It is widely known that both HBO Max and DC’s film and TV assets are facing significant turmoil. Several completed projects have been canceled, some series have been taken off the streamer, and there are ongoing changes to fictional universes. The situation is chaotic and confusing, but there is a possibility that James Gunn may be able to bring some stability to DC’s properties.
Despite the chaos surrounding HBO Max and DC’s film and TV properties, the animated series “Harley Quinn” has managed to endure. It has outlasted the original streaming platform and several changes at Warner Bros. while other DC shows from the same era have been canceled. Harley Quinn is not only set to have a fourth season but there will also be a spinoff featuring Kite Man taking over a bar for supervillains in Gotham City, as well as a Valentine’s Day special set to air on February 9th.
Harley Quinn, an animated series for adults set in its own continuity and known for its irreverent and often vulgar take on iconic characters, has managed to stand out amidst the chaos surrounding DC and Warner Bros. This is likely due in part to the show’s high quality, which James Gunn, who made a cameo appearance in several episodes of Season Three, described as fantastic. The fact that these iconic characters are valuable corporate IPs and are carefully guarded only adds to the success of the show.
Harley Quinn was created by Justin Halpern, Patrick Schumacker, and Dean Lorey and made its debut in 2019. The series follows the title character, voiced by Kaley Cuoco, as she breaks free from her toxic relationship with the Joker (Alan Tudyk) and sets out to establish herself as a villain in her own right. She assembles a team of eccentric sidekicks, including Clayface (also voiced by Tudyk), King Shark (Ron Funches), and her best friend Poison Ivy (Lake Bell), and takes on more established villains while showing utter disrespect for Batman (Diedrich Bader), Superman (James Wolk), and the rest of the Justice League.
Halpern and Schumacker, who are also executive producers on ABC’s “Abbott Elementary”, bring in Quinta Brunson and Tyler James Williams to make cameo appearances in the Valentine’s special as Hawkman and Hawkgirl.
It’s worth noting that “Harley Quinn” made its debut on the DC Universe streaming service, which was eventually made redundant by the launch of its parent company’s own streaming platform. The irony of this was not recognized by those involved with the show at the time.
On one hand, “Harley Quinn” is a show that is so outrageous and graphic that it makes the “Deadpool” movies seem mild in comparison. The use of animation allows for a level of gore that would be difficult to stomach in live-action. On the other hand, the series is a surprisingly insightful exploration of Harley’s character, delving into her self-destructive tendencies prior to her relationship with the Joker. It also evolved into a genuine, at times touching, the romance between Harley and Ivy. This combination of elements may seem even more mismatched than the mix of humor and tragedy in shows like “BoJack Horseman”, but in its own unique way, it all fits together.
The show “Harley Quinn: A Very Problematic Valentine’s Day Special” showcases the ability of the series to be both silly and serious at the same time. The special focuses on three romantic storylines, with Harley trying to give Ivy the best Valentine’s Day, Clayface getting catfished, and Bane struggling to find love. The show effectively balances humor and tragedy, with characters like King Shark and Batman taking the holiday off, Clayface communicates with his separated lower half through a mouth-shaped butt crack and Bane deals with his grammar obsession while searching for love. The animated format allows the show to delve into themes of love and self-destructive behavior, all while maintaining its irreverent and edgy tone.
The upcoming Harley Quinn: A Very Problematic Valentine’s Day Special is a mixture of humor, horror, and pathos. Harley strives to create the perfect Valentine’s Day for Ivy, Clayface is tricked into a romantic encounter, and Bane tries to navigate the dating scene despite his personal hangups. The special is filled with graphic violence, but also contains genuine emotions, particularly in the relationship between Harley and Ivy. The show balances its absurdity with heartfelt moments, even finding sympathy for its more far-fetched characters, such as the over-the-top Clayface and the awkward and self-doubting Bane.
At the conclusion of the special, Ivy evaluates the events that have taken place and say, “I will never witness anything more foolish.” She is correct. However, Harley Quinn in all its variations continues to be astute in recognizing the foolishness of its world and finds the perfect balance of taking certain elements seriously enough to prevent it from appearing too crude.
Throughout the special, Ivy emphasizes her desire for a simple night of snuggling and binge-watching a good show with Harley. It’s tough to envision a more enjoyable and imaginative television program for mid-February than the “Harley Quinn: A Very Problematic Valentine’s Day Special.”
The Valentine’s Day special will be available to stream on HBO Max starting February 9.
Source: Rolling Stone
