A podcast by Dr. Andrea Letamendi & Brian Ward, dedicated to the psychological analysis of Batman: The Animated Series.
"Never Fear"
The Arkham Sessions : The Arkham Sessions, Episode 99 "Never Fear"
THE ARKHAM SESSIONS, by Dr. Andrea Letamendi and Brian Ward, is a weekly podcast dedicated to the observation and clinical analysis of the characters in BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES.
In what appears to be a significant transformation, Scarecrow decides to terrorize the city of Gotham by taking fear away. Scarecrow's newest weapon is a toxin that eliminates any biological response related to fear and anxiety. Batman becomes a victim of the toxin and begins to act a bit more...like Batman? With his fear and vulnerability completely wiped from his psychological repertoire, Batman is reckless, impulsive, and lethal. He engages in risky and senseless behavior, putting himself and others in danger. In our analysis of the episode, we address the real importance of anxiety and fear. Our bodies are equipped with a physiological "alarm system" designed to warn us of actual danger and risk. When that system goes awry, our ability to protect ourselves and others is disrupted. Does Batman ultimately learn this essential lesson about the advantages of fear? Does he experience remorse for putting Robin in danger during his altered state? Was there any permanent damage and will we see him become a colder, harder Batman? Listen in for our exploration of these topics as well as our responses to questions all about anxiety symptoms and ways to manage them!





I think this is a great episode but there is definitely some confusion as to why he flies so recklessly. I am a Robin fan more than a batman fan. I know when you discuss this series, it is all about the series and not looking to the outside and comic world of it all, but for Batman's fear of putting Tim in danger, that's the only thing I could think of to understand it. We've not seen the Jason Todd Robin in this series, but Tim entered with his kind of story so we know that his story was skipped, but, we all know what happens comic wise to Todd who is murdered by Joker, what we don't see but know happened, Nightwing left his role of Robin so maybe there is a bit of a fear of losing Robin again... But with Todd Batman felt responsible for Todd's death and he doesn't want to be the reason for another Robin's death, we just haven't seen it in the series. We see more of the self-determined Tim in this episode which I love, it shows how much he cares for Batman, Tim looks out for him and still keeps trying however much Batman pushes back. As for Batman not apologing to Tim, he should in my eyes, but to apologise, to admit he was wrong, that goes against everything in his mind of how he views himself etc, he likes to be in control and to apologise, is him admitting he wasn't, and he couldn't do it, not after having the anti-dote anyway. Just wanted to say for me a city of people unafraid would probably just turn into an extreme looting and crime ridden place that outsiders would fear if the need arose they needed to actually go there! haha But would they loose fear when entering to city full of this gas, or would they be they only ones in gotham to feel fear?
Thankyou Andrea for speaking about the anxiety and signs of anxiety. I do suffer a fair few of them on varying levels depending where i am in life, what situations im in. Im in my final year of university and coming to the end its a heighten time of stress and I do have alot of anixiety about my friendships and my degree itself, my work, whether im good enough etc, but then I have one place that i feel the least stressed or anxious is when im on the court playing pickleball, it calms me right down and i feel like myself. Physical activity is what i have to do. It's good to know it isnt just myself who finds this a positive way to control anxiety. Thanks for a great episode! Looking forward to episode 100! xD I loved that film! Will definitly be watching it again. :)
I was in your position just this time last year and can totally empathise with you. Take care of yourself, make sure you take time out of studying for sleep and socialising and don't be afraid to talk to your lecturers if the stress gets too much. Always down for a chat so drop me a message or tweet if the stress ever mounts up. I'd be happy to listen. Best of luck!
or any of us. come here. we'll help. cheers. Not Professionally. I simply don't know your case. Namaste...
First Off: Wow. Another Great Podcast. Thanks, guys. @Brian and @Drea, thank you. This is my kinda Saturday AM Cartoon. You guys do this at your own expense and on your on time & dime. You share the Bat-Love. 99 and Getting Stronger Every 'Cast. To your upcoming centennial...HUZZAH!!!
For a second, I want to cross-pollinate while these seeds are still in the air. Geoff Johns when he rebirthed GREEN LANTERN made a sublime change in the GL Corps Ethos. "Know Fear." It's just a thought and a Riff. Respecting Fear and it's potential can help captain your own Willpower.
On Killing Animal Minion: wow. You're right. Batman's never killed Harley's hyena's either. Hmmmm.
I too am a Robin. I grew up Batman. I love every episode that shares the story with the Birdboy. Tim's a great foil for Bruce and this reinforces the notion that Batman needs Robin (sorry Scott Snyder...as much as I love Duke & Bruce in ASB, to quote Grant Morrison "Batman and Robin will never die!!!").
As much as I'e never forced a kiss from a lady, I think that was more of a cliche or trope in a meek character. It's archetypical someway. Let's flip the Nebbish and he turns into...Barney from HIMYM? I'm a chef and there was a hostess named Melissa. I tried to kiss her 4 times between meeting her, getting her number and 3 dates. I never earned her kiss yet I never stopped trying or being a gentleman. yet I do respect that the WayneTech nerd's behavior was alarming. And maybe it's a metaphor for alcohol. Again, kissing. Her name is Dani, we just met and we were quite buzzed. Beautiful woman. 6 feet tall! Yet we had a moment. I literally grabbed her by the hips, drew her to me, eyes locked and planted one on her, on my tippy-toes! and I felt her melt in my arms...wow. That was romantic. I'm glad to have that moment.
I want to take a moment to appreciate your outreach and the impact you are having on your listeners. I came to a Tipping Point with my stress, anxiety & depression. As much as I am a Spiritual Man, I needed Real Help. And "that alarm system" went off. And because of the impact my internet culture had on me, by the people I chose to follow and listen to. Jenny the Bloggess Lawson. Wil Wheaton. And a geeky gal from Texas named Jessica Mills. The common denominator was Get Help. Get Checked. Don't Suffer. These ideas came to me when I needed them the most. I'm forever grateful to their impact. I'm now in control of my fear & anxiety instead of my fear & anxiety controlling me. So I know you two must be having the same impact on someone who needs to hear this too at that time in their life. cheers.
I love bringing LOCK-UP back into the conversation. Compromised Batman's choice-making resembles Lock-Up scarily. Thanks Brian for the dovetailing of Lock-Up to Crane. I forgot all about that yet my mind kept veering back to Lock-Up then entire time.
hey...love this podcast. Together we are....cheers!!!