Scruffy Nerfherder Presents: The Top 10 Best Batmans

By Andrew Braid

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the creation of arguably the most iconic and overwhelmingly popular superhero in comic book history: the caped crusader, the world's greatest detective, the dark knight, Batman. While his three-quarters of a century as a character in comics is massive and wildly varied, the character also has a long, diverse and very rich history in film and television, perhaps more so than any other single comic book hero. This includes 8 live-action feature films (soon to be 9 with the looming release of Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice in 2016), two different sets of 1940s adventure serials, a classic live-action television series, numerous animated shows, literally dozens of animated movies, and more guest appearances or cameos than you could shake a Bat-stick at. Naturally this would cause many a Bat-fan to ask a serious (and not very easy) Bat-question: which is the best version of their iconic childhood hero? There's so many versions to choose and compare that even narrowing it down to a Top 10 list is far from a Bat-picnic. But in honour of the character's 75th anniversary I plan to take on this challenge and do just that, presenting today my picks for the Top 10 Best Batmans!
First, the ground rules:

-This list is strictly regarding film and television incarnations of the character.

-Both live-action and animated versions are being included.

-This is all subjective and based on personal preference, so keep that in mind (I probably didn't need that last reminder, but you never know).

Alright, let's light that signal in the sky and kick off our countdown, starting with...

#10: Rino Romano

Appearances: The Batman (2004-2008), The Batman vs. Dracula (2005)

Look, it was either this or Val Kilmer, so deal with it. 

In all seriousness though, The Batman has always been seen as some awkward "middle child" among the various animated television incarnations of the caped crusader. Whereas the much-loved and lauded shows that preceded (Batman: TAS) and followed it (Brave and the Bold) both chose one extreme and stuck with it, The Batman felt like it was trying to find a middle ground: kind of but not really that dark (most of the time, anyway- the episodes involving the first Clayface and Robin's origin being notable exceptions), and occasionally silly without ever going into full-on silver-age camp. Mostly it was an excuse for cool-looking and fast-paced hand-to-hand action scenes with all manner of martial arts moves coming from every single character (yes, even the fucking Penguin). At the centre of it all was a younger, late 20s Batman who's still early in his career and has plenty left to learn. Experienced voice actor Rino Romano (the original english voice of Tuxedo Mask, for all you fangirls out there) takes on the role here and does a measured and all-around solid job, if not a spectacular one (though there's this one episode where he gets infected with Joker venom that lets him stretch his acting range more than usual). The distinction between his Bruce Wayne and Batman vocals is more subtle than in many other versions, but he still gives us a Batman with an edge of cool who proves plenty formidable in a fight. 

#9: Peter Weller

Appearances: Batman: The Dark Knight Returns (2012/2013)

A feature-length adaptation of Frank Miller's iconic Batman story The Dark Knight Returns (live-action or animated) had been long-anticipated by many fans of the character, so casting the right actor to play an aged, out-of-retirement version of everyone's favourite crime fighter was crucial to say the least. Enter Robocop himself Peter Weller, lending the role less the feel of gruff, grizzled growling that you might expect and more the tone of a wise yet tortured veteran, one who finds out that his old habits really do die hard. His voice lends Miller's Dark Knight a sense of weariness and (perhaps particularly appropriate for this incarnation of the character) an almost-calming sense of authoritarianism. When one of the book's most famous moments comes up (the fight with the mutant leader- "This is an operating table... and I'm the surgeon"), Weller's delivery has no growls or bellows. Instead he sounds like a disappointed teacher (I do mean that in a good way): this is what Gotham has come to, this is what he has to deal with and clean up, these are the misguided faces of a new generation that he'll have to take it up on himself to whip into proper shape. It's a distinctly unique interpretation of the character, one that particularly stands out considering the iconic source material.

#8: Bruce Greenwood

Appearances: Batman: Under the Red Hood (2010), Young Justice (2010-2013)

Bruce Greenwood, probably best known for playing several U.S. movie presidents and as Captain Pike in the J.J. Abrams Star Trek movies, might not initially have seemed like an obvious choice to play Batman, even for an animated incarnation. But his performance for the acclaimed DTV movie Batman: Under the Red Hood turned out so good that he was asked to reprise the role for the underrated (and unfairly cancelled) Young Justice. Despite a whole different kind of story, his work on Young Justice actually feels fairly consistent with the approach he takes in Red Hood, namely how Greenwood plays Batman primarily as a stern yet loving mentor and father figure. He can play the part just as gruff and imposing as anyone else, but its that underlying paternal layer he embodies that helps make Under the Red Hood so heartbreaking, whether he's reminiscing the good memories he had with Jason Todd as a young Robin or desperately trying (perhaps in vain) to convince the resurrected adult Jason/Red Hood that murder and revenge aren't the answers to fixing Gotham's problems (their climactic moral debate is truly compelling, and far more engaging than any standard round of fisticuffs). He knows better than anyone how easy it is to cross that line, and failing to teach a son that can only take a heavy toll on his conscience. 

