Reflections on the Batwoman TV Series: A Fan’s Perspective

I recently revisited the Batwoman TV series for the first time, having initially watched the early episodes. My initial impression was not entirely positive, largely due to the show's handling of the legacy of Batman and its overtly feminist elements. Let's dive deeper into my thoughts on the show and what I've learned since my first viewing.

First Impressions of Batwoman

My first red flag came during the introductory scenes where Kate Pike, the new Batwoman, was discussing the Bat suit. The moment Kate mentions that the suit is only truly perfect when it fits a woman, I found it disruptive and a clear sign of an overbearing feminist approach. It's important to acknowledge that a suit fitting a woman does not inherently make it superior. Instead, a more balanced message would be that Kate is just as capable and equal to Batman, regardless of her gender.

Legacy and Feminism in Batwoman

Shortly after, the show's feminist narrative took center stage during a scene where Batwoman was apprehending criminals. Kate proclaimed that she does not let a man take credit for what is essentially her job. While it's admirable to stand up for oneself and one's labor, the context of the show is crucial. Batman initially wasn't even a confirmed legend; his existence was questioned. Introducing another layer of fear to his character by casting him as a man who borrows a woman's achievements feels forced and out of place.

Forced Feminism and Natural Integration

A lot of my issues with the show stem from how they attempt to infuse feminism naturally into the narrative. In Avengers: Endgame, for example, the female characters' meeting in the same place seemed contrived, making no contextual sense. The same could be said for Ant-Man, where the Wasp's Quantum Tunnel experiments occurred just prior to the scene where the female characters converge. In both cases, the scenes felt artificial and detracted from the overall story.

Second Season and Beyond

The second season of Batwoman brought a significant shift to its narrative, emphasizing the idea that anyone can wear the Bat suit. While this is certainly an empowering message, it was a letdown for me. It felt like the show was trying to undo the mystique and exclusivity of the Batman legacy, which was what initially drew me to the character and the show itself.

The Future of Batwoman

While I remain a loyal fan and plan to continue watching the show, I am uncertain about its future. The series has now entered its third season, and as of now, I feel that the show has potential to improve. However, the forced feminism in earlier seasons remains a significant barrier to my enjoyment. It's clear that the creators are trying to address these issues, but whether they can do so in a way that feels natural without changing the heart of the story remains to be seen.

Ultimately, it's a fine endeavor to promote feminist ideas, but it’s a cleverness of execution that truly integrates and celebrates these ideas in a way that resonates with the narrative and characters. Until then, Batwoman will likely be a show that I watch out of a sense of duty to the character, but with a bittersweet taste in my mouth.