Harley Quinn Season 5 Review: A Refreshing Journey in Metropolis

by Haley January 13, 2025

The fifth season of Harley Quinn, airing from January 16 through March 20, sees Batman villains and partners Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy seeking to spice up their relationship through an extended stay in Metropolis. Show writers expertly use their in-depth knowledge of DC Comics to create a fresh narrative that revitalizes the show, as well as the characters’ romances. The two women’s journey allows them to come back invigorated, and the brief change in settings adds a refreshing touch to the series’ well-known ensemble dynamic.

Harley Quinn Season 5 Review: A Refreshing Journey in Metropolis

-The fifth season of Harley Quinn takes Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy to Metropolis, injecting fresh energy into their relationship and the series.

-The season introduces a comedic portrayal of Brainiac, voiced by Stephen Fry, featuring a sitcom-style backstory and a humorous stage musical parodying Hamilton.

– Aisha Tyler’s portrayal of Lena Luthor adds depth, as her character manipulates events in Metropolis, while Poison Ivy’s origin story is explored, enriching her relationship with Harley.

The latest Harley Quinn premiere, season 5, is set to air on Thursday, January 16 with additional new episodes being introduced every week until March 20. This season sees Batman villains, Harley Quinn (voiced by Kaley Cuoco), and Poison Ivy (Lake Bell) at a crossroads in their partnership, causing them to seek out new adventures by spending an extended time in Metropolis. The shift in scenery not only brings new life to their relationships, but also to the show, giving its writers an opportunity to demonstrate their expertise and appreciation for the DC Comics universe.

Their stay in Metropolis is particularly fitting given Harley Quinn’s roots in Batman: The Animated Series, which was followed by Superman: The Animated Series in the DC Animated Universe. The contrast in style between these two shows influences the dynamics of season 5. More than a mere change in aesthetics, this season allows Harley Quinn to get a taste of the science fiction world Superman is renowned for.

Series antagonist Brainiac (Stephen Fry), a city-collecting extraterrestrial being, has one of the best recurring roles as a villain in the DC Animated Universe. Brainiac’s backstory is presented in the form of an amusing sitcom showcasing his love life and his pet alien monkey, Koko. This comedic take is further explored in a heartfelt stage musical scripted by Bane (James Adomian) and showcasing Harley and Clayface (Alan Tudyk). The musical is an entertaining spoof of the popular Broadway production Hamilton and offers a deeper insight into Brainiac’s character.

An essential part of season 5 is Lena Luthor, voiced by Aisha Tyler, who is a key element in Brainiac’s plans for Metropolis. Tyler brilliantly plays a charming yet manipulative character, keeping Harley and Ivy distracted while simultaneously showcasing her exceptional villainy.

Season 5 also explores more than just the origins of Brainiac and the Luthor siblings but delves into the past of Poison Ivy, and how she obtained her powers. Ivy’s narrative with scientist Jason Woodrue (Kevin Michael Richardson) is one of the season’s highlights, and it brings her relationship with Harley, and her carnivorous plant Frank (J.B. Smoove), to new depths alongside a fair share of shocking visuals.

The latest season is abundant with crude humor, absurd quips, and deep sentiment, expertly balanced throughout. King Shark’s (Ron Funches) offspring provide constant comedic relief, while Clayface impersonates The Silence of the Lambs’ Buffalo Bill in a hilarious plot that keeps watchers entertained. All this and Harley’s adventures in Metropolis makes for a vibrant season, making it one of the few on-going shows that masterfully blend humor and sentiment.

Although the sudden relocation to Metropolis is a compelling change, it leads to a hasty wrap-up of some lingering plotlines from season 4. This quick ending shows a significant drop in the otherwise steady quality of the series. However, this detour in Metropolis seems to be a refreshing change that has revitalized the iconic ensemble dynamic that won fans over during the show’s initial seasons.

Overall, season 5 of Harley Quinn offers enjoyable laughs, heartfelt moments, and an exciting exploration of our favorite villains. The mix of crude humor and deep sentimentality makes this season a must-watch for all DC fans. Its few shortcomings take little away from the overall enjoyment of the season. This season gets a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.