Why Mark Hamill’s Live-Action Joker Inspired Me to Discover an Overlooked 2002 DC Series

Rediscovering WB’s Birds of Prey: A Hidden Gem in DC Television

The WB’s Birds of Prey, featuring the iconic Joker voiced by Mark Hamill, stands out as a remarkably underappreciated DC television series. Launched in the early 2000s, the show, despite its cheesy aesthetics, was ahead of its time. DC has produced numerous movie and TV continuities, from the iconic 1960s Batman series to the more recent expansive offerings from James Gunn’s DC Universe (DCU). While some franchises like The CW’s Arrowverse, which includes multiple interconnected series between 2011 and 2023, have thrived, others faced challenges. The DCEU, reigning in cinemas from 2013 until its reboot in 2024, had numerous issues that affected its continuity and audience reception.

The phenomenal success of Smallville paved the way for a surge of new DC TV adaptations. Not every project made it to air, however; potential titles such as the 2006 Aquaman series and the 2011 Wonder Woman pilot starring Adrianne Palicki were ultimately shelved. In contrast, Birds of Prey succeeded in capturing a dedicated fanbase before its cancellation. This series presents an intriguing depiction of an all-female vigilante team led by Barbara Gordon, also known as Oracle, and Dinah Lance, a.k.a. Black Canary, battling crime amidst Gotham’s shadows, distinct from Batman and the Bat-Family.

Discovering the 2002 Birds of Prey Featuring Mark Hamill’s Joker

Birds of Prey: One of the Most Overlooked DC Shows

The Joker shoots Barbara Gordon in the Birds of Prey show's adaptation of Batman The Killing Joke

Birds of Prey made its television debut just three years after the comic book team was introduced, launching in 2002 when The WB was the prominent broadcaster. Designed as an independent series, it did not directly link to the Smallville narrative — identity was maintained by incorporating elements from previous Batman film adaptations directed by Tim Burton and Joel Schumacher. Mark Hamill, famed for voicing the Joker in Batman: The Animated Series, reprised his role in a chilling cameo. This depiction captures the Joker’s infamous attack on Barbara Gordon, echoing the harrowing events from Alan Moore’s Batman: The Killing Joke, ultimately leading to her transformation into Oracle.

In its run, the show crafted a unique visual storytelling style, layering footage from Batman Returns into its promotional materials while presenting its own version of Gotham’s gritty atmosphere.

Birds of Prey: A Unique Lens on Iconic Characters

A Bold and Innovative Premise

WB’s Birds of Prey diverged significantly from other DC adaptations, presenting a fresh take on established characters. In this universe, Helena Kyle, the daughter of Batman and Catwoman, emerges as the Huntress, equipped with not only enhanced combat skills but also feline-like agility. Conversely, Black Canary is reimagined with premonition abilities rather than her traditional powerful vocal screeches. Interestingly, Harley Quinn is portrayed not merely as a rogue villain but as a dual-role psychiatrist who poses a significant threat to the series’ heroes.

Character	Actor
Helena Kyle / Huntress	Ashley Scott
Barbara Gordon / Oracle	Dina Meyer
Dinah Redmond / Black Canary	Rachel Skarsten
Harleen Quinzel / Harley Quinn	My Sarah
Alfred Pennyworth	Ian Abercrombie

Though such narratives might seem standard today, Birds of Prey‘s portrayals of these characters in 2002 were revolutionary. The series delivered a faithful representation of Oracle’s backstory while offering gritty interpretations of beloved characters like Batman and the Joker long before Christopher Nolan’s acclaimed Batman Begins. Notably, it marked the inaugural live-action appearance of Harley Quinn following her introduction in animated form, reshaping how audiences viewed Alfred Pennyworth’s role as Batman’s confidant.

A Reflection on My Experience Watching Birds of Prey

Birds of Prey: An Insight into Early 2000s DC Television

Watching Birds of Prey today offers a fascinating glimpse into early 2000s television culture. The series embodies the period’s distinctive blend of angst and camp, complete with leather-clad characters, a nu-metal soundtrack, and stylistic editing techniques reminiscent of The Matrix. While some of these choices may seem outdated now, they provide a unique backdrop that enhances the show’s narrative.

The early 2000s posed significant challenges for female-led superhero programming, making Birds of Prey a noteworthy milestone in the evolution of DC’s small screen offerings. Although it may not rival iconic shows like Smallville or more recent hits like Peacemaker, it represents an essential chapter in DC’s history. In subsequent years, the DCEU’s Birds of Prey film revisited similar themes with far greater resources, and The CW’s Crisis on Infinite Earths honored the original series by reintroducing Ashley Scott as Helena Kyle and designating it as Earth-203 in the multiverse.

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