Batman TV Milestones Of The Week

[AaronHandy3]

MARCH 23, 1966

"The Penguin Goes Straight" (prod. #8723-Pt. 1) first aired @ 7:30 p.m. (EST) on ABC as the 21st episode of Batman.

This is the first Bat-episode directed by Leslie H. Martinson. He previously directed Adam West in the "The Devil's Godson" episode of Colt .45 (ABC, 1957-60), and would later helm the 1966 Batman movie. The idea of The Penguin's "going straight" has been part of the character's history in the Bat-comics. It was previously used on numerous occasions, and among them: Batman #41, 70, 76; and Detective Comics #171.

For once this season, The Dynamic Duo don't stop @ Police HQ at all; instead, they are notified by Batphone as they travel through beautiful downtown Gotham.

MARCH 24, 1966

"Not Yet, He Ain't" (prod. #8723-Pt. 2) first aired @ 7:30 p.m. (EST) on ABC as the 22nd episode of Batman.

This marks the debut appearance of The Batcycle, as an early prototype, constructed from a 1959 Harley Davidson with side car, rented from a Hollywood firm in the business of supplying vehicles for movie and TV productions. It was also the first appearance on the series of a Batvehicle other than the omnipresent Batmobile. A more flashier Batcycle will be seen in the 1966 Batman feature film and used throughout the rest of the TV series' run.

The Emergency Remote-Control Ejector Button, first used in this episode, is activated again in episode #8717-Pt. 1, "The Bookworm Turns."

MARCH 22, 1967

"Pop Goes The Joker" (prod. #9757-Pt. 1) first aired @ 7:30 p.m. (EST) on ABC as the 91st episode of Batman.

Here The Joker changes from an archcriminal with a superior intelligence to a spoiled brat with an infantile mind!

Actor Fritz Feld (seen here as Oliver Muzzy) played Mr. Zumdish on Lost In Space (CBS, 1965-68); he is also the husband of Virginia "Mrs. Olson" Christine.

MARCH 23, 1967

"Flop Goes The Joker" (prod. #9757-Pt. 2) first aired @ 7:30 p.m. (EST) on ABC as the 92nd episode of Batman.

Dialog coach Milton Stark played several small roles in the series including the second browser in these episodes, as well as the second zoologist in episode #9733-Pt. 2, "The Joker's Hard Times", Mr. Tamber in episode #9741-Pt. 1, "Penguin Is a Girl's Best Friend", and Irving Bracken in episode #9753-Pt. 1, "Black Widow Strikes Again".