Return of the Joker (Not the Movie)

Harley Quinn Season 2, Episode 11 Review

Well, folks, we all knew this was coming: Joker’s back! After an entire season of build up, Harley had to turn Joe Kurr back into her psychotic ex in order to find the Justice League and save Gotham from Dr. Psycho. But more importantly, save her friends and come to terms with the fact that she’s not over Ivy! So how does Joker act now that’s been brought back from his living nightmare of being a normal nobody?

Honestly, not much like the Joker. The show could have fallen back on the toxic relationship between Harley and Joker; it would have been so easy! He’s Joker, one of the most evil villains humanity’s dreamt up! But it doesn’t! Instead, it chooses to focus on the Joker coming to terms with his own relationship with Bethany, his girlfriend/the person who found in the rubble of his tower.

For all his hatred of being a normal guy, it turns out Mistah J liked being with Beth and her kids. It was the relationship he never knew he needed in life. So, in a surprising turn of events, he decides to keep it going with Beth even after remembering everything.

Yeah, even Batman’s surprised by this. If it were any other version of the Joker, I’d be suspcicious. But given how this show has that Venture Bros mentality going with treating villainy like a normal job, I’m not surprised. As far as I’m concerned, it’s just like a sitcom problem, but with superheroes and villians. And Joker did say he’s not going to stop being evil. I just hope he doesn’t teach Beth’s kids how to be evil.

Hell of a Cliffhanger

While all of this is going on, the sub-plot sees Ivy try to deal with her feelings for Harley by burying herself in her wedding plans. That, and not caring about what Dr. Psycho’s doing. The more she tries to deny it, though, the more apparent it is to me that she’s in denial. Which leads to her snap and just go after Psycho by herself, putting her under Psycho’s mind control, and then being sent to off Harley. So, not the best move on her part.

Regardless, I think it’s a great idea, from a storytelling standpoint. Not only does it bring multiple plot threads together (the episode, I mean), but it does them in a very organic manner. I mean, even Joker tells Harley that she shouldn’t give up on Ivy just yet. If Joker of all people’s saying that, then I think you should listen to him!

So, I think that this episode may be my favorite of the entire season, with it tying together many of the show’s long-running plot points. From the Harley+Ivy relationship to Batman’s return and the return of the Justice League, there’s a lot going on without feeling like too much.

We now have two episodes left this season, and so far, the finale looks like it’s going to be great! I can’t wait!

I Give “A Fight Worth Fighting For” A 4.8/5. Best Episode of the Season

Stray Observations

• I think the Justice League will need therapy after getting out of that storybook
• Even Darkseid condemns Psycho’s use of the C-Word.

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