Harley Quinn Season 5 Episode 2 Review: A Refreshing Take on Poison Ivy’s Tragic Origin Story

Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for Harley Quinn season 5, episode 2

With the launch of Season 5, Harley Quinn continues to establish itself as a key player in animated television. The season kicked off with a remarkable premiere that reignited my appreciation for these beloved characters. In the first episode, Harley and Ivy confront their stagnant situation and opt for a bold transformation. After four captivating seasons set in Gotham City, the series pivots to Metropolis, where classic Batman villains now inhabit as anti-heroes, paving the way for an abundance of thrilling developments.

The season opener not only solidified Metropolis as the new residence for Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy, it also saw the departure of the city’s iconic protector. Superman, much like Harley and Ivy, grapples with his own feelings of entrapment. This parallel enriched Harley’s journey as she embarks on a quest for self-discovery and happiness alongside Ivy. Following a heartfelt exchange with Harley, Superman decides to take a sabbatical, setting the stage for Brainiac’s emerging schematics for Metropolis. This intriguing premise lays a solid foundation for the rest of the season.

A Fresh Take on Poison Ivy’s Origin in Harley Quinn Season 5

Unveiling the Character’s Tragic Past

In episode 2, Poison Ivy takes center stage, presenting a storyline that contrasts intriguingly with Harley’s. Ivy’s arc is particularly compelling as she embarks on her new role at the Metropolis Green Initiative after her conversation with Lena Luthor. However, things take a dramatic turn when a figure from her past re-emerges. The show’s clever reimagining of classic DC narratives is evident here, especially as it delves into Ivy’s origin story.

Traditionally, Ivy’s transformation into Poison Ivy is attributed to an experiment gone awry, where she was injected with toxins by the professor. In this animated adaptation, utilizing elements from her Post-Crisis backstory, viewers are taken on a journey to Pamela Isley’s earlier life. Flashbacks reveal her relationship with scientist Jason Woodrue, illustrating a more innocent and hopeful version of Ivy, only to see that innocence shattered by betrayal.

Woodrue’s selfish motivations are evident as he chooses to exploit Pamela’s experiment involving Frank, a sentient plant. Feeling threatened, he leaves her to perish from a toxin release but she fights back by administering the serum that ultimately transforms her into Poison Ivy. The twist that Ivy captures her former partner’s fate adds a layer of depth to her character development, culminating in her decision to leave him for dead—a fate which hints at Woodrue becoming the Floronic Man, a nod to his comic origins.

Harley Quinn’s Hilarious Babysitting Adventure

Juggling Chaos: Harley’s Babysitting Challenge

Watch the full episode here

While Poison Ivy’s storyline unfolds, Harley Quinn finds herself navigating the chaos of the present as she takes on an unexpected babysitting role for King Shark’s children. The antics of these adorable infant sharks provide a humorous counterpoint to the deeper narrative themes of the episode. In true Harley Quinn fashion, the babysitting escapade spirals into hilarious havoc, culminating in an uproarious birthday celebration filled with unexpected bloodshed.

During the episode, Harley forms a bond with Sean, the most rambunctious of the little sharks, echoing her own chaotic spirit. Members of the Kite Man spinoff—including Bane, Betty, and the birthday girl Goldilocks—add colorful layers to the plot as Harley attempts to navigate an exclusive social event. The chaos unleashed by King Shark’s children leads to a series of humorous misadventures that mirror Harley’s own growth throughout the series.

New episodes of Harley Quinn Season 5 stream weekly on Max every Thursday.

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