From Day One, Batwoman has struggled with both casual audiences and DC fans. Whether due to divisive politics, lack of reverence for Batman lore, or uninspired storytelling, this CW superhero show has failed to resonate. The ratings have suffered as a result, meaning that the current third season might be its last.
Thankfully, plenty of shows have charmed their way back into the hearts of disillusioned viewers, and it's not too late for Batwoman to do just that. One way of achieving that goal may be pulling from popular in DC's history. The series is basically a gender-swapped Batman show, so it would theoretically have its pick of the Dark Knight's greatest comic moments. Any one of these would go a long way in earning the audience's respect.
8 Batman: The Long Halloween
Since it's a network TV show, Batwoman goes for a full TV season, with 20-23 episodes spread over several months. This makes The Long Halloween uniquely suited to the format due to the tale unfolding over a year. This is how long it takes the World's Greatest Detective to find the illusive Holiday Killer, who's systematically wiping out members of the Falcone crime family.
The story works on two dramatic fronts. First of all, it crafts an ongoing mystery that's as intriguing as it is shocking. More importantly, it presents the tragedy of someone who loses faith in the very system he's trying to enforce. Just swap out Harvey Dent for one of Batwoman's allies, and it's good as gold.
7 Injustice
Speaking of losing faith, this Elsewords tale sees the downfall of an icon. After the death of Lois Lane and the destruction of Metropolis, Superman kills the Joker and installs a totalitarian regime across the planet. His actions divide the DC roster, with Batman heading the resistance.
It's easy to see how Injustice could form the impetus for another grand Arrowverse crossover. Since Superman & Lois's place in this TV universe is dubious at this point, the storyline might work better with Supergirl as the antagonist. It would let Melissa Benoist go to a darker place with her altruistic character, and give Batwoman a chance to more firmly establish herself in the Arrowverse.
6 Superman/Batman: Public Enemies
As the name suggests, the titular heroes of this piece must go on the run after Lex Luthor places a bounty on them. This forces the Dark Knight and the Man of Steel to operate on the opposite side of the law, which Batman is more accustomed to than Superman. Each character must learn more about the other, but this growth comes through quippy interactions straight out of a buddy action flick.
Of course, Public Enemies would make another fun crossover adventure with Supergirl. However, the creators could put a more unique spin on the dynamic since the Girl of Steel doesn't know the current Batwoman. It would probably work better in delivering the one-liners as well.
5 Batman: Knightfall
This is another storyline suited to multiple episodes. Over several weeks, Batman must contend with numerous villains in rapid succession. This leaves him burned out and vulnerable to an assault from the mastermind behind the whole scheme: Bane.
Not only would this serve as an unforgettable introduction to the masked antagonist in Batwoman, but it would truly test the resolve of the heroine. After adopting this mission from the absent Dark Knight, how resolutely will she stick to that quest for justice when it runs her ragged and destroys her body? That question could become more and more difficult to answer as the season progresses; overcoming that challenge would make Batwoman more admirable to audiences as a result.
4 Kingdom Come
This tale involves the old guard of DC superheroes facing the new kids on the block. As such, an overarching theme is obsolescence as the more seasoned crime-fighters struggle with a changing world. This inevitably creates strife with the younger guys, who lack the wisdom and experience of their predecessors.
The Arrowverse already has many younger heroes, and even new versions of established mantles coming out of the woodwork. Batwoman herself is no exception to this, with Ryan Wilder replacing original protagonist Kate Kane. Who's to say that she and other early heroes are ready to yield to the next generation? Not to mention, it might be fun to have familiar faces like Stephen Amell's Green Arrow make long-awaited returns.
3 Arkham Asylum
Grant Morrison's Arkham Asylum is among the most visually striking comics ever written. While it would be tough to emulate that art style in a live-action show, Batwoman can showcase the various villains in Morrison's macabre work. In fact, adapting this comic might make a convenient introduction to several Batman villains whom the show has ignored up to this point.
Additionally, it provides a deep dive into the shady history of the asylum. The story even delves into a few supernatural elements within its gothic atmosphere, steering straight into psychological horror more than once. Plus, it opens up plenty of fun nods to the games.
2 The Dark Knight Returns
As a member of the Bat-family, Batwoman is an extension of Batman. As such, she doesn't have a mainstay sidekick. The show recently turned Luke Fox into Batwing, but he generally strives to be his own hero. Thankfully, an opportunity arises in Carrie Kelley of The Dark Knight Returns. Wowed by the exploits of an older Batman, this plucky teen reinvents herself as Robin, saving her hero's life and earning her place at his side.
For as many times as Frank Miller's seminal work has been adapted in recent years, Carrie Kelley has remained largely absent in live action. The writers could easily set her journey in the modern day and have her look up to the current Caped Crusader in town. The difference would be the dynamic she shares with Batwoman instead of the old, grizzled Batman. That in itself would pave an interesting new path for both characters.
1 Any Bat-Mite Comic
Batwoman is an angsty show, the norm for both The CW and the moody streets of Gotham City. To counter any potential repetition, why not pay homage to the wackier side of Batman's history?
Bat-Mite is a magical imp from another dimension. He operates on the same rules (or lack thereof) as Mister Mxyzptlk, who's already shown up on Supergirl to the joy of fans. How would Team Batwoman handle a nuisance like this? He's an annoying sycophant rather than a maniacal supervillain, so they'd have to think outside the box to thwart him. More importantly, his random antics would offer a welcome change of pace.