Batman: The Brave and the Bold

Title: Mayhem of the Music Meister!

Series: Batman: The Brave and The Bold
Episode #24: "Mayhem of the Music Meister!"
Premiere: October 23rd, 2009

Director: Ben Jones
Writer: Michael Jelenic

"Mayhem of the Music Meister!" is no holds barred musical that will charm viewers with its over top storyline and commentary on the superhero genre. In this episode, Batman and Black Canary are pitted against Music Meister, who is able to exert powerful mind control through song. When he hijacks a communications satellite, the entire world becomes subject to his musical bidding.

The tale of the Music Meister sort of begins almost 9 years ago, back in October 2000. I awoke to watch my favorite Batman show, Batman Beyond, then well into its third season. I was excited to see what threats Terry McGinnis would face off against this Saturday, a new villain? Kobra? "Out of the Past" was an intriguing title card. I was surprised to see an oddly disproportionate classic Batman singing on stage. Alas, it was Kevin Conroy's voice talent, but then it is revealed to be a Batman musical, McGinnis' treat to Bruce Wayne on his birthday. From that day on, many a fans were left thinking, singing on a superhero show?

Singing episodes have been done before, and more are sure to come in the future. But a superhero show? Fast forward four years to August 28th, 2004. "This Little Piggy," an episode of Justice League Unlimited, airs on Cartoon Network. Amused by the charisma of B'Wana Beast, thrilled to see Gotham City again, Greek mythology up the ying yang, and Batman singing a timeless classic?!

Holy sweet serenades, Batman!

Again, fans were left wondering if a full on musical was inevitable. That idea continued to percolate in the mind of James Tucker, producer and designer on Justice League. As he weaved Silver and Bronze Age tales about Legion of Superheroes, Tucker and editor Michael Jelenic began brainstorming a take on "West Side Story"; but the series ended before the story could be realized. Now, on Batman: The Brave and the Bold, Tucker and Jelenic realized their goal and created an episode with a musical in it, "Mayhem of the Music Meister!".

Afters fans were left reeling from "Legends of the Dark Mite!", the creative team topped themselves yet again with this musical. Drawing on classic superhero motifs from vintage shows, "Mayhem...." sends up a new villain with an old scheme, to upset the status quo and institute his new world order. Voiced by Neil Patrick Harris, the Music Meister took the lead role of the episode and showed us that evil can even start in choir practice. The villain launches his dastardly plan in Act one, sets up a distraction for his getaway, captures the heroes and leaves them in Act 2 with a twisted deathtrap to escape from.

The episode was in good hands with director Ben Jones at the helm. Mr. Jones truly brought the writing to life with the larger-than-life ensemble dancing. The "If Only" scene was remarkable in that as Black Canary sings in real time, Batman fights the killer mob in slow-motion. All of the brief visuals were so over-the-top, they left me laughing at the television screen. Among them, some of my favorites were Black Manta's fishbowl prison, punk rock Act 2 with the montage of superhero and super villain teams plastered in the background, upside down South Pole, and the astronauts.

Black Canary's romantic sub-plot continues over from "Night of the Huntress!" In it, she flirted with Batman and tried to take him out for dinner. However, fans know that Batman will always answer the call for justice before the one for love. In "Mayhem of the Music Meister!", Canary attracts two would-be suitors, Music Meister and Green Arrow. The moments were Meister was himself entranced by Black Canary were subtle and heart-warming, but we quickly remember, he's a bad guy! And add that to Black Canary's historical reputation as one-half of one of DC Comics' greatest power couples (we all know she would wind up with Green Arrow at the end).

For those open to any interpretation of the Batman mythos, Batman: The Brave and The Bold will continue to reward your viewership with "Mayhem of the Music Meister!" but for those looking for a change of pace and tone, tune in for the final two episodes of the season, coming soon to a television set near you.