The New Batman Adventures

Dr. Harleen Quinzel:
[narrating] It took me nearly three months to set up a session. I studied all his tricks and gimmicks, and felt I was ready for anything.

The Joker:
You know... my father used to beat me up pretty badly.

Dr. Harleen Quinzel:
[narrating] Anything except that.

The Joker:
Every time I got out of line, BAM! Or sometimes I'd just be just sitting there, doing nothing. POW! Pops tended to favor the grape, you see.

Dr. Harleen Quinzel:
Uh-huh.

The Joker:
There was only one time I ever saw Dad really happy. He took me to the circus when I was seven. Oh, I still remember the clowns running around, dropping their pants.

[laughs]

The Joker:
My old man laughed so hard, I thought he'd bust a gut! So the very next night, I ran up to meet him with his best Sunday pants around my ankles. "Hi, Dad! Look at me!"

[drops pants]

The Joker:
ZOOP! I took a big pratfall, and tore the crotch clean out of his pants!

[Both start laughing hysterically]

The Joker:
...And then he broke my nose. But hey, that's the downside of comedy. You're always taking shots from folks who just don't get the joke. Like my dad... Or Batman.