Some of the best pieces of media can come from the unlikeliest forms of inspiration. For instance, while many are probably unsurprised to know thatThe Lion Kingis basically just animalHamlet, others might not realize that Marvel’s new Disney Plus seriesLokihas been taking some pretty heavy cuesfrom Douglas Adams’Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxybook series. But perhaps an even more unexpected homage comes from the queen of mayhem herself,Harley Quinn.
TheanimatedHarley Quinnseries, which currently boasts 2 seasons on HBO Max with a third finally on the way, surprised audiences with its combination of brutal violence, hilarious writing, and genuinely heartfelt character interactions. As one of the best new comedies in recent years, arguably, the show took inspiration from a number of sources, including Bruce Timm’s iconic art style from the ‘90sBatmananimated series. But according to series co-creator Patrick Schumacker, it also pays respects to a rather unexpected piece of television history.
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When speaking about howHarley Quinnbreaks the conventions of regular superhero shows, Schumacker explained that one particularly interesting perspective they took was working with the idea of the classic sitcomThe Mary Tyler Moore Show, “if Mary killed a bunch of people.” As unconventional as that comparison might sound, fans of both shows (yes, there is a tiny bit of crossover there) might even pick up on some of the similarities, though it’s a bit more surreal than contrasting something likeThe Officeto asimilar workplace comedyParks and Recreation.
The Mary Tyler Moore Showfollowed its lead character Mary in her work and home life, balancing her personal and professional relationships (and often mixing them) with plenty of humor as the glue keeping it all together, much likeHarley Quinn herself is to the DC Universe.Harley Quinn, meanwhile, follows its lead character Harley as she strives to make her own way on her own terms following a messy breakup with The Joker. Not a whole lot of similarities right off the bat. But a familiar focus on her professional relationships with her team of fellow villains along with personal stories that tie in with those dynamics sort of hearkens back to those classic sitcom situations of classic and even recent years.
Yes, it might be a bit of a stretch to say that fans ofThe Mary Tyler Moore Showwould definitely enjoyHarley Quinn. In fact, the core fanbases of each respective show are probably two of the most dissimilar groups of people one could find. It would be like ifTheWatchmentried appealing toSesame Streetfans. Not a whole lot of overlap there aside from a few very cool people.
But a focus on comedy and genuine character moments can be a universal goal. Just because two shows appeal to two very different audiences, it doesn’t mean their core concepts can’t share a few ideals. Besides, Harley Quinn and Ivy definitely seem like the type of couple who would binge the entireMary Tyler Moore Showin one sitting just to unwind.
