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.

1949 - Episode Seven  "The Fatal Blast" Batman must protect the life of a developer of a device that can counter the Wizard's device. John and writer Jim Beard discuss the 7th episode of the 1949 movie serial. They talk about the first ever great cliffhanger resolution, Alfred Beagle, and how fatal a blast we will see in this episode. It's all here and we want to hear what you think.  Comment here or write us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.

1949 - Episode Six  "Target Robin!" Bruce goes undercover and is quickly found out so Robin has to come to the rescue.  Can Bruce save his ruse by shooting Robin when he is captured? John and writer Jim Beard discuss the 6th episode of the 1949 movie serial. They talk about the poor cliffhanger resolutions, the shooting of Robin and their hopes with the cliffhanger for this episode. It's all here and we want to hear what you think.  Comment here or write us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.

"NO-FACE" October 16, 1976 Monster Squad was a one season NBC Saturday morning live action show for kids in 1976.  In it, Walt, who worked in his uncle's wax museum, discovered that he could bring the figures of Dracula, Frankenstein's monster, and the Wolfman to life.  Wanting to atone for the sins of their past, the trio, with Walt's crime computer set out on a mission to stop evil wherever they found it. ​We move on to the sixth episode with the villain - No-Face.  Here we have the Batman 66 equivalent to False Face. ​John and Joe Crowe of RevolutionSF and the Dragoncon American SciFi Classics Track discuss the particularly scary look to No-Face, the perfect weapon against werewolves, and the upcoming Manimal podcast. ​Take a listen and let us know what you think here or by writing us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.

1949 - Episode Five  "Robin Rescues Batman!" Vicki Vale gets a picture of several of the Wizard's men and so they enlist the aid of Vicki's brother Jimmy to retrieve it.  But whose side is Jimmy really on? ​John and writer Jim Beard discuss the 5th episode of the 1949 movie serial. They talk about Batman's forensic process, more poor cliffhanger resolution and how the butler did it. ​It's all here and we want to hear what you think.  Comment here or write us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.

"The Deep Freeze" April 23, 1977 Mr. Freeze returns to chill in Gotham and he has a plan where he wants to take advantage of a new freeze weapon. John and Joe Stuber of Comic Book Central are back in the Batcave talking about an episode that is much better than it has the right to be, considering how Filmation handled Mr. Freeze in the past.  In it, they discuss how Mr. Freeze seems more like the Batman 66 character rather than the Filmation 68 one, how the cold puns were just the right amount and how Michael Uslan lands on Batmite.​ Let us know what you're thinking as you listen to the episode by commenting here or by writing us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.

1949 - Episode Four  "Batman Trapped"  The Wizard captures Morton, the inventor of a new energy source.  Batman and Robin save him, but not before the Wizard learns the location of the formula.  Can the Dynamic Duo stop him from obtaining this power? John and writer Jim Beard discuss the fourth episode of this 15 chapter series.  In it, they talk about Vicki Vale, the Lois Lane of this serial, the sudden character shift in Bruce Wayne to accomodate the story (but not really needed) and the parallels with the comics of the time. ​It's all here and we want to hear what you think.  Comment here or write us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.

1949 - Episode Three  "Robin's Wild Ride" Having successfully stolen the large scale model of the device needed to control vehicles, the Wizard's men need to obtain diamonds as well and Batman and Robin are poised to stop them!   John and writer Jim Beard discuss the third episode of this 15 chapter series.  In it, they talk Alfred and how they like both Alfreds from the two serials, the wait for Robin's "Wild Ride", and the lackluster cliffhangers endings. ​It's all here and we want to hear what you think.  Comment here or write us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.

"The Pharaoh" Aired: Novmber 20/27, 1976 The Pharaoh steals the Pyramid of Ramsis in order to activate a being of pure energy - Solaris.  John and Kevin Eldridge of The Flopcast are back in Electra-Base keeping Frank company. ​This time around, they discuss the effects in the episode, the more subdued performance of Peter Mark Richman compared to Victor Buono's King Tut, and the terrifying cliffhanger.  Take a listen and let us know what you think by writing us here or at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.

1949 - Episode Two  "Tunnel of Terror" Batman finds himself atop a moving train, fighting the Wizard's men, but he's heading for a quick stop.   John and writer Jim Beard discuss the second episode of this 15 chapter series.  In it, they talk about the literal ups and downs of the story, Johnny Duncan as Robin and how the "Tunnel of Terror" title may not be appropriate considering when the tunnel appears. ​It's all here and we want to hear what you think.  Comment here or write us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.