#7: Adam West

Appearances: Batman (1966-1968), Batman: The Movie (1966), The New Adventures of Batman (1977), SuperFriends: The Legendary Super Powers Show (1984)

Once loved by millions of audiences in a fever of "Bat-Mania", then derided by many fans who desperately wanted their comic book idol to be taken seriously, the 1960s Batman television series fortunately seems to have been regaining cultural and fan appreciation over the last few years or so (and should only continue to grow with the release of this year's Complete Series box set). While credit must absolutely be given to the show's writers for their often-clever camp cheekiness, Adam West's almost magically straight-faced line delivery made sure that just about every thinly-veiled absurdity hit its mark. Despite the show's tongue-in-cheek parody approach, he truly felt like the Batman of the Silver Age comics come to life, to the point where the comics in turn tried harder to be more like the TV series. His approach perfectly reflected the era- his identity as Bruce Wayne is barely concealed yet never discovered, his Bat-gadget supply literally has no limits, his villains' plots are often as insane as they are inane, and the mind-boggling leaps of logic in his deductions are somehow always right. West played it all with only the slightest of hints that he was in on the joke, whether he danced the Batusi or laid the onomatopoeia-assisted smackdown on evildoers. While later reprisals of his role as the Caped Crusader proved decidedly lacking, we'll always have the original series to cherish for whenever we want to hear Adam West say something utterly ridiculous with only the utmost of conviction (his many appearances on Family Guy notwithstanding).

#6: Will Friedle

Appearances: Batman Beyond (1999-2001), Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker (2000)

This one is maybe kind of debatable, seeing how this isn't the standard Bruce Wayne Batman. But if you ask me it honestly doesn't matter, as Terry McGinnis (and Will Friedle as his voice) handily proved his mettle over the course of Batman Beyond's run. He's a new kind of Batman, a cocky, rebellious and surprisingly capable teenager who feels very much like he's taken a page or two from Spider-Man's book. But Terry proves to be more than just some souped-up Robin in a Batman costume: while he lacks the same kind of training, experience and detective intellect as Bruce Wayne (now an old man serving the Alfred role as Terry's mentor), he proves to be resourceful, creative and determined enough to live up to the mantle and carve out his own legacy as the Dark Knight of a new era. Thanks as much to Friedle's likable, funny and good-natured performance as it is the show's quality writing, Terry McGinnis makes for a more immediately sympathetic and relatable version of Batman, raised with a mostly ordinary (if occasionally troublesome) middle-class childhood before tragedy strikes and inspires him to don the upgraded new suit. Considering how often he has to hold his own against the practically legendary Kevin Conroy as elderly Bruce Wayne, Friedle makes it look almost easy and develops a fantastic rapport with his mentor in the process. He may not be the original we're all so familiar with, but this Batman 2.0 undoubtedly proves his worthiness. 

#5: Will Arnett

Appearances: The Lego Movie (2014)

It's no secret that Batman is a huge scene-stealer in The Lego Movie, and watching it again it's not hard to see why. Will Arnett delivers a killer parody of the Dark Knight, in particular all the more self-serious and gritty takes on the character that have mostly dominated the pop culture landscape over recent years. Lego Batman is a super-cool badass and he knows it, and can't seem to help using it as an excuse to get away with being a total egocentric jerkwad. In doing so Arnett's take on the character, matched by a Bat-voice that would probably still sound great even in a genuinely serious Batman movie, reveals the paradoxical nature of our culture's overwhelmingly huge, obsessive love for the character. We know he's a jerk, a billionaire vigilante who clings to childish ideals (and maybe even childish attitudes) as an excuse to beat up criminals and puts his vast wealth towards making anything he can slap a Bat-symbol onto. But at the same time we can't help but love him anyway, since he basically embodies what many of us wish we could be ourselves- rich, badass and awesome at just about everything.
Well, except managing a good healthy relationship.

I don't actually have a reason for putting this here, other than the fact that I can't stop laughing.

#4: Diedrich Bader 

Appearances: Batman: The Brave and the Bold (2008-2011)

This show has a Bat-musical episode. Guest-starring Neil Patrick Harris. As if you need more reasons to watch this show...

To be honest #4 and #3 are practically a tie, and I'm still mulling over which one is actually better, but the fact that they both rank so high should say plenty about the very different qualities each brings to their Bat-portrayal. First up is voice actor Diedrich Bader, who plays the caped crusader in the fantastic (possibly underrated? Wait, can we actually still call it that anymore?) animated series Batman: The Brave and the Bold. The series namely played as a direct adaptation of the Silver Age era of Batman's comics history, though a lot of the time it plays like a giant love letter to the character's rich 75-year history as a whole, with every episode featuring different team-ups of heroes and villains, be they recognizable, goofy, campy, obscure or even downright weird. The series was usually comedic in tone, often pointing out its inherent absurdity while also sincerely embracing it, and Bader pitch-perfectly plays Batman as the justice-obsessed, crime-fighting straight man. He understands that no matter how silly a story or scenario gets, Batman always takes himself seriously. Hell, he's so devoted to the cape and cowl that we very rarely ever see him as Bruce Wayne throughout the show (you could count the number of episodes we see Batman sans mask with one hand). That makes it all the more impressive when the show throws us a curveball with "Chill of the Night", a genuinely dark and tragic episode where Batman tracks down Joe Chill, the man who shot his parents dead all those years ago. The show makes it clear that despite all the humour and Silver Age antics this is still the Batman we all know, and Bader nails it when he gets to go for genuine emotional turmoil. No matter what the script calls for, Bader gamely plays it completely straight and gives it his all, whether he's fighting, brooding, flirting, singing, body-swapped with Batwoman, or eating nachos. Wait...

