Batman: The Animated Series

Batman gains a new adversary, Lock-Up, in this episode that shows once again how the Dark Knight usually has a hand in the genesis of his enemies. What makes Lyle Bolton such an intriguing villain is that, in many ways, he is the darker side of Batman. Both are committed to law and order, but Bolton is willing to cross lines that Batman will not. Each views the other as contributing to the problem of crime - Batman sees Lock-Up as another threat to society, while Lock-Up sees Batman as coddling, allowing the Joker and his ilk to continue to terrorize the city. It's a glimpse at what Batman could become, and it's a nice storyline with a villain created especially for the series.



"Lock Up" is a solid episode; the cameo appearances from other villains testifying at Bolton's hearing is nice (especially Scarface and the Ventriloquist), and Bolton provides a good physical menace for Batman.