Depressing but understandable. Bruce feels like everyone he touches is broken or marred permanently. And, uh, he's not wrong. The only person more well-intentioned than him wears red & blue, but Bruce just doesn't know how to interact with people he cares for that aren't named "Alfred".
He's not alone. He has terry. And Terry mended his relationships with Barbara and Tim. And then... Hell he might give him an adopted grandson with Dana #keepepilogueasecret
I saw once someone saying that in this universe only Superman, Alfred and Terry understood how Bruce is: not this cold hearted man only obsessed with his mission but a compassionate and scarred man. I guess that Legacy in JLU is a good example of this (although I kinda hate the reveal of Terry being a clone/son of Bruce).
@@lucasvalle4841 I actually think the reveal is pretty good. Mostly because, genetically speaking, it's *really* weird for Terry to have black hair despite neither of his parents having it. It also doesn't change the fact that Terry's dad still raised him. It's also a remarkably touching parallel to Bruce himself, what with how Thomas may be Bruce's father, Alfred is always gonna be his daddy.
Really heartwarming how Bruce really did change because he lost Dick. A pity you didn't include Dick's line, "The only people Bruce ever loved were his parents and the sooner you realize that, the better" And how this episode showed Dick was wrong
Does he say that? I don't remember hearing it, and I can't find the quote online. EDIT: Found the actual source of the quote, as it's definitely not in this episode. It's from the Hush Beyond story arc from the Batman Beyond comics.
Nightwing has always been my favorite superhero along with Spider-Man. Bruce fights crime because he HAS to, but Dick fights crime because he WANTS to. They care about each other A LOT, but this difference is why Dick left. They might not be able to work together as Batman and Robin anymore, but that doesn’t mean they don’t love and care for one another. I love their relationship, and Dick Grayson will forever be one of my favorites!
I'd love a series of films about Nightwing, but they would *have* to involve Dick eventually taking up the cape & cowl himself after the death of Bruce. Bruce is too broken to be the Batman that Gotham, and the world, really needs. But Dick? He's everything Batman is with none of the baggage. He's the one thing Bruce got right. I know the whole point of Nightwing is meant to be Dick going his own way and all, but Batman is his birthright, and he's the only one who can do it without it crushing everything else about him.
@@RaptorJesus I totally agree. I think its kind of ironic. When it comes to Dick, although he becomes his own man, and his own hero, there has never been anybody better and more fitting to take up the cape and cowl.
I think there should have been a comic or short that explained how Batman in the dcau slowly went from the more emotional Batman that we see in Batman the Animated Series to the slightly cold hearted but still compassionate Batman that we see from the New Batman Adventures onward
The cynical answer is that Timm and co. wanted Bruce to become more god-like and a suave, sexy type, but yeah it sucks that they lost sight of man that they understood so well in the Animated Series. And it becomes weirder when you consider Justice League and Batman Beyond. Like the Batman in Justice League only make sense if it is the Batman from the Animated Series while Batman Beyond only makes sense when it is the Batman from New Adventures. The thing about Batman is that the Batfam, Justice League, and the Outsiders always saved from being consumed by darkness. I guess when Dick left him, he spiraled is what we supposed to think as the gap between Animated Series and New Batman Adventures but imo it makes no sense
Theres that but I think some people said the comic had some issues cannon wise but events from Mask of the Phantasm would’ve also made him more cold hearted
@@maria_from_ga1461 THANK YOU. But I disagree, the Batman from Justice League has more emotion than the one from TNBA but that emotion is aholerry and dckishness.
Tho I do love Old Wounds, because tho it is in New Adventures, it is more line with the Batman in the Animated Series than the New Adventures one Probably it is more in line with pre-Crisis Batman and Nightwing origin than the post-Crisis one lol
One thing I always liked about Bruce and Dicks relationship when well written, is that it's clear that the one thing Bruce wants more than anything for Dick, is for him not to become the same dark brooding loner that he himself became. He want's Dick to lead a happier more stable life than him. Yet Dick's central struggle is very much between those darker impulses and the more light and cheerful nature. While Todd was swallowed by the darkness, and Drake is a shinning light. Greyson is the Robin that struggles the most with those two persona's and ultimately finds a balance between the two. (Ironically making him the most like Bruce of all of them, yes even more so than his Biological Son. Though just a bit closer to what Bruce strives to be, than Bruce himself.) He IS Bruces successor, no matter what the comics do to change that. The spirit remains.
Dick always gets shafted in comics, movies and everything. It's genuinely depressing. I will say, Terry's also a valid successor in my eyes. Both of them deserve more screen time, and more respect.
Dick is my number 1 in the batfamily then Terry I do like Bruce but he'd be 3rd Conroy is definitely the best Batman in media just not my favorite character
Honestly the scene that shows Bruce being extra harsh with the thug in front of his son should have been what BvS' Batman should have done instead of "Why did you say that name?!" It could have shown Bruce how far he's fallen, basically turning the same man that sent him down his path in the first place. That's just me though.
@@ivanagustinortiz5237 Honestly, BvS could have benefited from it. They just add Jon as a baby, Lex has him hostage, Superman says "Go save Jon" and Lois brings up how he's their son. Again, just me though.
@@someguycalledgoober155 I think "Martha" could work just fine if Supes just said "Mom" instead. "Just save my mom". That would work way better, because instead of it being about...sharing a mom with the same name, it's Batman realizing that "the alien" isn't some heartless monster, he has a family.
This helps solid why I think Starfire/Kori is the best choice for Dick as she understands his pain but at the same time shares his optimism. She is just able to express her emotions and thoughts which would help Dick express his in turn.
I really wish we got to see Dick in Batman Beyond(the 2.0 comics aren’t really canon) because I always wondered what a Batman Beyond era Dick would think of Bruce after literal decades and I also heard that he’s still active as Nightwing by time of Batman Beyond
Batman beyond comics are from earth 12, the continuity of those comics took references from the DCAU, but the DCAU is not the earth 12 th-cam.com/video/WBPm03p-6fY/w-d-xo.html
As far as I know, there's a Batman Beyond series from 2 years ago where Grayson became the mayor of Bludhaven and his daughter became Batwoman, even getting a suit w/ a blue bat on the chest in honor of him
I try to pretend that there never was a "relationship", it was just a young Barbara reading too much into her interactions with Bruce. I am aware that means I have to ignore portions of canon, and I'm 100% okay with that.
@@RaptorJesus I really do, but i can't really go against canon, there was never really the whole "Bruce got Barbara pregnant" bc it wasn't ACTUALLY in the show but they did have a relationship But i like to think Barbara and Dick still stayed friends after a long time, or that he met Starfire eventually
I honestly wish this was brought up in Batman Beyond more. Barbara never took any responsibility in helping break the Bat family up in her betrayal of Dick and getting with Bruce. She lashes out at Bruce and by extension Terry when she remembers the past, but no one calls her out on her actions. This episode was great
Batgirl was always the worst part of the Batman animated series to me then I seen this all “Robin/Batgirl” compilation video and I felt very confused after realizing she forced herself in but she had a very good heart but was still annoying then comes Batman Beyond and she is even more annoying and truly broke the Dynamic duo apart. The comics are waaaay better for her, yeevsh.
@@theepoopydoodoo Barbara was in college and an adult by the time she became Batgirl in the DCAU, Bruce barely knew her before he saw her again for the first time and by then she was an adult, he did no such thing. She can and should be responsible for herself.
You can hear it in Batmans voice in tnba, batman beyond, the Justice League. He doesn't have the campiness and positive emotion in his voice that he had. He just got darker from the earlier btas. His costume is darker, he speaks less frequently and when he does its more stern. Part of this is to contrast him with Superman but its like Dini wanted to show the darker side of crime fighting.
