The 1966 - 1968 BATMAN series takes a lot of shots for its serio-light approach to the character. Our
Holy Election Day! thread with the comedic "Hizzoner the Penguin / Dizzoner the Penguin" episodes (from season 2) had a lot of hits, so liked or not, it continues to generate interest after 40 years.
The 1st season remains the primary reason for the TV series' enduring popularity. It produced excellent action/adventure premiere eps with regulars Cesar Romero (The Joker), Burgess Meredith (The Penguin), Julie Newmar (The Catwoman) and Frank Gorshin (The Riddler), as well as one-shots from George Sanders (Mr. Freeze # 1), Malachi Throne (False-Face) and Roddy McDowall (Bookworm).
Bat-fans who dislike the '60s series are often surprised to learn that Sam Hamm and Tim Burton are '60s fans... and wove a couple of their fav episodes into their Batman feature films. The 2nd season's Joker episodes "Pop Goes the Joker / Flop Goes the Joker" was reworked into BATMAN (1989), and the
Penguin for Mayor episodes became a major plot point in BATMAN RETURNS (1992).
Here's one of the 1st year's best episodes, featuring Frank Gorshin as the Riddler. A good mix of humor, action and adventure, with Gorshin finding a perfect balance of over-the-top performance and villainy...
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