Since San Diego Comic Con International officially kicks off today and lasts throughout the weekend, we thought it would only be appropriate to highlight a classic superhero show from the past. Within the last 45 years, there have been numerous live-action television shows featuring mostly DC Comics superheroes. Superman, The Flash, Wonder Woman, and Green Arrow have been brought to the small screen in one incarnation or various, as is the case with the Man of Steel. Today, however, we decided to focus on the 1966 classic Batman!
The live-action Batman series may be dated but nothing can beat its wholesome, entertainment, family-friendly battle of good versus evil. Yes, the costumes were a hoot. Who could forget Robin wearing green tighties and those elf shoes? Or how about The Joker painted white in his pink suit? And some of the situations the heroes got into were unforgettable. Remember Batman dancing the Batusi? The Joker tying up Batman and Robin to a lethal slot machine? Batgirl driving her motorcycle with all the frilly lace around the face shield? But the best part of the show was its creativity. Who didn't want to own a sliding pole that changed your outfits with a push of a button? You know you recreated those scenes on the playground. We all craved for a utility belt that held any-and-everything you could think of, plus more. And that Batcave was pretty freakin' sweet! The car was rotated mechanically and then had that secret entrance.
We've included the first episode of the series that features the famous Batusi.
Adam West and Burt Ward were cast as Batman and Robin for the entire three-year run. You might ask "Is that the same Adam West who does voice work on Family Guy?" The answer is simple. Yup. It is. If the costumes and neat-o technology for that era wasn't appealing enough for viewers then Batman grabbed them with its guest casting. The show drew Hollywood royalty to play the "Special Guest Villain" roles. Screen legends Burgess Meredith, Cesar Romero, Anne Baxter, and Victor Buono were just some of the names who appeared in the show's first season.
Batman's popularity soared after its premiere year and continued strong in its sophmore year. By the show's third year, however, ratings and interest had declined as the television landscape was transitioning from fantasy to more realistic, socially aware programming. Attempts in reinvigorating the show and attracting female viewers with the addition of the Batgirl character were futile and the show ended after the third season.
Though the live-action '60s series may have ended after three years, Adam West and Burt Ward would be forever associated with the Batman and Robin characters and would reprise those roles throughout the '70s in animation with The New Adventures of Batman and Super Friends, and in live-action with the short-lived special, Legends of the Superheroes.
Did you watch Batman while growing up? What were some of your favorite moments? Share with us and comment below, and remember to Stay Tuned for future blasts of the past!
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