Batman: The Animated Series (TV Series) Birds of a Feather (1993) User Reviews

All The Penguin Wanted Was A Friend

[ccthemovieman-1 · 8/10 · 7 January 2009]

When you see the title to this particular story, you might guess "The Penguin" is involved. If so, your guess is correct.

Actually, it's not that much of a story. The Penguin is out of jail and kind of lonely. Nobody is there to great him at the prison, nor at his former home. However, the phone rings (how would that still be in service?) and the famous crook has been invited out for dinner with hottie "Veronica Vreeland," a red-heated, full-figured Veronica Lake. She and fellow party host/snob "Pierce" also have invited Mr. Cobblepot to their swanky party, hoping he'll help them make the society news.

The Penguin doesn't let the highbrow snobs down, kidnapping Veronica. Hey, she flirted with him and he got turned on. Came blame the poor penguin. "All I wanted was a friend," he said. I think he wanted a bit more, too. Anyway, it rallied to be a fun episode with some clever dialog. Marilu Henner of "Taxi" fame is the voice of Veronica.

Once again, beautiful colors and wonderful artwork highlight the show. I can never say enough good things for the people who drew these episodes

Has close ties to Burton's "Batman Returns"

[garrard · 9/10 · 7 October 2009]

The "look" of Oswald Cobblepot bears a striking resemblance to Tim Burton's 1992 film "Batman Returns". From the Penguin's bell-like body frame to the flipper hands to the beaked nose, the animators have done a good job to replicate Danny DeVito's image in the movie.

That's wear the similarity ends for Paul Williams' voice-over performance is uniquely his. His Penguin is a faux sophisticate that desires acceptance from high society only to find himself to be the pawn of a cruel joke instigated by two yuppies, one voiced by "Taxi's" Marilu Henner. Just as Kevin Conroy is the definitive Batman; thus, Williams is the definitive Penguin.

The story makes the normal villain sympathetic as The Penguin gets to utter a line about just wanting to have a friend.

This is more a morality play than the average 'toon and receives high marks for the storytelling and high production values.

Lolita Ritmanis delivers a wonderful score, incorporating different versions of "The Penguin Theme" throughout. It is no wonder that the composer is a frequent Emmy nominee.

Remarkable sympathy for The Penguin

[filmboitito · 10/10 · 1 October 2022]

I'm 53 episodes in now, and while I also see why this is heralded as the greatest television adaptation of the Caped Crusader, it's episodes like this that cement that legacy while also featuring Batman as a supporting character. Not since Danny DeVito took the beak have I felt such sadness and sympathy for Penguin. After being continuously thwarted by Batman, Penguin gives up a life of crime and decides to "resume" his place into high society. But his reputation is so fouled (buh dun tss) up from his criminal life that he can only be seen as a joke when invited to a fancy party. I'm sure this was not the intention, but it reminded me of criminals who no matter how hard they try to leave their life and put their checkered past behind them, they still end up back in the system. Wonderful operatic climax as well.

You felt for the guy

[ThunderKing6 · 10/10 · 14 February 2022]

About: The Penguin is freed from jail and gets used by a loose broad. Batman suspects Penguin is still the bad guy. Was he right?

A good episode that deals with betrayal, growth and trust. Penguin was on the verge of being reformed but overheard the broad mocking him. Penguin snaps and reverts back to his regular self. Batman gets involved and that's when the episode loses its value.

A great episode up until the end.

oswald my beloved

[percelm · 10/10 · 9 August 2021]

This episode is THE moment i watch it whenever i'm sad. He is so cute he swashbuckles and sings opera. Episodes that make you develop romantic feelings for the penguin. Veronica vreeland when i GET you!!!!