Harley Quinn Season 5: A Fresh Start in Metropolis
Harley Quinn season 5 premieres Thursday, January 16, with new episodes debuting weekly through March 20.
Harley Quinn season 5 kicks off with Batman villains and partners Harley Quinn (Kaley Cuoco) and Poison Ivy (Lake Bell) feeling stuck and looking for ways to add some excitement to their relationship. Their solution? An extended stay in Metropolis, which not only reignites their romances but also breathes new life into the show itself. This change of setting allows the writers to explore the rich tapestry of the DC Comics universe in fresh and exciting ways.
Harley Quinn’s origins in Batman: The Animated Series make the transition to Metropolis a natural fit, given the connection to Superman: The Animated Series. The shift in aesthetics between the dark, gothic Gotham and the sleek, modern Metropolis is cleverly parodied in the season 5 premiere. Beyond just a stylistic change, this season delves into the high-concept science fiction elements that Superman stories are known for.
Central to the storyline is the introduction of the brilliant Brainiac (voiced by Stephen Fry), a fan-favorite villain from the DC universe. The season weaves a tale that combines humor and tragedy, from a sitcom-style origin story to a poignant stage musical penned by Bane (James Adomian) and brought to life by Harley and Clayface (Alan Tudyk). This musical not only provides moments of hilarity but also adds depth to Brainiac’s character.
Alongside Brainiac, Lena Luthor (voiced by Aisha Tyler) plays a key role in the events unfolding in Metropolis. Tyler’s performance showcases her versatility, as she navigates between charm and villainy with ease, keeping Harley and Ivy on their toes throughout the season.
While Harley is a formidable fighter, the series highlights her greatest strength as Dr. Harleen Quinzel. Her ability to analyze and understand her adversaries leads to some unexpected twists and turns in the story. The season explores the complexities of characters like Brainiac, Lena, and Lex Luthor (voiced by Giancarlo Esposito), offering fresh insights into their motivations.
Aside from the main storyline, the season also delves into the darker aspects of Poison Ivy’s past and her relationship with scientist Jason Woodrue. These narrative arcs add layers to the characters and elevate the emotional stakes of the season.
Despite the emotional depth of the season, there is no shortage of crude humor and absurdity that fans have come to love. From babysitting King Shark’s monstrous children to Clayface’s antics as he mimics Buffalo Bill from The Silence of the Lambs, the season keeps the laughs coming.
The move to Metropolis necessitates tying up some loose ends from the previous season, resulting in some rushed resolutions. While some storylines feel hurried, the change of scenery ultimately breathes new life into the show and sets the stage for exciting developments in the future.
Like a refreshing vacation, Harley and Ivy’s journey to Metropolis rejuvenates their dynamic and sets the stage for more adventures to come. As the season unfolds, it becomes clear that Harley Quinn is evolving and finding new ways to keep audiences engaged and entertained.