Batman: Caped Crusader season 2 review: Even a perfect Joker can’t save this show

Created by Timm and Eric Radomski, Batman: The Animated Series is one of the most influential animated shows of all time. It created entirely new DC characters like Harley Quinn and Renee Montoya, who would become part of Batman canon, and redefined the backstories of existing characters like Mr. Freeze to turn one-note villains into tragic figures. Caped Crusader, a spiritual sequel from Timm and James Tucker, takes a similar approach to The Animated Series, attempting to redefine those characters yet again, this time through the lens of 1940s film noir. Season 1 largely succeeded, especially in its depiction of Gotham’s deep corruption and its subtle reimagining of Harvey Dent/Two-Face. Caped Crusader season 2 attempts a similar trick and mostly falls flat. Ten new episodes focus on reinventing members of Batman’s rogues’ gallery while putting the spotlight on more minor characters, but few of them truly shine.