Classic Sci Fi TV: Batman (1966)

Classic Sci Fi TV: Our ongoing look back at many of the classics of science fiction and fantasy television.

What Is It? Millionaire Bruce Wayne and his ward Dick Grayson lead a double life as the Dynamic Duo known as Batman and Robin. When Commissioner Gordon summons them on the Bat Phone, they don the cape and cowl and jump into action to protect Gotham City from the many scheming villains that threaten the citizens and safety of their town.

Aired: ABC, 1966-68, 3 Seasons Totaling 120 Episodes

Starring: Adam West, Burt Ward, Alan Napier, Neil Hamilton, Stafford Repp

Developed By: William Dozier

Is It Must-Watch Sci Fi? Yes.  You need to at least watch some episodes, particularly those with the classic villains like Joker, Penguin, Riddler, and Catwoman (as well as a few of the Batgirl eps), in order to get a good feel for this show’s legacy.

The Skinny: In the mid-1960’s, comics were still considered pretty much just for kids even though the new Marvel entries like Spider-Man and The Fantastic Four had started to make inroads into college campuses. When Batman premiered in 1966, it likely did not change that perception too much, but it did bring the comic creations to the attention of a wider audience and was even considered hip for a while. The series played up the comic book aspect of the material, especially during the fight scenes with “ZIFF”, “BANG”, and “POW” splattered across the screen. But it winked at the audience at the same time, never taking itself too seriously. It was very much a comic book superimposed on the television screen with colorful villains, straight-laced heroes, and over-the-top capers that usually involved a life-threatening cliffhanger situation for the Caped Crusaders. Adam West and Burt Ward were perfect in the lead roles with their deadpan readings of the characters that became so famous that they could never disassociate themselves from the show. And of course, the revolving door of guest actors portraying the show’s infamous rogue’s gallery has also become iconic, permanently attaching such names as Cesar Romero, Burgess Meridith, Frank Gorshin, Julie Newmar, Victor Buono, and more to the series.

Some may consider Batman more of a Retro Sci Fi TV entry, and an argument can be made considering that it was high on camp and a little of it goes a long way. But like Lost in Space, which I consider more Classic than Retro, Batman is an iconic show from its time and had a major impact on genre television and the medium in general. It may have been a comic book translated to television and it may have appealed more to kids than adults, but it also introduced many people to the superhero milieu and converted a fair number to lifelong comic book fans. And even today, when superheroes have entered the mainstream with everything from dark to comic to surreal interpretations of the characters, the influence of the 1966 Batman series is felt. The show become a pop-culture phenomenon when it debuted (though it did burn out quickly), and it would continue to resonate with audiences for many years to come. But love it or hate it, the show made a permanent impact on television. If you have not seen it in a while, or have never partaken of the Dynamic Duo, it is definitely worth a look for a slice of the ’60’s, some good camp fun, and a show that has become a television legend.

Buy Batman The Complete Series on DVD from Amazon.com

Cancelled Too Soon? Perhaps. The show made the Top 10 in its first season but had already dropped out of the Top 30 by its second year. Its numbers slipped further in its third season, despite the attempt to boost ratings with the introduction of Batgirl, and ABC decided that this flash-in-the-pan series had worn out its welcome. NBC considered picking it up for a fourth season, but many of the sets had already been destroyed so the network decided it would be too costly to continue the show. It is hard to say if a fourth season would have added much to its legacy seeing as the episodes had already become quite redundant.  But since it aired two episodes a week during its first two seasons–split by the cliffhanger ending–it amassed 120 total episodes which gave it a whole new life in syndication where it would continue to convert new viewers for many years to come.

Revival: NBC toyed with a Justice League-like series titled Legends of the Superheroes in the late ’70’s with Adam West and Burt Ward reprising their roles as the Dynamic Duo. But that produced only two specials and never continued to series. There have since been multiple reboots of the character starting on the big screen with Tim Burton’s Batman in 1989 and then following on television in 1992 by the beloved and equally classic Batman: The Animated Series. Plenty more reboots of the character have followed in the cinema and on television with yet a new actor (Twilight‘s Robert Pattinson) taking over the roll in an upcoming set of movies. The 1966 Batman show had a revival of its own in comics with Batman ’66 which began in 2013 and is still putting out special issues today. There were even two animated movies produced with West, Ward, and Julie Newmar voicing their original characters. Sadly, Adam West passed away in 2017 before any more could be produced.

Buy Batman vs. Two-Face / Batman Return of the Caped Crusaders on DVD from Amazon.com

Interesting Fact: After Batman turned into a pop-culture phenomenon following its debut in January 1966, many actors jumped at the chance to play a villain on the series in order to increase their exposure. Cesar Romero (Joker), Burgess Meredith (the Penguin), Frank Gorshin (the Riddler), and Julie Newmar (Catwoman) are among the best-known guest actors on the series. But the rogue’s gallery was expanded with such names as Roddy McDowell (The Bookworm), Art Carney (The Archer), Vincent Price (Egghead), Liberace (Chandell), Joan Collins (The Siren), Milton Berle (Louie the Lilac) and more. In addition, the “Batclimb Cameo”–the scenes when someone would open a window and talk to Batman and Robin as they scaled a building–was a highly sought-after gig as well. Such names as Sammie Davis Jr., Dick Clark, Don Ho, Jerry Lewis, and more appeared in those segments.

Where Can You Watch It? All three seasons of the show have been released on DVD (after a long delay), but it has not received the Blu-ray treatment in the U.S. yet.  Interestingly, the only place the series is currently available for streaming is the Roku Channel.  That is a free service (with ads) that requires you to set up an account (no credit card required) to watch its shows.

Read More About the Show: Wikipedia | IMDb.com

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