Bat-Fam: Season 1 TV Review: Bruce and Damian invite the whole found family to fight crime in this wholesome, Bat-tastic series
Plot: Bruce and Damian Wayne don the cape and cowl for a family-friendly adventure centered around a mysterious object hidden in a Wayne Tech warehouse.
Review: When Batman: The Caped Crusader debuted in 2024, bat-fans rejoiced at the results of Bruce Tim’s ultimate love letter to Batman: The Animated Series. Caped Crusader thrived on the nostalgia of old heads while introducing a detective-centric Batman to a new generation. While excellent, the mature nature of Caped Crusader could be considered too adult by some parents. This concern is where Bat-Fam comes out to play. The new series from Regular Show and Summer Camp Island writer Mike Roth welcomes younger viewers with open arms, sweeping them up with Bruce Wayne’s doting dad side and young Damian’s politely mischievous penchant for getting up to no good.
If someone asked me to describe Bat-Fam in one word, that word would be charming. Everything about the show oozes good vibes, from its exciting action to its revolving door of classic supervillains, and its gentle way of leaving every episode with a valuable lesson learned. It’s refreshing to see Bruce’s fatherly instincts be as much of a going concern as his mission as Gotham’s Batman. Speaking as someone who’s read a lot of Batman comics, being a good dad isn’t always Bruce’s strong suit. So, when it does shine through – and it does all the time in Bat-Fam – it’s the gift that keeps on giving, especially in a show as adorable and funny as this one.
That’s another thing about Bat-Fam, there are times when it’s downright hilarious. Dr. Langstrom, for example, is likely my favorite character on the show, and all he does is hang out at Wayne Manor. He’s like the Guy on the Couch if he were to get up and walk around more often. Other residents of Mayne Manor include Claire, a reformed villain trapped in the body of a young, attitudinal teenager, Alicia, Alfred’s niece and one of Bruce’s oldest friends, the “ghost” of Ra’ al Ghul, a Count-Chocula-like prankster who loves his nephew Damian to the Lazarus Pits and back, and Alfred. a shriveled sweetheart with a taste for salted tea.
All the characters have fantastic chemistry with one another, both in humor and in heart. The emotional crown, though, goes to Claire. Her journey of acceptance while being the newest member of the Wayne family is my favorite emotional thread of the show. Her perspective gives newcomers their ticket through the door, while seasoned Bat-fans can appreciate the nuance of her situation. Imagine finding out the people you love are a superheroic duo. What do you do with that information? The therapy bill!
The best part about Bat-Fam is that there’s something in it for everyone. Whether you’re tuning in to see old friends, love making new ones, or want to learn more about the powers of trust and found family, Bat-Fam delivers.
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