Kinda makes me wish we could have early BTAS Bruce Wayne hanging out with Clark. No witty retorts or constant insults aimed at all the nice heroes. Just Batman being nice too.
I always loved whenever Bruce and Dick’s relationship is explored. From Young Justice’s reasoning of creating Robin so Dick wouldn’t become like Bruce. To a Nightwing comic where Catwoman reveals that Bruce always thought Dick was his greatest triumph. Bruce could never show his affection towards his Bat Family, but nonetheless, he truly loved them like they were his own
Old Wounds is one of those episodes that always tugs at the heartstrings. It shows just what Bruce's never ending crusade on crime does to a man and his support system. It's equally somber knowing that by the events of Batman Beyond, he's alone and very bitter.
@@gablit-gt8kk it IS canon to the DCAU though, and the reason why Bruce pushed everyone out was because he couldn't let go of what the Joker did to Tim. And because he is who he is, he's more willing to let others blame him for everything that happened than to have them blame themselves.
@@blackfox4138i do kinda agree with him. I dont really care for that show. Its like the Joel Schumacher Batman....Its not terrible though somethings are good. But its duch a somber end to such a great show.
When I watched this as a kid I just could not comprehend why Bruce and Dick weren't "friends" anymore. It made me sad as a kid to realize that relationships weren't permanent.
It is sad how things went between Batman and Nightwing. But it is good to have things come back together. Things are complicated and it makes sense considering all that Batman has been through. But it still makes for good drama.
"An era can be considered over when its basic illusions have been exhausted" - Arthur Miller As a child stricken by grief & trauma, Dick saw Batman as this paradigm to heal and find purpose. As Dick grew older and healed in the process, he came into conflict with Batman as he slowly started to see Batman for what he was and how that differs from his own identity. The result is that Dick sees only the negative qualities of Batman instead of the ones he first recognized.
Can you please explain what you mean? Like do you mean Dick slowly started to see the negatives instead of the positives? English isn't my strong language so I was having a bit trouble ^^;
@@ss16206 I'm saying that Dick has outgrown his beliefs/ideas at the time and continues to grow. As a child, he became Robin to gain justice for the murder of his parents. He was able to heal and grow as Robin, but it brought friction against Batman as her got older. With Batman seemingly unwilling to change, Dick outgrew his role to set out alone based on his own beliefs on how to deliver justice and balance life.
Episodes likethese highlight one the things I like about DCAU Batman: He is not a Bat God. Unlike nowadays were alot writers try to portray Batman as "Gary Stu who is always right and can defeat any hero with not problem". DCAU Batman on other hand is detective and badass hero but still has human flaws. Sometimes he lets his dedication self-control and desire to protect others go to far, refusing to admit his faults or have simple dialogue with his allies, resulting in him coming off as cold and distant and his friends like Dick end up leaving because of this attitude. However, as showed by the end of these episode, Batman is not heartless, that he is able to see the consequence of his actions and try to redeem himself from his mistakes. He makes mistakes but learns from the experience. It really shows how Bruce Timm, Paul Dini and the other DCAU writer really knew how to write Batman, portraying as heroic and badass but at the same time relatable and human.
Only one-shot 1offs and elseworlds and the DCAMU have portrayed Batman like that, eh, less DCAMU though but he’s had his moments. Even in the DCAU JL/JLU they did that, tf you mean? They only really portray Batman relatable and human in Batman: TAS and Batman: The new adventures tbh… From JL/JLU and some of Superman they just go crazy, even the Legion of superheroes movie.
the life of dcau batman is very sad in general because in the end he distances himself from everyone he’s ever loved and ends up alone all because he wants to continue his mission
Bruce is the best expression of tunnel vision in dc. The thing that he wants the most is a family, but even when he’s made a new family from the ashes of his tragedy; he neglects and pushes them away. Yo focused on his “mission”. Batman is a great example of what happens when we can’t, or won’t move on and heal from our past trauma.
It's a good cautionary tale on how one shouldn't focus on the mission to the point where you ignore everything else that's just as important. That's something thankfully other versions of Batman both dark and light toned were able to learn in time.
Old Wounds should always and forever prove that Bruce Wayne is NOT the cold hearted, soulless bastard so many think he is, but a wounded man that care so much, he is literally incapable of expressing it. "For all that fierce exterior, I've never seen anyone care as deeply for his fellow man as Bruce Wayne." -Amanda Waller-
What makes all things sadder is how Barb and Bruce had a short relationship when Dick was out of the picture for a while. Dick never forgave Bruce after that...that was the end of it.
Bruce Timm created an incredible world and the best adaption of Batman we may ever see. He also did irreparable damage to his character with his weird/gross relationship with Barbara.... But everything else was so great that we can just ignore that part...
Nightwing is an awesome character he really is the Peter Parker of dc which is probably why they’re my two favorite heroes. Anyway this episode always made me tear up definitely might be my favorite tnba episode
Dick can't explain to Barbara because of the whole secret identity thing. That's part of the reason he was so pissed at Bruce for not telling him that Barbara was Batgirl. That whole time he was tearing himself apart over not being able to be 100% with her, Batman could have told him at any moment. But despite saying it "wasn't his place to say," he was just fine telling Barbara about Dick. He told her first. Without even consulting Dick. And, unfortunately, since we know about Bruce Timm's weird obsession with Brucebara, it's highly likely that Batman wanting to bang her played a role in that decision. So, Batman absolutely deserved that punch to the face.
This is why I have mixed feelings about the "Old Wounds" episode and Bruce Timm's [more "creative"] involvement in the animated series in general. Initially I wasn't able to put my finger on it when I first saw this episode, but there was something that just rubbed me the wrong way. As much as I can appreciate Bruce's dark descent into "Batman" as Dick is leaving the "Robin" mantle - it really should've been just that - Barbara should not have been used in the way that she was here [what's implied].
Barbara came to Bruce Wayne's manor. She confided to him that Dick was really upset about something and he would not tell her what it was, but she was very worried about him. Bruce asked her 1 more time to confirm that she was asking out of genuine concern for Dick and that if he told her what it was she would try and understand Dick instead of being angry about it. Then he took her to to the batcave through the house entrance, thus revealing both their identities. He was not trying to hurt Dick at all when he gave up their identities.
Bruce Timm wet dream. Making Batgirl and Batman sex. Making Harley a sex object. All fanboys sharung his fantasy. I love that I don't have to except that cannon.
@@leahkent3915 I also don't think Barbara was intentionally used. He did what he thought was best for the both of them. The thing is, Bruce is too fucked him to properly heal Dick in the way that was needed. That's what makes it more tragic: Bruce did not mean for any of this to happen but it still does because that's who he is and all that he is capable of.
The comic tie-in Batman Adventures: The Lost Years follows Dick's journey to becoming Nightwing, in a sense following Bruce's footsteps by traveling around the world and picking up unique skills but never really mastering any one. It also shows how he got the gliding wings that I wish the comic counterpart was given. Sadly it doesn't show the part in Old Wounds where Nightwing finds that Bruce helped the guy who was interrogated in front of his son but at least we get a better ending there, where Bruce gives him a chance at being a better father for his son by having a good job instead of being a henchman.
Rip Kevin Conroy, he was such a huge part of my childhood and countless others. He died on my birthday only 2 days ago that was the worst news I could’ve received or read about on my 20th.
