The Crucial Way Batman: The Animated Series Changed Poison Ivy Forever

One of the most notable aspects of "Batman: The Animated Series" is that the show is credited with creating the fan-favorite character, Harley Quinn. While the Joker's girlfriend and future solo villain and anti-hero is a memorable addition to the Batman mythos, the series also had pivotal takes on other iconic female supervillains, including Talia Al-Ghul, Catwoman, and, of course, Poison Ivy.

However, the more grounded approach of "Batman: The Animated Series" led to some changes for Ivy. While she was regularly depicted before the series as having an extremely dangerous powerset, this take on the femme fatale had Poison Ivy appear more human and also introduced an element that would become a key part of both her and Harley Quinn's legacy.

In Season 1, Episode 47 ("Harley and Ivy"), the two characters team up for the first time and wreak havoc across Gotham City. Being that these two villains became inextricably linked by "Batman" comics later on, both personally and professionally, this was a major turning point for the characters.

Anyone who watches the "Harley Quinn" animated series will know that the love story between Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy remains a central part of the show across the many wacky misadventures of its offbeat protagonist. Being that the two first met and worked together in "Batman: The Animated Series," this makes the earlier episode especially important to their overall mythos.

Furthermore, the two characters are seen as roommates in Season 2, Episode 7 ("Girls' Night Out") in "The New Batman Adventures." They're even seen sharing a hideout in the follow-up crossover series, where they seem to have a close and comfortable friendship, and consistently contemplate their failed criminal endeavors. 

This depiction, in particular, suggests a special bond between the two that would help to lay the groundwork for their eventual love story. However, as the series went on, Ivy's redesign made her look increasingly inhuman in later episodes. Poison Ivy has regularly been seen since with her green skin and vast plant-controlling powers. Take for example her appearance and terrifying abilities in the "Arkham" video games. These depictions of her as a close friend and confidante of Harley Quinn in "Batman: The Animated Series" and the later changes to her appearance are arguably the biggest contributions from this particular iteration of the character.