The first episode of Batman: Caped Crusader serves as a mere reintroduction to the world, a reimagining of the Gotham universe established in the 1990s series. The city is filled with rumors of a man-bat, stalking the shadows, as a criminal syndicate operates in plain sight.
We open with a troubled flunky, Clarence, interrogated by a henchman named Iggy. There’s an apparent leak within their ranks, selling secrets to the opposition. Failing to obtain a clean confession, Iggy leaves Clarence for the boss to handle. We see a figure step forward revealing The Penguin’s classic silhouette.
We transition to zoot-suit-clad thugs moving contraband in a warehouse. Suddenly, the lights go out as they chatter about Gotham City’s alleged boogeyman. Fear settles as smoke fills the room; the caped vigilante attacks. After subduing the criminals, Batman barely escapes as the warehouse explodes in flames. It’s the third warehouse linked to mob boss, Rupert Thorne, to meet a firey end of late. Records claim a series of electrical malfunctions, but Batman and his trusted partner, Alfred Pennyworth, surmise a gang war is brewing.
The next scene acquaints us with two major characters – Barbara Gordon and Harvey Dent. In this iteration, Gordon is a defense attorney. Grounded with her father’s astute morals for justice, she’s working to clear her client of smuggling charges. Newly elected DA Dent, who seems more preoccupied with his campaign for mayor, comes off cocky, focused only on acquiring another win in his bracket. His machismo is heavy, a natural woman-repellant, as Barbara protests her disdain for him.
Later, we’re introduced to Penguin during a police fundraiser aboard the Iceberg Lounge, a luxury yacht. The gala is going swimmingly as Cobblepott entertains attendees with a song. Here we meet a few more regular players: Commissioner Jim Gordon, detectives Harvey Bullock and Arnold Flass, and gangster Rupert Thorne. Barbara and Dent are also present as Bruce Wayne arrives tardy for the party.
Bruce manages to sneak from the festivities to do some investigating. He discovers contraband below deck but is forced to swim for an impromptu escape when he hears Penguin and others outside the door. Bruce remerges, soaking wet, humoring the audience. Funny moments like this remain strong throughout.
Later, Barbara and an unexpected visitor find themselves in a ruthless gun chase through Gotham’s streets. Caught in an alley and down to her final bullet, the originally doubtful Barbara witnesses the bat in action, as he intercedes with his Batmobile. She later commends his great driving.
Eventually, a suspect is apprehended, but their removal disrupts Gotham’s delicate crime ecosystem, allowing room for the next power-hungry villain to seize control unchecked.
“In Treacherous Waters” is a solid entry point for the series. Fans of the original will love the similarities and, hopefully, embrace the modern alterations. The animation design is excellent, fully embracing the 1940s-era styling, from the architecture to the costuming. Thematically, it feels reminiscent of the former series, incorporating a much more mature tone. There’s even cursing, something executive producer Bruce Timm couldn’t do back on Fox Kids.
The liberties taken are all attributed to character depictions, but none impact the story, feeling justly updated for 2024. Plus, the voice work is great. While Kevin Conroy’s legendary boots can never be filled, Hamish Linklater delivers as Batman and his alter ego, Bruce. Other highlights are Diedrich Bader’s Dent and Krystal Joy Brown’s Barbara Gordon. While the story isn’t groundbreaking, it’s the perfect setup for what’s to come.
Rating: 8/10