Batman: The Animated Series (TV Series) Mudslide (1993) User Reviews

"Mommy, is that person melting?"

[thomasgouldsbrough · 9/10 · 1 March 2022]

Mudslide is one of the best episodes of the series. To say it's a children's programme, it's quite a disturbing episode, and one that is sure to leave an impact. Clayface is so well written as a villain, that we begin to feel a great deal of empathy, and almost root for his success.

A very, very good episode.

Hey, Stella! 'Clayface' Has Turned To Mud

[ccthemovieman-1 · 8/10 · 11 May 2009]

We return to "Clayface" (a.k.a. "Matt Hagen") who was last seen in a two-part story early in first season of this great animated TV show. " "Clayface/Hagen," is a guy like the more well-known "Sandman" except he's mud instead of sand. He can change shapes in seconds. He also reminded me a lot of the Robert Patrick's villain in "Terminator 2" who could morph himself into any form or person.and was relentless.

In this episode, Clayface has a helper, a devoted and lovestruck woman ("Stella") who only wants the best for him and tries to help, but only winds up as a crime accomplice. Pat Musick does the voice-work on Dr. Stella Bates.

Later, we hear the voice of Marcia Wallace a "Dark Interlude" actress. She has a famous TV face from "The Bob Newhart Show" and has done well with her voice on "The Simpsons." With Stella's name, we get references to several classic-era films are made in this episode. Film buffs know about about names like "Bates" and "Stella." That was cool.

Also, we get some dramatic artwork in here with cliffs. Fights between Batman and Clayface range from such walking casually down the street to fighting on a big cliff with a huge drop-off.

Overall - pretty entertaining.

The spirit is willing, but the flesh . . .

[Mr-Fusion · 7/10 · 13 January 2017]

As if Clayface's story wasn't bad enough, now he's literally disintegrating. Sure, he's an actor, and the chance to play a great death scene is a major draw. But not at a torturous snail's pace.

This is the idea behind 'Mudslide', and it's a good bit of drama for this character. For the most part, it's a serviceable episode, but it does have its share of memorable scenes. Like the image of Hagan melting in front of a subway car full of people (it's creepy, and I think it's his moaning that really sells it). Or the idea of Clayface smothering Batman inside his own body. Surprisingly dark scene.

It's hard to feel sorry for a guy who continually refuses Batman's help, but a love interest and slow decline go a long way toward humanizing him.

7/10