1949 - Episode One  "Batman Takes Over" Batman and Robin are called into service when a device that can control vehicles is stolen by the Wizard.  Who is the Wizard and what is his ultimate goal? ​John and writer Jim Beard are back in the Batcave  and we're discussing the 15 chapter movie serial of 1949.  There are many elements that we would recognize from the comics, but in the end, is this finally proper Batman?  We get into that and lament what wasn't to be seen in this serial. ​It's all here and we want to hear what you think.  Comment here or write us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.

"He Who Laughs Last" April 16, 1977 The Joker is back in Gotham City and he's bent on revenge on Batman for putting him away previously. John and Joe Stuber of Comic Book Central are back in the Batcave talking about an episode that ticks all the boxes when it comes to Filmation Batman 1977.  In it, they discuss how this story seems more like a Riddler story, muse about Batman leaving Batgirl alone in the Batcave, and wonder how a Joker plane looks more like a helicopter.​ Let us know what you're thinking as you listen to the episode by commenting here or by writing us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.

"The Return of the Sorcerer" Aired: Novmber 6/13, 1976 The Sorcerer returns and has plans to trap Electra Woman and Dyna Girl inside Merlin's mirror.  John and Kevin Eldridge of The Flopcast are back in Electra-Base keeping Frank company. ​This time around, they discuss the set design, the "science" behind the time travel take in this story, and cosplaying Frank Heflin.  Take a listen and let us know what you think by writing us here or at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.

"Music Man" October 9, 1976 Monster Squad was a one season NBC Saturday morning live action show for kids in 1976.  In it, Walt, who worked in his uncle's wax museum, discovered that he could bring the figures of Dracula, Frankenstein's monster, and the Wolfman to life.  Wanting to atone for the sins of their past, the trio, with Walt's crime computer set out on a mission to stop evil wherever they found it. ​We move on to the fifth episode with the villain - Music Man.  This one clearly has Batman 66 DNA all over it from the henchmen to the humor to the appearance of Stanley Ralph Ross. ​John and Joe Crowe of RevolutionSF and the Dragoncon American SciFi Classics Track discuss "Primrose Lane", the humor of Marty Allan and Stanley Ralph Ross' desire to be an actor. ​Take a listen and let us know what you think here or by writing us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.

The Adventures of Superman Batman's Great Mystery Batman is not acting like himself.  He's showing up at anti-American meetings and encouraging people to support the Germans in World War II.  Robin and Superman team up to find out what is going on.  Sounds like the makings of a great story, but is it? ​John and writer Jim Beard are back in the Batcave as we're wrapping up our look at the 1943 serial as and taking a break between the movie serials of the 1940s by looking at one of the multiple appearances of Batman and Robin on the Superman radio show.  The thing is, who is this man they call Batman?  Jim has a lot of issues with this rendition he feels makes the 43 Batman look legit.  It's so bad, we spend as much time talking about Superman as we do Batman.  Plus, we briefly discuss the Batman Mystery Club pilot radio show. ​It's all here and we want to hear what you think.  Comment here or write us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.

"The Chameleon" April 9, 1977 The Chameleon is in Gotham City, looking for revenge against Batman. John and Joe Stuber of Comic Book Central are back in the Batcave talking about this episode that they both clearly enjoyed.  In it, they wonder why Marvel never sued Filmation for taking the names Electro and Chameleon.  They also discuss the joys of introducing new villains to the Batman universe through vehicles such as this.​ ​Let us know what you're thinking as you listen to the episode by commenting here or by writing us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.

"Ali  Baba" Aired: October  23/30, 1976 This might just be the episode that could be considered the best overall.  It certainly looks and feels like a Batman 66 episode from the villain to the guest stars to the situation that Dyna Girl gets herself into.    John and Kevin Eldridge of The Flopcast are back in Electra-Base keeping Frank company. ​This time around, they discuss how Malachi Throne is the King of the Two-Part TV Stories, the career of Sid Haig, and the great turn Judy Strangis does as an evil Dyna Girl.  Take a listen and let us know what you think by writing us here or at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.

"Star Trek Vs. Batman" The Dynamic Duo are given a taste of the future when the starship Enterprise is catapulted to the past.  But the Joker and Catwoman are also aware of Kirk and Spock and the power at their command if they can take the ship. ​John and Robert Long sit down in the Batcave and discuss a fan film that clearly has a love for the material being presented.  The question is, "Is this really a Batman fan film?"  John and Robert argue that this film, while showing love for the Batman series, is primarily a Star Trek fan film with Batman playing a supporting role.   ​Take a listen and let us know what you think by commenting here or writing us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.

