Out of the shows that went from the now-defunct DC Universe (2018–2021) frying pan and into the HBO MAX fire, I did not expect the adult animated series Harley Quinn to be as special (pun intended) as it is today. Originally developed as a romantic compliment to The Joker for the Bruce Timm-helmed Batman: The Animated Series from the ’90s, Harley Quinn’s evolution across the decades in various comics, TV shows and movies transformed her into an empowering LGBTQ2S+ character for the DC Universe. Co-showrunners Patrick Schumacker and Justin Halpern’s iteration, who starts off as a codependent partner in a toxic relationship, turns into an independent bat-wielding antihero who gave the DC Universe a much-needed mature subversion. The show, which revolves around Harley Quinn (Kaley Cuoco) on her road to self-discovery with the help of her girlfriend Poison Ivy (Lake Bell), is a mature approach to the Batman roster via its raunchy humour and sharp writing. After three seasons of Harley and Ivy making mayhem in Gotham, what other way to continue their strong streak than by giving the lovers the 45-minute, action-packed and chaotically gay Valentine’s Day special they deserve?
Love is in the air in Gotham City. Every canonically boo’ed up superhero or supervillain couple is spreading lovey-dovey cheer on the most romantic day of the year. On her first Valentine’s Day with Poison Ivy, Harley Quinn goes to the extreme limits to sweep her girlfriend off her feet with the most romantic night ever. Ivy’s level-headed, laid-back nature is content with keeping the day “low-key”: get food, watch TV, have sex and call it a night. But Harley, being the passionate partner she is, makes it her mission to give her green girlfriend the best Valentine’s Day of her life.
In a budding secondary side plot, Bane (James Adomian)—the buff luchador villain best known for breaking Batman, and for being one of the series’ fan-favourite characters––lacks a love interest and finds himself in a kinky meet-cute situation. Upon walking across Gotham, swiping on the apps, a dominatrix named Betty (Casey Wilson) confuses him for a dominatrix assistant—because of his gimp-esque costume. Instead of correcting her, Bane indulges her and assists her in a gig, and he falls for her.
In a tertiary side plot, Harley’s comrade Clayface (Alan Tudyk)—an anthropomorphic lump of clay with the ability to shapeshift, falls in love with the lower half of himself—literally. Of course, all the various parties’ V-day misadventures collide with each other to turn Gotham upside down for the hornier and more destructive.
Harley Quinn: A Very Problematic Valentine’s Day Special continues co-showrunners Patrick Schumacker and Justin Halpern’s expressed promise to never break “Harlivy” up, but still put them through identifiable challenges as a couple. Season 3 did a fine job of fulfilling that intent, with characters discussing their emotions healthily. Adding the building blocks of Harley’s arc of navigating a loving relationship following her prior damaging one with The Joker that booted off the show, the special speaks to the non-linear process of healing from a toxic relationship.
In the show’s anarchist spirit, this special thrives when centring Harley and Ivy’s misadventures. Their sharp, witty banter aligned with their intimacy is heartwarming and hilarious—Harley and Ivy’s dynamic is a prime example of the “Behind Every Gay Person Is a Gayer, More Evil Gay Person” meme. Ivy’s cynical and pragmatic demeanour and Harley’s rambunctious anarchist spirit makes for a match made in heaven.
The romance is cheesy at times, for sure, but with that cheese is a side of raunch that the show prides itself on. It’s not that often you see a queer “be gay do crime” pairing who vulgarly express how sexually positive they are while maintaining a healthy relationship. Out of its many subversions, its sex positivity is where Harley Quinn shines amongst the rest of the many adult-animated shows––like The Legend of Vox Machina and Big Mouth––these days. And that sex positivity the bisexual baddies share eventually becomes the basis of chaos spread around Gotham. After Harley gives Ivy the best happy ending ever, Ivy climaxes with pheromones that result in the citizens getting down in the street. Hilariously, that’s just the midpoint of the special’s mayhem.
Complimenting the primary story, the special uses a rom-com framing device where DC couples such as Superman (James Wolk) and Lois Lane (Natalie Morales) and Hawkman and Hawkgirl (Tyler James Williams and Quinta Brunson, from Abbott Elementary, which Halpern and Schumacker executive produce) discuss how each couple met. It makes for a fun, transitional trope connecting all the ongoing narratives, and always garners a laugh. Hearing Williams discuss reincarnation with a loved one in his low-octave voice had me giggling.
One character proves that he’s best in small doses and not anything more: Bane. The internet has showered Adomian’s Tom-Hardy-dialect-inspired Bane with love over the past few seasons due to his petty behaviour and funny deliveries. Here, he takes on a bigger role—like literally, forming to the size of a kaiju at one point—and it disrupts the story’s pacing. His romantic subplot is endearing and results in some good laughs, but the route it takes and how it intersects with Harlivy’s becomes an over-the-top mess.
Clayface’s arc is take-it-or-leave-it, considering if you want to hear different octaves of Alan Tudyk going thespian mode, but I love how it confirms Clayface as being sexually fluid. It’s nice to see that even clays can be gay.
The Harley Quinn Valentine’s Day special is a warm and raunchy addition to the primary show’s canon. It delivers some great laughs, and a bizarre yet sex-positive plot and betters the sweet-natured dynamic between Harley and Ivy. Placing as a serviceable in-between before the upcoming fourth season, this Problematic Valentine’s Day Special is pretty romantic.
Harley Quinn: A Very Problematic Valentine’s Day Special is now streaming on HBO MAX and Crave
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