YMMV / Batman: The Animated Series E5 "Pretty Poison"

• Alternative Character Interpretation: Was Ivy truly insincere when she claimed she would've given Batman the antidote if he hadn't "hurt her feelings" by spitting after their kiss? The upset face Pam made when he did it looked very genuine and her casual manner in greeting him implies she was anticipating his visit. Is it possible that, if he didn't insult her in such a manner, Poison Ivy might've not only shared it but perhaps kept him around for certain reasons? The Foe Romance Subtext vibes during this scene can't help but lend credence to it.
  • Speaking of their kiss, did Batman subconsciously allow it to happen? Ivy doesn't have much issue kissing him after he's wrapped in place, Bats not even desperately trying to fold in his lips. Perhaps his love of vampy, dangerous ladies is such a deeply ingrained part of himself that he, on some level, wanted it to happen.
• Best Known for the Fanservice: This episode is a steamy smorgasbord for those who fancy very bad girls. Nearly every scene with Poison Ivy is steeped in classy, film noir sexiness.
• Common Knowledge: The redheaded model in the Nightshade perfume commercial is frequently mistaken for Pamela Isley herself. Although, in a roundabout way, she is since said model was voiced by singer Melissa Manchester, who was the originally intended choice to voice Ivy. Her and Diane Pershing, who'd shown up to play incidentals, wound up switching roles.
• Fanfic Fuel: The fact we never learn what Pamela did during those 5 years before trying to kill Dent lends itself to many potential stories. So is us never discovering what her life was like up to that sepia tone flashback.
  • What if Poison Ivy had succeeded in murdering Batman? Considering he left the Batmobile parked right outside her greenhouse, unless Ivy notices it in time to dispose of it, said attention grabbing vehicle might trigger a domino effect, ultimately culminating in the GCPD coming by with a search warrant. Though, if they take their in time securing it, Ivy could spend hers "cleaning up" her nursery of anything suspicious, such as her giant, killer flytrap. Another possibility is Alfred, worried after Bruce disappears, sending Dick in to investigate himself.
  • Chez Gerard's board of directors learning that their company was (unknowingly) funding an eco-terrorist for however many years Isley was employed there. The potential backlash it might generate.
  • What if Pam had tried to murder Bruce Wayne or Mayor Hill before moving onto Harvey Dent instead?
• Foe Yay Shipping: This episode alone created many Bat & Ivy shippers overnight. Her trying to kill him? Not an issue.
• Harsher in Hindsight: Poison Ivy's sexually aggressive behavior towards Harvey and Batman, in the latter's case initiating a makeout session without his consent, retroactively foreshadows what she'd do to Dr. Carlyle.
• Ho Yay: Some parts of the episode can read differently in light of Bruce's voice actor Kevin Conroy coming out as gay. Bruce trying to prevent his best friend Harvey from marrying Poison Ivy? Noble, but also convenient. Bruce disgusted by Poison Ivy forcing a kiss on him; is he repelled by her poison or her femininity? Bruce expressing horror at an enormous Vagina Dentata plant? Hmmm...
• Signature Scene: The totality of the greenhouse climax, so much so it inspired a level in the Sega CD game, killer flytrap included.

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