"Robin, wait!" What I like about that line is that Batman isn't upset that Dick doesn't want to be Robin anymore. He's perfectly alright with that. It's that Dick is leaving Barbara too. THAT's what mattered to him most, and probably stung the most along with Dick leaving him as a son. At that moment, they were truly father and son. Bruce is a good man, one of the best, but he is cold and doesn't know how to express himself. He can say that all that matter is the mission all he wants, but truth be told, he loves people and doesn't want ANYBODY to go through the pain he's felt. We wears his pain and burdens as armor, weaponizing it against evil, believing that the world is a better place with Batman than a happy Bruce Wayne. While that sounds very "edgy", for Batman/Bruce it's the truth unlike a lot of other brooding heroes, and ultimately he has a heart of gold. He just hides it.
I really like how the DCAU showed Batman slowly over the years go from the more kind hearted compassionate guy to the more cold hardened person he becomes in JLU and Batman Beyond. He slowly sinks deeper and deeper into the abyss, alienating everyone close to him. And it makes sense. If you wear the mask for too long you start to become that which you pretend to be. It’s a really well done character arc.
As a fan of the original series, seeing how deep and complex they made batman in it, how despite putting on the batman persona, you saw him showing true emotional moments in the costume, when he was there beside Jim's hospital bed after saving him from the jazz man holding his hand, or when he held baby doll after she had her emotional breakdown, or how he hoped to save harvey from his psychosis as two face. Yet in the new adventures, he just lost so much emotion, he no longer even tried to show emotion to Harvey anymore, he was cold and pragmatic with Harley in mad love instead of trying to relate to her like he did in Harley's Holiday, and the contrast with how he treated Tim as a child to how he treated Dick, it's night and day. One thing they never addressed was where the change happened between the early season and the later new adventures with his more withdrawn personality, because despite the character model changes this was the same setting. We never got a legit answer why Bruce became so withdrawn, despite having a full family at this point.
This episode really shows how much Batman changes in the DCAU. If you watch it beginning to end, you can slowly see how Bruce delves more and more into his apathetic side, and by the time of the new artstyle he's almost a different person than when he began in BTAS.
I like to think that Batman Beyond is an AU where Bruce never apologized to Dick, and so they never became close again. But that there's an universe, the Justice League universe, where Bruce wasn't a ding dong, and Dick comes back to take care of him on his old age and to take the mantle as his own man. Bônus hearthwarming points if he's close when Joker attacks, saving Tim.
Nah, Beyond is what this version of the character has coming for his relationship with Barbara, TNBA onwards really make this version of Batman more of a piece of shit than usual. He's does care about people and genuinely want to help but he doesn't deserve Dick's forgiveness after all he did, I like the idea Nightwing is off somewhere in the future being a better man than his father ever was
6:34 Glad I’m not the only one that feels this way. It never made sense why Batman never just bothers calling Superman for help with his crime problem especially in TAS lol
The duality of bruces brutality and his unwary compassion is what makes him so compelling in stories like this. A great man with some next level communication issues. Its hard to watch him make mistakes with the family but also wholesome when you see him go out of his way to make it up. Even if he cant or wont simply say “sorry”
9:18 I think this moment is supposed to highlight that Batman cares and gives attention to criminals who want to improve. Him choosing to traumatize that man’s family was his way of “scaring him straight” (like-is this what you want? Cops or me breaking down you door, cuffing you in front of your wife and kid?), and Bruce giving him a job and checking in on him was showing that deep down, Batman does care about giving people a second chance who deserve it.
It’s phenomenal how many in depth video essays have been made on animated Batman episodes. The show and the characters have incredible depth and meaning, beyond just entertaining the audience. I think it furthers adds fuel to the notion Batman is more than a comic hero.
The way Tim Drake calls Nightwing out for being like Batman is a great example of why I think he's a way better character then people give him credit for. Unlike Dick, who took a while to grow disillusioned with Batman, Tim Drake's rough upbringing allowed him to see right through Batman's facade, meaning that right from the start, there isn't that divide that Dick delt with. He gets who Batman is right from the start, and accepts it. The understanding also makes him WAY better at calling Batman out and much more willing to fight back when he thinks he's going too far. (See "Never Fear")
This is one of the best episodes of B:TAS. It's really sad to see how Bruce and Dick broke apart after so many years fighting crime. I think we should get a comic in this universe (which is set after this episode) where Nightwing goes to meet with Bruce one on one. Maybe Dick wants to apologise, but Batman says "No....you don't have to be sorry for anything....this was my fault on that roof...my son".....and then....they shake hands. I donno, that's my proposition. Also....I ABSOLUTELY DESPISE "BATMAN GOT BATGIRL PREGNANT" STORY. Thank god, this story is not cannon because if this supposed to be the same Batman who stayed with Ace until she died then....NO, JUST NO! Batman may be cold, closed off from others, doesn't want, maybe doesn't know how, to show his emotions but he cares about others. He understands why some thugs are committing crimes, because they have family to feed or they've run out of luck. When in this episodes he says "It wasn't my place to tell you" and "I thought we had the same goals" I feel he wants to say something that would help Dick...but he's unable to. In Young Justice Season 1 when Batman says "Robin needed to help bring a man who murdered his family to justice", Wonder Woman says "So he could turn out like you?" and Batman replies...."So that he wouldn't". So as you can see my mind has a hardtime to come up with any scenario when Batman, especially DCAU BATMAN would slept with his adopted...NO....his sons girlfriend and Gordon's, Batman's friend, daughter! Anyway, great video my man.
With all the crap that the Dcau Batman did to Nightwing over the years Im suprised that he didn’t become a antagonist for him because it would kinda be justified and I imagine it would be similar to the whole Red Hood storyline but a bit different(for obvious reasons)
That’s basically what happens between Bruce and Dick in the Frank Miller universe ,Dick goes insane and becomes the second joker after what Bruce did to him in ASBAR
would love more videos about nightwing, he is such an interisting character, the whole arc of him becoming just like bruce is always good, sidenote, his version in young justice is just perfectly done
I was listening to this while working, and when you got to the part where you compared Batman to an Asian parent, it really caught my attention because you nailed it. Being half Vietnamese and Chinese, my parents always thought what they wanted was what I wanted, or when they had a chance to be a parents, they would go straight to the bigger picture. Being grown, I understand it better, but at the same time it would've been nice to have a parent when I actually needed it. Great video and great essay, keep it up!
I'd say that they didn't have the opportunities that we had growing up and thus never understood the freedom to self-actualize that we seek. And they spent their lives fulfilling responsibilities. They're not wrong in a way.
Honestly, rehearing all of these great episodes just further cements the idea that batman TAS was one of, if not, the best super hero cartoons evers. Im so lucky to have been able to grow up watching these shows as a young kid.
This episode, dare I say the mid half of the Animated Series and afterwards, wouldn’t be the same without Loren Lester. His acting made Robin stand out in every scene that was important to him, and it’s a big reason (for me, anyway) that the Animated Series is as good as it is. The characters and voices had so much passion in them that makes the show stand out amongst its peers, even to this day with cartoons of supposedly higher quality of animation.
I always find it sad when people dismiss Nightwing as the 'happy one' of all of Batman’s children. There is so much more to his character than the fact that makes jokes or is in a better mode than Bruce. He is in fact the one that consistently criticzes Bruce’s wrongdoings and the one that at the same time because of his pure existence changed Bruce. And the fact is, even if no one in realizes it, but Nightwing is very very similar to Bruce and in some aspects even better at manipulation and deception than Bruce is. It’s so interesting to me, because Nightwing seems to be the antithesis of Batman when in fact he is more like an alternate version of what Batman could’ve been.
4:50 this is how a father son dynamic will go if your father does not communicate well, has unrealistic expectations and lowkey controls you instead of guiding him.
'angel of the morning' (originally by chip taylor, although i'm quite partial to marianne faithful's cover) is one of my favorite songs ever. most people are probably more familiar with it through shaggy's track 'angel', though.
