Batman: The Animated Series
Episode 66
Sideshow
One of the best, also a rather underrated story. Killer Croc is being transferred out of Arkham Asylum to an actual prison because it’s determined he’s sane. While being transported he escapes. Batman was on the train in disguise and starts tracking him. During his escape Croc falls in with a bunch of former circus stars, sideshow attractions. They took the money from their circus days and bought some land off the grid so they could live in peace. Croc makes up a cover story and they take him into their home.
During his time with them Croc’s attitude starts to change. He plans to rip them off but changes his mind. Batman then shows up and everything turns upside down. Croc shows his evil ways. A fight ensues, the circus folk realize Croc is a jerk. Batman eventually stops him.
What’s so tragic about this episode is if Batman didn’t show up Croc might have actually reformed. His disfigurement is likely a huge part of why he’s so angry and in living a life of crime. The circus freaks accepted him for who he was. His second thoughts about robbing them implies he was looking to settle down and maybe live a peaceful life. Batman’s appearance to apprehend Croc brought out his inner criminal. It’s Croc’s best episode in the series and has you rooting for his reformation.
Batman would argue his reformation was only temporary and he was always destined to revert back to his evil ways. The beauty of how complex the writers made a character who is only supposed to be a dimwitted thug is why BtAS is such an amazing show.
Written by
Joseph Ammendolea
Owner/President
“I Like To Play With Toys” Productions®
ILikeToPlayWithToysProductions@Yahoo.com
