Five Favorite Episodes of Justice League/Justice League Unlimited

[alectoperdita]

In remembrance of Dwayne McDuffie, I wrote a brief list of some of my five favorite episodes of Justice League and Justice League Unlimited. Three of the episodes listed below are written by the man himself.

Much of the DC Animated Universe is attributed to Paul Dini or Bruce Timm, but Dwayne McDuffie's contribution helped to build that world beyond just Batman or Superman. I can say with absolute confidence that the only reason that I and my boyfriend buy/read American comics is to search for hints of those great characters we were given in Justice League.

His work to promote diversity and multiculturalism, while fighting tokenism and stereotypes, made him a leader in the industry.  He gave us Static Shock! He will be sorely missed. It remains to be seen if there's anyone in the industry today that could step up and fill his enormous shoes.

RIP, Mr. McDuffie.

Links round-up:
Remembering Dwayne McDuffie
On My Conversations with Dwayne McDuffie
Missing Dwayne McDuffie
Dwayne McDuffie Tributes on scans_daily 

	This Little Piggy Season 3, Episode 5 Summary: A run-in with Circe leaves Wonder Woman transformed into a pig. Batman seeks Zatanna's help in reversing the spell. Shenanigans ensue. Favorite Lines: "I want something from you that's very precious. Something you've worked very hard to conceal. Something when gone, you can never regain. Something...soul shattering..." - Circe Favorite Scene (as seen in the accompanying video): Batman sings the blues! Why I like it? I am admittedly a Batman/Wonder Woman shipper for this series. This is kind of the big episode for that. It's also the first episode that can recall that the two talk openly about the romantic tension between them. Through the episode, you can see how affectionate and concerned Batman is to pig!Wonder Woman. Other than that, it's got great character interactions and lines.
	Question Authority Season 3, Episode 22 Summary: The League must rescue the Question, who was captured after an attempt on Luthor's life to prevent the events that led to the Justice Lords from coming to pass. Favorite Lines: "The plastic tips at the ends of shoelaces are called aglets. Their true purpose is sinister." -The Question Favorite Scene: The Question confronts Luthor and is prepared to do what he thinks will protect Superman and the League's legacy. Why I like it? This is the culmination of all the plot points from the previous seasons with Cadmus and Luthor. You also get to see the Question save the world in his own way. The League have to think long and hard about what and who they stand for; that maybe they're getting too big for their own shoes.
	Kids' Stuff Season 3, Episode 3 Summary: Morgan Le Fey makes a big mistake when she allows her son, Mordred, to take the Amulet of First Magic. Mordred wishes all the adults of the universe away to being king of a world of children. Batman, Green Lantern, Superman, and Wonder Woman become kids themselves in order to save the world. Favorite Lines: "Man, for someone with like 50 different kinds of vision, you are so blind!" -Kid!Green Lantern to Kid!Superman Favorite Scene: Meet baby Etrigan! Why I like it? It's cute, silly, and fun. Not everything has to be a insanely serious story. It's also nice to see Mordred get pwned.
	The Terror Beyond Season 2, Episodes 16-17 Summary: Rifts around the world open as gateways to non-Euclidean horrors. Aquaman and Doctor are out to save the world- but they need the help of Solomon Grundy first. Favorite Lines: Ichthulhu- Speak to me child of Thanagar. Hawkgirl- Nothing to say. I've got a gesture for you, but my hands are tied! Favorite Scene: The final scenes always makes me cry like crazy. Why I like it? It's amazing how they can make you feel for a character in a completely different way than he's been played in just two episodes. Grundy's friendship with Hawkgirl is unexpected but touching. It's all the more heartbreaking when Grundy shows up again in "Wake the Dead."
	Hereafter Season 2, Episodes 20-21 Summary: Toyman has accomplished the unthinkable: killing Superman. But has he really? Batman refuses to believe it. Lobo tries to muscle his way in as a new member of the League. Favorite Lines: Superman- "You're insane." Vandal Savage- "True, but that doesn't mean I'm not good company. Say, you want to come over to my house?" Favorite Scene: Superman shows he can still be badass without his powers after he forges a sword to fight off mutant wolves. Why I like it? This episode showcases how important Superman is to the heart of the Justice League. You can see how hard each and every member is hit by the loss.