Look, I just couldn't help it. Can you really blame me?

#3: Michael Keaton

Appearances: Batman (1989), Batman Returns (1992)

Still the definitive live-action Batman for many growing up in the late 1980s and 90s,  Michael Keaton surprised many when he donned the rubber Batsuit (complete with its infamous inability to turn one's head while wearing it- seriously, watch the movie again and you'll totally notice). Thought of namely as a goofy comedic actor in roles like Mr. Mom and Tim Burton's previous film Beetlejuice, many were sent into an uproar over the initial casting announcement. But famously all those quick-to-jump detractors soon ate their words when they were treated to the first truly serious and gothic screen iteration of Gotham's dark knight. As Bruce Wayne he was an awkward, brooding loner, with a puzzled, uncertain face that can say so much despite his lack of words. But when he dons the suit he brings a truly intimidating presence, one who strikes fear into the hearts of criminals without even having to raise his voice (I still can't remember a single moment where he ever shouts, screams, yells, or  utters anything a decibel louder than average speaking volume). The intense focus on the character's duality makes scenes like this one all the more surprising, lending a sense of genuine unpredictability to what this Bruce Wayne guy is really capable of. It's for good reason why many 80s kids like Seth Rogen will still attest that Keaton is the best Batman.

#2: Christian Bale

Appearances: Batman Begins (2005), The Dark Knight (2008), The Dark Knight Rises (2012)

Alright, I'll address the elephant in the room upfront here: yes, Bat-Bale's famous/infamous raspy growl of a voice is oh so very easy to make fun of to this day, and probably for all time (and having Bane impressions to bounce off of has only made it worse). But when it comes time to watch the movies on their own, in the context of their gritty, sprawling crime saga and epic action, the Bat-voice weirdly fits right in. Despite having a less gothic and more grounded approach to the character and to Gotham City itself, Bale's Batman still handily proves both imposing and fearsome as a shadow of the night (it helps that, much more so than any other live-action portrayal so far, this is a Batman who looks like he could seriously kick your ass in a fight). More importantly however is Bale's full-throttle commitment to the role, truly throwing himself into the character and just how effectively he builds himself as Bruce Wayne first before Batman. We truly feel his pain, his loss and confusion as to who he wishes to be, and we're allowed ample time to see him ponder and wrestle with himself (particularly when he seeks Alfred's devoted yet reluctant guidance). Both his socialite billionaire Bruce Wayne and his raspy-voiced warrior Batman come off overtly like a man doing a performance. Because we've seen the real man behind the masks, we can see right through his overplayed rich jerk and his infamous Bat-growl. He's both Bruce and Batman, but at the same time he's also neither- underneath all that is a man lost in longstanding trauma and guilt, a man who wishes to follow in his parents' footsteps and save the city they helped build.
Whereas previous live-action Batman movies often allowed the villains to steal the show and overshadow Batman himself, Christian Bale's performance makes that all but impossible in the game-changing Nolan trilogy. Heath Ledger's Joker in The Dark Knight was already an iconic force of nature, but when he finally gets to be face-to-face with Bale's Batman? Bat-Bale goes toe-to-toe with Ledger, and as Joker himself says in the same scene, he didn't disappoint- it reminds one of the famous diner scene in Heat, two legends finally staring each other down as they embody the duelling sides of law and chaos. Bale's Dark Knight becomes more than just a man over the course of Nolan's epic trilogy- he becomes a legend. And it takes a legend to anchor a series like this one.

#1: Kevin Conroy

Appearances: Batman: The Animated Series (1992-1995, 1997-1999), Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (1993), Batman & Mr. Freeze: Subzero (1998) Batman Beyond (1999-2001), Justice League (2001-2004, 2004-2006), Batman: Gotham Knight (2008), Superman/Batman: Public Enemies (2009), Superman/Batman: Apocalypse (2010), Justice League: Doom (2012), Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox (2013), Batman: Assault on Arkham (2014)

Honestly, could it be anyone else? From the beginning of the revered 90s animated series to present day in DC Animated features and the Arkham video game series, Kevin Conroy has been, continues to be, and pretty much simply IS Batman. His Batman voice is perfect to the point of being definitive- dark, brooding and commanding without ever feeling forced or overplayed. Not only that, but he's done by far a better job than anyone else of distinguishing Bruce Wayne as a separate performance, a public playboy facade cleverly concealing the damaged and driven soul underneath (the ways he so seamlessly shifts between the two voices in many scenes is often downright remarkable). He adapts to whatever kind of scene he needs to with utmost ease, whether it's a deadpan joke or a somber musing, a howling scream of fury or an earnest insistence of hope. He even grows over time along with the rest of the DC Animated Universe, whether its as the Justice League's would-be loner or as a grizzled old mentor in Batman Beyond. No matter what the situation, no matter which movie or TV episode, you always hear the same thing from Kevin Conroy:
You hear vengeance.
You hear the night.
You hear BATMAN.

Plus, as it turns out, you also hear a great set of pipes. Close us out, Batman!

Thanks for reading, everyone! And Happy Bat-iversary!

TV Top 10s: The Top 11 Best Episodes- Buffy the Vampire Slayer

By Andrew Braid

Into every generation a Slayer is born: 
one girl in all the world, a chosen one.
She alone will wield the strength and skill to fight the vampires, demons, and the forces of darkness;
to stop the spread of their evil and the swell of their number.
She is the Slayer.

