Episode 8 is an inspirational entry, with the return of an adorable character from season one. Batman finds himself paired up with the young gumshoe to stop a mad man’s from expanding his unique collection.
With news spreading of Riddler’s murder, the city and the GCPD await answers on Rupert Thorne’s whereabouts. Gordon and his team suspect foul play when they find the missing mob king’s sedan at the bottom of the lake. As they place an APB on the fallen criminal, another mysterious figure rises from the shadows.
After two hoodlums rid of a rat, the body is collected by a new face. Instead of the morgue, a box truck escorts the corpse to Sub-Zero Ice House.
Meanwhile, viewers are reintroduced to Carrie Kelley, the orphan girl who saved Batman’s life in the episode, “Nocturna.” Carrie has since been adopted by a lovely couple, whose allowing the rough-around-the-edges youth to adjust to her new life. This includes protecting her from Harvey Bullock, who is bent on sending Carrie to juvie for constantly breaking curfew.
Carrie is out late because she’s the Crime Smasher, a masked vigilante putting an end to crimes, like finding a neighbor’s missing dog and foiling young thieves. Carrie crosses paths with the Batman when they both arrive at the ice house.
Batman demands she return home, as this caper is too dangerous. She obliges, teary-eyed, but runs straight into Bullock. She manages to escape and returns to the ice house in the nick of time. Among a bunch of statues, she finds Batman locked in a cryo chamber. Carrie frees him just as Mr. Zero returns.
Carrie shoots her slingshot in defense, hitting one of the statutes in the head. Suddenly, Carrie realizes the statues are humans Mr. Zero has incased in liquid nitrogen, including Rupert Thorne!
The duo overpowers Mr. Zero, with Batman questioning him who provided Thorne’s body. Before Zero can answer, three bullets silence him. Realizing she saved his life, again, Batman goes to thank Carrie, but she’s disappeared. Our heroine manages to sneak back home just as Bullock knocks on the family’s door. She bids him a coy wink and farewell.
This episode was heartwarming, delivering a feel-good optimism from one of Gotham’s future comrades. Bringing Carrie back is a delight, as we see the Caped Crusader let down his guard and collaborate with the would-be Robin, hinting at the dynamic duo later in Batman’s career. It’s a touching reminder that Batman’s presence isn’t just something to fear, but a beacon of safety and courage.
Mr. Zero obviously references Batman’s chilling villain, Mr. Freeze aka Victor Fries. The writers borrowed an early alias for Freeze, and turned his obsession with cold cadavers into something totally different. While an interesting narrative choice, the one-off doesn’t quite deliver like previous changes. Unless, perhaps, Zero returns in some capacity.
Rating: 7.5/10