Ep 10. Nothing to Fear

In Batman: The Animated Series season 1 episode 10, titled "Nothing to Fear," viewers are introduced to a new villain in the form of the Scarecrow. The episode begins with Gotham's billionaire industrialist, Ferris Boyle, being threatened by Scarecrow, who demands access to his lab and his latest invention, a highly potent fear toxin. Boyle reluctantly agrees but is left shaken by the experience.

Meanwhile, Bruce Wayne's friend and head of Wayne Enterprises, Bill Stern, is running for mayor of Gotham. However, the election campaign takes a turn for the worse when Stern's confidence wanes, and he is haunted by his past mistakes and failures. This is where Batman enters the scene, investigating whether there is a connection between Stern and Scarecrow's sudden appearance.

As the episode progresses, we also see Bruce struggling with his own fears. Memories of his parents' death and the trauma he experienced growing up resurface, which cause him to question whether he has what it takes to continue being Batman. This inner struggle provides an interesting layer to the episode, as viewers see Batman's vulnerabilities and emotional depth, and how he is not always the unwavering superhero that Gotham needs.

In the climax of "Nothing to Fear," the Scarecrow works his way into the Mayor's prayer breakfast and tries to unleash his fear toxin. Batman arrives just in time to stop him but not before the toxin affects Stern, who begins to hallucinate his worst nightmares. It is here where Batman's kindness and compassion are showcased, as he comforts Stern and helps him overcome his fears, reminding him that while they cannot erase the past, they can still make a difference in the present.

As with most Batman: The Animated Series episodes, the animation is top-notch and the voice acting is superb. The episode effectively captures the Scarecrow's ominous presence and the terror he inflicts on his victims. The pacing and tension build up nicely throughout the episode, with the different plot threads coming together in a satisfying and climactic ending.

Overall, "Nothing to Fear" is an excellent episode that showcases the Scarecrow's villainy and Batman's emotional depth. It is a must-watch for fans of the series and a great entry point for those looking to get into the world of Batman: The Animated Series.