It's amazing to think that despite how relentlessly grim it looks on the surface, the Arkham series is actually a happier and more uplifting Batman world than the animated one, at least when it comes to the relationship between batman and his family.
I like how nightwing and Harley are actually the most relatable. Both work at circus, both being push by 'destructive' people, are the sidekicks, both had to become thier own person
and are evidently both really freaky in the sack XD I mean, a guy would have to be crazy to want to fuck Harley... and a girl would have to be crazy to want to fuck a member of the Bat family...
It must be really frustrating working with or under Batman. He doesn’t owe anyone an explanation, he keeps people in the dark. He endangers people, puts the mission first.
Amanda Waller said it best in the ending of JLU "Wanna have a better life than the old man? Care for the people around you." Bruce has this obsessions of protecting Gotham and people around him from criminal elements and he embraces the darkness, while Dick Grayson doesn't as seen in the family scene where he was interrogating the father brutally such as with the Batman Superman crossover where Superman said "That's Enough", Batman crosses that thin line why he ended up alone in BTAS since it was really hard to have a dual life. JLU actually did great showing that Terry will be there for his "Father" since they share the same moral code, but Terry will not make the same dark mistakes as Batman did and care for people he's close too instead of being cold to them and not showing emotions.
It still hurts sometimes to watch these episodes. To know that Kevin’s really gone. I did meet him, but I walked past him at so many conventions after. I just always assumed that I’d just be able to swing by his booth again. I thought we still had so many years in store with his iconic voice. Fate is an ironic, yet cruel thing.
I’ve watched rick and morty today. I’ve watched Assassination classroom. Both in their own ways, they are great. Then I watched this. I just lost someone in my life. I watched your Lex luthor video. Your justice league unlimited video. I can’t be a patreon member but from one aspiring writer to you, I was touched, moved, I felt myself feel I had a soul again. Don’t underestimate yourself.
AC really rubbed me just right... and having Sonny play the main role like that was just perfect. probably around time I re-watch it... I hope you can find your "place" soon... sooner than the 2 years I'm pushing and still lost in that void of grief >.> suddenly reminded of Bruce in the Harley series asking Shark about grief periods "is 30 years a normal amount of grieving time?"
Great video, thankyou for articulating the feelings many of us are afraid to face, being afraid of being someone else, so much so we become them, I struggle with this as I know do others and this video helped cushion some of the pain with a bit of understanding, maybe it's time to take trip back home, answer the call, or just check in because even those who may not say it love you. Thanks for that🙏🏽💪🏽💯
This is a perfect video! I remember when Titans came out everyone thought it was so funny that Dick said “Fuck Batman” when knowing these same stories and seeing it through this lense you can absolutely see why he would have a “fuck Batman” phase in his life. And the healing of wounds like this between Bruce and Dick across media is great because it allows both characters to grow. Dick is essentially Bruce’s first child and he wasn’t always perfect, even after Dick but he learns to be better for Tim and Damian. Despite Bruce Timm I feel like there’s even a lot to be said for Bruce’s fatherly relationship to the Batgirls as well that’s completely different to the Robins.
9:00 This video made me very sad. It made me think about the relationship between me and my father, which, now as a grown man, makes me even sadder. After years of not talking to my father, he sent me a message on my birthday. "Happy birthday, son." I never responded or even opened the message, and it's been seven years since we said a word to each other. Hearing how Bruce asks the guard how his son is makes me ponder if my father asks his friends or coworkers how their son is bc his thinking of me. Which is why he sent me that bday text. It makes me think the old man has grown soft in his later years and reflects on his life choices. The splitting apart between Wayne & Dick is very similar in the way me and my own father spilt in which I felt he was a malpulative ahole who hurt and pushed the ppl closes to him away. As I've gotten older I feel as though I myself am becoming like my father. In conclusion, Old Wounds is very sad.
It’s depressing to think that despite this episode, Bruce still ends up alone in Batman beyond…
Depressing but understandable. Bruce feels like everyone he touches is broken or marred permanently. And, uh, he's not wrong. The only person more well-intentioned than him wears red & blue, but Bruce just doesn't know how to interact with people he cares for that aren't named "Alfred".
Well he is still loved by everyone. It’s just Bruce is Beyond dedicated on protecting the people in Gotham. At least Bruce will not pass on alone.
He's not alone. He has terry. And Terry mended his relationships with Barbara and Tim. And then... Hell he might give him an adopted grandson with Dana #keepepilogueasecret
I saw once someone saying that in this universe only Superman, Alfred and Terry understood how Bruce is: not this cold hearted man only obsessed with his mission but a compassionate and scarred man. I guess that Legacy in JLU is a good example of this (although I kinda hate the reveal of Terry being a clone/son of Bruce).
@@lucasvalle4841 I actually think the reveal is pretty good. Mostly because, genetically speaking, it's *really* weird for Terry to have black hair despite neither of his parents having it. It also doesn't change the fact that Terry's dad still raised him.
It's also a remarkably touching parallel to Bruce himself, what with how Thomas may be Bruce's father, Alfred is always gonna be his daddy.
Really heartwarming how Bruce really did change because he lost Dick.
A pity you didn't include Dick's line, "The only people Bruce ever loved were his parents and the sooner you realize that, the better" And how this episode showed Dick was wrong
most guys do change when they lose their dick
Then Batman got batgirl pregnant to show how little he cares for dick
Does he say that? I don't remember hearing it, and I can't find the quote online. EDIT: Found the actual source of the quote, as it's definitely not in this episode. It's from the Hush Beyond story arc from the Batman Beyond comics.
Nightwing has always been my favorite superhero along with Spider-Man. Bruce fights crime because he HAS to, but Dick fights crime because he WANTS to. They care about each other A LOT, but this difference is why Dick left. They might not be able to work together as Batman and Robin anymore, but that doesn’t mean they don’t love and care for one another. I love their relationship, and Dick Grayson will forever be one of my favorites!
Same!!!
I'd love a series of films about Nightwing, but they would *have* to involve Dick eventually taking up the cape & cowl himself after the death of Bruce. Bruce is too broken to be the Batman that Gotham, and the world, really needs. But Dick? He's everything Batman is with none of the baggage. He's the one thing Bruce got right. I know the whole point of Nightwing is meant to be Dick going his own way and all, but Batman is his birthright, and he's the only one who can do it without it crushing everything else about him.
@@RaptorJesus I totally agree. I think its kind of ironic. When it comes to Dick, although he becomes his own man, and his own hero, there has never been anybody better and more fitting to take up the cape and cowl.
Yea I agree with you and same spiderman and Nightwing will always be my favorite characters because of those reasons
DCAU Nightwing, Batman (Bruce and Terry), Superman and Flash will always be my top favorites tbh.
I think there should have been a comic or short that explained how Batman in the dcau slowly went from the more emotional Batman that we see in Batman the Animated Series to the slightly cold hearted but still compassionate Batman that we see from the New Batman Adventures onward
Well Jason Todd is in fact Canon in that universe so that could’ve done it
The cynical answer is that Timm and co. wanted Bruce to become more god-like and a suave, sexy type, but yeah it sucks that they lost sight of man that they understood so well in the Animated Series.
And it becomes weirder when you consider Justice League and Batman Beyond. Like the Batman in Justice League only make sense if it is the Batman from the Animated Series while Batman Beyond only makes sense when it is the Batman from New Adventures. The thing about Batman is that the Batfam, Justice League, and the Outsiders always saved from being consumed by darkness. I guess when Dick left him, he spiraled is what we supposed to think as the gap between Animated Series and New Batman Adventures but imo it makes no sense
Theres that but I think some people said the comic had some issues cannon wise but events from Mask of the Phantasm would’ve also made him more cold hearted
@@maria_from_ga1461 THANK YOU. But I disagree, the Batman from Justice League has more emotion than the one from TNBA but that emotion is aholerry and dckishness.
