9/11 is a more pleasant anniversary for #HarleyQuinn fans. The character first appearance in the 9/11/92 airing of the #BTAS episode, “Joker’s Favor.”
Although I knew @HamillHimself had been cast as the Joker (replacing Tim Curry), I had no idea my childhood crush, Ms. Calliope Jones herself, Arleen Sorkin was voicing a character. I recognized her voice instantly.
Paul Dini and Arleen Sorkin were friends and my understanding is that he was inspired to base the Harley Quinn character off this scene from DAYS OF OUR LIVES.
Dini thought it’d improve the episode to give Joker a “moll,” someone distinct from his goons. Almost 30 years later, we know how right Dini was.
Harley Quinn is a true breakout character and it's Sorkin’s performance -- that delightful Judy Holiday in BORN YESTERDAY-accented voice -- that’s responsible.
OMG this scene.
Sorkin singing “Amazing Grace” on a kazoo never fails to make me laugh.
Bruce Timm’s original Harley Quinn design is wonderful. Paul Dini wrote some great scripts featuring Harley Quinn.
Arleen Sorkin’s performance is why adults who weren’t born when these episodes aired dress up as Harley Quinn at conventions.
Sorkin retired from playing the character a while back, but it’d be nice if she could be lured back to play Margot Robbie’s Harley’s mom or mentor in a movie. She deserves a big payday.
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