‘Harley Quinn’ Reinvents The Entire DC Universe

One of the great things about the Harley Quinn animated series is that it’s not just a re-imagining of the titular character. It also remakes the entire DC universe. And because the show is based off of the premise that everything is ridiculous, there are no constraints to what can or can’t take place. Many adult-oriented animated shows, even comedic ones, fail to embrace absolute absurdity often seen in kids television. The Cartoon Network series Teen Titans GO! comes to mind as it revels in being completely random. Harley Quinn succeeds by taking this formula and applying it not just to its humor but also in deconstructing the DC characters at large.

Where as the previous episode focused on the heroes and looking at them at new and different ways, this one focused on the villains. Primarily, those outside of Harley Quinn’s crew as Harley (Kaley Cuoco) and Poison Ivy (Lake Bell) were nominated for best couple at a ridiculous award show for villains. The event allowed a unique opportunity to see tons of different bad guys all in one place. A standout of the episode was a unique interpretation of the Clock King (James Adomian), who wore an actual clock as a face. And in a bizarre twist, he was nominated for best relationship with Riddler (Jim Rash).

More than just a great look at many classic DC characters, the episode was a critique about award culture in general. Harley had won the awards so many times with Joker (Alan Tudyk) that trying to win on her own terms with Ivy would allow her to stand out on her own. Of course, the show once again reveals a surprising amount of heart as Harley realizes that no award is really necessary to validate her otherwise loving relationship … but not before Harley engages in a brutal fight with a robot guarding the results. It just goes to show that Harley Quinn doesn’t just embody comedy. It also has a great amount of action and personal growth, as well.

Harley Quinn streams Thursdays on HBOMax.