A long time ago, a youthful writer named Joss Whedon came up with a clever, subversive little idea. He was a man very familiar with conventions and horror movie tropes. One particular trope caught his attention: in so many movies, the "dumb blonde girl" character usually dies first, helpless and screaming, all because she walked into some dark alley. This is when a fateful lightbulb from the pop culture heavens entered his brain. He asked himself: what if that "dumb blonde girl" character were the hero? What if she not only fought back against the monsters and bad guys, but kicked major ass doing it? What if this seemingly ordinary girl turned out to be extraordinary?
In 1992 Whedon's script was brought to the screen in the film Buffy the Vampire Slayer, starring Kristy Swanson, Luke Perry, Rutger Hauer, Paul Reubens, and Donald Sutherland.
It sucked.

Flash-forward to 1996, and Joss' idea was resurrected as a television series for the still-fresh upstart WB Network, eager to look out for hip original programming to help make a name for itself. The film, while not very well received, was still a modest box office success, but even so none of the major networks showed interest in Joss' pitch. Then the WB Network came along, ordering a pilot and later a 12-episode order for midseason. This time Joss had true creative control, ensuring his vision was brought to life the way he intended. Expectations weren't exactly high for the show, either for ratings or critical success.
On March 10, 1997, Buffy the Vampire Slayer first premiered on television screens. Seven seasons and 144 episodes later, it ended its run celebrated as one of the greatest television series of all time, backed by a hardcore devoted fanbase whose demand for more is strong enough that the series still continues in comic book form (the first issue of Season 10 is released this month). It even spawned a concurrent, much-loved spinoff series that was successful in its own right. It may have been overlooked by the more elite awards shows, but viewers knew better- Buffy the Vampire Slayer wasn't just any other show. It was something bound to endure for years to come.

To say nothing of how long people will debate between these two.*1

What can I say about Buffy the Vampire Slayer? Or, perhaps more pertinent to ask, what have I not said already about Buffy the Vampire Slayer? At this point the show's legacy more or less speaks for itself- it proved that working in fantasy, horror and other kinds of "genre" television wasn't some sentence to schlock but a potential gateway for whole other kinds of writing. You could mix horror, humor, action, fantasy, romance, drama, suspense, mystery, hell even musical numbers: Buffy did it all, and had it all, leaving viewers in rapt anticipation for what the next episode would have up its sleeves. In the end it wasn't just one show- it was all the shows.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer ranks among my all-time favorite television series (big surprise there), and to celebrate it (and the aforementioned debut of Season 10, I guess- hey, if a tie-in presents itself, take it) I'm here to count down my picks for the Top 11 best episodes the series ever gave us. With a show as generally consistent in its quality as Buffy, narrowing this down to a list of even 11 episodes is a struggle for anyone, especially as each fan's favorites are bound to vary wildly (with few exceptions). There are many great episodes of the series I don't get to mention here, so I will reassure you all that if your favorites don't pop up then it by no means translates to me thinking it's a bad or weak episode. Because really, there are no outright bad episodes of Buffy (not even "Beer Bad"- though not for a lack of trying). I love the show through and through, and this is my own little tribute to celebrate the great moments that stood out to me.
Oh, and it should go without saying BEWARE OF SPOILERS. If you haven't seen the show yet (or still need to finish it), then you probably want to go do that ASAP and come back later.

Honorable Mentions: Passion (S2, E17), Becoming- Parts 1 and 2 (S2, E21/22), Band Candy (S3, E6), The Wish (S3, E9), Amends (S3, E10), Superstar (S4, E17), Fool for Love (S5, E7), Tabula Rasa (S6, E8), Selfless (S7, E5)


And now, the Top 11 Best Episodes of Buffy, starting with...

#11: The Gift (Season 5, Episode 22)

Written and Directed by Joss Whedon

 

"I know that I'm a monster, but... you treat me like a man..."

Yeah, I had to cheat a bit and make it a Top 11, because while not quite the best season finale Buffy ever did, boy does "The Gift" get close. Everything from Season 5 (the second-best overall season of the show) comes together here in beautiful fashion- Xander and Anya get hitched! Buffy lets Spike back into her house! Willow restores Tara's mind! Giles crosses the line that Buffy never would! Dawn needs to be rescued, but we actually care this time! It all ends with a spectacular action climax climbing up a construction tower, as Buffy prepares to make the ultimate sacrifice for her sister. The beautiful, emotional conclusion alone puts "The Gift" among the show's best. It's...
*sniff* I'm not c-crying, why are you?

#10: Pangs (Season 4, Episode 8)

Written by Jane Espenson

Directed by Michael Lange

"Soon he'll be sweating... I'm imagining having sex with him again..."

If there were a competition for most quotable episode of Buffy, "Pangs" would undoubtedly make it to the championship title bout. There's a goldmine of great lines here, be they relating to Anya's lusts for Xander, Xander's unfortunate new curse (putting to rest the old hat idea that syphillis is ever not funny), Spike's utter desperation, and Buffy's wishy-washy uncomfortable dilemma in having to fight the spirits of a Native American tribe intent on wreaking havoc on Sunnydale in time for Thanksgiving. Sure, Willow's sudden disapproval of the holiday mostly pops up just for the sake of having that point-of-view presented, but are you really going to complain about such things when you're left laughing so hard? Maybe it is a sham... but it's a sham with yams!

