Contrary to other iconic figures in the DC universe, like Superman, Batman has always had the advantage of exploring darker themes. Emphasizing his role as a detective rather than just a vigilante, Bruce Wayne’s endeavors involve pursuing serial killers within the chilling pages of essential Batman tales like “The Long Halloween.” However, no one subjects Batman to more psychological torment than his ultimate adversary, the Joker. The Clown Prince of Gotham continually resurfaces, finding joy not only in creating chaos but also in mentally torturing the Dark Knight. While controversial works such as the graphic novel “The Killing Joke” have established their reputation, it is “Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker” that truly delivers a devastating blow.

In a gripping flashback, Terry (Will Friedle) is taken aback by the revelation that the demise of the Joker (Mark Hamill) came at the hands of Tim Drake (Dean Stockwell), who was once Robin (Mathew Valencia). In an audacious scheme to eliminate Batman (Kevin Conroy), the Joker manipulates and torments Tim until he becomes a twisted reflection of the Clown Prince himself, complete with maniacal laughter. Entrusting Tim with a firearm, the Joker directs him to aim at Batman and pull the trigger.

Overwhelmed by the psychological torment inflicted upon him, Tim ultimately shoots the Joker instead. Transforming an innocent child into a murderer perfectly encapsulates the profound thematic essence of Batman’s world. However, when “Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker” was slated for release in 2000, its fate was uncertain due to its mature themes. The film teetered on the edge of obscurity, almost never seeing the light of day.

A censored version was released initially

Batman tales have long been associated with mature themes, pushing boundaries in storytelling. However, it somehow crossed a line when “Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker” was poised for release in the autumn of 2000. Despite initial excitement and distribution of preview copies to industry insiders, Warner Bros. made the surprising decision to recall the project. The release date was postponed, and certain scenes underwent alterations to tone down the film’s intensity.

According to IGN, speculations arose regarding the retooling of the Batman film due to Senator John McCain’s campaign against violence in film and television, which gained attention during a notable hearing. Other discussions revolved around the sensitive issue of the Columbine tragedy, which occurred the previous year and potentially made audiences uneasy about witnessing a child handling a firearm. When the film eventually hit theaters, several scenes underwent changes from their original presentation in early screeners. Minor adjustments, such as seatbelts and color schemes, were made to create a more wholesome atmosphere.

However, the most significant alteration involved the Joker’s demise. Instead of Tim deliberately pulling the trigger, he inadvertently pushes the Joker into a web of dangling wires above water. Entangled in the contraption, the Joker meets his end through electrocution as the wires make contact with the ground. Some may argue that this method is even more brutal, but its purpose was achieved: Tim did not intentionally commit murder; rather, it was a strange and disturbing accident.

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The uncut film is considered the definitive version

Since their debut, the films have sparked widespread discussions and debates. Media platforms like SyFyWire, along with passionate fans on Reddit, have championed the cause of the original uncut version. Supporters argue that the uncensored edition delves into emotional depths that the modified version could not reach.

In a discussion thread, u/kingt34 expressed their perspective, stating, “For me, it did have an impact on the emotional aspect. The electrocution portrayed Tim accidentally causing the Joker’s demise, ensuring he never crosses the line that Batman adamantly avoids. Tim merely pushed the Joker, and it was the Joker’s own accidental death. However, in the original version, he directly SHOOTS him. He goes so far beyond the line that he resorts to shooting the Joker out of sheer desperation to escape his personal torment.”

Adding to the devastation is the realization that despite Joker’s demise, he still emerges victorious. Even in death, he takes solace in knowing that Tim is likely to suffer lasting psychological scars. What makes the situation even more agonizing is that Batman must bear the burden of knowing that Tim’s path would have been different had he never taken on the mantle of Robin. For Batman, this outcome is more tormenting than death itself. Acclaimed comic writer Dan Slott publicly endorsed the preferred version of events to settle the debate.

On Twitter, Dan Slott urged viewers to watch the Uncut version of Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker, stating, “If you watch Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker, please make sure it’s the Uncut version. The regular version was edited, with certain violent scenes and deaths removed, and a crucial sequence reanimated in a manner that diminishes its impact entirely.”

The Joker has a thing about brutalizing Robins

While Tim Drake’s ordeal is undeniably brutal, it wouldn’t be the last instance of the Joker targeting a Robin. In many ways, “Return of the Joker” paved the way for the impactful story of “Under the Red Hood.” Widely regarded as one of the most iconic tales involving Robin, “Under the Red Hood” starts with the Joker (John DiMaggio) subjecting Jason Todd to a merciless beating with a crowbar. Tragically, Batman (Bruce Greenwood) arrives too late to save him as a bomb detonates at the scene. Years later, Jason (Jensen Ackles) resurfaces as the Red Hood. This display of violence is raw and gut-wrenching, leaving a lasting impact.

DC comics have continuously pushed boundaries with their depiction of graphic scenes, especially when it comes to the Joker himself. Both in the comic book and the animated feature, the Joker (Kevin Pollak) meets a shocking demise at the hands of Superman (Justin Hartley). This death is showcased prominently in “Injustice” and holds a similar impact to “Return of the Joker.” The Joker employs a toxic gas that induces hallucinations, leading Superman to perceive Lois (Laura Bailey) as Doomsday mistakenly.

Tragically, Superman unknowingly beats his pregnant wife to death, becoming the direct trigger for his later act of punching the Joker through the chest. This portrayal is distressing not only due to the violence depicted but also the horrifying way in which the Joker torments Superman. In a sense, “Return of the Joker” serves as a precursor to demonstrating the lengths the Joker is willing to go to inflict pain upon others.