Ep 7. Sideshow

In Sideshow, season 2 episode 7 of Batman: The Animated Series, the Dark Knight is confronted by the insane circus master and villain known as The Joker. The episode's plot centers around Joker's latest scheme, which involves infiltrating and taking over an already established circus to conduct his nefarious deeds.

The episode begins with magician Cameron Kaiser preparing his new act at the Haley Circus. The act is set to be the grand finale of the circus' season, but it is disrupted when The Joker and his gang, who are disguised as clowns, infiltrate and overtake the circus. The villain immediately takes control of the circus, and Kaiser and the other performers are taken as prisoners.

Batman soon learns of the Joker's takeover and arrives at the circus to put an end to his scheme. However, as Batman digs deeper into the conflict, he begins to uncover secrets and personal connections between the Joker and multiple performers at the circus.

Batman also discovers the circus was once owned by a now-deceased man named Lyle Bolton, who had a son who was stolen by a group of clowns years ago. The Joker recognizes this information and taunts Batman with it, revealing that he, in fact, was part of that group of clowns and claims responsibility for the kidnapping.

As Batman works to free Kaiser and the other imprisoned performers, the Joker's madness grows more apparent. He continuously torments and manipulates his hostages, threatening them with harm if they disobey his rule. His twisted sense of humor and flawed motives cause friction amongst the group of criminals working under him, leading to conflicts and betrayals amongst them.

The episode continues with a thrilling climax that offers many twists and turns. The Joker's grand finale is set to be the greatest show on Earth, with the lives of Batman and several hostages at stake. The action-packed ending pits Batman and his allies against the clown prince of crime and his minions in a final showdown that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

Sideshow is a classic episode of Batman: The Animated Series, showcasing the complex, twisted, and often sadistic nature of The Joker. The episode is sure to delight any fan of the series, as it boasts a well-constructed narrative that balances action, suspense, and character development. It is an excellent contribution to the series and stands as a testament to the depth and creativity of the show's writers and creators.