#9: Family (Season 5, Episode 6)

Written and Directed by Joss Whedon

 

"Every time I- even when I'm at my worst, you make me feel special. How do you do that?" "Magic."

The first and only episode to center around Willow's girlfriend Tara as the story's main focus, it honestly makes me wish the character (and her actress Amber Benson) had gotten more time to potentially shine. This episode marks the point where she becomes a full-blown member of the Scoobies, confronting the father and siblings who tried to manipulate and control her all this time (including bitchy sister Amy Adams!). These final scenes, where the gang stands up for Tara and call themselves her family, make the episode for me, culminating in a slightly cheesy, but by no means any less heartwarming, magical embrace.
It still gets me every time...

#8: Doppelgangland (Season 3, Episode 16)

Written and Directed by Joss Whedon

 

I will make it no secret that the shy yet smart and highly capable Willow Rosenberg is my favorite Buffy character (with Anya ranking a close second, followed by Spike), and "Doppelgangland" is perhaps a better argument than any as for why. Alyson Hannigan plays four, count 'em, four different takes on Willow here, ranging from the sadistic, darkly kinky Vampire Willow (accidentally pulled from the alternate universe created by Anya in "The Wish") to Willow having to impersonate Vampire Willow in order to save her friends. It's a killer showcase episode built around a deviously fun (although admittedly fanservice-y) premise, yet another big hit from the show at its peak. The reintroduction of Anya certainly helps, showing the early signs of how this character would eventually make herself a staple of the series ("I'm a mortal, a child... and I'm flunking math!"). It's an episode that reminds us why we love the character so much, but also shows us how much she's grown (and hints at how she'll continue to do so).

#7: Chosen (Season 7, Episode 22)

Written and Directed by Joss Whedon

 

"I just realized something, something that never really occurred to me before. We're going to win."

Season 7, while damn good overall, had a handful of bumps in the road, but no one will argue that the big season (and series!) finale didn't deliver in a very big way. It starts with a relaxing buildup: Angel pops in one last time, hookups are had, D&D games are played. It's all a quiet calm before the mother of all s***storms- a final fight with the forces of The First Evil, threatening to tear apart the world as we know it. The scale has never been higher, nor have the stakes and most definitely not the casualties (Anya NOOOOOOOO!). It all culminates in a huge gamechanger for the Buffy-verse, sharing the Slayer power with ALL of the Potentials out there across the world (talk about literal female empowerment!). The story continues on in the comics (which rock, BTW), but for now the Scoobies can't go home again.
Seriously, they can't. It's a f***ing crater now.

Sunnydale: still in better shape than Detroit.

#6: Something Blue (Season 4, Episode 9)

Written by Tracey Forbes

Directed by Nick Marck

 

"Honey, we need to talk about the invitations. Now do you wanna be William the Bloody or just Spike? Cuz either way it's gonna be majorly weird."

Here' the weird thing about Season 4: when it comes to the actual "Big Bad" season arc, it's pretty weak overall. But whenever the season got to sideline (or outright forget about) most of its Initiative and Adam-related content, it put out some of the best and most memorable hours of the entire series. "Something Blue" is a prime example of this: the Initiative merely gets mentioned and Riley does pop up, but only for the sake of mining more comedy from Buffy and Spike's magic-induced wedding proposal. Instead, the episode is devoted to firing laughs throughout, as Willow's depression following her breakup with Oz leads to a spell gone very (hilariously) wrong. The show takes a concept with amazing potential ("What if everything Willow says comes true?") and actually manages to live up to it in its own Buffy-style fashion, with everyone stumbling around trying to figure out how the hell this is all happening.
And no, Buffy and Spike as a lovesick couple planning invitations will never stop being funny.

#5: Graduation Day- Parts 1 and 2 (Season 3, Episodes 21 and 22)

Written and Directed by Joss Whedon

"We survived." "It was a hell of a battle." "Not the battle. High school."

Buffy season finales have been somewhat hit (Seasons 2, 5 and 7) and miss (Seasons 4*2 and 6), but with Season 3's big finish the show capped off its best season with a truly killer 2-part high note. This one has it all- a big showdown between Buffy and Faith, the final ultimate plan of Mayor Wilkins (still the best Big Bad the show ever had, though not for lack of trying), the final nail in the coffin of Buffy and Angel's relationship, the final nail in the coffin of Cordelia and Wesley's wannabe relationship, hummus, and a climactic battle that pays off not just this season but all 3 seasons to this point in a massively satisfying manner. It's a textbook definition of how to do a season finale right, and it easily stands as one of the show's biggest highlights.

#4: Once More With Feeling (Season 6, Episode 7)

Written and Directed by Joss Whedon

 

I'll just leave this here.

Do I really have to explain this one? It's the freakin' musical episode, EVERYONE knows why this one rules. Many fans rank it as the absolute best of the entire series, and believe me they sure as hell ain't far off. The songs are all a delight, peppered with infectiously clever lyrics and all performed by the show's incredibly game cast. Gellar and Marsters give the episode its center, though it's Emma Caulfield as Anya and Amber Benson's Tara who truly stand out with their amazing vocal chops. And do I honestly have to keep going? Just listen to "I'll Never Tell" again and pretend I'm delivering some kind of fascinating academic dissertation.

