Not everyone likes this episode, but "Zelda the Great" and "A Death Worse Than Fate" are among the very best of the entire 1966 "Batman" series. Unlike most episodes, there is no Bat fight, and we have a villain who is actually reluctant to do what she is doing.
What makes this an outstanding outing is the fact that this is not a standard typical "Batman" episode. First, this is a case where we really see Batman as The Great Detective, piecing together evidence. And then, we have a wonderful human element that is sorely missing in later episodes. There is a lot of heart in this episode, and the cliffhanger is also unusual.
And then there is Anne Baxter.
The first notable female villain in the series, Ms. Baxter shines in this episode, better here than her 1967 outings as Olga, Queen of the Cossacks. She made an impression on this viewer as a 6-year-old in 1966. Though in her early 40s, she was as gorgeous as ever.
Jack Kruschen also fares well as Eivol Ekdol, as do other cast members.
And interestingly, in this first part, we have the first reference to Catwoman, who had been absent from the comics since 1954. She would appear in the the following month, and then in the comics later in 1966.
I rate the Zelda episodes a 10/10, because they are so refreshingly different, and because they showcase Batman as a detective. Had the series varied its stories more, I think it could have enjoyed a longer run. While the show pilot is my all-time favourite, this episode ranks awfully close.
Check it out, if you can!
What makes this an outstanding outing is the fact that this is not a standard typical "Batman" episode. First, this is a case where we really see Batman as The Great Detective, piecing together evidence. And then, we have a wonderful human element that is sorely missing in later episodes. There is a lot of heart in this episode, and the cliffhanger is also unusual.
And then there is Anne Baxter.
The first notable female villain in the series, Ms. Baxter shines in this episode, better here than her 1967 outings as Olga, Queen of the Cossacks. She made an impression on this viewer as a 6-year-old in 1966. Though in her early 40s, she was as gorgeous as ever.
Jack Kruschen also fares well as Eivol Ekdol, as do other cast members.
And interestingly, in this first part, we have the first reference to Catwoman, who had been absent from the comics since 1954. She would appear in the the following month, and then in the comics later in 1966.
I rate the Zelda episodes a 10/10, because they are so refreshingly different, and because they showcase Batman as a detective. Had the series varied its stories more, I think it could have enjoyed a longer run. While the show pilot is my all-time favourite, this episode ranks awfully close.
Check it out, if you can!