Ep 1. Shadow Of The Bat

After the massive success of the first season of Batman: The Animated Series, the second season picks up with the first episode called "Shadow Of The Bat." The episode starts off with Commissioner Gordon being framed for taking bribes from criminals in order to keep them out of jail. Of course, Bruce Wayne knows that Gordon would never do such a thing, and he puts on his Batman suit to investigate the matter.

Batman starts his investigation by going to a bar where he meets a man named Gil Mason who was Gordon's old partner. Mason left the force because he didn't like Gordon's style of leading, so he's a prime suspect for framing Gordon. Batman tries to speak to him, but before he can get any answers, Mason throws Batman out of the bar.

Meanwhile, the actual culprit is a man named Arthur Reeves, who is a political aide to a mayoral candidate named Hamilton Hill. Reeves knows that Gordon's reputation is so good that it would take something drastic to bring him down and damage his reputation before the election. Reeves hires a group of thugs to carry out a series of attacks, which he frames on Gordon and leaks it to the media.

Batman soon figures this out and goes to confront Reeves. Reeves denies everything and even says that Batman should be helping the police by bringing in Gordon because he's "guilty." Batman knows the truth and tells Reeves that he won't let him get away with it.

During the investigation, Batman meets up with Detective Harvey Bullock. The two have a complicated relationship, but they start working together to clear Gordon's name. Bullock tells Batman about a meeting with a mob boss named Rupert Thorne. The two go to the meeting but are spotted by one of the thugs working for Reeves. Batman fights off the thugs while Bullock makes an escape with the evidence that he needs.

Batman goes on to confront Thorne in his office, but before he can get any information out of him, Thorne's bodyguard knocks him out and reveals that Reeves hired him to carry out the attacks on Gordon. This revelation puts Gordon's name in the clear, and he is reinstated as Commissioner of Gotham City.

The episode ends with Reeves being arrested for his crimes, and Gordon reinstated as Commissioner. Batman and Bullock walk away from the building, discussing their awkward relationship, both respecting one another enough to continue working together in the future.

"Shadow Of The Bat" is a perfect example of the quality writing, stunning animation, and fantastic voice acting that made Batman: The Animated Series a hit with both fans of the comics and casual viewers alike. With its intricate plot, complex characters, and high stakes, it's an episode that keeps you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.