#3: The Zeppo (Season 3, Episode 13)

Written by Dan Vebber

Directed by James Whitmore, Jr.

"What is it? How do you get it? Who doesn't have it, and who decides who doesn't have it? What is the essence of 'cool'?"

"The Zeppo" is a brilliant parody of the show's formula, sidelining the usual end-of-the-world Buffy plotline into the background, instead focusing on the everyman "Zeppo" (look it up!) of the group, one Xander Harris. No episode has better answered the question "Why IS Xander here on this show?", proving why he is so essential in his role as the seemingly useless everyman, the Jimmy Olsen to Buffy's Superman. Nicholas Brendon truly shines here, stepping up to the plate to give us a Xander who is both tragically unlucky in his pursuit of cool and yet very lucky to have a strength, resourcefulness and capability within him that he more than anyone underestimates. In the end it's incredibly affirming that Xander realizes that he doesn't need recognition for being a hero, so long as he knows he was one. And none of this even mentions how breathlessly funny "The Zeppo" is, wildly escalating in both Xander's A-plot and everyone else's absurdly devoid of context B plot (the funniest part for me being when Xander awkwardly interrupts yet another tearful Buffy/Angel moment). This episode's profile has risen among fans over time, and for good reason: it's clever approach of cheeky deconstruction makes it easily stands among Buffy's best.

#2: The Body (Season 5, Episode 16)

Written and Directed by Joss Whedon

 

"But I don't understand. I don't understand how this all happens."

I'll admit, number one for this list is contentious. In all regards "The Body" is a masterpiece- not just objectively the best episode of Buffy, but one of the single best pieces of television ever made. Indeed, no hour of television has shocked, horrified, and all around left me a quivering emotional wreck as much as this one. Sarah Michelle Gellar does undoubtedly her finest acting of the entire series right here, doing an early first act sequence all in one long take as she struggles to come to terms with what she has just come home to. The direction by Whedon is top-notch, immediate and unflinching. Emma Caulfield once again becomes a standout through a scene so honest and heart-wrenching that it is literally impossible not to break into a pile of tears right along with her.
At the same time though, it's a particularly distinct episode of Buffy, with almost no jokes whatsoever and only one small action beat at the end, harshly driving home that no matter how hard this experience is, life must still go on. It succeeds so beautifully in part because it is an episode very unlike Buffy, starkly presenting one of the most realistic portrayals of dealing with death and grief ever committed to television. It's also an episode that has been admitted time and again as the hardest one to watch, not exactly lending itself well to repeat viewings like so many other installments of the series. As undeniably phenomenal as "The Body" is, I felt that I should give the #1 spot to the episode that best exemplifies Buffy as a whole (at least for me), even though it's debatable whether or not it's truly the best episode of the entire series. In other words, I guess you could say the top 2 are more or less interchangeable, depending on what you prefer as the best representation of the show as a whole.
But even so, #2 isn't exactly low praise, and I believe "The Body" should be seen (at least once) by anyone who truly loves television as an artistic medium.



So then, what does take the top spot? What episode really and truly embodies Buffy at its best?

#1: Hush (Season 4, Episode 10)

Written and Directed by Joss Whedon

 



Even with the aforementioned contention, I doubt anyone can argue against this choice. In fact, it's arguably the easiest choice one could go with for the top spot in a Best of Buffy list. Even if it doesn't always end up at the top of everyone's personal lists, it's the one episode that is absolutely guaranteed to make it on there, no matter what kind of Buffy fan you are. Of all the show's "gimmick" episodes, "Hush" presents the most clever conceit- nearly an entire episode devoid of spoken dialogue, brought about when the fairy tale menaces known as The Gentlemen (still the most genuinely frightening monster-of-the-week to ever grace the series) steal the voices of everyone in Sunnydale. As The Gentlemen stalk the streets at night the Scoobies must come up with a plan, all while working out their various communication issues (because Joss Whedon is clever like that)."Hush" represents the show at the peak of its creativity, delivering in full concentrated force everything that makes Buffy great: exciting action, hysterical comedy (seriously, just try to watch the classroom projector scene and not break into laughter. I dare you.), surprisingly creepy horror, sweet and charming romance, and the dramas of being an everyday young adult in a town beset with all manner of goings-on that are anything but everyday.
And for that, "Hush" is my pick for the best episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.


Thanks for reading, everyone! (And before you ask, yes I do have a Top 10 for Angel raring to go for the near-future).

*1: Since you must know, I'm Team Spike. It's hardly even a question for me.
*2: I'm referring to the actual season-arc resolution itself with Adam and The Initiative, not the actual last episode of Season 4 ("Restless"), which is a crazy cool, lovably bizarre and surreal cap to an appropriately experimental season.

A Nerfherder's Guide: Finding the Right Holiday Movie/TV Special for You!

By Andrew Braid

Happy holidays, everyone! And speaking of holidays, what better way to celebrate them than by watching some great holiday movies and TV specials? (Because pfft, it's not like the season's about family or anything)
But maybe you're having trouble deciding what to watch this year, or you want to try something new, or you don't even know what you're looking for. And there's my cue to offer assistance to those in need! So sit back and read on as we look through what you might want to be watching this holiday season!
So let's see...

