ShareThisDiedrich Bader is bringing lightness to the Dark Knight.The former co-star of "The Drew Carey Show" provides the voice of Batman in the new animated super-hero team-up series "Batman: The Brave & The Bold," airing 8 p.m. EST Fridays on Cartoon Network.But his take on the popular character will be sharply different from what audiences have seen in recent movies."That's one of the things we were going for, a new take on an old Batman," says Bader. "This is really Batman."For this new series, Batman has a retro look to his costume: a yellow circle embedding a black bat. His utility belt is full of tricks. On the inside, the Gotham City hero is different, too -- slightly lighter, even giving into an occasional smile.The broodiness of the movie versions -- and even recent animated shows -- is gone.Bader says the producers were "looking for someone who was a little less dark" as well as a voice actor who could "bring a sense of irony" to the role. They wanted "The Brave & The Bold," in which Batman pairs up with different DC Comics characters each week, to be a departure.When that's applied to Batman, it means a kinder and sometimes even gentler hero. Vocally, "it's all in the timing," Bader says. "It's an arched eyebrow. You can bring a little distance to the character that way, too."I'm essentially taking my waking-up voice to work." Another unusual aspect of "Brave & The Bold" is the way Batman is played in the script. In many respects, he's almost a supporting player in his own series.This is also a nod to the faithful fans of "Justice League Unlimited," an acclaimed Cartoon Network series that ended after fewer than 40 episodes. That series updated the "Super Friends" premise, but gave a spotlight to DC Comics' lesser-known characters.Cartoon Network has a big commitment to "The Brave & The Bold." Twenty-six episodes have been commissioned for the first season, an unusual number for an animated series."What's important in playing the Batman character is driving the narrative forward," Bader says. "It's not a comedy show, but it's an adventure show with comedy. You have to intensify the action."Other highlights for the week of Nov. 16 to 22 (all times EST; check local listing; listings subject to change):SUNDAY-- "Deserving Design" (8 p.m., HGTV). Vern Yip helps a family who helps others. See how that works?-- "Expedition Week" (9 p.m., National Geographic Channel). The weeklong series digs into history and explores the mysteries of pyramids and the Lost Cities of the Amazon.-- "Jeff Dunham's Very Special Christmas Special" (9 p.m., Comedy Central). The man with the puppets adds his spin to holiday proceedings.MONDAY-- "Dear Food Network" (9 p.m., Food Network). Got chow worries? Ask the pros before Thanksgiving.-- "Einstein" (9 p.m., History). The smart dude had one heck of a struggle to get his greatest theory out there.THURSDAY-- "Brothers to Brutha" (10:30 p.m., BET). This new reality show focuses on five brothers trying to break into the music industry.SATURDAY-- "An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving" (9 p.m., Hallmark Channel). A young girl's family reunion is hardly ideal.(E-mail Terry Morrow of The Knoxville News-Sentinel in Tennessee at morrow2(at)knews.com.)
Giving new voice to Batman
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