Ep 24. Give 'em the axe

In the season 1 episode 24 of Batman Beyond, titled "Give 'em the axe", Terry encounters a fellow high school student, Carl, who is being harassed by a group of Jokerz. Carl is being forced to commit crimes due to his family's debts to a menacing loan shark named Paxton Powers. Terry tries to intervene, but Carl is desperate and feels like he has no choice but to continue working for the Jokerz.

Meanwhile, Paxton Powers is also planning to take over Wayne-Powers and kick out both Bruce and Derek from the company. Bruce had created Wayne-Powers as a way to help Gotham City, but Paxton wants to turn it into a straight-up profit machine. Bruce and Derek immediately begin discussing their strategy to stop Paxton.

The Tim Drake, who is now the mayor, is having his own issues. He wants to beef up security for the upcoming Wayne-Powers merger ceremony, but the city council won't approve his budget. He turns to Terry for help, who is more than happy to assist.

As the episode progresses, the various plotlines converge. Terry and Batman decide to take on Paxton and the Jokerz, and in the process, they meet up with Carl. With his help, they attempt to stop the Jokerz from robbing Wayne-Powers during the merger ceremony. The Jokerz are not going down without a fight, however, and the situation quickly becomes dangerous.

"Give 'em the axe" is a thrilling episode that beautifully showcases the various characters' strengths and weaknesses. Terry is both brave and compassionate, willing to go the extra mile to help those in need. Bruce is as brilliant and strategic as ever, and Derek also proves himself to be a key player. Tim Drake, although only in a supporting role, does an excellent job of highlighting the administrative side of Gotham City. Lastly, Carl's character arc is both tragic and inspiring, and his interactions with Terry are a highlight of the episode.

One area where "Give 'em the axe" shines is in its themes. The episode is a fantastic exploration of the concept of power and the different ways it can be wielded. Paxton Powers is a classic case of someone who values power for its own sake, while Bruce and Derek see it more as a means to an end. The Jokerz, of course, are using their power to commit crimes and terrorize the city. Terry and Carl, on the other hand, are working to turn the tables and use their power for good. It's a nuanced and thought-provoking exploration of a complex topic.

Overall, "Give 'em the axe" is a standout episode of Batman Beyond. It balances action, intrigue, and character development beautifully while delivering a message that is both timely and timeless. Fans of the show will not want to miss this one.