Tho I do love Old Wounds, because tho it is in New Adventures, it is more line with the Batman in the Animated Series than the New Adventures one
Probably it is more in line with pre-Crisis Batman and Nightwing origin than the post-Crisis one lol
I really hope one day they'll make a batman movie that includes nightwing. He's such an interesting character
I really wanted to see him in the DCEU, Ben Affleck's Batman was in the right age to have a 22-25 year old son, sadly Zack killed Dick as Robin
I'm tired of Hollywood being afraid to do the Bat family or go non-realistic. I'll probably be in my 40s by the time we get that.
He's in my top 5 DC heroes. Dick Graysok is a bro and a badass in his own right, and unlike Batman, he's actually personable and sociable.
@@s-wo8781 they'll have bruce wayne outsmart an omnipotent alien before they'll ever let a 14 year old learn how to fight crime
Wow I just realized Nightwing has never been in a live action film
One thing I always liked about Bruce and Dicks relationship when well written, is that it's clear that the one thing Bruce wants more than anything for Dick, is for him not to become the same dark brooding loner that he himself became. He want's Dick to lead a happier more stable life than him.
Yet Dick's central struggle is very much between those darker impulses and the more light and cheerful nature. While Todd was swallowed by the darkness, and Drake is a shinning light. Greyson is the Robin that struggles the most with those two persona's and ultimately finds a balance between the two. (Ironically making him the most like Bruce of all of them, yes even more so than his Biological Son. Though just a bit closer to what Bruce strives to be, than Bruce himself.) He IS Bruces successor, no matter what the comics do to change that. The spirit remains.
Amen!
Dick always gets shafted in comics, movies and everything. It's genuinely depressing. I will say, Terry's also a valid successor in my eyes. Both of them deserve more screen time, and more respect.
@@CMacK1294I can see throwing the timeline farther into the future and have Dick be the Batman mentor to the alternate version of Terry.
Dick is my number 1 in the batfamily then Terry I do like Bruce but he'd be 3rd Conroy is definitely the best Batman in media just not my favorite character
Honestly the scene that shows Bruce being extra harsh with the thug in front of his son should have been what BvS' Batman should have done instead of "Why did you say that name?!" It could have shown Bruce how far he's fallen, basically turning the same man that sent him down his path in the first place. That's just me though.
I mean, Ben Affleck already did a scene like that for his Daredevil movie, that could've worked great
@@ivanagustinortiz5237 Honestly, BvS could have benefited from it.
They just add Jon as a baby, Lex has him hostage, Superman says "Go save Jon" and Lois brings up how he's their son. Again, just me though.
@@someguycalledgoober155 I think "Martha" could work just fine if Supes just said "Mom" instead. "Just save my mom". That would work way better, because instead of it being about...sharing a mom with the same name, it's Batman realizing that "the alien" isn't some heartless monster, he has a family.
@@RaptorJesus but that IS what the scene in the movie is about. The internet memes decided to make it about the name.
@@RockStationForChrist Because "WHY DID YOU SAY THAT NAME" is a dumbass line lmao
This helps solid why I think Starfire/Kori is the best choice for Dick as she understands his pain but at the same time shares his optimism. She is just able to express her emotions and thoughts which would help Dick express his in turn.
The way you so nonchalantly said "Like and Asian parent" fucking killed me 💀
I really wish we got to see Dick in Batman Beyond(the 2.0 comics aren’t really canon) because I always wondered what a Batman Beyond era Dick would think of Bruce after literal decades and I also heard that he’s still active as Nightwing by time of Batman Beyond
Their are comics that _were_ canon, at least as they were being written.
2016-2020
There are also comics where you get to see dick in batman..
Batman beyond comics are from earth 12, the continuity of those comics took references from the DCAU, but the DCAU is not the earth 12
th-cam.com/video/WBPm03p-6fY/w-d-xo.html
As far as I know, there's a Batman Beyond series from 2 years ago where Grayson became the mayor of Bludhaven and his daughter became Batwoman, even getting a suit w/ a blue bat on the chest in honor of him
@@jmouton337 That’s set in a future version of the prime universe not the dcau
I Really would want to have seen more Nightwing in the DCAU
The whole Barbara x Bruce thing traumatized me forever.
I try to pretend that there never was a "relationship", it was just a young Barbara reading too much into her interactions with Bruce. I am aware that means I have to ignore portions of canon, and I'm 100% okay with that.
@@RaptorJesus I really do, but i can't really go against canon, there was never really the whole "Bruce got Barbara pregnant" bc it wasn't ACTUALLY in the show
but they did have a relationship
But i like to think Barbara and Dick still stayed friends after a long time, or that he met Starfire eventually
@@RaptorJesus Nah that bullshit will never be canon.
@@passarovoador6662 It's not canon dude
@@Gervaj79 As much as We might not like it its definitely cannon Barbara hints at them being a thing in the actual series Batman beyond to terry
I honestly wish this was brought up in Batman Beyond more. Barbara never took any responsibility in helping break the Bat family up in her betrayal of Dick and getting with Bruce.
She lashes out at Bruce and by extension Terry when she remembers the past, but no one calls her out on her actions.
This episode was great
Batgirl was always the worst part of the Batman animated series to me then I seen this all “Robin/Batgirl” compilation video and I felt very confused after realizing she forced herself in but she had a very good heart but was still annoying then comes Batman Beyond and she is even more annoying and truly broke the Dynamic duo apart. The comics are waaaay better for her, yeevsh.
@@Artryom agreed except the comic where she got pregnant
Barbara got groomed. She's not truly at fault.
@@theepoopydoodoo Barbara was in college and an adult by the time she became Batgirl in the DCAU, Bruce barely knew her before he saw her again for the first time and by then she was an adult, he did no such thing. She can and should be responsible for herself.
@@ScapeVEVO you can be groomed as an adult, by authority figures. It happens all the time.
You can hear it in Batmans voice in tnba, batman beyond, the Justice League. He doesn't have the campiness and positive emotion in his voice that he had. He just got darker from the earlier btas. His costume is darker, he speaks less frequently and when he does its more stern.
Part of this is to contrast him with Superman but its like Dini wanted to show the darker side of crime fighting.
Yeah I always felt his change in character was because he had to start playing off an ensemble or different character (like Terry or Superman)
Now Ill never get the chance ask Kevin Conroy at comic con.
Kinda makes me wish we could have early BTAS Bruce Wayne hanging out with Clark. No witty retorts or constant insults aimed at all the nice heroes. Just Batman being nice too.
@@LARRYLONGSTRETHagreed
@@YungM.D. not really
I always loved whenever Bruce and Dick’s relationship is explored. From Young Justice’s reasoning of creating Robin so Dick wouldn’t become like Bruce. To a Nightwing comic where Catwoman reveals that Bruce always thought Dick was his greatest triumph.
Bruce could never show his affection towards his Bat Family, but nonetheless, he truly loved them like they were his own
Or when Bruce cried for Dick in Catwomans arms after Damian accidentally killed him in Injustice
Old Wounds is one of those episodes that always tugs at the heartstrings. It shows just what Bruce's never ending crusade on crime does to a man and his support system. It's equally somber knowing that by the events of Batman Beyond, he's alone and very bitter.
But batman beyond is not Canon, I don't want the future series cuz it sucks
@@gablit-gt8kk it IS canon to the DCAU though, and the reason why Bruce pushed everyone out was because he couldn't let go of what the Joker did to Tim. And because he is who he is, he's more willing to let others blame him for everything that happened than to have them blame themselves.
And forever at odds with Dick.
