Batman (1966) – The Curse of Tut, and Pharaoh’s in a Rut

Batman (Adam West) and Robin (Burt Ward) tangle with the villainous King Tut (Victor Buono) in The Curse of Tut. Written by Robert C. Dennis and Earl Barret, this episode first aired on 13 April, 1966. This villain was the first created for the series, and he’s a fun addition to the Rogues’ Gallery. Tut…

Batman (1966) – The Ring of Wax, and Give ‘Em the Axe

The Riddler (Frank Gorshin delightfully chewing scenery) is back in The Ring of Wax. Written by Jack Paritz and Bob Rodgers, this episode first debuted on 30 March, 1966. The Riddler and his gang steal a Batman statue from a wax museum leaving behind a recording for Batman (Adam West) and Robin (Burt Ward) to…

Batman (1966) – The Penguin Goes Straight, and Not Yet, He Ain’t

John Cardwell and Lorenzo Semple Jr. join forces to tell The Penguin Goes Straight, which first aired on 23 March, 1966. And as the title suggests it seems that the Penguin (Burgess Meredith) has gone on the straight and narrow, something he demonstrates when he foils a hold-up after a theatre performance. That gets him…

Batman (1966) – The Purr-fect Crime, and Better Luck Next Time

Catwoman in the form of Julie Newmar makes her first appearance in the Batman series. She’s been mentioned, but it’s not until The Purr-fect Crime written by Stanley Ralph Ross and Lee Orgel, which aired on 16 March, 1966, that she actually showed up. The famous cat burglar is off to cause a lot of…

Batman (1966) – True or False Face, and Holy Rat Race

False Face (Malachi Thorne) – who the hell is False Face? – shows up to menace Batman (Adam West) and Robin the Boy Wonder (Burt Ward) in True or False Face. Written by Stephen Kandel it first aired on 9 March, 1966. Constantly in masks and disguises False Face sends false messages to taunt the…

Batman (1966) – The Thirteenth Hat, and Batman Stands Pat

Writer Charles Hoffman brought the Jervis Tetch aka The Mad Hatter (David Wayne) into the Batman television series with his episode, The Thirteenth Hat. It first aired on 23 February, 1966 and sees Tetch using his mesmerizer (stowed in the top of his hat) to abduct hats, and the people wearing them. Commissioner Gordon (Neil…

Batman (1966) – Zelda the Great, and A Death Worse Than Fate

Zelda the Great is the first episode of the Batman series to introduce a female villain, but Catwoman does get name-checked here. Written by Lorenzo Semple Jr, and featuring William Dozier’s fantastic narration, this episode first debuted on 9 February, 1966. While Bruce Wayne (Adam West) and his young ward, Dick Grayson (Burt Ward) are…