In my last three posts in this series celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Batman TV series, I focused on the villains that appeared during three seasons of the show. With good reason! These outlandish characters stood out as special guest villains and were played by famous Hollywood stars. It is understandable that they got so much attention.
However, the men and women who were on Batman's side – I call them Team Batman –made a pretty strong and memorable impression as well. Let's take a look at the people who supported Batman/Bruce Wayne no matter what the odds that were against them.
Robin/Dick Grayson
When suiting up to play Robin (the Boy Wonder), Dick was ready to take on all of Gotham's bad guys. Robin always had Batman's back, and he would invariably wind up in some dangerous situations along with Batman that were life threatening.
My favorite aspect of Robin was the way he would say "Holy ...." and add a word fitting to the moment. He actually said "Holy..." 356 times during the series' run. My favorite one was when Batman/Bruce finds out that Miss Kitka is actually Catwoman (I know this actually was in the Batman movie, but it is still my favorite). This is when Robin says, "Holy Heartbreak." Funny, and yet, spot on indeed!
Please check out this video of some of the key times Robin says "Holy...."
Alfred, the Butler
Alfred Pennyworth (as played with impeccable poise by Alan Napier) was the stalwart presence in Batman/Bruce Wayne's life. Alfred even dressed up as Batman to accompany Robin to a Wayne event which proved that Bruce Wayne was just a handsome rich guy and not Batman.
Napier played Alfred with charm, grace, and a deadpan delivery. How he kept the two worlds of Bruce Wayne and Batman from crashing into one another is a mystery. Alfred's efforts always proved successful, and his loyalty was unquestionable.
The one question I want answered is how did Commissioner Gordon not recognize Alfred's voice when he answered the Bat Phone?
Please check out this video of Alfred dressed as Batman saving the day.
As played with an amazing tenacity by Neil Hamilton, Gordon worshipped at the altar of Batman with a most fervent admiration. Whatever Batman (and Robin) did, Gordon would give their actions a five star review.
While everything in the series was chaotic and purposeful mayhem, Gordon stood amidst the whirlwind as straight as an arrow. When he would look at the Bat Phone in his office as if he were looking at something sacred, Gordon would mention how lucky they were to be able to count on Batman.
I have to give Hamilton credit for being able to remain so serious during the most bizarre of scenes. His presence made the series all the more glorious because we were in on the joke that Gordon didn't even know was funny.
Please check out this scene of Gordon being Batman and Robin's superfan.
Chief Miles Clancy O'Hara
As played as slightly bumbling by Stafford Repp, Chief O'Hara followed the lead of his boss in admiration of the Dynamic Duo. As he and the commissioner would talk about them as if they were in line for sainthood, it was hilarious when thinking about them deferring all decisions to two men dressed up in Halloween costumes.
While Hamilton played Gordon as straight faced and stoic, Repp made O'Hara human and a little bit overwhelmed at times. Despite the ludicrousness of the situation, O'Hara is another beloved character especially for those of us who grew up with the show.
Please check out Chief O'Hara at one of his best and funniest moments.
Aunt Harriet
I have a feeling that her inclusion in the series as unknowingly living with the men who were crimefighters was a way of showing that even Batman and Robin had a family. If they were out there fighting evil in the streets, they were doing it for innocent people like their Aunt Harriet.
Madge Blake did an excellent job, making Harriet loving and supportive. Like many stabilizing factors in our lives, she may have been taken for granted in the bigger picture, but when she was missing – in episodes during season three (due to Blake's health issues) –her absence was even more noticeable.
Please check out one of Aunt Harriet's typical moments.
In the third season the appearance of Batgirl (the beautiful Yvonne Craig) changed the game for Batman and Robin. While she existed in the comic books, she was notably absent during the first two seasons. Batgirl certainly appealed to me as a little kid because – before this the only females (besides Aunt Harriet) in the series were villains, and you can't like them – but Batgirl was on the side of good and sexy too.
I have heard some negativity about Batgirl over the years, but Craig played her perfectly. She had her secret room with all her uniforms and gadgets, and she rode a very cool motorcycle. I think she was a great addition to the show. It is certainly unfortunate that a show featuring her on her own never got the chance. If there could be a show about Gidget and Patty Duke, why couldn't we have a had a show about Batgirl?
Introducing Yvonne Craig as Batgirl
Villains vs. Team Batman
While the villains were all fireworks and smoke and mirrors, Team Batman was slow and steady, and they win the race. They were there to support Batman, and did so in hilarious ways. While I like the villains and they were very entertaining, I love Team Batman and, in the end, they are my favorite part of the Batman TV series.
What's Next?
In the next post – which will be the last of this series – I will be taking a look at the one and only Batman: The Caped Crusader!
So, until next time, see you at the Same Bat Time, Same Bat Channel!
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