'Harley Quinn' spoiler-free review: The absurd and violent adult comedy is a show that's worth getting excited about
It's the age of adaptation. Characters who have existed for decades are constantly being given new life on both television and film — with mixed results.
With all these superhero adaptations filling our screens, a certain amount of tempered hope is only natural. 'Harley Quinn', however, is worth getting excited about.
Its over-the-top humor, a steady stream of gags about the larger DC Universe, and its empowerment of a character that the industry has long done run by makes 'Harley Quinn' exactly the kind of show you've been hoping for but never dared dream you could have.
It's been a long road to get here, both in the comics and through various animated incarnations, from her start as the Joker's sidekick and punching bag.
Harley (Kaley Cuoco) has finally decided she's had enough and dons a new look, a new attitude, and a new life that sees her breaking up with the Joker in a manner that can only really be described as smashing.
After years of mistreatment, Harley has decided to step out of the Joker's shadow, and is making a career for herself with her sights set on joining villainy's most important organization — the Legion of Doom!
The show contains the occasional appearance of Batman (Diedrich Bader) and other members of the Justice League, but it is first and foremost a villain's show.
A career in villainy is likened to celebrity, and the show brings in all the gags that come with, from talk shows to press conferences and all the difficulties that come with sorting out a solo career.
Watching the show feels like looking at the world through Harley Quinn's eyes. It's animated, ridiculous in an over-the-top way, violent way and there's a layer of intelligence that informs everything that you don't see coming because of how hard you're laughing.
Like the character herself, the show is more than its comedic face. There’s a lot of thought that's gone into the show's characters, and their development and Harley’s intelligence is as much of an asset as her penchant for wacky plans that she somehow gets to work out of sheer determination to make it so.
It should be noted, though, that it is violent. Gross, wince-inducing, in-your-face violence that combines with the swearing and the topics of humor that let you know that this is in no way a children's show, at all.
Kaley Cuoco effortlessly steps into the role, giving us a voice longtime Arleen Sorkin fans are familiar with and bringing the depth of the show's writing out when called for. There's an exultant joy in her voice that's infectious and takes the show's spirit of fun to the next level.
Grounding her is Lake Bell as Poison Ivy. The level head to Harley's unhinged enthusiasm, Ivy's love for Harley is present in every line, as is how fed up she is with the rest of the world.
The strong bond between the two characters is one of the show's biggest highlights, and Ivy proves to be a much better partner to Harley than the Joker ever was.
Speaking of the Joker, Kaley Cuoco isn't the only one who is obviously having the time of her life with her role on the show. Alan Tudyk has a significant presence on-screen voicing both the Joker and Clayface.
Two Tudyk voices for the price of one — his Joker is every terrible, sexist jerk you love to hate, serving as the season's main antagonist. Clayface, on the other hand, is a loyal member of Harley's crew, alongside Doctor Psycho (Tony Hale) and King Shark (Ron Funches).
Clayface is portrayed as a devoted Shakespearean actor who hams up every scene he's in, and it never stops being funny.
'Harley Quinn' embodies the best of a character who's been a fan-favorite from her very first appearance for a reason. It's a show that the character has deserved for years.
The R-rated animated series is the perfect home for the character and offers some of the best takes on various DC characters that we've seen in years. The first season is a must-watch, and hopefully is just the first of many more. 'Harley Quinn' debuts on November 29 on the DC Universe.