If you want a good old classic animated special: A Charlie Brown Christmas

Probably my personal favorite out of all the old 60s animated Christmas specials (I was a huge Peanuts fan as a kid), it's a bona-fide classic, namely because it takes real risks. The special openly questions and critiques the commercialization of the holiday (entirely through the perspectives of children, no less). The voice actors were all real kids (all pretty much completely inexperienced with acting), lending the dialogue and singing a raw, honest and believable quality that allows the special to connect with viewers in a manner that's never really been replicated since. And of course, there's the famous (or infamous, take your pick) Linus speech, regarding "what Christmas is all about". I mean, what other special would have the balls to include a scene like that at all? (according to behind-the-scenes stories, apparently no one)
Then again...

If you want a good old classic animated special, but without all that quoted-verbatim religious text, or any direct religious connotations for that matter: How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

Come on, I kinda had to use this pic.

 Probably the best-known and revered holiday special ever, competing with Rudolph and Charlie Brown for the title (honestly, why does it seem like the 1960s produced all the best stuff?). Everything about it is just indisputably classic, and it helps that's it's a pitch-perfect adaptation of the original Dr. Seuss book (but now with songs!). So this is basically just an extra reminder to watch it again, in case you've forgotten to.
Though try to avoid any TV airings, since they often seem to cut stuff out to fit in more commercials, and that's just not the right way to treat any film, let alone a classic like this.

If you want a movie that reminds you of a simpler time, when you still loved Jim Carrey: How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (2000)

The 2000 live-action Grinch is one of those special kinds of movies where you love it as a kid, you grow up with it, you realize that it really isn't a good movie for more than a few reasons, but damn it you can't help yourself from watching it every year anyway. I mean come on, can't I have this one guilty pleasure thing before Hollywood makes another version and really does ruin it?

Pictured: The J.J. Abrams reboot.

On second thought, I kind of want to watch that version...

If you love celebrating the holidays with child neglect and sadistic (yet still family-friendly) violence: Home Alone

Is it just me, or is this image just tailor-made for a caption contest? Feel free to post any, BTW.

Seeing how it plays nonstop on TV around this time, it's fair to expect that you'll end up re-watching this one over the holidays (if you haven't already). So I think you'll forgive me for the lack of details here.
However, it must be said: god dammit that ending is the most emotionally manipulative thing ever put to film...
...and I totally still cried when I last watched it.

If you want a Christmas-set horror movie, but then realized that those all tend to suck, so screw it: Gremlins

Because it's just not Christmas without this scene:

If you love comic books/superheroes: Justice League, "Comfort and Joy"

Truly, Santa Flash is the best Santa. I mean, you can't even tell who it is!

While "Christmas with the Joker" and "Holiday Knights" are both great Batman: TAS episodes for providing your Holiday/DCAU fix, the best one is Justice League's "Comfort and Joy", where we see the League members get some much-needed downtime (and personal time, in John Stewart and Hawkgirl's case). You know it's a good episode when Batman and Wonder Woman never even show up, and you honestly don't care.
Speaking of Batman...

If you love comic books/superheroes, but also like your Christmas movies dark and weird: Batman Returns (1992)

Selina Kyle, all prepared for Black Friday sales.

It's a Christmas movie with Batman! How could you not love that? You know, aside from the creepy (and pretty pervy) nose-biting Danny DeVito, plot elements that don't really make sense the more you stop to think about them, truly bizarre action scenes (need I remind you the climax involves rocket-equipped penguins?), and just generally being the least kid-friendly Batman movie ever (well, until The Dark Knight anyway).
Yeah, it's an undeniably flawed movie, and yet I still find myself to be one of those people who honestly likes it more than the original '89 Batman. With the first one Burton had some restrictions to work with, namely that he had to make it a Batman movie first and foremost. This one is where we got to see what a Tim Burton movie about Batman would really be like (and I'm talking early 90s Tim Burton, and not lazy, tapped-out present day Tim Burton).
And man was it weird.

Truly, truly weird.

If you love comic books/superheroes, and need your Shane Black fix: Iron Man 3

Not quite what I had in mind for a "quiet Christmas alone"...

Recent, yes, I know, but you know what? If it's an excuse to re-watch the best in the Iron Man series, I'll take it.
And if you're still not convinced that you can consider it a Christmas-appropriate movie (despite it being set all around Christmas, because Shane Black), then just pretend that Ben Kingsley's Mandarin turned out to be Santa the whole time.
Okay, I REALLY want to see that movie now...

If you really need your Shane Black fix: Kiss Kiss Bang Bang

Because A) It's a brilliantly funny film noir/comedy,
and B) This is when Shane Black discovered that he could only make good movies if he shoved Christmas into the background somehow.

Michelle Monaghan in a sexy Santa outfit = It counts!

Okay seriously, you STILL haven't gotten your Shane Black fix? Fine, here: Lethal Weapon

I mean jeez, I think you've had enough.

Obligatory mention of Nightmare Before Christmas required by anyone under 30: The Nightmare Before Christmas

Because it's kind of just a given that everyone watches this one any chance they get (myself included).

