No DC character is perfect, especially if they’re from Gotham. Harley Quinn may be a villain through and through, but even this deadly outlaw can’t help breaking character. Given that this fan-favorite Batman character debuted in animated form rather than in the pages of DC Comics, she occupies a special space in the DC Animated Universe.
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Throughout her history in animation, fans have gotten to witness the layers of Harley Quinn’s unique character unfold. It is becoming more obvious that underneath Harley’s villainous exterior is a woman who wants what everyone wants: to be happy.
When Harley Quinn Saw The Joker's Inner Pain
"The Joker, so often described as a raving, homicidal madman, was actually a tortured soul crying out for love and acceptance.” — Batman: The Animated Series (1992).
As his psychiatrist, Dr. Harleen Quinzelis able to sympathize with the Joker and appreciate the freedom he has to act on his urges. The heroes of Gotham don’t take time to find the root of villain’s problems and this tends to result in villains going right back to crime after prison. Dr. Quinzel took initiative to actually help the people in Arkham. She got so attached to her patients and their stories, turning to crime made more sense to her than pretending she’s happy with her life.
When Harley Quinn Was Unapologetically Herself
“What’s so funny, chuckles? Some girls like mace. I prefer a little low-grade Joker venom.” — Batman and Harley Quinn (2017).
After being stalked home and accosted by Nightwing, Harley lets the young hero have it. Harley wants to get her life together and knows getting involved with Batman and his crew can only lead to bad news.
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Who cares if some people don’t approve of how she’s making a living? She’d rather be a waitress than a criminal.
When Harley Quinn Escaped Her Toxic Relationship With The Joker
“It wasn’t until I got away from you that I realized how deeply un- fun being with you was.” — Harley Quinn (2019).
When someone is in the midst of an abusive relationship, it can be difficult or even impossible for them to see how cruelly they’re being treated. Harley Quinn found herself after she left the Joker and was forced to figure out who she really is. It is then where she questions how much influence the Joker has on her life and realized his path to world domination isn’t really what she wants.
When Harley Quinn Stood Up To Her Haters
“I am honored to be the valedictorian, and I just wanna thank absolutely no one! [Forget] all of ya!” — Harley Quinn (2019).
Anyone whose ever had to sit through hour long lectures or stay up all night studying for a test can relate to this one. As “fun” as school can be, those final weeks of a semester are a nightmare for everyone. Who hasn’t fantasized about telling everyone how you feel? Harley lives out the fantasy every student’s dreamed about.
When Harley Quinn Took Stock Of What's Important
“All this time I’ve been reacting. … I didn’t know what I really wanted until now.” — Harley Quinn (2019).
Harley realizes the path she took to world domination isn’t what she truly wanted. She wasn’t fighting for herself, she was fighting to prove herself to people who wronged her, people she didn’t even care about anymore.
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Prevailing over this self vs. ego dilemma, Harley proves her inner strength is just as strong as her outer strength.
When Harley Quinn Was Strong Enough To Be Vulnerable
“Love is a risk.” — Harley Quinn (2019).
In her show Harley Quinn, Harley takes a much needed break before she’s ready to be in a relationship again. She realizes her love for Ivy at the end of season two and tells her friend how she feels. Relationships with friends can be tricky, but like anyone in love, Harley’s willing to take that risk, even if it means starting over from the beginning.
When Harley Quinn Was A Good Doctor
“As a therapist, I’ve been helping people deal with their afflictions. Laughter is the best medicine, you know.” — Batman: The Animated Series (1992).
Dr. Quinzel loved being a psychiatrist because it gave her the ability to help Gotham with its major epidemic of crime. She had models of care that would adapt depending on her patient’s needs. Her methods may be unorthodox, and unfortunately led her to become too sympathetic with her patience, but it allowed her to connect with people better than psychiatrists before her.
When Harley Quinn Drew The Line At Mass Extinction
“Red, friends don’t let friends kill seven billion people.” — Batman and Harley Quinn (2017).
Even the closest of friends are bound to have the occasional spat. In Batman and Harley Quinn, Harley turned a new leaf, stepping back from crime to live a somewhat honest life. But when her friend was in danger and the whole world under threat, Harley returned to the life she left behind
When Harley Quinn Refused To Be Labeled
“You say I’m a criminal. They say I’m a whor*. Well, I’m sick of other people telling me what I am.” — Batman and Harley Quinn (2017).
Harley’s put the villain life behind her but company’s are reluctant to hire her. The jobs that do want to hire her only want her for her body. Harley points out how impossible it can be to find Nightwing’s definition of a “good job” when you’re a ex-con and a woman. The more people who ignore this problem, the longer the cycle of crime will continue.
When Systemic Corruption Thwarted Harley Quinn's Best Intentions
“I tried to play by the rules, but no. They wouldn’t let me go straight. Society is to blame.” — Batman: The Animated Series (1992).
In this comical moment, Harley tries to re-enter society after being released from Arkham. It doesn’t go to plan and a misunderstanding has her “relapsing” back to crime. This seen highlights how freed criminals are expected to act normal after months, years or decade spent locked away from society. No matter how hard she tries, Harley can’t blend in and falls into the very cycle of crime she wanted to dismantle.
Next: 10 Funniest Quotes FromHarley Quinn The Animated Series
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