The Joker & Harley Quinn: Evolution of a Relationship - Part One (DCAU)
I suppose it doesn't need to be said, that this analysis is no more than obsessive fan geekiness. The relationship evolution could've been deliberate, or it could've been entirely accidental. Nonetheless, it did happen, whatever the reason, and the results still had very interesting implications for both characters.
Before I begin this seven-part analysis, I'll just preface it with a couple of points:
The Joker/Harley relationship underwent a very clear evolution in the DCAU world. However, the reasons for this are unknown and could be anyone of the following:
- A natural, subconscious progression on the part of the varying writers as others besides Paul Dini contributed their own elements and Dini himself refined his ideas on the characters and their relationship
- A conscious attempt to tone down and soften it either because of potential disapproval or because the creative team themselves were uncomfortable with its more abusive aspects (especially as Harley became a favourite character of many)
- A conscious effort to develop and expand on the relationship and emotionally further both characters, particularly The Joker and how he came to have an emotional attachment to Harley
Whatever the reason/s, the relationship definitely changed over the years, becoming more and more complex, multi-layered and interactive.
Initially Harley was a one-off character, a homage to the 'henchwenches' of the old 60s Batman series. Paul Dini kept on using her and then the team began playing with the idea of Harley being really obsessed with Joker, and developing it from there.
Therefore the earlier episodes of B:TAS show us quite a different dynamic, enough that it ultimately really adds to the character progression and the way they relate to each other.
As such, what we actually see with Joker and Harley's relationship is quite unusual for a kids' animated series: a long-term, naturally developing relationship between two major villains. It gives the relationship an even greater sense of authenticity and makes it quite unique in the world of cartoons and comic books, not least because of its abusive elements and Dominant/submissive dynamics.
Although the relationship with its accompanying 'Mad Love' background was not established from the get-go, nonetheless the canon eventually tells us Harley is around because she's Joker's obsessed ex-doctor. So even though the first few episodes don't indicate this obsession as clearly as some of the later episodes do, we have to assume she's already madly, passionately in love.
So what we see most in the evolution of this relationship is how Joker himself comes to be an active participant in it, and how his feelings over time very clearly grow - from seeing Harley as a useful lackey and adoring minion to regarding her as his girlfriend and partner. That this back story wasn't provided until further down the line actually makes for an even more realistic progression in the relationship from the perspective of Joker's own investment in it, so it ends up working all the more.
This article is an episode-by-episode analysis of how the relationship evolved over time and will be published in this journal in seven parts, staggered. If you're unfamiliar with BDSM and D/s, power-exchange relationships, at some point in the future I will be writing an article on this and how it pertains to the Joker/Harley relationship. In the meantime, Wikipedia has some pretty good info on the subject.
PART ONE: THE HENCHWENCH
Joker's Favour
The first appearance of Harley ever, she's here because a stripper character was needed for the Testimonial Scene.
At this point, nothing more to the Joker/Harley relationship had been developed or considered, she was there to serve a single purpose and was presented as a classic henchwench in order to do so.
As such, the dynamic and interaction between her and Joker is far more Boss/lackey than romantic, although Harley plays the part of the moll well, cheering and hooting for Joker and being the unquestioning voice of support and encouragement.
It is interesting to note that even here, Harley is set up as an active and informed participant in what she is doing - "what a shame, a sweet little thing like [me], led astray by bad companions!" she says to Batman, before going at him with a knife. Disarming her, the Dark Knight sardonically replies: "Right. Tell me another." Accidental, but it ties in very well with how the relationship later develops.
Placing this within the later established canon, Joker here is utilising Harley's usefulness, but is quite distant from her.
The Laughing Fish
The relationship has progressed a little bit here, though the idea that Harley is obsessed with Joker is still not fully realised.
She is even more Gracie to his George, playing her part in the scheme to perfection, the element of theatricality and sass Joker's boorish goons cannot provide. However, it still seems more Boss/lackey although there is an extra element of flirtation and when Joker introduces her to Francis at the copyright offices, he gives her a flourish and she sidles close by him.
It is also worth noting that against his henchmen, Harley gets a proper introduction. Joker normally pays little to no attention to his henchmen, and in this ep has completely forgotten their names. Here Harley has the esteemed position of being *memorable* to someone who is so utterly narcissistic and egotistical he believes he can copyright fish!
Of course, there is the first use of the pet name 'Puddin'' in this ep too, with Harley mourning the supposedly eaten Joker.
Here we see once again Harley is aware of what's going on in the relationship as Bullock says: "C'mon - he was a demented, abusive, psychotic maniac", to which Harley replies: "Yeah - I'm really gonna miss him!"
Again, within canon, Joker is still quite distant from Harley but aware of her attachment to him - she's useful and he's taking advantage of it, and indeed, poking a bit of fun at her feelings for him.
Almost Got 'Im
Here we really see the Joker/Harley team in action, as short as their segment together is.
They've really got a golden comedy act going and Joker evidently knows it and wants to use it to full advantage. There is even a look of satisfied pride on his face as he steps back for Harley to demonstrate the use of the Laugh-O-Meter. He shares the spotlight with her to a degree in this part.
No more of the romantic aspect is touched upon, although Harley kow-tows Joker and Joker entrusts Catwoman to Harley's watch.
Here Joker seems to be warming up a little more to his devoted moll, certainly all of his interaction with her in this ep is positive and warm.
To finish part one up, I'll simply say one thing: Does Joker acknowledge Harley and his relationship with her, even at this early stage? Well, I find it hard to believe he'd allow anyone to share so much of his spotlight otherwise. In each of these episodes Harley has been given a specific, scripted, part to play and they're key ones. They work off each other and with each other. He's aware they've got a good act going, that's for sure.
