Batman: Caped Crusader recontextualizes its villains in new ways, and one villain in particular is redeemed in a way the DCEU failed to do. Hamish Linklater (Midnight Mass) voices this new iteration of The Dark Knight, channeling that detective noir feel that the series is going for. Created by Bruce Timm (Batman: The Animated Series, Justice League Unlimited), and produced by The Batman's Matt Reeves, Batman: Caped Crusader takes place in 1940s Gotham, setting itself apart from other adaptations.
Throughout its first season, Batman: Caped Crusader has made significant changes to the Batman mythos, carving out its own identity in the process. One way the show sets itself apart is how it changes the origins of its villains, like Harley Quinn, Catwoman, and others. One in particular is Killer Croc, who has a short, but memorable moment during one of the episodes of Batman: Caped Crusader season 1, making him a compelling character that should be explored in the show's future.
Batman: Caped Crusader's Killer Croc Fights Batman For A Very Different Reason
In Batman: Caped Crusader season 1, episode 8, "Nocturne," Bruce Wayne is attending a circus fundraiser and a number of children go missing. He tails one of the little girls that was getting abducted, before stumbling upon a cast of characters that are part of the circus, including the Bearded Lady. Bruce Wayne explains that he is looking for two little girls and the group takes it to mean something different. Killer Croc is a member of the circus and is asked to help deal with Bruce Wayne.
One of the girls Bruce Wayne is looking for is Stephanie Brown, a character that at one point takes up the mantle of Robin in the comics.
Killer Croc attacks Bruce and the rest of the group joins in, beating him down despite it all being a misunderstanding. This positions Killer Croc as not an outright villain yet in Batman: Caped Crusader, but rather a well-intentioned circus performer who was attempting to stop a potential predator. If Killer Croc does become a full-blown villain in future seasons of Batman: Caped Crusader, his first appearance in the show could be an interesting narrative contrast to what he eventually might become.
Why Batman: Caped Crusader's Killer Croc Is Way Better Than The DCEU's Version
It's not controversial to say that Killer Croc was criminally underused in the DCEU. His only appearance is in David Ayer's Suicide Squad, as he works alongside other villains to take down Enchantress. Despite being part of the main cast, Killer Croc doesn't get much to do and doesn't have much character development. There are pieces there that could have been expanded on if he had more appearances. Exploring how he wants to be isolated because he was treated like an animal his whole life could have been more interesting than what the character ultimately was.
Killer Croc beating up Bruce Wayne because he thinks he is a predator is much more compelling than the one who sulks in the background instead of being a prominent member of Task Force X.
Even though Killer Croc's appearance in Batman: Caped Crusader is much more brief than the DCEU's version in Suicide Squad, it's more memorable inside the context of the story. Killer Croc beating up Bruce Wayne because he thinks he is a predator is much more compelling than the one who sulks in the background instead of being a prominent member of Task Force X. His inclusion in Batman: Caped Crusader feels organic, as he fits right in with the other cast of circus performers, and it would be great to have him continue to develop as a character in future seasons.
Killer Croc's Backstory Lends Itself To Non-Villainous Versions Of The Character
Time will tell if Killer Croc becomes an outright villain in Batman: Caped Crusader, but one narrative choice that the show can make is keeping him from becoming just that. His backstory lends itself well to being an outcast that just wants to lie low, and he doesn't need to become a villain to justify his place in Batman: Caped Crusader's story. He could still have run-ins with Batman, but doesn't need to exist solely to be a villain in the series.
His backstory is tragic, and because of his skin condition, he was relegated as an outcast. When everyone views and treats the character as a monster, it's reasonable to assume he will become a monster. It doesn't need to be like that, though, and Batman: Caped Crusader shows he can work in a different context. Giving him a place to fit in alongside the other circus performers can help keep him from becoming a full-blown villain. Focusing on his humanity and compassion when he never received that in return is a compelling way to develop Killer Croc.
Batman: Caped Crusader is a compelling take on the character and his mythos. Its detective noir 1940s setting lends itself well to interesting stories and unique versions of long-established characters. The series does a great job of reinterpreting villains and their backstories, including a brief (but memorable) appearance from Killer Croc in episode 8. Despite having only a minute or two of screen time, Batman: Caped Crusader introduced a compelling new take on the character better than the DCEU ever did. Hopefully, that isn't the last time Killer Croc is featured in the series.
