Harley Quinn Season 3 has teased the inclusion of the Joker's cruelest comic book storyline. The hit animated series centered around the DC antihero, Harley Quinn is returning with its charming blend of violence and adult humor. The latest trailer for the upcoming third season depicts a flashback sequence that glimpses at one of the Joker's most despicable acts, the murder of the second Robin, Jason Todd.

HBO's Harley Quinn tells the story of the villainous residents of Batman's hometown, Gotham. Though the series mostly centers on the titular Harley, it features many characters from the extended Batman comic book pantheon Jason Todd first appeared in the comics in 1983, replacing the original Robin, Dick Greyson, who, having matured into adulthood, went on to become Nightwing. Jason served as Batman's side-kick for five years until readers were tasked to decide his fate in 1988's monumental Batman storyline, A Death in the Family. Jason Todd would later reappear in Gotham as the murderous vigilante Red Hood in 2005's Batman: Under the Red Hood.

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Jason Todd being beaten by Joker

The latest trailer for Harley Quinn Season 3 features a momentary glimpse at the Joker's most wicked act. As he laments his past evil deeds, there is an apparent flashback sequence. A crowbar-wielding Joker is standing over Robin, who has been tied and gagged in a dimly light alley. The scene recalls the iconic DC comic in which readers voted for Jason to die at the hands of Batman's nemesis, the Joker (Batman #428). The results saw the Joker brutally beat Jason Todd with a crowbar, leaving him for dead in a warehouse rigged with a time bomb. The warehouse explodes, leaving Robin presumed dead.

It is unclear to what extent viewers might witness an adaptation of Robin's cruel fate, whether the iconic A Death in the Family storyline will be played out in its entirety or remain a momentary memory as the Joker ponders his past actions. It was certainly a transformative moment in comic book history, allowing readers the opportunity to make decisions regarding the fate of a character reportedly disliked by fans was groundbreaking within the industry. The death's repercussions also deeply affected Batman lore. The cold brutality of the Joker's act is terrifyingly nuanced by his rictus grin, playing an integral role in the Joker's character development and establishing the darker Batman tone which would later be exemplified by Tim Burton's iconic adaptations.

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Jason Todd's murder also greatly affected the way in which Batman would raise his adopted son and current Robin, Damian Wayne, who is already a Harley Quinn series regular. The death of Jason Todd, therefore, clearly holds immense potential to have greater ramifications in Harley Quinn's developing plot lines. The appearance in the trailer suggests the show might introduce the character of Red Hood. The alias used by Jason Todd for his violent vigilante persona. The Red Hood alias was previously used by the Joker himself, once again demonstrating the poignancy of the moment and its potential within the continuing development of the Joker in the series.

Harley Quinn has achieved cult status, proving that an adult version of Batman: The Animated Series could be successful. Season 3 promises to delight audiences with the much-anticipated adaptation of Harley's romance with Poison Ivy, the introduction of Nightwing, and the continuing high-jinks of Batman's rogue's gallery. The Joker's brutal slaying of Jason Todd is an integral plot point within the comics, its inclusion in Season 3 is sure to spark further character developments.

Harley Quinn Season 3 is due for release July 28 on HBO Max.