REVIEW: ‘Harley Quinn’ Season 5 Episode 1 — “The Big Apricot”

Harley Quinn Season 5 Episode 1 is a smart pivot in a new direction. Following the events of Season 4, the series, while continuously funny, needed some fresh inspiration. The writing team realized as much with the revitalized approach that sends our happy, messy couple to a new city with new goals as they settle into the domestic wonder of lounging together. With bras shed, an armful of takeout menus in their arsenal, and no Saturday plans on the horizon, girlfriends Harley Quinn (Kaley Cuoco) and Poison Ivy (Lake Bell) are ready to move past the monotonous dreariness of Gotham City.

“The Big Apricot” catches us up to speed on all that’s happened since the near apocalypse, Harley saving Superman, and the formation of the Gotham City Sirens. Gotham is in fine form and, by that, an absolute hellscape. For as many depictions of the fictional city that there’s been, few conjure up the visceral grit and grim as Harley Quinn Season 5 Episode 1 does. There’s always been clear intent and a sense of space and purpose in the series backgrounds, no more so than in the season premiere. Toxic waste has overrun the city as giant rats scurry around and pedestrians walking their dogs fall through the ground.

It makes for a hilarious juxtaposition for Harley and Ivy, who meander through the city. In truly inspired couple goals, the two eat breakfast while pondering what they should have for dinner, shuffling through options. It’s on their walk home that we, too, learn of the major disaster that was the Gotham City Sirens. The bait-and-switch of expectations works here. Season 4 made us believe that Harley, Ivy, Catwoman, and Barbara Gordon would work together as a team. In Season 5, Episode 1, we learn that those dreams died a frustrating death nearly a year ago.

Harley and Ivy trade Gotham in for Metropolis.

The most significant change starts with a run-in with The Riddler and his new boyfriend, Clock King. However, it doesn’t tip over the edge until the two sit in bed later that evening and learn of an event being held in Metropolis to honor Superman. Harley, still angry she never got a proper thank you for saving his life, wants to go there with Ivy to break into the event. But of course, there’s more to it than meets the eye due to the nature of who Harley is.

The break-in is successful, though they quickly learn that the need for Superman—much to his misery—has become obsolete due to new robots that scan the city. This provides a narrative set-up along with the introduction of Lena Luther, Bruce Wayne’s new girlfriend and the one running the event for Superman. But before the premiere directs the focus onto what will be the main stage of Season 5, it deals with the elements of self-doubt plaguing Harley.

She’s worried that she and Ivy have become too complacent in their relationship since they always hang out at home rather than going out. Ivy reassures her, however, saying that the two don’t need to “manufacture fireworks.” Their stability and the fact that they get to spend as much time together — being bored together — is a gift in her mind. The would-be conflict almost wraps itself up too neatly, so it wouldn’t be surprising if it reappears later in the season. But for now, they’re content.

Harley Quinn Season 5 Episode 1 is as funny as it’s ever been.

More so still when they decide to stay in Metropolis. Lena has a job opportunity for Ivy and likes Harley’s unpredictable vibe. Harley suggests to Superman that he take a sabbatical to find himself, which is the perfect groundwork for chaos. Like any figure of authority in the series, there are reasons to doubt Lena’s seeming altruism. It’s too convenient to think she just happened to be wearing Enchantress’s Heart of Darkness.

Harley Quinn Season 5 Episode 1 highlights some of the show’s best features—namely, the comedy. The one-liners deliver the right levels of off-kilter sincerity or bite throughout, from observational comedy to direct insults. But it’s Diedrich Bader as Bruce Wayne who wins the cake here. The difference between Gotham and Metropolis is made clear throughout, but his delivery of recognizing the “sweet smell of Gotham piss” brings it home. It also might force you to pause to hear the following lines. The talent pool on board is truly remarkable, adding little bits of flavor and personality to each character’s interpretation.

The series also plays with its style by introducing Metropolis as the setting. While Gotham became a sentient landfill, Metropolis pulls from the golden hues of classic comic books. Perhaps not coincidentally, the city’s style recalls the animation style of My Adventures with Superman. The cityscapes are less rigidly defined, with cooler color palettes and lighting.

Harley Quinn Season 5 Episode 1 is a fantastic start that helps reposition these characters and offers a fresh outlook. The relationship between Harley and Ivy is stable, and Gotham is sinking, making this new start an engaging way to set up new, hilarious hurdles.

Harley Quinn Season 5 Episode 1 is out now on Max, formally HBO Max.

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