Polls, Polls, Polls: DC Edition! (Part 1)

[TheRealDetectiveChimp]

Nothing to Fear is an episode of Batman the Animated Series that I reviewed in another thread.

@TheTerrifiedDetectiveChimp

Nothing to fear is a great look into Bruce Wayne’s fears while also supplying what might be my version of Scarecrow’s origin.

I’ll start with the obvious point, Bruce’s struggle is handled fantastically. I really like how his fear is shown before Scarecrow arrives, having a fear related villain pull a fright out of nowhere is a big cliche that this episode, thankfully, does not fall victim to. The Alfred interaction is so heartfelt, good gracious I love this episode. Ultimately, Bruce overcomes his fear uttering the iconic line that completes the scene and lets it becomes one of Batman’s most remembered moments.

But how is our friend Jonathan Crane doing? Better than ever! Each of Scarecrow’s costume designs’ main intent is being more and more terrifying to where I find his costume present in this episode so refreshing. Rather than attempting to horrify everyone watching the episode by creating a nightmarish creature, Crane is more reminiscent on squirmy little worm. This also might be something that I just noticed, but both of the other two designs for Crane have little movement while the original costume allowed for such an expressive antagonist.

But this is not to say Crane is robbed of his core attributes, instead of building up his appearance to frighten those who surround him, Crane uses tools and methods in order to control anyone he pleases. And no matter how much one may love Crane’s season 4 design, the climax pulled off in Nothing to Fear would never have worked with such an expressionless and emotionless villain like the Scarecrow of season 4.

Score
8.5/10