Common Sense Media Review
By Joyce Slaton
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sex, violence, and surprising sweetness in animated special.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Harley Quinn: A Very Problematic Valentine's Day Special
What's the Story?
Supervillains-turned-reluctant-heroes Harley Quinn (Kaley Cuoco) and Poison Ivy (Lake Bell) fell in love over three seasons of Harley's adult animated show, and HARLEY QUINN: A VERY PROBLEMATIC VALENTINE'S DAY SPECIAL finds Harley determined to give her girlfriend the greatest Valentine's Day she's ever had. But when a dinner plan goes awry and Bane (James Adomian) begins inadvertently destroying the city in his quest for love, Harley's plans are spoiled. Can these heroines find a way to see eye to eye when Gotham is falling apart?
Is It Any Good?
Zany, raunchy, and liberally studded with DC Easter eggs for fans and unexpected heart, this holiday special is a notable treat. Harley Quinn: A Very Problematic Valentine's Day Special's magic lies in the sweetness that underlies some pretty adult jokes, including Clayface (Alan Tudyk) getting bisected by a nemesis and then falling in love with his own anthropomorphized butt. Needless to say, the romance doesn't thrive, nor does the path of Harley's big plans for Ivy's V-Day run smooth.
In between these stories, delightful interstitials star super-couples like Hawkman (Tyler James Williams) and Hawkgirl (Quinta Brunson), who hilariously explain how they got together. This is the source of most of the great fan-service jokes. "We kept on being murdered and reincarnated," says Hawkman, "And 5,000 year later, we're still together," finishes Hawkgirl. Even supervillains are finding love this Valentine's Day, with the Riddler (Jim Rash) taking the Clock King (Adomian) to a wine-and-painting party. It's all very silly and ridiculous, followed by a giant super-battle fueled by Bane's indomitable libido. But it's hard to deny the charm of a lover's wish to really blow her partner's mind, and that's where this special wisely puts most of its emotional energy. For a profane yet oddly touching mini-love story, DC fans could surely do worse.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about animated comedies like Harley Quinn. What kinds of things can an animated series offer viewers that a live-action series can't? Do you think animated comedies rely on more risqué behavior to please their audiences?
How does Harley Quinn use humor? Do you find it funny? What makes sensitive topics, such as sex or love, ripe for comedy? Can it ever go too far?
What do you think about the violence in this series? Is there any justification for the violent behavior of the characters? Do you believe series like this one desensitize viewers to violent images? Why or why not?
TV Details
- Premiere date : February 9, 2023
- Cast : Kaley Cuoco , Lake Bell , Alan Tudyk , James Adomian
- Network : Max
- Genre : Comedy
- TV rating :
- Last updated : June 25, 2023
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