@@blackfox4138i do kinda agree with him. I dont really care for that show. Its like the Joel Schumacher Batman....Its not terrible though somethings are good. But its duch a somber end to such a great show.
@@gablit-gt8kkit is canon. And it doesn’t suck it’s just not for you. Batman beyond is one of the best pieces of Batman media we have ever gotten.
When I watched this as a kid I just could not comprehend why Bruce and Dick weren't "friends" anymore. It made me sad as a kid to realize that relationships weren't permanent.
It is sad how things went between Batman and Nightwing. But it is good to have things come back together. Things are complicated and it makes sense considering all that Batman has been through. But it still makes for good drama.
Imagine being batcuffed for being criminal and you hear Robin: "Batman how could you?"
Lmaooo
"An era can be considered over when its basic illusions have been exhausted" - Arthur Miller
As a child stricken by grief & trauma, Dick saw Batman as this paradigm to heal and find purpose. As Dick grew older and healed in the process, he came into conflict with Batman as he slowly started to see Batman for what he was and how that differs from his own identity. The result is that Dick sees only the negative qualities of Batman instead of the ones he first recognized.
Can you please explain what you mean? Like do you mean Dick slowly started to see the negatives instead of the positives? English isn't my strong language so I was having a bit trouble ^^;
@@ss16206 He seen both sides. And couldn’t deal with the bad. So he left
@@ss16206 I'm saying that Dick has outgrown his beliefs/ideas at the time and continues to grow. As a child, he became Robin to gain justice for the murder of his parents. He was able to heal and grow as Robin, but it brought friction against Batman as her got older. With Batman seemingly unwilling to change, Dick outgrew his role to set out alone based on his own beliefs on how to deliver justice and balance life.
@@michaelh5446 ah I see
Thank you!
Episodes likethese highlight one the things I like about DCAU Batman: He is not a Bat God. Unlike nowadays were alot writers try to portray Batman as "Gary Stu who is always right and can defeat any hero with not problem". DCAU Batman on other hand is detective and badass hero but still has human flaws. Sometimes he lets his dedication self-control and desire to protect others go to far, refusing to admit his faults or have simple dialogue with his allies, resulting in him coming off as cold and distant and his friends like Dick end up leaving because of this attitude.
However, as showed by the end of these episode, Batman is not heartless, that he is able to see the consequence of his actions and try to redeem himself from his mistakes. He makes mistakes but learns from the experience. It really shows how Bruce Timm, Paul Dini and the other DCAU writer really knew how to write Batman, portraying as heroic and badass but at the same time relatable and human.
Only one-shot 1offs and elseworlds and the DCAMU have portrayed Batman like that, eh, less DCAMU though but he’s had his moments. Even in the DCAU JL/JLU they did that, tf you mean?
They only really portray Batman relatable and human in Batman: TAS and Batman: The new adventures tbh…
From JL/JLU and some of Superman they just go crazy, even the Legion of superheroes movie.
the life of dcau batman is very sad in general because in the end he distances himself from everyone he’s ever loved and ends up alone all because he wants to continue his mission
Yeah he lets the mask and the mission consume him
At least he still has one son in his life.
And what is his mission
Bruce is the best expression of tunnel vision in dc. The thing that he wants the most is a family, but even when he’s made a new family from the ashes of his tragedy; he neglects and pushes them away. Yo focused on his “mission”. Batman is a great example of what happens when we can’t, or won’t move on and heal from our past trauma.
It's a good cautionary tale on how one shouldn't focus on the mission to the point where you ignore everything else that's just as important. That's something thankfully other versions of Batman both dark and light toned were able to learn in time.
Old Wounds should always and forever prove that Bruce Wayne is NOT the cold hearted, soulless bastard so many think he is, but a wounded man that care so much, he is literally incapable of expressing it.
"For all that fierce exterior, I've never seen anyone care as deeply for his fellow man as Bruce Wayne."
-Amanda Waller-
"You want a better life than the old man? Take care of the people who love you. Or don't. It's your choice."
What makes all things sadder is how Barb and Bruce had a short relationship when Dick was out of the picture for a while. Dick never forgave Bruce after that...that was the end of it.
Never should have been a relationship between them anyways. Fucking disgusting.
Not in this universe. In another one.
@@preetjitsingh328 Its definetly canon. They reference it in Batman Mystery of the Batwoman and Batman Beyond, which is in this universe
@@NlmbCirclethere was episode that batman was looking at a screen where photos of girls he used to date appeared,guess who was there.
@@NlmbCircle batman beyond
Bruce Timm created an incredible world and the best adaption of Batman we may ever see. He also did irreparable damage to his character with his weird/gross relationship with Barbara.... But everything else was so great that we can just ignore that part...
Nightwing is an awesome character he really is the Peter Parker of dc which is probably why they’re my two favorite heroes.
Anyway this episode always made me tear up definitely might be my favorite tnba episode
Dick can't explain to Barbara because of the whole secret identity thing. That's part of the reason he was so pissed at Bruce for not telling him that Barbara was Batgirl. That whole time he was tearing himself apart over not being able to be 100% with her, Batman could have told him at any moment. But despite saying it "wasn't his place to say," he was just fine telling Barbara about Dick. He told her first. Without even consulting Dick. And, unfortunately, since we know about Bruce Timm's weird obsession with Brucebara, it's highly likely that Batman wanting to bang her played a role in that decision. So, Batman absolutely deserved that punch to the face.
This is why I have mixed feelings about the "Old Wounds" episode and Bruce Timm's [more "creative"] involvement in the animated series in general. Initially I wasn't able to put my finger on it when I first saw this episode, but there was something that just rubbed me the wrong way. As much as I can appreciate Bruce's dark descent into "Batman" as Dick is leaving the "Robin" mantle - it really should've been just that - Barbara should not have been used in the way that she was here [what's implied].
Barbara came to Bruce Wayne's manor. She confided to him that Dick was really upset about something and he would not tell her what it was, but she was very worried about him. Bruce asked her 1 more time to confirm that she was asking out of genuine concern for Dick and that if he told her what it was she would try and understand Dick instead of being angry about it. Then he took her to to the batcave through the house entrance, thus revealing both their identities. He was not trying to hurt Dick at all when he gave up their identities.
Bruce Timm wet dream. Making Batgirl and Batman sex. Making Harley a sex object. All fanboys sharung his fantasy. I love that I don't have to except that cannon.
@@leahkent3915 I also don't think Barbara was intentionally used. He did what he thought was best for the both of them. The thing is, Bruce is too fucked him to properly heal Dick in the way that was needed. That's what makes it more tragic: Bruce did not mean for any of this to happen but it still does because that's who he is and all that he is capable of.
I love this. I think it speaks to the trauma in all of us.
The comic tie-in Batman Adventures: The Lost Years follows Dick's journey to becoming Nightwing, in a sense following Bruce's footsteps by traveling around the world and picking up unique skills but never really mastering any one. It also shows how he got the gliding wings that I wish the comic counterpart was given. Sadly it doesn't show the part in Old Wounds where Nightwing finds that Bruce helped the guy who was interrogated in front of his son but at least we get a better ending there, where Bruce gives him a chance at being a better father for his son by having a good job instead of being a henchman.
Rip Kevin Conroy, he was such a huge part of my childhood and countless others. He died on my birthday only 2 days ago that was the worst news I could’ve received or read about on my 20th.
Rip
Beautiful. Simply beautiful. You've even accomplished not making me cringe as much as to the mention of Bruce and Barbara's relationship.
