Batman: The Animated Series (TV Series) Robin's Reckoning: Part I (1993) User Reviews

The Story Of How Robin First Got Connected To Batman

[ccthemovieman-1 · 8/10 · 8 January 2008]

In this first half of a two-part story, we learn of Robin's background, of how he lost his parents. They were murdered by some extortionist thug named Tony Zucco. Young Robin, now without parents, was taken in at the Bruce Wayne home. Most of this episode is flashbacks, showing what happened, why, and how young Robin and Batman felt about what happened.

It's well-done. The only present-day action scene is in the beginning, which leads to all the flashbacks. Robin is left out on this case and he's not happy about, especially when he learns that Zucco is there for the taking and Batman wants to handle this case by himself. Revenge-seeking Robin wants none of that and, at the end of his episode, takes off despite warnings to the contrary, to capture Zucco by himself, if necessary.

This is another well-drawn episode, too.

Batman: The Animated Series is Still A Masterpiece Of Modern Television!

[Johnny-the-Film-Sentinel-2187 · 10/10 · 17 September 2017]

Robin Reckoning: Part I is the introduction of one of the show's best two-parters. The origin of Dick Grayson as Robin; the death of his innocence and parents. The two-parter is simply put wonderfully done from the acting, the story and the direction making the animation sing the tragic origin story of one Batman's greatest supporting characters: Robin.

What's not to like here? We have Batman's sidekick wanting vengeance for his parents' death, a similar rage that drives Batman's conquest against crime, but Robin is still younger than The Dark Knight and more susceptible to moral corruption than Bruce Wayne is. This two-part episode dives right into the relationship between Bruce and Dick, and shows the father-son dynamic between the two: this makes it one of the most captivating and investing episodes of Batman: T.A.S.

If you haven't seen the animated series in its entirety, just do it right away. It's 2017, the 25th Anniversary of the classic show, so get watching asap!

Brace for emotional punch

[Mr-Fusion · 10/10 · 6 January 2017]

With a title like 'Robin's Reckoning', you know this probably won't be all sunshine and gumdrops. And the awards recognition speaks for itself; even as a kid, I knew what kind of cachet "Emmy-winning" carried. And it deserves every ounce of that statuette. First off, the animation is first-rate; I mean, this looks amazing. And the henchman takedown at the construction site makes for a great opening. It really sets up Batman and Robin's chemistry on the job . . . and then proceeds to completely upend their relationship the minute a bombshell is dropped. For all the theatricality (say, the snapped rope of a trapeze swinging into frame), the performances are incredibly subtle. And woven into this story of turmoil is the tale of Robin's beginnings; it's very well executed.

The last thing I want to say about this is, well, that ending - which may very well be the series' finest cliffhanger. It's hard not to think (deep down) that the Dynamic Duo is in ruins.

10/10

Prelude to vengeance

[Fluke_Skywalker · 8/10 · 3 March 2017]

Plot; When the man who killed Dick Grayson's parents resurfaces, Robin clashes with Batman, who insists he go after the killer alone.

Once again I'm impressed by the mature tone and storytelling on display in this series. Interspersed with flashbacks of Dick's youth, it builds up the character while setting up a part two where a vengeance seeking Robin disobeys Batman and sets out to get the man who killed his parents.

• The character of Tony Zucco (the man who killed the Graysons) is voiced by actor Thomas F. Wilson (Biff from the three Back to the Future films).