/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24822843/Screen_Shot_2023_07_31_at_8.34.32_PM.png "Don’t Forget: Harley Quinn Season 4 Reveals the Fourth Pillar of DC’s Universe")
The Harley Quinn animated series has always showcased the popularity of Harley Quinn as one of Warner Bros. and DC’s most beloved characters. Instead of adapting a specific plot from Harley’s history, the show incorporates her distinctive traits, such as her love for Poison Ivy and her antihero tendencies, to create a definitive portrayal of her character.
Like previous seasons, the fourth season of Harley Quinn strikes a balance between celebrating and critiquing the superhero genre. However, what sets this chapter apart is its exploration of Harley Quinn’s significance within the larger DC brand. After breaking up with the Joker and establishing herself as an independent villain, Harley Quinn now joins the Bat Family alongside Batgirl, Nightwing, Robin, and Alfred. As Batman remains absent, the team needs Harley’s help to combat Gotham’s criminals. However, with Poison Ivy leading the Legion of Doom, Harley’s transition to heroism becomes more complicated as she finds herself having to fight her loved ones.
The fourth season of Harley Quinn begins by poking fun at Harley’s numerous reinventions and her morally complex nature throughout different iterations. The show also comments on her growing importance to DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. Discovery. When Jim Lee, the former president of DC Comics, referred to Harley as the “fourth pillar” of DC’s publishing line, he recognized her increasing popularity among fans. While Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman are foundational characters, Harley has gained prominence relatively recently.
Harley’s early fame lacked a deep canon, but writers like Amanda Conner and artists like Jimmy Palmiotti expanded her character in the Harley Quinn comics. Fans quickly embraced new stories about Harley, leading to various projects featuring her, including kids shows like DC Super Hero Girls and more mature content like the Suicide Squad films and Birds of Prey. However, Harley Quinn playfully criticizes how the company sometimes struggles to handle her transition from villain to antihero.
The show emphasizes that Harley’s criminal background makes her well-suited for heroic work, and her adaptability sets her apart from others. Despite her capabilities, Harley’s desire to become a member of the Bat Family is met with challenges due to circumstances beyond her control. Harley Quinn subtly hints at the idea that popularity does not guarantee a character’s well-being or fulfillment.
Although it doesn’t explicitly state it, Harley Quinn suggests that Harley feels overexposed and stretched thin due to her popularity. The show raises questions about staying true to oneself when faced with external pressures. However, Harley Quinn remains faithful to its brand by retaining Harley’s queerness, crassness, and irreverence towards the rest of the DC universe, even under the new leadership of Warner Bros. Discovery’s David Zaslav.
The fourth season of Harley Quinn is now available to stream on Max, with new episodes releasing every Thursday.