"Robin, wait!" What I like about that line is that Batman isn't upset that Dick doesn't want to be Robin anymore. He's perfectly alright with that. It's that Dick is leaving Barbara too. THAT's what mattered to him most, and probably stung the most along with Dick leaving him as a son. At that moment, they were truly father and son. Bruce is a good man, one of the best, but he is cold and doesn't know how to express himself. He can say that all that matter is the mission all he wants, but truth be told, he loves people and doesn't want ANYBODY to go through the pain he's felt. We wears his pain and burdens as armor, weaponizing it against evil, believing that the world is a better place with Batman than a happy Bruce Wayne. While that sounds very "edgy", for Batman/Bruce it's the truth unlike a lot of other brooding heroes, and ultimately he has a heart of gold. He just hides it.
People will never let the Barbara x Bruce thing go away
i garauntee the moment we do is the moment they bring it back even worse
I ignored that shit- uhh I mean ship once but it only came back as a killing joke
That's because Bruce Timm is still pushing it.
We would let it go away IF BRUCE TIMM DIDN'T KEEP SUPPORTING IT!!
Can we stop pretending Bruce is a good person and wouldn't totally do that? It's not a good thing, but it's in character
Dick Grayson is my all time favorite DC hero. He’s never been supplanted. There’s something great about him.
I really like how the DCAU showed Batman slowly over the years go from the more kind hearted compassionate guy to the more cold hardened person he becomes in JLU and Batman Beyond. He slowly sinks deeper and deeper into the abyss, alienating everyone close to him. And it makes sense. If you wear the mask for too long you start to become that which you pretend to be. It’s a really well done character arc.
Rest in Peace, Kevin…
One of the best TNBA episodes
This channel is a testament to how Batman has affected us.
As a fan of the original series, seeing how deep and complex they made batman in it, how despite putting on the batman persona, you saw him showing true emotional moments in the costume, when he was there beside Jim's hospital bed after saving him from the jazz man holding his hand, or when he held baby doll after she had her emotional breakdown, or how he hoped to save harvey from his psychosis as two face.
Yet in the new adventures, he just lost so much emotion, he no longer even tried to show emotion to Harvey anymore, he was cold and pragmatic with Harley in mad love instead of trying to relate to her like he did in Harley's Holiday, and the contrast with how he treated Tim as a child to how he treated Dick, it's night and day.
One thing they never addressed was where the change happened between the early season and the later new adventures with his more withdrawn personality, because despite the character model changes this was the same setting. We never got a legit answer why Bruce became so withdrawn, despite having a full family at this point.
This episode really shows how much Batman changes in the DCAU. If you watch it beginning to end, you can slowly see how Bruce delves more and more into his apathetic side, and by the time of the new artstyle he's almost a different person than when he began in BTAS.
I like to think that Batman Beyond is an AU where Bruce never apologized to Dick, and so they never became close again. But that there's an universe, the Justice League universe, where Bruce wasn't a ding dong, and Dick comes back to take care of him on his old age and to take the mantle as his own man. Bônus hearthwarming points if he's close when Joker attacks, saving Tim.
Bruce was actually afraid of hurting dick again that's why he avoided him.
Nah, Beyond is what this version of the character has coming for his relationship with Barbara, TNBA onwards really make this version of Batman more of a piece of shit than usual. He's does care about people and genuinely want to help but he doesn't deserve Dick's forgiveness after all he did, I like the idea Nightwing is off somewhere in the future being a better man than his father ever was
The reason is because Batman fucked batgirl
6:34 Glad I’m not the only one that feels this way. It never made sense why Batman never just bothers calling Superman for help with his crime problem especially in TAS lol
The animated series makes sense, they hadn't met yet, the new batman adventures onwards is weird
The duality of bruces brutality and his unwary compassion is what makes him so compelling in stories like this. A great man with some next level communication issues. Its hard to watch him make mistakes with the family but also wholesome when you see him go out of his way to make it up. Even if he cant or wont simply say “sorry”
Robin had every right to punch Batman at the end of that episode.
Oh god every mention of Bruce's and Barbara's relationship in the DCAU makes my skin crawl. Why Bruce Timm? WHY?!
This is why night wing is my favorite super hero of all time . His story is so relatable
9:18 I think this moment is supposed to highlight that Batman cares and gives attention to criminals who want to improve. Him choosing to traumatize that man’s family was his way of “scaring him straight” (like-is this what you want? Cops or me breaking down you door, cuffing you in front of your wife and kid?), and Bruce giving him a job and checking in on him was showing that deep down, Batman does care about giving people a second chance who deserve it.
Every video about the DCAU, makes me love it even more each day.
It’s phenomenal how many in depth video essays have been made on animated Batman episodes. The show and the characters have incredible depth and meaning, beyond just entertaining the audience.
I think it furthers adds fuel to the notion Batman is more than a comic hero.
The way Tim Drake calls Nightwing out for being like Batman is a great example of why I think he's a way better character then people give him credit for. Unlike Dick, who took a while to grow disillusioned with Batman, Tim Drake's rough upbringing allowed him to see right through Batman's facade, meaning that right from the start, there isn't that divide that Dick delt with. He gets who Batman is right from the start, and accepts it. The understanding also makes him WAY better at calling Batman out and much more willing to fight back when he thinks he's going too far. (See "Never Fear")
This is one of the best episodes of B:TAS. It's really sad to see how Bruce and Dick broke apart after so many years fighting crime. I think we should get a comic in this universe (which is set after this episode) where Nightwing goes to meet with Bruce one on one. Maybe Dick wants to apologise, but Batman says "No....you don't have to be sorry for anything....this was my fault on that roof...my son".....and then....they shake hands. I donno, that's my proposition. Also....I ABSOLUTELY DESPISE "BATMAN GOT BATGIRL PREGNANT" STORY. Thank god, this story is not cannon because if this supposed to be the same Batman who stayed with Ace until she died then....NO, JUST NO! Batman may be cold, closed off from others, doesn't want, maybe doesn't know how, to show his emotions but he cares about others. He understands why some thugs are committing crimes, because they have family to feed or they've run out of luck. When in this episodes he says "It wasn't my place to tell you" and "I thought we had the same goals" I feel he wants to say something that would help Dick...but he's unable to. In Young Justice Season 1 when Batman says "Robin needed to help bring a man who murdered his family to justice", Wonder Woman says "So he could turn out like you?" and Batman replies...."So that he wouldn't". So as you can see my mind has a hardtime to come up with any scenario when Batman, especially DCAU BATMAN would slept with his adopted...NO....his sons girlfriend and Gordon's, Batman's friend, daughter! Anyway, great video my man.
Great video on this topic. Dick Grayson was always one of my favorite DC characters.
With all the crap that the Dcau Batman did to Nightwing over the years Im suprised that he didn’t become a antagonist for him because it would kinda be justified and I imagine it would be similar to the whole Red Hood storyline but a bit different(for obvious reasons)
blue hood
That’s basically what happens between Bruce and Dick in the Frank Miller universe ,Dick goes insane and becomes the second joker after what Bruce did to him in ASBAR
@@zentik7494 best batman book ever
@@lordskeletor4558 It's actually pretty horrible
but man
@@passarovoador6662 best batman book ever
would love more videos about nightwing, he is such an interisting character, the whole arc of him becoming just like bruce is always good, sidenote, his version in young justice is just perfectly done
Damn this is a good video hit me right in the childhood
Never really thought this much people give a care about Batman and Robin or Bruce and Dick's story. It makes me proud to be DC fan.
We've had so many movies focusing on the Bat himself, but I would love something that explores some of the bat family, like Dick and Tim.
I was listening to this while working, and when you got to the part where you compared Batman to an Asian parent, it really caught my attention because you nailed it.
Being half Vietnamese and Chinese, my parents always thought what they wanted was what I wanted, or when they had a chance to be a parents, they would go straight to the bigger picture. Being grown, I understand it better, but at the same time it would've been nice to have a parent when I actually needed it.