  "THE RINGMASTER" October 2, 1976 Monster Squad was a one season NBC Saturday morning live action show for kids in 1976.  In it, Walt, who worked in his uncle's wax museum, discovered that he could bring the figures of Dracula, Frankenstein's monster, and the Wolfman to life.  Wanting to atone for the sins of their past, the trio, with Walt's crime computer set out on a mission to stop evil wherever they found it. ​We dive into the fourth episode with the villain - The Ringmaster.  This one is proving to be a dark episode as the Ringmaster holds 20,000 orphans hostage. ​John and Joe Crowe of RevolutionSF and the Dragoncon American SciFi Classics Track discuss the unfortunate imagery of Bonnie Bon, the use of "Chekov's Gun" in this story, and a missed plot point that could have been developed into something more. ​Take a listen and let us know what you think here or by writing us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.

WRITER JIM BEARD TALKS ANOTHER CHALLENGE FOR THE GREEN HORNET You thought it was the end of the podcast, but then writer Jim Beard presents another challenge for the Green Hornet, his aide Kato and their rolling arsenal the Black Beauty.  John and Jim sit down to discuss Jim's Green Hornet novella from Moonstone Press, "How Sweet the Sting".  They discuss the challenges and fun moments in writing the book, the unique vision Moonstone Publishing has for the character and Jim's preoccupation with the military in his writing. Get your copy by ordering from Moonstone Press. ​Take a listen and then let us know what you think of the episode by writing us here or at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.

1943 - Episode Fifteen  "The Doom of the Rising Sun" The final confrontation between Batman and Daka is actually their first confrontation as we discuss in the final episode of our look at the 1943 movie serial. ​John and writer Jim Beard are back in the Batcave as we're wrapping up our look at the 1943 serial as we discuss the missed opportunities of the story, the unintended campiness, and the similarities with the 1966 TV series. ​It's all here and we want to hear what you think.  Comment here or write us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.

"Reading, Writing & Wronging" April 2, 1977 Penguin has started a school for criminals and in order to pass, you have to defeat Batman and Robin! John and Joe Stuber of Comic Book Central are back in the Batcave talking about this episode that is an odd duck.  It has potential and it has some fun moments, but in the end it just doesn't hold up.  The two discuss how this episode may be where some of the hate for Batmite comes from, John's dislike of the Penguin as a character in general, and the heavy use of "Holy" exclamations in this episode.​ ​Let us know what you're thinking as you listen to the episode by commenting here or by writing us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.

1943 - Episode Thirteen  "The Executioner Strikes" The Batman is closing in on Daka, but will his search lead him to a crocodile grave? ​John and writer Jim Beard are back in the Batcave as we're up to the penultimate episode of this serial.  The two discuss the missing Colton, the far from normal cliffhanger, and Daka's preoccupation with his crocodiles. ​It's all here and we want to hear what you think.  Comment here or write us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.

"Bite-Sized" March 27, 1977 The alien Electro comes to Gotham City to shrink the Dynamic Duo and use them to discover America's defense systems prior to his invasion of the planet. John and Joe Stuber of Comic Book Central are back in the Batcave talking about this episode with a new villain with a familiar name.  They discuss Nom Prescott possibly subbing for Adam West, Marvel's lack of attention to a villain named Electro, and the attitude of the Batcomputer. ​Let us know what you're thinking as you listen to the episode by commenting here or by writing us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.

1943 - Episode Thirteen  "Eight Steps Down" Using some genuine detective skills, Batman and Robin are able to track the captured Linda to Daka's lair, but Batman falls into a deadly trap.  Can he escape? ​John and writer Jim Beard are back in the Batcave as we're coming to the end of our look at the 1943 serial.  In this episode, they discuss the well used stock footage, the missing Colton, and the similarities with the trap in this episode and in an episode of Batman 66.   ​It's all here and we want to hear what you think.  Comment here or write us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.

"Curses! Oiled Again!" March 20, 1977 Catwoman teams up with Clayface to steal all the oil in the world.   John and Joe Stuber of Comic Book Central welcome Dan Greenfield of 13th Dimension back into the Batcave where they discuss the first team-up of the 77 Filmation series.  They discuss the potential for toys based on the characters and the vehicles seen in the episode, they comment on the rotoscope used, and Joe tries to make a Batmite lover out of Dan. ​Let us know what you're thinking as you listen to the episode by commenting here or by writing us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.