TV Series Review: Batman

By Lorenzo Semple Jr.

4 Stars 

1966 Batman is an American live-action television series based on the same-named DC Comics character. It stars Adam West as Bruce Wayne/Batman and Burt Ward as Dick Grayson/Robin, two crime-fighting heroes who defend Gotham City from a range of arch villains. It's recognized for its campy look, cheerful theme song, and it's purposely amusing and never tries to be too serious. From the moment that you hear "Na na na na na na na na na na na na na na na na Batman!", you always know that you're in for something good.  

This Batman was more entertaining than the following films, owing to the graphics that showed anytime someone was hit. Of course, the premise must be followed. There's no explanation for it, but Batman (Adam West) and Robin (Burt Ward) are a blend between traditional superheroes and the 1960s. Batman, like many other 1960s TV shows (think Bewitched, Gilligan's Island, and I Dream of Jeannie), was as crazy as possible and a laugh riot throughout. What about the bad guys? The villainous Penguin (Burgess Meredith), devious Catwoman (Julie Newmar, later Eartha Kitt), jackknife Joker (Cesar Romero), and riotous Riddler (Frank Gorshin) are everything anyone might want. And when Vincent Price emerged, he had a terrific line. Overall, the 1966 Batman was a silly but entertaining show. 

Reviewed by Yusuf 

View in Library Catalogue: DVD