This episode, dating back to 1994, was one of the lesser known ones but featured a very interesting character, Bane. (Hey, not quite "Heart of Ice" material but he did get his own figure). The producers themselves weren't too fond of Bane as a character, however, and only dedicated one episode to him, unlike Joker, who appeared in nearly every other episode. Nevertheless, this episodes animation is spot-on and well written.
The episode consists of Rupert Thorne, sleazy crime boss, hiring Bane to rid Thorne of Batman forever, feeling Banes superior strength and near equal intellect were more than a match for the Dark Knight. This version of Bane, while entertaining, differs from his comic book counterpart. Rather than an assassin, Bane of the comics was simply an escapee from a ruthless Santa Priscan prison, who's life was dedicated to destroying Batman (which he almost did, as he broke Batman's spine). This Bane is slightly more tame, but after his escape from prison, he went into business as a freelance assassin. He must be a good one at that, as it's specifically mentioned in the episode that his price per job is Fifty. Million. Dollars. Woah.
Bane tracks Batman and Robin through Killer Croc, and as a sign of sheer manliness trashes the batmobile. Batman corners Banes "girlfriend" Candice, where he questions her on Banes whereabouts. She plays coy, until Batman finds that Bane has kidnapped Robin, and plans on fighting Batman to the death at the wharf. Batman arrives to find that Robin, like a stupid idiot, is chained up, about to drown. Before he can rescue his compadre, Bane challenges Batman, and the fight begins.
Bane easily overpowers Batman, until Batman knocks him into the water. Robin, who always gets the easy way out, has a hard time struggling with Candice. Candice escapes, and Batman manages to free Robin. Robin makes it most of the way up the ladder only to be easily nudged back down by a freshly angered Bane. The fight continues, with Batman thinking a little smarter, even using hurricanranas (a wrestling move, in homage to Banes Lucha Libre appearance). However, Bane still knocks him around, and lifts Batman over his head, mirroring the comic, when the very same move nearly crippled Batman. This is a kid's show, after all, so Batman gets the upper hand on Bane by breaking the device that feeds him his super steroid (Venom, as it's known), winning the match.
Batman takes a beaten Bane back to Thorne, rats Candice out, and the episode ends. I only hope we're left to assume Robin lives. Maybe. Overall, really good episode and pays wonderful homage to the comic from which it draws it's source material. The animation is fluid, Banes voice actor is wonderful and its a nice little narrative. I remember, seeing it for the first time in a doctors office lobby, and being completely blown away. If you're a fan of Bane or just Batman in general, do yourself a favor and watch.
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