Season 2 of "HARLEY QUINN"
Review by Dennis D. McDonald
Season 2 of the animated series HARLEY QUINN, accessible through HBO Max, is demonic, violent, gory, and at times very funny.
I fell under Dr. Quinzel's spell based on the movie BIRDS OF PREY. This cartoon series is even more twisted and outrageous. For example, I loved the Themyscira sequence as well as Bane’s dialog. The final episode especially is fun, grotesque, violent, and heartwarming.
I'm rather glad I'm not hung up on DC character "canon" and its various timelines. I suspect that much bludgeoning of that canon is occurring here given the presence (and disposal) of iconic DC characters. To top it off we even have an appearance of one of my childhood comic favorites — Space Cabby!
Finally, a special shout out to the voice casting and to how facial and body expressions of the main characters, Harley and Ivy, are handled. Both are superbly done. Kaley Cuoco as Harley deserves great praise. She could probably hold her own as a fast talking “pushy dame” in a 1930’s Hollywood screwball comedy.
But be warned: the males in this series — whether good or evil — do not inspire much respect!
Review copyright (c) 2020 by Dennis D. McDonald. Review originally published Dec. 15 and updated Dec. 19, 2020.
