Batman, Notes From The Underbelly, Rules Of Engagement

Thursday, November 1st, 2007

12:00 Rules Of Engagement
12:30 Notes From The Underbelly
01:00 Batman

Rules Of Engagement. Season 2, Episode 5. Oliver Hudson gets all the laughs when Jennifer gives Adam an embarrassing gift and he pretends to like it, because... that's what happens in sit-coms. Russell, meanwhile, dates a homeless girl in a storyline that is both unfunny and tasteless.

Notes From The Underbelly. Episode 6. The most important episode so far. Why? Because this is the first time the writers have told a story that is not generated from the premise of the series (young couple has a baby) and, as such, is a good indicator of whether the show/concept has legs. So what happens? Andrew's mother visits. She and Lauren usually don't get on. But, surprise, surprise, as soon as they start to criticise Andrew they bond and become friends. Much to his discomfort. By taking on this old sit-com chesnut, and making it very very funny, the show proves that it can run and run.

Batman. Episode 24. A nifty little script finds The Scarecrow, from Episode 3, making his return. We also get cameo appearances from established bad guys Joker, Poison Ivy and Two-Face, all safely locked up at the Asylum. The story opens with Dick Grayson and his college buddy Brian both touching a telegram that's been laced with a fear-inducing chemical. Brian, a famous athlete, is the latest victim in Scarecrow's plan to make money off sports events. Dick, however, was just in the wrong place at the wrong time and when he goes into action, as Robin side-by-side with Batman, his sudden fear-attacks put their lives in jeopardy. The episode zips along and features an enjoyable climax wherein a sports commentator unwittingly describes the battle in progress, while watching a Football game.

Highlight? Notes From The Underbelly.