The Arkham Sessions

She's a doll. She's a baby. She's ...homicidal? Baby Doll was a child actor who was afflicted with the congenital disease called Systemic Hypoplasia, a condition that stunted her growth and caused her to appear 5 years old forever and her developmental and identity mismatch created a significant amount of psychological conflict for her. In this episode, we discuss the complexity of Mary's condition: the psychic disequilibrium she experiences when her authentic self isn't recognized by others, the impact her physiology had on her social development, and the possibility that Batman seems to be the one person who relates to her.

It's our first look at one of the most iconic villains in Batman history, Bane. He's the man who broke the Bat in the comics. Will he get the chance to repeat in the animated series? Find out if Killer Croc has made progress with social skills and how Bane uses his special purpose!

It's the beginning of a new year, but we get to revisit with some old friends...and villains! It's the return of the Ventriloquist and Scarface! And things aren't looking good for Selina Kyle, as she struggles with her perceived lack of freedom. Why can't Bruce offer more support? Can she conquer her impulsive nature? What's the psychology behind these villains?

It's our second anniversary and we're celebrating with a look at Tim Burton's sequel to 1989's blockbuster, Batman. In this episode we're introduced to the villains Penguin and Max Shreck and anti-heroine Catwoman. The underdogs rise to the top and make for some perfect psychological analysis!

We've all felt it before. The thirst for revenge. And yet, psychological science has demonstrated that very little satisfaction results from enacting revenge. In this episode of The Arkham Sessions, we revisit one of the beloved yet misunderstood villains, The Clock King.

It's another amazing Harley-centric episode! But, as always, it comes with its own controversy surrounding Harley's unhealthy relationship with the Joker. Our analysis focuses not just on the cycle of violence in their relationship, previously mentioned in "Harley & Ivy," but also Harley's costume as a big part of her identity, Batman's own ability to to think like the Joker, and more! Plus, we experiment with live questions via Periscope!

They are the elite! Or so they think. They're the Terrible Trio, a burgling threesome that targets the rich--not because they need the money, but because they're just bored! This episode, called the worst of the DCAU by none other than Bruce Timm, actually proves to be perfect for Dr. Andrea Letamendi's psychological analysis!

Are we all capable of blossoming into our "better selves?" Can those with seedy pasts reform? Can someone with a criminal background turn over a new leaf? In light of Poison Ivy's potential "recovery," we explain what rehabilitation might look like, whether it's predictable or even possible, and we look at the self-fulfilling prophecy, the phenomenon of making a prediction come true simply by believing in it.

Ra's al Ghul has returned and wants to learn the secrets of life and death--beyond those he already has from the Lazarus Pit. Only two people can stop him: Batman and his own daughter, Talia. Will Batman learn from his last experiences with the al Ghul family? FInd out in "Avatar!"

The Batman is put on trial by the Rogues Gallery. His charge: the very creation of the Rogues themselves! And his defense attorney is none other that Janet Van Dorn, the prosecutor that believes Batman should be imprisoned with the lot of them! Does her opinion change during his defense? And would it, if she really had to defend Batman in a court of law? Dr. Andrea Letamendi will tell you why or why not in "Trial!"

How similar to the Batman is Harvey Bullock? As someone wants Bullock dead, we get the first good chance to dive deeper into this polarizing character!

It's our first time evaluating the REAL Killer Croc since his very first appearance in "Vendetta." How has he changed since then? And is it possible for someone like him to reform after meeting up with a community of people who have had many of the same experiences he has?

We revisit the psychology of the Mad Hatter, exploring his obsession with control, manipulation and alteration of other people's minds, and his fundamentally damaged and poor sense of self. Additionally, could symbolism and superstition actually have a significant effect on our behavior and thought patterns? And is having a worry-free or stress-free life such a good idea?

Batman diagnoses Arnold Wesker (AKA The Ventriloquist) as having Multiple Personality Disorder or Dissociative Identity Disorder. But is this diagnois accurate? And is Batman qualified to make this diagnosis, to begin with? In this episode, Dr. Andrea Letamendi breaks down this controversial disorder and tells us what she thinks of Batman's assessment.

This week, we get a clear portrayal of a full-fledged delusional disorder in a new villain: Maxie Zeus. We discuss the diagnosis of Delusional Disorder, types of delusions and the impact the illness could have on the family members, partners and colleagues around the person suffering. Finally, we consider what the real differences are between Batman and Maxie Zeus--could they actually be more alike based on their fixed values, impervious beliefs, and the "creation" of an identity?

What separates humans from robots? Dr. Andrea Letamendi dives into the psychology at play in this fantastic episode that brings up deep emotional themes seen in science fiction classics like Blade Runner and haunting imagery from others like The Terminator.

When we left our heroes, Ra's al Ghul was holding his own daughter above his head, ready to kill her in a sudden fit of insanity, brought on by the rejuvinating effects of the Lazarus Pit. In this episode, we look at the similarities between Batman and Ra's al Ghul, as well as whether Batman would ever be able to have a romantic relationship in addition to the life he leads as Gotham's number one crimefighter. That and more here!

It's our first real look at the mysterious Ra's al Ghul, "The Demon's Head!" First introduced, along with his daughter, Talia, in "Off Balance," this quintessential member of Batman's Rogues really gets to shine in "The Demon's Quest, Part 1."  When Robin and Talia are kidnapped on the same day, Ra's recruits Batman to help him rescue them. But is everything ever as it seems in Gotham City? Their journey takes them from Gotham to Calcutta to Malaysia to the Himalayas and, finally, to the infamous Lazarus Pit! But why? Find out in this week's episode of The Arkham Sessions!

Due to a catastrophic explosion at WayneTech Industries, Bruce Wayne is injured and suffers corneal flash burns. The bad news: He's temporarily blind! Against Dr.'s orders, he suits up as Batman and goes after The Penguin so he can stop him from causing anymore mayhem with a stolen military-grade helicopter, aptly nicknamed "Raven."  Aided by an occular device (that seems to be implanted in his brain?!), Batman regains his vision and pursues The Penguin and his henchmen to the site of a dangerous steel factory. But the visual aid runs out of batteries, rendering Batman completely blind while facing one of his most dangerous enemies. Miraculously, he discovers how to compensate for his lack of sight by engaging his other senses, and Daredevi--er, Batman, finds a way to serve his mission without one of his most integral senses! In this episode of the Arkham Sessions, we discuss Batman's inflexible personality, his insistence on working "impaired," and his ability to work with the new deficit of blindness.  We

Commissioner Gordon has been arrested on suspicion of taking bribes from mob boss Rupert Thorne and Batman's on the case. But so is Gordon's daughter, Barbara, who's showing herself to be quite the accomplished crime fighter herself...as Batgirl! This week, The Arkham Sessions breaks down her acceptance into the Bat Family, how her origin is different than that of Batman and Robin's and whether being a murderer means you're mentally ill!