DC Comics’ Harley Quinn series is back for its fourth season on Max. After four action-packed and fun years with Harley and her band of mischief, the creative team behind the series continues to find new ways to keep the show entertaining. Featuring new plot lines for Harley and Ivy, the return of fan-favorite characters, as well as an abundance of fun cameos and easter eggs, the series continues to be laugh-out-loud hilarious for DC comics fans while sprinkling in just enough jokes and obscure pop culture references for everyone to enjoy.

A consistently impressive element of the series over its four-season run is how “lived-in” this iteration of the DC Universe feels. After spending three years in this world, Gotham City truly feels fleshed out and alive. With the main cast firmly established in addition to a rotating cast of recurring side characters, each episode becomes a treat to watch as you never know who will make an appearance. It is fun to see familiar faces pop in and out of the season, reminding viewers how far the show has come over the years.
One of the main criticisms of the previous season was its incorporation of new side characters such as Batgirl and the Legion of Doom members. Introducing these characters meant sacrificing time with Harley and the main cast. However, these issues have been resolved this season as previously loose plot elements are now integrated into the main storylines. This brings a new sense of focus and allows the showrunners to devote screentime to Harley and Ivy while still featuring these fun new characters. Instead of being “fun cameos”, fan-favorite characters like Nightwing are given their time to shine.
The first portion of this season leans heavily into the Batman roots and connections of the titular character. After teasing the Bat-Family for multiple seasons, this season finally gives Harley a storyline where she consistently interacts and works with the team. Given the character’s progression from supervillain to anti-hero in recent comic storylines, as well as Harley’s character arc throughout this series, it makes logical sense to adopt a similar story arc of Harley becoming an Anti-Hero this season. In addition to feeling earned, the storyline is also enjoyable as it brings some hilarious interactions between Harley and the Bat Family.

This season introduces many other fun new ideas and storylines such as Villain Con, a convention for supervillains hosted by Lex Luthor on the moon. Storylines such as this one showcase that the showrunners still have plenty of fresh ideas for new storylines and characters. Perhaps our favorite example of this creativity is an episode that pairs the unlikely duo of Harley and Alfred together. While being immensely entertaining to see two vastly different characters interact, the storyline’s heartfelt conclusion emphasizes the strength of the writers’ team.
After so much time spent with Kaley Cuoco’s portrayal of Harley Quinn and Lake Bell’s Poison Ivy, their voices have become synonymous with their characters in your head. Cuoco still brings the chaotic energy and zaniness to Harley while Bell’s Poison Ivy continues to be the perfect level of sarcastic and snarky. The chemistry between these two actresses and their effortlessly effective comedic timing is a testament to how much of the show’s success can be attributed to its talented voice cast. Other standouts this season include Harvey Guillén as the series’ edgy and brooding interpretation of Nightwing and James Adomian’s consistently hilarious voice performance as Bane.
The animation remains on par with previous seasons, showcasing the powers of superpowered characters such as Poison Ivy and Clayface in unique ways that never feel reused or recycled. The action sequences are still dynamic and engaging but are elevated further through the show’s incorporation of comedy and dialogue into fight scenes. Despite trying to kill each other, there always seems to be time for Ivy or Harley to hurl an insult at their opponent. This not only makes the sequences visually satisfying to watch but also adds another level of enjoyment through watching the characters interact.

With less focus on introducing new characters this season, the show balances the storylines of the main cast well. Harley and Ivy continue to be a fun and endearing couple, despite the recurring need to create tension and miscommunication between them. The series is at its best when it allows Harley and Ivy to enjoy each other’s company and be themselves, as this was the foundation of their relationship in earlier seasons. This season also features the occasional plot line with former main characters such as Clayface and King Shark. While these storylines are fun, they do make one miss when the series’ focus was on the original crew of the first seasons. While the show has evolved to include an ensemble cast of DC Comics characters, it would be nice to have the entire cast reunite every once in a while.
The individual plotlines for Harley and Ivy each bring a wealth of comedy and entertainment value to the season, but one can’t help but feel the overarching storyline would’ve benefited from tying the two plotlines together. The conflict of the end of the season feels connected to Ivy’s storyline while Harley’s storyline seems to take a backseat and feels more like a detour. While this may be intentional to showcase the tension in Harley and Ivy’s relationship, it would be nice to see the show’s main romantic pairing have screen time together while progressing the plot together.

The fourth season of DC’s Harley Quinn proves to be another raucous and fun adventure for Harley and her crew of supervillains. Featuring a more interconnected story with some returning familiar faces, the series feels more connected to the DC universe than ever, with no signs of slowing down any time soon.
Harley Quinn is currently available to stream on Max with new episodes debuting every Thursday.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQIznYOb2uI]
The fourth season of DC's Harley Quinn proves to be another raucous and fun adventure for Harley and her crew of supervillains. Featuring a more interconnected story with some returning familiar faces, the series feels more connected to the DC universe than ever, with no signs of slowing down any time soon.
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I’m Andrew! I love discussing movies and tv shows. My favorite genres include animation, musicals, and especially Superheroes.