Take the inspiration of DC Comics’ Batman series and mix in a “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”-like attitude of teenage chivalry in modern day America. The result is the WB’s new teen drama, “Birds of Prey.” Much like WB’s last season newcomer “Smallville,” “Birds of Prey” takes a DC Comics classic and adds a contemporary twist. In fact, the WB uses the same tactics to entice its youthful audience. As in “Smallville,” “Birds of Prey” stars a sexy and youthful cast to portray the principles of superhero comics.
- Paul Wong
- Courtesy of the WB
The lovely ladies of “Birds of Prey.”
“Birds of Prey” is based on the premise of a new generation, the legacy to Batman. Who knew that Batman and Catwoman had enough animal instinct to consort and create another meta-human? More surprisingly, Catwoman refused to inform Batman of their superhero accident and began to raise their daughter Helena (Ashley Scott, “Dark Angel”) alone. Seems like a scandalous situation for a duo of superheroes. Obviously, Bruce Wayne’s devilish good looks and immense bank account didn’t appeal to the independent and powerful Catwoman.
Unfortunately, as in any traditional superhero scheme, evildoing interferes. After a fierce battle against Batman and his sidekicks, the Joker barely escapes and manages to have his henchman attack those that assist Batman. Catwoman and Batgirl, a.k.a. Barbara Gordon (Dina Meyer, “Starship Troopers”) are the prey of Joker’s retaliation. Barbara Gordon is left paralyzed from the waist down and Helena is left motherless. However, the most astonishing result is that Batman hangs up his black jock strap and flees Gotham city for a “normal” life. Left to defend the “New Gotham City,” Barbara Gordon raises Helena and the two become a crime-fighting duo known as Oracle and Huntress.
The episode commences seven years later as a small town girl leaves home to find the stars of her clairvoyant dreams. As another meta-human character, Dina (Rachel Skarsten) is the only one that can see the past and future through the perspective of people she physically touches. As a child, Dina awoke most nights confused and scared. With her abilities, she perceived the intense images of Joker’s attacks on Batgirl and Catwoman. Dina finally meets the victims within her dreams after being attacked in the dark streets of NewGotham city and saved by Huntress.
Dina follows Huntress home to find the highly equipped secret lair (funded by Bruce Wayne’s trust fund). Huntress is uneager to have the newcomer stay but allows for it as she was once a child with no place to go, just like Dina. The remainder of the episode includes the aid of Dina as she helps Oracle and Huntress track down the killer of three business related murders. The plot thickens as the nemesis implicates evil schemes and incorporates the future New Gotham City.
Familiar appearances include the reliable Alfred Pennyworth and the notorious Batman nemesis Dr. Harley Quinn, a.k.a. Dr. Harleen Quinzel (Mia Sara, “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”). “Birds of Prey” has definite potential if the program premise holds true to your DC Comic beliefs. Dr. Quinzel appears to play a reoccurring role as Helena’s therapist and both are unaware of the other’s dual identities. Also notable and unforgettable is Detective Reese (Shemar Moore, “Young and the Restless”). His persistent search for truth and justice leads him into some unexplainable situations with Huntress.