Poison Ivy's Wasted Potential In "Batman: The Animated Series"

I read through Screen Rant's overrated characters in Batman: The Animated Series. I'm going to highlight one of my favorite villains -- Poison Ivy! A favorite villain doesn't necessarily have to be Pure Evil. Some of them can be potentially anti-heroic because of their anti-villain status. Pamela Lillian Isley aka Poison Ivy is in that category. Here's something that Screen Rant says about Poison Ivy as a character:

Poison Ivy had a fantastic debut in Batman: The Animated Series “Pretty Poison,” establishing her as a vengeful eco-terrorist with a personal vendetta against Harvey Dent. However, as the series progressed, she became more of a one-note character whose motivations rarely evolved or were expounded upon in any great detail. Considering her intentions are fairly noble compared to other Batman: TAS villains, she could have been a far more compelling character.

However, Poison Ivy was often reduced to using plant-based gimmicks without much emotional depth. Unlike other villains in Batman: TAS like Mr. Freeze or Two-Face, whose arcs were deeply tragic, Ivy never received a story that truly delved into her psyche. Her episodes often felt repetitive, and while she was stylishly presented, her character rarely grew beyond her initial concept as a plant-themed femme fatale.

As it's World Flirting Day -- Poison Ivy is an excellent character to talk about. She's described as a femme fatale. She's also often placed as another of Batman's love interests. However, she's often contended against Catwoman (who's often depicted as Batman's "one true love" more often than not) or Talia Al Ghul. She has potential for redemption -- something that Batman: The Animated Series failed to highlight more often than not. 

Poison Ivy has had an interesting concept as a villain. It's that she's supposedly NOT downright evil or For the Evulz like the Joker. The movie version didn't do her any justice either. Come on, Poison Ivy's supposed to be a third wheel to Catwoman. It'd probably be funny (or disturbing) if Catwoman and Poison Ivy both decided to share Batman -- only to find out they can't! 

Poison Ivy's delicious debut in "Pretty Poison" was followed by episodes that made her just "another pretty face." If the writers can give some depth to Catwoman, then why not Poison Ivy? I always thought we all needed an episode where both Catwoman and Poison Ivy fight over Batman. The episode "Eternal Youth" could've used Poison Ivy as a conflicted character. Poison Ivy uses extreme methods but doesn't enjoy using them. It could've been room for philosophical debate between Batman and Poison Ivy. Have Batman try to coax Poison Ivy into doing something good. It might be interesting if Poison Ivy ended up reverting the petrified CEOs while making them promise to stop their wanton destruction. Have Poison Ivy's crush on Batman foil her slowly but surely. Batman met Poison Ivy first over Catwoman. That could've been a catalyst to a possible pairing. 

It would've been interesting if Poison Ivy and Harley teamed up out of a heartbreak. Poison Ivy is still thinking about Batman and Harley has a bad break with the Joker. I thought it was a waste of potential. Poison Ivy has become more of a generic villain than the anti-villain (and potential anti-heroine) she could've become. It'd be interesting if Poison Ivy tried to empathize with Harley. Harley could mention, "Well you never dated the Batman! You're just suffering from unrequited love unlike me and JJ!" The episode was practically another waste of Poison Ivy's character. 

The episodes "Almost Got 'Im" and "Trial" could've had Poison Ivy as Batman's disgruntled lover. Okay, Poison Ivy seduced Harvey Dent way before he became Two-Face -- it was only to get even with him for almost killing a rare rose. However, Poison Ivy's flirting with Batman should've been her running gag. I even feel "House and Garden" should've been an episode where Poison Ivy tries to marry Batman but fails. It would be funny if Poison Ivy's plans got foiled but she swears Batman will be hers. Oh, and I wish they became an old couple together too!

Perhaps the worst treatment Poison Ivy got before the DREADED New Batman Adventures was in "House and Garden". Was Poison Ivy even in the whole episode or was she not? The end episode showed a Poison Ivy replica running the whole scheme. The chances are that the Poison Ivy they talked with was nothing more than a Doombot. It's possible that Poison Ivy had escaped EARLIER and that the replica did ALL THE TALKING. It's even implied in Batman: The New Adventures that it was a clone of Poison Ivy and not the real deal. I'd like to believe that the series was pure BAD CONTINUITY!

In fact, the Batman Adventures comics kinda shipped them more...

The Matt Signal

The comic book issues "Toxic Shock" and "Touch of Death" show Poison Ivy as capable of reforming. She's practically like the plant version of Catwoman -- someone who could reform. In many cases, I tend to prefer Batman x Poison Ivy because she looks better. Both Catwoman and Poison Ivy have the potential to reform. 

There should've been more instances of Batman getting caught between two hot chicks. Catwoman wants Batman as much as Poison Ivy does. Poison Ivy could have the advantage over Catwoman (and vice versa). Ironically, Batman tends to fall for Catwoman more than Poison Ivy. Poison Ivy and Catwoman should've been that love triangle. My vote still goes to Poison Ivy.