To The Batpoles! Batman 1966

Like many who grew up in the '60s and '70s (and perhaps even '80s and later), Tim and Paul had the course of their lives changed by the 1966 Batman TV show, from the types of play they did growing up to their present-day interests. In this series, they discuss the show's allure and its failures, the arc of the show from satire to sitcom, its influences (the '40s serials and the comic books themselves) and the things it, in turn, influenced. SUPPORT "To the Batpoles!" and DeconstructingComics.com via Patreon!

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Episodes

#005 That Cagey Bird!

Can you imagine anyone else than Burgess Meredith as the Penguin? Neither can we, but he wasn't William Dozier's first choice! We dig into the first Penguin arc, "Fine Feathered Finks" and "The Penguin's a Jinx". Who are those cameo stars (the jewelry store manager!) that nobody recognizes now? Answers, right here! Same Bat-RSS feed!

May 21, 2015•49 min

#004: Wally Wingert's Wild Wild "West" Wonderfulness

If you were a "Dr. Demento" listener back in 1989, you undoubtedly heard the song we use as our opening theme, " Adam West " by the Caped Club. The man behind this record, Wally Wingert , has much more Bat-cred to his name than that; his detailed knowledge of Batman's costume isn't even the most of it. This week, Tim talks with Wally about Batman cosplay, "Adam West", and -- Adam West! Wally's first Bat-suit Wally's fifth birthday, 1966 Batkid and Robin!...

May 07, 2015•1 hr 4 min

#003: Shall we dance?

This week, discussion of the Riddler pilot arc concludes with discussion of the series tropes already on display at this early stage (and a few that aren't); the impracticality of cliffhangers; Burt Ward's versitility; is the Batmobile alive, or just really cool? We've even got some music! Shall we dance the Batusi? Also, a few other series influenced by, or ripoffs of (what's the distinction?), Batman ; and, did the Batman TV show save the character from obscurity?...

Apr 23, 2015•34 min

#002: Riddle me this!

Now that we've set the stage, it's time to get down to business and really look at the Batman show -- and where else to start but the beginning? We talk about how the series made its way to the air, and the pilot story arc Hi Diddle Riddle and Smack in the Middle , starring Frank Gorshin as the Riddler, and Jill St. John as Molly.

Apr 09, 2015•24 min

#001: Bat-memories

Like many who grew up in the '60s and '70s (and perhaps even '80s and later), Tim and Paul had the course of their lives changed by the 1966 Batman TV show, from the types of play they did growing up to their present-day interests. In our premiere episode, we discuss the allure of the show and its effects on us -- and invite you to share your own stories!

Mar 26, 2015•26 min

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