Hi Diddle Riddle (1966)

A bright sunny day in the teeming metropolis of Gotham City greets a very auspicious day for the Republic of Moldovia as dignitaries, diplomats, royalty and high society guests gather at the Gotham City World Fair for the week-long fiesta.  There is a collective gasp of delight as the Moldavian Prime Minister prepares to unveil their country’s finest national treasure. But, before the star attraction, the guests are to be treated to the Moldavian – American Friendship Cake. 

Unfortunately, the excitement is short-lived as an explosion goes off from within the giant cake in what seems to be a shocking act of terrorism and the guests are floundering in shock and horror. An action man-sized parachute floats down from the debris and plumes of smoke with a chilling message attached to it “Why is an orange like a bell?” it says, kicking off a ghastly wave of crime that has Gotham City’s police Commissioner Gordon and his team utterly perplexed.  With the police force at a complete loss and knowing that the Riddler has outwitted them time and again on previous occasions, the only avenue is to send out an S.O.S to Batman. 

At the stately Wayne Manor, Bruce Wayne and his young ward Dick Grayson are alerted by Alfred and without a moment wasted they head along to the Commissioner’s office to analyze the cryptic riddle.  The Dynamic Duo then head for the Peale Art Gallery where they are outwitted by the fiendish Riddler and fall right into his trap despite smelling a rat.  They apprehend the dastardly Riddler as he pulls a pistol on the Gallery manager. Still, the tables are swiftly turned by the grinning devil and Batman and Robin surrounded by media flashlights and a lawyer who serves them a legal summons for several damning transgressions, including harassment.  It turns out the Riddler’s pistol was a mere lighter that he was offering the manager to light his cigarette!

Subsequently, there is gloom in at Wayne Manor with Bruce, Dick and Alfred distraught at the legal documentation that may destroy Batman’s crimefighting career as in court, he will be forced to remove his mask and reveal his true identity.  Robin miraculously stumbles upon a plan, and using the Bat infrared decipherer, the dynamic duo find more riddles secretly planted in the legal summons and make their way to 222 Glover Street, where they expect to see the psychotic genius and his henchmen. Still, instead, they arrive at one of the most swinging and happening Go-Go Dance clubs where only adults (rich and white) are allowed in and so an underage Robin has to remain in the Batmobile while Batman proceeds to investigate. 

There is much excitement upon his arrival inside the club, where the dancing socialites are thrilled to find such a superstar.  As he approaches the Bar, the audience can see that the barman is a dodgy member of Riddler’s posse and his current Moll, Molly, is sitting in wait, ready to spin her web of charm around Batman. 

Batman has a juice and then takes up Molly’s invitation to shimmy on the dancefloor, where he proceeds to dazzle with his stunning Batusi to gasps of wonder and amazement.  But as the spiked juice kicks in, he is rendered a slobbering, mumbling buffoon while Molly and The Riddler pounce on Robin and attempt to destroy the Batmobile, setting it alight.  However, they fail in that endeavour as the Batmobile is fitted with incredible self-preservation devices. 

As a drunken Batman attempts to drive away in pursuit of the abducted Robin, the police remind him that he is in no condition to drive.  Robin is taken away to the underground hideout of the maniacal Riddler, where he is tied down on a surgeon’s table and with Batman is clueless and totally incapable of saving a ghastly situation The Riddler seems poised to destroy the Dynamic Duo with Robin as putty in his hands.  The episode reaches its ghastly conclusion as Robin lies strapped to the table surrounded by Riddler’s goons, and surely this time, even Batman cannot save him. 

This very first episode, “Hi Diddle Riddle”, kicks off the series in considerable style and contains several memorable moments, the best of which are the breathtaking Batusi at the club and then Batman’s dreadful drunken state, which brings out he very best in Adam West’s thespian talent.  Robin and Alfred are at their best, and Molly, the caviar-swigging Moll who later starred as a Bond Girl in Diamonds Are Forever, is fascinating and alluring in equal measure.  Frank Gorshin proves and inspired piece of casting by the suits at Fox.  He is maniacally menacing and deranged, even sexy in those skin-tight pea-soup green patented Riddler tights.  

Will Robin survive as Batman lurches around in a desperate drunken stupor?  The chances don’t look bright as the curtain comes down on a thrilling episode promising much more horror, thrills and excitement ahead.  Same Bat-time, same Bat-channel!