This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, HARLEY QUINN being covered here wouldn’t exist.

Harleen Quinzel, aka Harley Quinn (Kaley Cuoco), is back at it; as in, entangled in another round of amusing but terrible scenarios. The masterminds behind DC’s hysterical adult cartoon, Justin Halpern, Dean Lorey, and Patrick Schumacker, return in another great chapter and do it brilliantly once again, delivering yet another batch of batsh*t crazy episodes of DC’s Harley Quinn. There is plenty to see: a shark birth, people exploding, and a giant Bane (James Adomian) dry-humping buildings, among other bonkers things. But the narrative in Harley also travels to more serious topics. Season 4 explores people growing apart and discovering their voice, even while in a relationship with someone they love.

Harley Quinn is a prime example of a successful adult animation show, with a deep, fascinating plot, an intriguing love story, and plenty of chaos —exactly what we would expect from a former Gotham Prison psychiatrist. Season 4 demonstrates that the Harley gang still has plenty of asses up their sleeves. Despite the fact that the show has been on the air for four seasons, it still thrives. Its success and continually clever writing, even several seasons in, aligns with another great show on the air —season 5 of FX’s What We Do in the Shadows.

Margot Robbie was born to play Harley. I still hold on to that outlook, however I must now admit that Kaley Cuoco was clearly born to voice that same character. The central character, with Bell’s Poison Ivy, possesses exceptional voice-acting abilities, brilliantly encapsulating the romantic complexities between Harls and Ives. Those appear to flourish and even evolve as the couple gets to know one another better and settle into domesticity. In the new chapter, they must learn how to balance their personal and professional lives, especially with Harley joining the Batman team and Ivy becoming a main “She-E-O” behind the League of Doom.

With the unfolding events in lives of the fan-favorite antiheroines, the story sparks a debate about the good ol’ conflict between good and evil, and it prompts us to consider: what if there is something in between, something where Harley might find herself better? Especially, as the woman struggles with a new objective to win the hearts of the Batman gang and become a true member of the Bat-family.

But it’s not all work and eco-activism! If the ladies don’t work, they end up on the most chaotic dates. The queer portrayal in Harley Quinn is one of the show’s most significant components, especially since it pertains to the main character. As Ivy and Harley grow closer, their relationship becomes one of several plot lines rather than a primary theme and it paints a picture of a same-sex couple in their domestic stage. As in real life, the characters’ sexuality is rather a part of them, but not the central thing that defines their entire lives.

The background voice work is just as outstanding as the series’ main characters. Alan Tudyk as Clayface, Ron Funches as Shark King, J.B. Smoove as Frank the Plant, and James Adomian as Bane are all outright side-splitting. All of the men continue to advance in life, whether by suddenly having children or becoming a spoiled but gorgeous showman. Despite the show’s growth and characters moving through various life stages, the clever humor remains. One could say that it’s better than ever. The adult cartoon is simply thriving, the storyline is brilliant and insane all the same – much like the titular woman herself.

Each episode in the season 4 repertoire hits the jackpot, as the narrative remains engaging and bloody rollercoaster. Harley Quinn is the ideal show to watch after a long, hard day, especially if you want to thoroughly unwind and “turn off” your mind. At the same time, it provides something for people who are looking for more from the show, such as a solid character development, or a great love story.

As each scriptwriter’s passion and love is showcased in an episode every week, Harley’s comical, kooky script continues to delight. In a way, season 4 of Harley Quinn, as the entire show, merely serves to emphasize the point made by people who have taken to the picket lines to demand equal rights for writers and actors.

Grade: A

Harley Quinn season 4 is currently streaming every Thursday on Max.