BATTASS: The Batman The Animated Series Show Podcast

The Pensky File
The Pensky File
  • 5.0 (52)
  • TV Reviews

Hosted by Clay McCormack and Sean Murphy, this podcast examines every episode of Batman: The Animated Series. Utilizing their extensive knowledge drawn from their backgrounds as comic book artists, Clay and Sean dissect the critically acclaimed show with a mix of expertise and humor.

  1. 6d ago

    The Once and Future Thing (JLU)

    Well, congratulations to everyone except me. I had what I thought was the safest bet on Polymarket: The BATTASS Podcast is never coming back. Easy money, right? Sean Murphy and Clay McCormack disappeared into the wilderness, got busy making comics, and left the podcast to gather dust like a forgotten longbox full of '90s Image books. I practically started spending my winnings before the market even closed. Then these two jerks decide to un-retire. So now I'm broke, my prediction record is in shambles, and somehow you're the one who gets rewarded with a brand-new episode of the BATTASS Podcast. This long-overdue reunion finds Sean and Clay diving headfirst into one of the strangest and most entertaining stories in the DC Animated Universe: the Justice League Unlimited two-parter, "The Once and Future Thing." Time travel? Jonah Hex? Batman Beyond? A future ruled by Chronos? This episode has everything, and the guys break down what makes this gloriously weird adventure such a standout in the series. As if resurrecting the podcast wasn't enough to ruin my financial future, they've also got new comics to talk about. Sean discusses his latest graphic novel, The Last Driver, a gritty, high-octane story that's already turning heads. Meanwhile, Clay pulls back the curtain on Hard Style Juice, his long-awaited creator-owned series packed with crime, action, and enough attitude to make me wish I'd invested in literally anything else. It's the kind of conversation BATTASS fans have been hoping for ever since the show went silent: comics, animation, behind-the-scenes stories, and the effortless back-and-forth that made the podcast worth listening to in the first place. I'm still furious. My wallet may never recover. But if the BATTASS Podcast had to come back and completely destroy my carefully planned betting strategy...I guess this is exactly the episode you'd want it to return with

  2. 01/17/2025

    Unmasked & Epilogue

    Welcome, Bat-fans, to the *final* episode of *The BATTASS Podcast*. I can hardly bring myself to say those words. The thought of this being the end is almost too much to bear, even though, if I’m being honest, I’ve never actually listened to a single episode. But still! It feels like losing a part of myself. The world without Clay McCormack and Sean Murphy diving into the animated Bat-universe? I don’t even want to imagine it. I don’t have to have listened to know what a treasure this podcast has been…probably.   Today, Clay and Sean are tackling two monumental episodes: *Unmasked* from *Batman Beyond*, and *Epilogue* from *Justice League Unlimited*. In *Unmasked*, we see Terry McGinnis wrestling with the consequences of his greatest mistake: exposing his identity. It’s a tense, emotional finale to the *Batman Beyond* series, one that ties together themes of responsibility, trust, and heroism.   And then, there’s *Epilogue*, the ultimate love letter to the legacy of Batman, featuring one of the most heart-wrenching and definitive examinations of Bruce Wayne ever put to screen. Clay and Sean will unpack every layer of this masterpiece, reflecting on its connection to *Batman Beyond* and the broader Bat-mythos.   They also answer listener questions from some of their loyal fans, of which I am one, in theory. I don’t listen to the show, but I respect the fact that they’re making it, you know? But here’s the kicker: this is supposedly the *final* episode of *The BATTASS Podcast*. Or is it? Clay and Sean say it’s over, but could it return someday? Possibly? Maybe? Perhaps? The ambiguity is tearing me apart!   So, join me in this emotional rollercoaster as we celebrate this spectacular finale—or not—with Clay, Sean, and their signature Bat-analysis. Whether it’s goodbye forever or just for now, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. Even if, like me, you’ve never actually listened before, and honestly don’t ever plan to start. Let’s get Batty, one last time… or not!

