REVIEW: ‘Harley Quinn’ Season 5 Episode 9 — “Bottle Episode (But Not A ‘Bottle Episode’)”

In theory, Harley Quinn Season 5 Episode 9 is perfectly fine. There are a lot of big laughs from beautifully delivered one-liners, and the random mashup of characters continues to provide fun interactions. But it’s also one of those episodes that relies heavily on the idea that loud equates to humor. And sometimes, unfortunately, it’s just noisy.

The fantastically named “Bottle Episode (But Not A ‘Bottle Episode’)” escalates the threat of Lena (Aisha Tyler) by giving us a view of the mayhem at ground level. While Harley (Kaley Cuoco) and Ivy (Lake Bell) reside safely outside Metropolis, characters like Bruce (Diedrich Bader), Joker (Alan Tudyk), and Lois Lane (Natalie Morales) remain inside. By splitting the narrative, we’re able to see that the two groups must work together in order to save Metropolis from Lena’s clutches. The plan? Force a reconciliation between Lena and her brother Lex (Giancarlo Esposito).

We see Lena and Lex as children through a flashback when the latter refuses to share his toys. This is the basis on which the central drama is built, even when Lena tries to deny it. It’s why Harley believes that the real way for the city to be saved is through the two talking it out like adults. Technically, it is a good plan since the two ultimately put aside their differences while aboard Brainiac’s (Stephen Fry) ship. However, while it’s suitable for the siblings, it’s bad news for Harley since they’ve now realized they’re more powerful together, so why stop at just bottling Metropolis when they could instead take over the entire universe?

Harley Quinn Season 5 Episode 9 ends on a slightly unearned somber note as Harley cries, regretful of suggesting she and Ivy move out of Gotham. Wracked with guilt, she says she just wanted everything to be perfect. Brainiac is moved by this, considering that, too, had been his original plan when he set forth on his early adventures. In another episode, it would work, but instead, it’s tonally out of place amidst the constant beat-for-beat jokes and the punchy (grating, even) performances.

Harley Quinn Season 5 Episode 9 is funny but flimsy.

Cuoco is tremendous as Harley Quinn, but sometimes, as is the case with Season 5 Episode 9, she leans too far into her character’s chaos. There is a lot of yelling as the character is pushed to her wits’ end due to her mother’s constant commentary and the stress of trying to save a city. It’s too much all at once, and it becomes aggravating to watch, even if the intent is to overwhelm us.

It makes Bruce’s side of the story so much more palatable. Bruce, Joker, and Lois make for a capable trio as they try to reach Superman (still on his sabbatical) to come and save the day. This sad sack version of Batman continues to delight as he’s still mourning his breakup with Lena. From his frustration over being in the city to his triumphant declaration that Lena broke up with him because she simply “hates all men,” his characterization is pitch-perfect.

That he’s the punching bag for the other characters adds extra comedic fuel. And not just Bruce, but Batman, too, since they (aside from Harley) still don’t realize they’re the same. It makes Joker’s dismissal of the Batcave even funnier. The line “dude doesn’t have a rocket, this is all so disappointing” is one of the best throwaway deliveries of the season. Despite how often these characters need a hero, seeing how little respect they get for their efforts is hilarious.

Harley Quinn Season 5 Episode 9 is fun in pieces but doesn’t add to something greater than its one-liners. It’s a disappointing penultimate installment as it tries to race to the finish line while adding last-minute threats. Despite the comedy and laugh-out-loud moments, it’s entertaining but flimsy.

Harley Quinn Season 5 Episode 9 is out now on Max, formally HBO Max.

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