6 Interesting Ways the Batman TV Show Was Better Than the Newer Versions

Batman comics originated in the 1930's, created by Bill Finger and Bob Kane.
The Batman TV series, that first aired in 1966, starred Adam West as Batman and Burt Ward as his sidekick Robin. Although there is nothing wrong with the modern version, it just isn't as much like the original comic as the 60's TV series. Here are 6 Interesting ways that the Batman TV show is better than the newer versions, as well as being more like the original comic.

1. The Costumes Are More Colorful, and More Like the Original Comic

The original Batman actually looked like he was part bat and part man. The modern version looks more like he's part doberman pincer, and he has that molded rubber suit, that is obviously not shaped by his actual physique. In general, the costumes worn in the television show looked more like the original comic, and were more colorful. That's not to say that the modern version isn't cool or anything, just less like the original comic.

Batman to Batgirl: I thought we agreed it was your night to babysit Robin?

2. He Had Robin to Help Him Out

Batman: Just keep your butt cheeks pinched together and keep jogging, Robin, we're almost there.
Robin: Oh No! I think it's too late Batman! It feels....wet...Nooooooooo!

The modern Batman goes it alone, which is kind of a bummer. In the older version, it was always "Batman and Robin", the "dynamic duo", the "caped crusaders". Batman with out Robin, is kind of like Jagger without Richards. It's OK, but missing something. Robin appeared early on in the Batman comics, and has been fighting alongside Batman ever since.

3. The Batmobile From the TV Show was Freaking awesome (And just like in the comics, they HAD a "Batmobile")

It was a made over custom hot rod Lincoln, and it rocked. It was perfect. Perfection should never be messed with. Without Robin or the  Batmobile, it hardly seems like Batman at all.
This shows the evolution of the Batmobile, with the version we all know and love showing up in 1966 down at the left front corner:

4. Batgirl 

Batgirl (to Robin): Have a seat over there, sweetie. The grown-ups are talking!

Yes, Batgirl, the character played by Yvonne Craig breathed new life into the series, although she couldn't save it's cancellation from prime time on ABC back in 1968. But who could forget seeing her in that costume? 

According to the story line, Batgirl is Commissioner Gordon's daughter. Alfred, Batman's butler, was the only one who knew her true identity. Which is odd, because she was Batman's partner. Her and Batman never hooked up and had bat babies, which also seems odd, if you think about it. Seriously, you've got a Batman, the alpha male of the show, and a young hotty shows up calling herself Batgirl, dressed in an outfit to match his,(they could have been a set of book ends), and starts fighting crime side by side with him. And they don't become a couple? It's still unclear to this day what Batman's problem was on that one, perhaps he didn't think they'd be compatible? Or maybe it had something to do with Catwoman? Or maybe even Robin? (They did spend a lot of time alone in the Batcave together).

Anyhow, back to how Batgirl helped make the TV series truer to the comic book than the modern version.....

As a crime fighter, and each episode had to have at least one good fight in it, she was just as good as Batman, or any of the other fighters. She wasn't afraid to throw kicks and punches, and when she did, the balloon with the word "Biff", "Pow", or "Boing" would appear, Just like it did for Batman, confirming that she had indeed hit her target. Another cool thing about Batgirl was her purple motorcycle that she rode around through Gotham City on, looking for villains to "Biff-Pow-Boing." 

Yvonne Craig was the perfect actress to play the part of Batgirl. She had a beautiful face, and a sleek, sexy body, and looked really nice in her Bat suit. As Batgirl, she wore a red wig to help hide her true identity. As the commissioner's daughter, she was actually a brunette. Either way, she was hot. She appeared in 26 episodes of Batman. Was she in the comic book as well? 

Yep, she was!

5. The show had humor in it

While the modern Batman saga is serious as hell, the TV show from the 60's had a sense of humor. The writers sometimes made the dynamic duo talk like a couple of dynamic ding-dongs.

Here's an example of the humor, which is so damn idiotic you have to laugh at it:

Bruce: "Yes, Dick, your bird calls are close to perfect. If more people practiced them, someday we might have a chance for real communication with our feathered friends." 

Dick: "In that case I think I'll polish up my ruby-crowned kinglet and my rose-breasted yellow-tailed grouse-beak calls." (Actually from the TV show!)

And the original comic? It had humor, too:

You have to remember, things were different back then. This may be politically incorrect these days, but back then spanking was an acceptable form of discipline. And, well, chauvinism was still rampant. In other words, taken in context, this is an example of humor from the comic.

6. The Villains Were Awesome, and Were Much Like in the Comic Book

Crap! I forgot to let the dog out before I left the house!

Today's kids will never know what they missed, when it comes to the villains from the TV show. Oswald Cobblepot, also known as the Penguin, is quite possibly the most notorious super villain of all times (TV wise, at least). With one possible exception:

Of course, the most beautiful of villains, Julie Newmar as Catwoman, who should have had her own freaking show! In fact, Julie Newmar still looks fantastic after all these years!

So there you have it, 6 good reasons why the old TV series is more enjoyable than the newer movies.