Where to begin? I actually like the concept for the trilogy, but I feel the casting, writing and execution were lacking.
I don't blame you guys for doing this trilogy one episode at a time so you can do other, worthwhile things on the back ends, but you are calling all the possible Bat-timeouts you can to extend this game (not that I mind).
Anyway, you guys did some good research on Johns and Vallee, but I was surprised you didn't mention how Vallee was referenced twice earlier in the show. Also, Glynis starred in a pair of British films as a captivating mermaid named Miranda!! (Did Adam sing to her??)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miranda_(1948_film)
As for part 1 itself, I'm afraid I have to agree to disagree. Not only is the opening scene ridiculous visually, as Paul noted, but it also carries on the idiotic season 3 conceit of no building housing important things ever having any security, because security guard extras cost money, right, Bill Dough-zier?
Also, rich English people having their swag stolen doesn't seem like a good enough reason to involve Batman. Maybe the kidnapping of a member of Parliament, or something actually stolen from Up-Chuckingham Palace, as Tim called it. Or, heck, how about a line of dialogue that the thefts are causing panic in the Londinium financial district, and that could lead to a weakening of the pound which could have global monetary repercussions? Oh, right, that would require Charles Hoffman to actually think.
I'd also say that usually I don't mind the lack of a villain backstory, but here it raises more questions than answers. Obviously, they are rich. Why are they committing these crimes? For kicks? Are they living beyond their means? As a villain, Lord Ffogg's main weapon seems to be pomposity. And as Gould alluded to, he sometimes spouts Cockney. 'Ffogg Manor is playing 'ost to Batman and Robin'??? Ugh.
You make a good point about Dozier's narration lampshading the fact they're still in California. Well, Adam did a promotional visit to London(ium) in May 1967, when this script already was in the hopper. Given the amount of time the script separates him and Robin anyway, why couldn't Dough-zier have sent a cameraperson and a second-unit director with him for some footage? Oh, right, I just answered my own question. #Doughzier
Speaking of which, that's my guess on why this arc was made. Dough-zier wanted to capitalize on the red-hotness of swinging London and Carnaby Street, but as with the hippies, was too square to know how to do it.
Tim's observation about it being aired on Thanksgiving night 1967 is apropos. The broadcast version of L-tryptophan.
All that said, I enjoyed Paul's tour of the Batman exhibit in L.A. and I thank him for the shoutout. It was a very enlightening look at the exhibit. I only wish it had a certain piece of wardrobe...
'I thought Siren was perfect for Joan.'--Stanley Ralph Ross, writer of 'The Wail of the Siren'
My hobbies include gazing at the Siren and doing her bidding, evil or otherwise.
'She had a devastating, hypnotic effect on all the men.'--A schoolmate describing Joan Collins at age 17
You were critical, but never mean. And your Village People covers were a blast.