If you want to watch a recent holiday special that proves such things can still be good:  Prep & Landing

 

Yet another sign that Disney Animation has gotten its groove back, this 2009 Emmy-winning TV special (executive produced by Pixar's John Lasseter) takes a fresh twist on the whole Santa idea, where elves have a special job of coming to houses early to prepare things for St. Nick's arrival (this is how he gets in and out of each house so fast). This usually involves Christmas-themed spy gear and a fully functioning command center back at the North Pole. But really the special is a mid-life crisis story about a veteran of the prep & landing elves who becomes dissatisfied after decades of doing the job, and who must rediscover his inspiration as to why he does what he does. It has all the Disney humor and heart you've grown to expect, mixed with a more adult-skewering story that prevents the special from ever falling deep into cloyingly cutesy territory. Still growing in popularity (and for good reason), this is one to add to your yearly tradition of rotating holiday specials if you haven't already.
Oh, and watch the sequel special too (Prep & Landing: Naughty vs. Nice), it's just as good.

If you want to watch a recent holiday special spinoff that's actually kinda underrated: Kung Fu Panda Holiday

 

Come on, give it a chance! Your skepticism is making the panda sad.

While a lot of this special's success comes from its genuine continuity within the film series (taking place in between the first and second movies), it's really just a quality family and holiday-themed story at its core. Kind of predictable, yes, but the execution is very much in keeping with the humor and heart many of us are familiar with from Kung Fu Panda. Having the whole voice cast from the movies and excellent animation quality that looks near-indistinguishable from said movies certainly helps too (seriously, how much did DreamWorks spend on this thing?)
As a big fan of the Kung Fu Panda movies I was pretty skeptical going into this holiday special when it first aired back in 2010, concerned that it might just be a hollow cash grab coasting on the brand name. Since then I've made a point of watching it every year. It honestly is that good, especially if you're a fan of the series.

If you're a Whedonite who absolutely, desperately needs something, anything by Joss Whedon to help celebrate their festivities: Buffy the Vampire Slayer, "Amends"

Because what better way to celebrate Christm- er, the holidays (Willow is Jewish, after all) than with an episode about the First Evil, Buffy's erotic nightmares, and Angel wanting to commit suicide?
In all seriousness though, this is yet another excellent episode from Buffy's third (and best) season, written and directed by Joss Whedon himself (so you know it's great!). The final minutes in particular are among the best moments of the entire series, with Angel and Buffy's tearful, angry and frustrated feelings giving way to a truly affecting, life-affirming conclusion.

If you need to watch the best version possible of A Christmas Carol: The Muppet Christmas Carol

Think of it this way:
A version of A Christmas Carol with The Muppets would be amazing.
A version of A Christmas Carol starring Michael freakin' Caine as Ebenezer Scrooge would be amazing.
This movie has BOTH of those amazing things.
Do the math.

If you need to watch the best version possible of A Christmas Carol, but you're also really crunched for time: Mickey's Christmas Carol

While admittedly cut a bit short of its potential by having to fit into a half-hour running time, Disney still nonetheless knocked this one out of the park. Making the most of its various Disney characters, it also nails many of the story elements, from the early introduction scenes with Scrooge to the dinner at Bob Cratchit's home. It even gives one of the darkest depictions of the "Christmas Yet to Come" sequence I've ever seen (though if you know your Disney, it's actually not all that surprising). While it still tends to get TV airings every year, I think it could still use some more attention and recognition than it currently gets, so definitely check it out if you never have.

If you want a Christmas-themed romantic comedy (comfort food edition): The Holiday

Is The Holiday actually a good movie? Well, uh... let me get back to you on that.
But is The Holiday pretty much the definition of a "comfort food" movie? Definitely, and then some.
In case you don't know the term, a "comfort food" movie is, well, a movie like The Holiday: it's light and fluffy, pleasantly sweet, and features a bunch of likable actors (Kate Winslet is way better than this movie probably deserves, but man does she commit to it). It's also kind of self-indulgent (seriously, who makes a romantic comedy that's 136 minutes long?!), and doesn't demand much thinking on your part (yet still isn't all that stupid). Throw in some extra pinch of whatever quasi-piece of intelligence that the movie can show to mildly impress you (in this case the whole old screenwriter plotline that allows the movie to point out movie tropes and cliches whenever it feels up to it), and you're all set!

If you want a Christmas-themed romantic comedy (ultimate special guest-star edition): Love Actually

Who knew Rick Grimes was such a romantic?

Set around the weeks leading up to Christmas, Love Actually follows so many different storylines involving major British actors that it feels like it really does live up to its promise of being "the ultimate romantic comedy". There's a love story with British Prime Minister Hugh Grant, we have Liam Neeson moving on after the death of his wife while his kid son has his first crush, there's the above secret love that Andrew Lincoln has for Kiera Knightley (then again, who doesn't?), and we have Colin Firth as a struggling writer who falls in love with his Portugese housekeeper. There's even a plot where Martin Freeman plays a porn actor (yes, this happens) who tries to ask out his co-worker on a date... while she's- well, you know (yes, this also happens). This is the movie that boldly proclaims: why pick one rom-com plot/scenario when you can have ALL of them? I mean I'm pretty sure I only listed about half of this movie's plotlines just now anyway...
Plus, Bill Nighy. Just... Bill Nighy.

Bill Nighy says: "Be awesome like me, and go see this movie".

And finally...

The Best Christmas Movie Ever: Die Hard

Well come on, it's just common knowledge at this point.


And that's the end! Thanks for reading, and happy holidays to all!