IR TV Review: HARLEY QUINN - EPISODE 7 ("There's No Place To Go But Down") [Warner Brothers Animation-S2]

As the season progresses, "Harley Quinn" is coming to terms with its identity in a way but has also spreads out the narrative in a more broad way than would have been expected, using humor to its advantage but not necessarily making narrative sense. The series seems to operate in vignettes while also engaging on ongoing story lines like Batgirl (aka Barbara Gordon). This episode "There's No Place To Go But Down" seems to have triple meaning like most of the titles. The progression of this one is that Harley is brought to court for the murder of Penguin but as it is new Gotham it is a Kangaroo court with Two Face as prosecution and Bane is the judge. The court appointed attorney is a mutant Bat which is sort of funny since no one can understand what he is saying and he seems aloof with a drinking problem. Of course Harley is sent to jail but Ivy tries to take the fall for her which is sweet.What progresses is that instead of Arkham, Bane transports them to a new place he calls The Pit which is a prison of sorts where the inmates, all murderous types try to find themselves through painting and the arts. Bane is a delight here since he is always made to be the butt of all the crime lords jokes. All he wants is a little order, some laughs and the bed made. It is only when he kicks in his serum that he becomes dangerous. Harley just wants to escape so Ivy can finally get married to her boyfriend Kite Man. The ending progression is interesting for Ivy because it is existential and identity prone but then the last shot changes everything in a quick shot. It creates a neat but undeniable story shift which could have interesting ramifications.B-

By Tim Wassberg