Episode three divides its time into two specific narratives while introducing Selina Kyle and Dr. Harleen Quinzel. The top storyline features Christina Ricci’s Kyle, aka Catwoman, while the second delves into the psyche of Batman and his alter ego, Bruce Wayne.
Bruce meets Ms. Kyle at a Gotham Museum exhibit showcasing Martha Wayne’s jewelry collection. The wealthy debutante finds herself short on cash after her father’s arrested for tax evasion. What is a young socialite with exquisite taste to do? Rob from the rich to feed her jewelry itch, of course. Bruce and Selina exchange flirty banter about them both being wealthy orphans. Suddenly, things go left when Bruce punches a bystander for a sly about his late mother. When The Gotham Gazette makes the incident front-page news, Bruce lands in court-ordered therapy.
Selina’s depleting funds have her facing eviction and unable to pay her one staff member. Seeing her privilege fade before her eyes, Selina sews a costume and sets her sights on some heists. Her streak lands her in jail, but the “High society klepto” manages to wiggle herself from any charges. Barbara Gordon accuses Harvey Dent of leniency for the wealthy, which he denies.
Landing on her feet, Selina commits another series of robberies, but this time, Batman’s on the chase. Cornered, the two exchange more than just flirty banter. But the Catwoman escapes in a newly furnished automobile. That’s when Batman masterminds a cat trap. He pulls the museum exhibit two days early, giving Selina a small window to make a final attempt on the valuable merchandise. This time he plans to catch her in the act with the help of O’Brien, the Gazette’s photographer.
While viewers will thoroughly enjoy the dance between Catwoman and Batman, the time spent with Quinzel is some of the series’ best work yet, as the psychologist delicately seeks the source for Bruce’s armored playboy act. She sees his philandering with women and philanthropic efforts as a facade hiding his repressed trauma. Bruce swears he is fine, keeping Harleen at arm’s length.
During the sessions, we flashback to the moment following his parents’ murder. A young Bruce, the lone witness to the crime, was questioned by police but too traumatized to speak. Later, we even witness the preteen announce an ominous promise: “They’re going to pay. All of them.” At this moment Batman was born and Bruce Wayne ceased to exist. While the mandatory sessions end, Quinzel offers to continue seeing Bruce privately. But adamantly he refuses, stating he’s fine.
The episode closes with a chilling scene. In a flashback, a lone Pennyworth waits by the Waynes’s car when he hears shots ring in the distance.
“Kiss of the Catwoman” is a great addition to the series with excellent storytelling and characterizations. While everyone will welcome the familiar Catwoman arc, the focus on the makeup of Bruce Wayne stands out. The idea of Batman being a result of mental trauma is a great, modern narrative to explore. Something that may have been too advanced for the original series.
It also offers a new perspective on Bruce and Alfred’s relationship. Yes, Mr. Pennyworth is Bruce’s surrogate father and trusted companion. But, he’s also the hired help, and that power dynamic does not favor the butler. In some ways, he could not protest Master Bruce’s vengeful tendencies, making him an unwilling accomplice to his deteriorating state of mind. Perhaps this and a mix of guilt keep Pennyworth loyal to Mr. Wayne, even when he wishes to see Bruce exorcise his demons more healthily.
Along with the masterful storytelling, the voice acting continues to be strong. Ricci’s perfect as Catwoman and kudos to Bumper Robinson’s cameo as Wayne’s attorney and future WayneTechpartner, Lucius Fox. The standout is Jaime Chung’s Quinzel. We all know what lies ahead for the psychologist, which makes her introduction more interesting. Something sinister is brewing beneath her calm and helpful demeanor.
Rating: 9/10