Burt Ward insisted on ''playing it straight for the kids'' on Batman

"It would be brutal to let them down," said the actor.

Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution

For a show like Batman, there is no target demographic. Sure, children tend to flock to any content centered around a superhero, but the outrageous nature of the series didn't just appeal to kids. It's over-the-top nature, played seriously, also appealed to young people and adults who valued that sort of thing.

Burt Ward, better known as Robin, was very familiar with the minds of a younger, college-aged television viewer. "I know, I'm one myself," said Ward. "You have to be way out, or forget it."

As actors, Adam West and Burt Ward were almost required to approach each role with the utmost seriousness and sincerity. To make a half-attempt at acting would be a disservice to the character and the series itself. Viewers adored West and Ward, who played Batman and Robin, respectively. Sure, Batman got a bit silly every now and again, but with an authentic approach, audiences couldn't help but get on board.

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Additionally, Ward argued that they owed it to their younger viewers to play these parts with the utmost sincerity.

"We play it straight for the kids," said Ward during an interview with The Pittsburgh Press. "It would be brutal to let them down. We have an obligation to that section of the audience."

Of course, Ward was aware of the intricate beauty of a show like Batman; by staying serious, you were guaranteed to win more laughs.

"Doing it that way, the funny lines come out doubly funny," said the actor.

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1 Comments

Dario 6 hours ago
If the both of them(Adam West & Burt Ward) hadn't played their parts seriously, Batman would have been a total flop.
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