  3. 12/20/2024

    Betrayal & Countdown

    Welcome, Bat-fans, to another gripping episode of *The BATTASS Podcast*! Today, your dynamic hosts, Clay McCormack and Sean Murphy, are diving into two intense episodes of *Batman Beyond*: *Betrayal* and *Countdown*. But before we jump into the action, I need to vent about the *ultimate* act of betrayal I just experienced—right here, in my own living room.   Picture this: I’m starving. I carefully make myself the perfect sandwich—turkey, cheese, the works—and place it on the coffee table while I run to the bathroom for, I kid you not, *two minutes*. I come back, and there’s my dog, my so-called best friend, standing *on the table*, tail wagging, with my sandwich dangling from his mouth. He didn’t even have the decency to look guilty! Just munched away like it was his sandwich all along. I trusted him. I fed him. And this—*this*—is how he repays me? Let’s just say, betrayal hits a little harder for me today.   Per DCAU Wiki: "Betrayal" is the ninth episode of the third season of Batman Beyond. It depicts the return of Big Time. Now that Charlie "Big Time" Bigalow has mutated into a hulk, he's finally made it into big time crime. However, he's unhappy with his role and seeks to find a way to get the power he really wants. Meanwhile, Bruce has lost faith in Terry's ability to put aside his personal feelings and do the job he must do. It seems that he's right when Terry listens to Big Time's pleas for help only to discover that he's been betrayed. "Countdown" is the twelfth episode of the third season of Batman Beyond. It depicts the return of Zeta to Gotham. Hoping to find Eli Selig at a science convention, Zeta and Ro make their way to that city. Zeta is nearly captured by Agent Bennett, only to be rescued by Mad Stan. However, when Mad Stan discovers that Zeta is really an assassin droid, he straps a bomb onto Zeta's back and sends him on a suicide course. Now Batman and Ro have to find Zeta and disarm the bomb and they only have until midnight to do it.   So, whether you’ve been betrayed by a friend, a villain, or your *dog*, grab your headphones and join *The BATTASS Podcast*. Clay and Sean are here to bring you the Bat-analysis you need—no sandwiches required!

  4. 11/23/2024

    The Call & Curse of the Kobra

    Welcome, Bat-fans, to another fang-tastic episode of The BATTASS Podcast! Today, your hosts, Clay McCormack and Sean Murphy, are slithering into the world of Batman Beyond to cover two unforgettable episodes: *The Call* and *Curse of the Kobra*. But before we dive in, I need to get something off my chest—or maybe off my arm, because that’s where yet another snake just sank its teeth into me! You’d think after years of handling snakes, I’d have figured out how to avoid getting bitten, but nope! It’s like these slippery little suckers are out to get me. But hey, they say venom builds character, right? Anyway, back to Gotham! First up, *The Call* is an epic two-parter that introduces Terry McGinnis to the Justice League of the future. It’s a jaw-dropping crossover featuring Superman, Barda, and more, with Terry stepping into the big leagues. Clay and Sean will dig deep into the intrigue, betrayal, and the weighty legacy of heroes old and new. And believe me, there’s more venom in this story than even my snake pit at feeding time! Next, we’ve got *Curse of the Kobra*, where Terry faces off against a deadly martial arts cult led by the menacing Kobra. There’s action, suspense, and plenty of reptilian vibes—though thankfully, no actual snake bites (unlike my day). Clay and Sean will unpack this pulse-pounding tale and the evolution of Terry as Batman as he goes toe-to-toe with some of his most formidable foes yet. So, while I’m busy nursing another bite wound and wondering if snake wrangling was really the right career choice, Clay and Sean are here to deliver sharp insights, compelling analysis, and, as always, a healthy dose of Bat-love. Grab your headphones and join The BATTASS Podcast for another hiss-terical and action-packed episode!

  5. 08/02/2024

    Out of the Past & Speak No Evil

    Welcome, Bat-fans, to another thrilling episode of The BATTASS Podcast! Today, your hosts, Clay McCormack and Sean Murphy, are diving into the world of Batman Beyond with two electrifying episodes: Out of the Past and Speak No Evil. But before we jump into the Bat-action, let me share a little frustration from my day job as a custodian at the zoo. You see, those cheeky monkeys have been throwing poop at me non-stop, and I swear they’re doing it on purpose now! Every time I turn around, SPLAT! It’s like they’ve made it their mission to drive me bananas. But enough about my primate problems—let’s get to the Gotham goodness! Per DCAU Wiki: "Out of the Past" is the fifth episode of the third season of Batman Beyond. It initially aired on October 21, 2000. At a time when Bruce Wayne is feeling his age, a woman from his past appears and offers him the chance to regain his youth. It’s the return of Talia al Ghul, but with a shocking twist! "Speak No Evil" is the sixth episode of the third season of Batman Beyond. It depicts the appearance of an intelligent gorilla, Fingers, in Gotham City. When a roaming gorilla sends people into a panic, Batman quickly comes to the rescue but notes that the gorilla's much more intelligent than it should be, including the ability to speak English. After learning that the Gorilla is simply trying to find the man who kidnapped his mother so that he can get her back, Batman agrees to help him track down the poacher. So, while I’m busy dodging monkey missiles at the zoo, Clay and Sean are here to provide you with insightful analysis and compelling discussions about Batman Beyond. Grab your headphones, settle in, and join us for another incredible episode of The BATTASS Podcast. Let’s get Batty!

