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By Drew Dietsch | Published
Batman: the animated series is the best version of the character in any medium, be it comics, movies, television, radio, whatever. This series is an indelible and enduring entry in the history of the Caped Crusader. Throughout its 85 episodes, it consolidated a version of Batman and his world that stands the test of time. There are many good and absolutely great episodes of Batman: the animated seriesbut one that stands out and is above the rest has to be “His Silicon Soul”, a story that emerged from two previous parts that gave Batman: the animated series A science fiction story unlike anything else in the series.
heart of steel
The story of “His Silicon Soul” actually begins in the two-part episode “Heart of Steel.” An evil artificial intelligence called HARDAC (Holographic Analytical Reciprocating Digital Android Computer) begins creating androids called replicants, a nod to the replicants of sword hunter – in an effort to replace human beings. Naturally, Batman defeats HARDAC and his army of duplicates to save the day.
However, you’ll notice that HARDAC looks eerily similar to the silhouette of Batman’s cowl. That was intentional since the original script for “Heart of Steel: Part II” ended with a duplicate of Batman appearing as HARDAC’s final tool. The original use of the Batman duplicate was essentially just to have a fight scene. When the producers of Batman: the animated series Seeing this in the script, they immediately recognized that a Batman robot was an episode in itself. Thus “His Silicon Soul” was born.
Your silicon soul
“His Silicon Soul” begins with thieves breaking into a warehouse as Batman emerges from a box. After fighting off the robbers, he is injured and is revealed to have robotic innards. Believing him to be the real Bruce Wayne, Batman returns home and asks Alfred for help. It is here that Alfred reveals the idea of duplicates to the robot Batman and begins to investigate their creation and purpose. Once the real Batman learns of this, the chase is on as robot Batman activates his true programming and resurrects the plan to replace the humans with duplicates.
However, during a fight in a greenhouse between the two Batmen, the robot saves an innocent man when the greenhouse begins to collapse. It is here where we begin to understand that this duplicate of Batman is more human than we think. During the final climactic showdown, the real Batman is believed to be dead at the hands of the duplicate Batman. And this is where “His Silicon Soul” earns its reputation. Even though HARDAC essentially programmed him to destroy humanity, the AI made too good a copy in Batman. This artificial being believes so much in the sanctity of life that he destroys himself to save the people of Gotham City.
It’s a powerful idea that science fiction often grapples with: what is humanity? What makes us truly human? Watching a show ostensibly aimed at children tackle such a powerful and difficult topic impressed me when I was still in the single digits of age. To this day, the duplicate Batman’s final moments are overcome with guilt at the belief that he has taken his life with me. “His Silicon Soul” is one of voice actor Kevin Conroy’s best moments in a career full of them.
the idea that Batman: the animated series I was willing to do an episode like “His Silicon Soul” that shows the incredible depth and variety of stories the show was able to tell within the framework of Batman’s adventures. Seeing a legitimate sci-fi tragedy amidst classic crime tales is a real treat.
