Question Sad News

Not exactly tragic news, but sad.

Adam West, the star of the (then) mind-bogglingly popular 'Batman' TV show of the Mid-1960s, has passed away.

While the Batman TV show may seem silly and ridiculous now- THAT'S THE ENTIRE FRICKIN' POINT! While I didn't appreciate it at the time (gimme a break, I was Eight when it first aired!)- er, more to the point, I loved it, as only an 8-year-old could. I didn't GET that it was silly and camp and tongue-in-cheek. Okay, I was way too busy checking out Julie Newmar as Catwoman (and sparing a few long looks for Earth Kitt, say ways), but looking back, that show was a rousing paradoxical heckling and lauding of all the ridiculous aspects of the entire concept of costumed vigilantes. Yes, Whateley definitely has a major splice of Batman '66 in its genome.

And a huge part of the credit for that goes to Adam West. While Star Trek would still have been Star Trek without William Shatner (leaving aside arguments that it might have been better), Batman would not have been the Batman without Adam West. Adam West was one of the great pokerface comics of TV. His ability to be hilariously pompous was amazing. The only actor I can think of who has his knack for droll gravitas is Patrick Warburton.

And so I must say a sad farewell to one of my childhood heroes. A cultural phenomenon, a lesson in the fickle nature of fame and popular acclaim, a remarkable talent, and without any argument, the best mayor that the town of Quahog has ever had.

normally, I'm not a fan of so-called "legacy casting", but on arguably the best Batman, West appeared in one of the best episodes.

Sad news indeed. While I myself have not had any more than passing exposure to his rendition of Batman, I've always appreciated Adam West for portraying himself in Family Guy and Fairly Oddparents.

88 is a fine age to reach, though.

here is his phone book listing form his hometown

now that is COOL in caps!

One more time.

Bek D Corbin wrote: The only actor I can think of who has his knack for droll gravitas is Patrick Warburton.

It is sad to see Adam go, but I'd argue your choice of Patrick Warburton. I'd have a tough time choosing between John Cleese and Stephen Fry for the honor.

I would vote for Peter Sellers, myself. He could make even the most absurd behavior seem perfectly reasonable - or at least, make it clear that the character thought it was. Inspector Clouseau and Chance the Gardener were both great examples of his gift for this, but it can be seen in most of his films. In Dr Strangelove he played three roles like this: RAF Group Captain Lionel Mandrake, U.S. President Merkin Muffley, and the eponymous ex-Nazi mad scientist Dr. Strangelove.

However, I have to say that West was exactly the right person for Batman '66. Ironically enough, he hadn't known anything about the character before the role was offered to him, so he read several of the comics; he was impressed with the grim, gritty character, and it was actually a huge disappointment at first that it was going to be played for laughs. He got over that quickly, though, as he saw it as the great chance to really camp it up which it was. He will be greatly missed.