  6. 07/13/2024

    Inqueling & Big Time

    Hey, BATTASS fans! Welcome back to another riveting episode of The BATTASS Podcast with your trusty hosts, Clay McCormack and Sean Murphy. Before we dive into the Bat-action, I've got a bit of a bone to pick. So, I recently went on this trip, thinking I'd be saving adorable, oil-covered animals- cute, fuzzy ones. But instead, I spent three grueling days scrubbing oil off rocks. Yeah, rocks. And let me tell you, I'm seriously considering filing a false advertising lawsuit against that tourism company. Talk about a bait and switch! Per DCAU Wiki:"Inqueling" is the third episode of the third season of Batman Beyond. It depicts the reappearance of Inque. After resurfacing from her last bout with Batman, Inque continues her work sabotaging projects for big businesses. After succeeding in a job, she is betrayed by her employer and gravely wounded. To escape capture and eventual death, she goes to the one person she thinks she can trust: her daughter. "Big Time" is the fourth episode of the third season of Batman Beyond. It depicts the first appearance of the villain Big Time. An old friend of Terry's, Charlie "Big Time" Bigelow, is released from prison and meets up with him. Remembering that both he and Charlie were arrested for the same crime and that his own sentence was short due only to his age, Terry feels he owes his friend. Terry manages to get Charlie a job at Wayne-Powers. Meanwhile, a rival company, Agrichem, is sending out hired thugs to capture a sample of the growth hormone, Cerestone. Things get even worse when Charlie reveals his true nature and is bathed in the chemical himself. So, while I was busy contemplating a lawsuit and scrubbing rocks, Clay and Sean dug into Batman Beyond's heart. Join us for a podcast filled with deep dives, compelling discussions, and a whole lot of Bat-love. Grab your headphones, settle in, and let's get Batty with The BATTASS Podcast!

  7. 06/28/2024

    King's Ransom & Untouchable

    Hear ye, hear ye! Gather 'round, noble Bat-fans, for a most splendid announcement! I, the great Henry VIII, King of England, am pleased to relay that The BATTASS Podcast hath returned in triumph, hosted by the illustrious Clay McCormack and the venerable Sean Murphy! Today, they shall discourse upon the first two episodes of... season three, methinks. Or is it the tale of my third wife? No matter! In "King's Ransom," we find our Dark Knight of the future embroiled in a royal escapade of peril and intrigue. Then, in "Untouchable," our valiant hero faces a foe more elusive than the whispers of courtly gossip. Verily, 'tis a feast for thine ears! From DCAU Wiki: "King's Ransom" is the third season premiere of Batman Beyond. It depicts the last appearance of the Royal Flush Gang and Paxton Powers. After a job to steal art for Paxton Powers goes sour, King decides to kidnap Powers for ransom. "Untouchable" is the second episode of the third season of Batman Beyond. It depicts the appearance of the Repeller. A strange villain appears in Gotham stealing isotopes from various locations. Batman is instantly after him but discovers that the man is surrounded by a force field that nothing can penetrate. Meanwhile, Terry finds a new interest in Irene, a girl with an immune deficiency and therefore has to wear a belt projecting a field very much like the Repeller's.\ But wait! Our noble hosts shall also entertain queries from their devoted listeners, discussing the fine details and mysteries of the episodes. So don thy finest garb and prepare to be regaled with tales of Gotham's finest, seasoned with wit and wisdom. Whether 'tis the third season or the third bride, The BATTASS Podcast is sure to delight all who lend an ear. Huzzah!

  8. 11/02/2023

    Return of the Joker

    Ladies and gentlemen, Bat-fans from Gotham to the far reaches of the Bat-verse, we’ve got an announcement that’ll make you break into the Bat-Dance! The BATTASS Podcast is back with a brand-new episode, and it’s a true Bat-tastic extravaganza! In this thrilling episode, your hosts, […] Find all of our content at The Pensky File Links! • https://thepenskyfile.com/links • e-Mail : thepenskyfilevideo@gmail.com

    Return of the Joker
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Hosted by Clay McCormack and Sean Murphy, this podcast examines every episode of Batman: The Animated Series. Utilizing their extensive knowledge drawn from their backgrounds as comic book artists, Clay and Sean dissect the critically acclaimed show with a mix of expertise and humor.

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