Tune in for Part Two,coming same Joker time, same Joker channel (i.e.: whenever)!
Before I begin this seven-part analysis, I'll just preface it with a couple of points:
The Joker/Harley relationship underwent a very clear evolution in the DCAU world. However, the reasons for this are unknown and could be anyone of the following:
- A natural, subconscious progression on the part of the varying writers as others besides Paul Dini contributed their own elements and Dini himself refined his ideas on the characters and their relationship
- A conscious attempt to tone down and soften it either because of potential disapproval or because the creative team themselves were uncomfortable with its more abusive aspects (especially as Harley became a favourite character of many)
- A conscious effort to develop and expand on the relationship and emotionally further both characters, particularly The Joker and how he came to have an emotional attachment to Harley
Whatever the reason/s, the relationship definitely changed over the years, becoming more and more complex, multi-layered and interactive.
Initially Harley was a one-off character, a homage to the 'henchwenches' of the old 60s Batman series. Paul Dini kept on using her and then the team began playing with the idea of Harley being really obsessed with Joker, and developing it from there.
Therefore the earlier episodes of B:TAS show us quite a different dynamic, enough that it ultimately really adds to the character progression and the way they relate to each other.
As such, what we actually see with Joker and Harley's relationship is quite unusual for a kids' animated series: a long-term, naturally developing relationship between two major villains. It gives the relationship an even greater sense of authenticity and makes it quite unique in the world of cartoons and comic books, not least because of its abusive elements and Dominant/submissive dynamics.
Although the relationship with its accompanying 'Mad Love' background was not established from the get-go, nonetheless the canon eventually tells us Harley is around because she's Joker's obsessed ex-doctor. So even though the first few episodes don't indicate this obsession as clearly as some of the later episodes do, we have to assume she's already madly, passionately in love.
So what we see most in the evolution of this relationship is how Joker himself comes to be an active participant in it, and how his feelings over time very clearly grow - from seeing Harley as a useful lackey and adoring minion to regarding her as his girlfriend and partner. That this back story wasn't provided until further down the line actually makes for an even more realistic progression in the relationship from the perspective of Joker's own investment in it, so it ends up working all the more.
This article is an episode-by-episode analysis of how the relationship evolved over time and will be published in this journal in seven parts, staggered. If you're unfamiliar with BDSM and D/s, power-exchange relationships, at some point in the future I will be writing an article on this and how it pertains to the Joker/Harley relationship. In the meantime, Wikipedia has some pretty good info on the subject.
PART ONE: THE HENCHWENCH
Joker's Favour
The first appearance of Harley ever, she's here because a stripper character was needed for the Testimonial Scene.
At this point, nothing more to the Joker/Harley relationship had been developed or considered, she was there to serve a single purpose and was presented as a classic henchwench in order to do so.
As such, the dynamic and interaction between her and Joker is far more Boss/lackey than romantic, although Harley plays the part of the moll well, cheering and hooting for Joker and being the unquestioning voice of support and encouragement.
It is interesting to note that even here, Harley is set up as an active and informed participant in what she is doing - "what a shame, a sweet little thing like [me], led astray by bad companions!" she says to Batman, before going at him with a knife. Disarming her, the Dark Knight sardonically replies: "Right. Tell me another." Accidental, but it ties in very well with how the relationship later develops.
Placing this within the later established canon, Joker here is utilising Harley's usefulness, but is quite distant from her.
The Laughing Fish
The relationship has progressed a little bit here, though the idea that Harley is obsessed with Joker is still not fully realised.
She is even more Gracie to his George, playing her part in the scheme to perfection, the element of theatricality and sass Joker's boorish goons cannot provide. However, it still seems more Boss/lackey although there is an extra element of flirtation and when Joker introduces her to Francis at the copyright offices, he gives her a flourish and she sidles close by him.
It is also worth noting that against his henchmen, Harley gets a proper introduction. Joker normally pays little to no attention to his henchmen, and in this ep has completely forgotten their names. Here Harley has the esteemed position of being *memorable* to someone who is so utterly narcissistic and egotistical he believes he can copyright fish!
Of course, there is the first use of the pet name 'Puddin'' in this ep too, with Harley mourning the supposedly eaten Joker.
Here we see once again Harley is aware of what's going on in the relationship as Bullock says: "C'mon - he was a demented, abusive, psychotic maniac", to which Harley replies: "Yeah - I'm really gonna miss him!"
Again, within canon, Joker is still quite distant from Harley but aware of her attachment to him - she's useful and he's taking advantage of it, and indeed, poking a bit of fun at her feelings for him.
Almost Got 'Im
Here we really see the Joker/Harley team in action, as short as their segment together is.
They've really got a golden comedy act going and Joker evidently knows it and wants to use it to full advantage. There is even a look of satisfied pride on his face as he steps back for Harley to demonstrate the use of the Laugh-O-Meter. He shares the spotlight with her to a degree in this part.
No more of the romantic aspect is touched upon, although Harley kow-tows Joker and Joker entrusts Catwoman to Harley's watch.
Here Joker seems to be warming up a little more to his devoted moll, certainly all of his interaction with her in this ep is positive and warm.
To finish part one up, I'll simply say one thing: Does Joker acknowledge Harley and his relationship with her, even at this early stage? Well, I find it hard to believe he'd allow anyone to share so much of his spotlight otherwise. In each of these episodes Harley has been given a specific, scripted, part to play and they're key ones. They work off each other and with each other. He's aware they've got a good act going, that's for sure.
Tune in for Part Two,coming same Joker time, same Joker channel (i.e.: whenever)!