Ep 17. Batman Forever 21

In the season 7 episode 17 of Robot Chicken, named "Batman Forever 21," the show parodies the iconic Batman character and his adventures with hilarious sketches. The episode takes a comical twist as it depicts Batman's struggles of staying relevant and young in a world that demands new and young superheroes.

The episode kicks off with Batman fighting with a group of young villains, all dressed in popular fads like Chinos, hats, and scarfs. Batman catches a break as he discovers the Fountain of Youth, a secret place to rewind time and stay young forever. Batman and his trusty sidekick, Robin, indulge in the fountain's magic waters, and they become young and spry, but they soon realize that staying young means fighting off the competing young superheroes in Gotham City who are eager to take their place.

As the episode progresses, there is no end to Batman's adventures in trying to stay in pace with the city's changing dynamics. From taking up social media challenges to trying out new gadgets and even joining a trendy, young band, Batman is on a never-ending quest to outdo his competition and stay on top of his game.

The show also portrays the tension between Batman and his enemies as they realize how vulnerable he has become. Batman's arch-nemesis, the Joker, makes a hilarious return in the episode as he tries to penetrate Batman's newfound strength. The Joker recruits young villains, including Harley Quinn dressed in Forever 21 clothing, to go on a shopping spree and take over Gotham City's social media platforms. The villains continually taunt Batman with age-related jokes and declare that he is no longer fit to be Gotham's protector.

The episode also touches on various themes beyond humor, such as the pressure of staying young and relevant in a society that is perpetually searching for the next best thing. It beautifully articulates the dilemma that comes with the celebrity culture, where the journey to stay relevant can be tumultuous and ego-splitting. The show cleverly conveys a message that perhaps being young forever is not worth the effort, and it's wiser to enjoy every age gracefully.

"Batman Forever 21" is a hilarious episode that balances the line between humor and thought-provoking commentary on age, relevance, and the nature of competition. The show's witty sense of humor is combined with a keen sense of satire, making the episode enjoyable even for those not familiar with the Batman universe. The episode features poignant voiceovers by the series creator and guest stars such as Mark Hamill and Paul Rudd. The comic timing of the dialogue and the overall flow of the episode keep viewers glued to their screens.

Overall, Robot Chicken season 7 episode 17, "Batman Forever 21," is a must-watch episode for superhero enthusiasts and viewers looking for an entertaining show with a comedic twist. The show might not be suitable for young viewers as some of the jokes are not kid-friendly, but for the adult viewers, it's a hilarious way to spend 15 minutes and enjoy the pop-culture references and satirical jabs.