Harley Quinn is back on HBO Max, and Season 3 delivers on plenty more Harley and Ivy, whose relationship is the highlight of the season. While Season 2 easily topped Season 1 in terms of chaotic energy, Season 3 takes this up to another level, with Gotham in disarray, Gordon scrambling for public approval, and Harley encouraging Ivy to fully embrace her villainous side. More than just doubling down on what has made the show so successful in the past, Season 3 introduces new characters to spice up the formula and keep the series just as entertaining as before.
This season of Harley Quinn takes things even further than the last, as Harley Quinn cements its image as a mature cartoon, from the violence to the sex to the crude humor. There is an unapologetic nature to Harley in the series, and the show has maintained this heightened, in-your-face level of chaos for three seasons. Such adult animation is also something that many viewers find refreshing, and the series is joined by other beloved animated series like Love, Death + Robots, Invincible, and Arcane, which remind fans that animation is a genre where anything is possible and that it should not be limited to just children.
Lake Bell's Poison Ivy has been one of the best parts of Harley Quinn since Season 1, Episode 1, bringing a deadpan, sardonic element that contrasts against Kaley Cuoco's chaotic Harley Quinn. Ivy continues to be one of the most complex characters of the show, and this season explores Ivy's inner villain, as well as some deep-seated issues she has. It's great to see her shine even more, especially as Harley Quinn delivers such a unique take on the classic villain, pulling away from the often highly sexualized nature of the character in favor of highlighting her wit, intelligence, and mission to save the world from humanity.
The other supporting characters of Harley Quinn also make Season 3 a joy. Seeing Christopher Meloni's Commissioner Gordon become more unhinged is endlessly entertaining. While he is far from the Bat-Family ally comic fans know, seeing him unravel more and more paints him in an interesting and comedic light. The Bat-Family also expands this season with the welcome debut of Harvey Guillén's Nightwing. This is certainly an unconventional take on the family dynamic, as it falls more in line with a sitcom's dysfunctional family; however, if one can separate this take on the characters from their comic counterparts, then they'll have a blast -- especially with Guillén's edgy, dramatic take on Dick Grayson, which will leave viewers excited to see what else he has in store for the season.
While it continues to embrace and push this R-rated humor, this also means Harley Quinn Season 3 feels tonally the same as past seasons, which can leave viewers wanting to see more. However, for those who can't get enough of this version of the character, Harley Quinn stays true to this loud, raunchy tone. There also seems to be the possibility of Harley and Ivy not agreeing on everything, which not only keeps them from being codependent but also opens the door to explore new things for Harley on her own while in a relationship. Compared to past seasons, there is the most room for growth in Season 3, which is a huge highlight for the season.
Harley Quinn is consistent in its humor and tone, and while it tops itself with the lengths it goes to in Season 3, those who didn't appreciate that style of comedy in earlier seasons may bounce off this new one as well. However, for those who love the more irreverent, meta side of DC, as well as long-time fans of this series and its characters, Season 3 hits exactly the right notes. Plus, it leans into the biggest strength of Harley Quinn, which is the supporting cast.
Catch the first three episodes of Harley Quinn Season 3, streaming now on HBO Max.