Great video and great essay, keep it up!
I'd say that they didn't have the opportunities that we had growing up and thus never understood the freedom to self-actualize that we seek. And they spent their lives fulfilling responsibilities.
They're not wrong in a way.
For everyone who is looking for a song in the video- track list is at 11:40
Always look forward to each upload. This one is top caliber!
5:56 The worst thing they've ever done to Batman's character.
In this universe anyways
Just realized that Bruce made Barbara his Harley Quinn. Joker _had_ to be laughing about this hysterically in the background.
This was probably the best opening you have ever done. Well done!
Honestly, rehearing all of these great episodes just further cements the idea that batman TAS was one of, if not, the best super hero cartoons evers. Im so lucky to have been able to grow up watching these shows as a young kid.
This episode, dare I say the mid half of the Animated Series and afterwards, wouldn’t be the same without Loren Lester. His acting made Robin stand out in every scene that was important to him, and it’s a big reason (for me, anyway) that the Animated Series is as good as it is. The characters and voices had so much passion in them that makes the show stand out amongst its peers, even to this day with cartoons of supposedly higher quality of animation.
The parallels between Robin's Reckoning and Old Wounds are visceral.
Dear God, that one really hit home.
What a powerful piece. I love these shows so much. You've definitely done them justice!!
Goddamn it. You make me cry each time you post a video.
Thanks.
Phenomenal episode. In my top ten. Severely underrated. The birth of Nightwing.
I have to honest even after all this time my relationship with Bruce has never been the same and as far as I can tell it never will be
I just really like how Nightwing looks in this show tbh
I think this was my favorite analysis. Been rewatching several times just because it was so gripping when I was a kid. Great job
I always find it sad when people dismiss Nightwing as the 'happy one' of all of Batman’s children. There is so much more to his character than the fact that makes jokes or is in a better mode than Bruce. He is in fact the one that consistently criticzes Bruce’s wrongdoings and the one that at the same time because of his pure existence changed Bruce. And the fact is, even if no one in realizes it, but Nightwing is very very similar to Bruce and in some aspects even better at manipulation and deception than Bruce is. It’s so interesting to me, because Nightwing seems to be the antithesis of Batman when in fact he is more like an alternate version of what Batman could’ve been.
4:50 this is how a father son dynamic will go if your father does not communicate well, has unrealistic expectations and lowkey controls you instead of guiding him.
Really liking all these DCAU contents recently
I like how in the comics he asked Superman for advice
Y’know, I really want this universe to have more and more installments
No
@@Gervaj79 Yes, I want more installments
Bloody hell, now I think I have to use the whole summer watching the animated series because this was so f****** good!
'angel of the morning' (originally by chip taylor, although i'm quite partial to marianne faithful's cover) is one of my favorite songs ever. most people are probably more familiar with it through shaggy's track 'angel', though.
Love your videos dude and Love the quality of videos and specially with the frequent uploads. Keep it up.
I like to think Dick became something of a big brother to Tim and also Damien.
Dude the credits song (the "I was out of town" one) sounds so good on 2 times speed
This episode is a time favorite and not just because Robbins voice actor also did iron fist in avengers Earth’s mightiest heroes
Old wounds was awesome FINALLY seeing Dick Grayson without the mask.
Really twisting the knife with Bruce and Barbara's relationship. Completely understandable.
It's amazing to think that despite how relentlessly grim it looks on the surface, the Arkham series is actually a happier and more uplifting Batman world than the animated one, at least when it comes to the relationship between batman and his family.
I like how nightwing and Harley are actually the most relatable.
Both work at circus, both being push by 'destructive' people, are the sidekicks, both had to become thier own person
and are evidently both really freaky in the sack XD
I mean, a guy would have to be crazy to want to fuck Harley...
and a girl would have to be crazy to want to fuck a member of the Bat family...
@@abigails4088 they do get married in future state, tho it hasn't happened yet(old woman harley) knightwing died in the field, apparently
@@abigails4088 90 percent of men must be crazy
Except Harley is evil. Dick isn’t. Big difference. You don’t see Dick participating in what Joker and Harley did to Tim Drake now do ya?
@@blacklivesorblackvotes2985 Harley turned more anti hero
I remember watching this episode on a Sunday afternoon. Such a great episode
It must be really frustrating working with or under Batman. He doesn’t owe anyone an explanation, he keeps people in the dark. He endangers people, puts the mission first.
Amanda Waller said it best in the ending of JLU "Wanna have a better life than the old man? Care for the people around you."
Bruce has this obsessions of protecting Gotham and people around him from criminal elements and he embraces the darkness, while Dick Grayson doesn't as seen in the family scene where he was interrogating the father brutally such as with the Batman Superman crossover where Superman said "That's Enough", Batman crosses that thin line why he ended up alone in BTAS since it was really hard to have a dual life. JLU actually did great showing that Terry will be there for his "Father" since they share the same moral code, but Terry will not make the same dark mistakes as Batman did and care for people he's close too instead of being cold to them and not showing emotions.
I live to see video essays like this
It still hurts sometimes to watch these episodes. To know that Kevin’s really gone. I did meet him, but I walked past him at so many conventions after. I just always assumed that I’d just be able to swing by his booth again. I thought we still had so many years in store with his iconic voice. Fate is an ironic, yet cruel thing.
I’ve watched rick and morty today. I’ve watched Assassination classroom. Both in their own ways, they are great.
Then I watched this. I just lost someone in my life. I watched your Lex luthor video. Your justice league unlimited video.
I can’t be a patreon member but from one aspiring writer to you, I was touched, moved, I felt myself feel I had a soul again.
Don’t underestimate yourself.
AC really rubbed me just right... and having Sonny play the main role like that was just perfect.
probably around time I re-watch it...
I hope you can find your "place" soon... sooner than the 2 years I'm pushing and still lost in that void of grief >.>
suddenly reminded of Bruce in the Harley series asking Shark about grief periods "is 30 years a normal amount of grieving time?"
"don't underestimate yourself"
I'll try.
Great video, thankyou for articulating the feelings many of us are afraid to face, being afraid of being someone else, so much so we become them, I struggle with this as I know do others and this video helped cushion some of the pain with a bit of understanding, maybe it's time to take trip back home, answer the call, or just check in because even those who may not say it love you. Thanks for that🙏🏽💪🏽💯
This was amazingly well done
Jesus... What a DAMN GREAT video!
This is a perfect video! I remember when Titans came out everyone thought it was so funny that Dick said “Fuck Batman” when knowing these same stories and seeing it through this lense you can absolutely see why he would have a “fuck Batman” phase in his life. And the healing of wounds like this between Bruce and Dick across media is great because it allows both characters to grow. Dick is essentially Bruce’s first child and he wasn’t always perfect, even after Dick but he learns to be better for Tim and Damian. Despite Bruce Timm I feel like there’s even a lot to be said for Bruce’s fatherly relationship to the Batgirls as well that’s completely different to the Robins.
9:00 This video made me very sad. It made me think about the relationship between me and my father, which, now as a grown man, makes me even sadder. After years of not talking to my father, he sent me a message on my birthday. "Happy birthday, son." I never responded or even opened the message, and it's been seven years since we said a word to each other. Hearing how Bruce asks the guard how his son is makes me ponder if my father asks his friends or coworkers how their son is bc his thinking of me. Which is why he sent me that bday text. It makes me think the old man has grown soft in his later years and reflects on his life choices. The splitting apart between Wayne & Dick is very similar in the way me and my own father spilt in which I felt he was a malpulative ahole who hurt and pushed the ppl closes to him away. As I've gotten older I feel as though I myself am becoming like my father. In conclusion, Old Wounds is very sad.
Love your retrospectives!