The Zeta Project (2001-02)

The Zeta Project (2001-02)

Dirs: Various | 26 episodes (12 in S1 + 14 in S2), approx 22 mins each.

TZP is a spin-off series starring a character that was introduced in Batman Beyond, specifically S02 Ep20: Zeta; with a second appearance in S03 Ep 12: Countdown. It's recommended you watch those to get the backstory, but for the benefit of anyone who didn't, a spoilery synopsis follows:

Infiltration Unit Zeta is a synthoid (robot) with a chameleon-like ability to holographically assume the appearance of anyone he's met or seen.

Equipped with high-tech gadgets and deadly weaponry, Zeta's primary function was to carry out covert assassinations for the NSA. But an existential crisis brought on by the realisation that one of his given targets was innocent of the crime they were accused of caused Zeta to overcome his programming and vow to never again kill.

The synthoid's newfound morality didn't sit well with his NSA superiors, however, who fear he's been reprogrammed by an enemy.

The Zeta Project continues Zeta's struggle, on the run, determined to live a life free from corrupt government control. In essence, the deadly NSA hunter has become the hunted one, chased by an official body who want him back under their control so they can weaponise him once again.

According to Wikipedia, Warner Brothers targeted it to toward a younger audience than BB had appealed to. Sure enough, TZP is noticeably less dark both visually and thematically than its parent show, but it's still very much a part of the DC Animated Universe (TAS continuity) and it does often deal with some thought-provoking subjects. The young girl whom Zeta befriends, for example, fifteen-year-old Rosalie Rowan (aka Ro), is a runaway with emotional issues that Zeta is unable to relate to, but which may resonate with some viewers. And its portrayal of the NSA is certainly not in keeping with the manufactured public face of the real-world organisation.

- Zeta (Diedrich Bader) and Ro (Julie Nathanson) in a pickle. -

Zeta's morality plays a pivotal role in his characterisation, which more often than not results in him knowingly exposing his whereabouts to his pursuers because someone nearby needs help, and Zeta's code of ethics puts their well-being over his own need to maintain a low-profile.

Ro enjoys Zeta's changing appearance and she benefits from his generosity, but her motivations run deeper than mere self-interest. She helps him because she wants to see him reach his goal. She's not a sidekick and it's not a superhero cartoon - she feels a connection to him, with both of them having been 'orphaned' in some way. They're stronger emotionally together than apart.

Of the NSA on their tail, there are three key players: the leader of the team, who's also the most repugnant and devious one, is Agent Bennet (Kurtwood Smith); beneath him in rank are the two that do the most legwork, Agents West (Michael Rosenbaum) and Lee (Lauren Tom). West is trigger-happy and not too bright, whereas Lee is level-headed and mindful of her situation.

It's not just the NSA that vex Zeta and Ro, From time to time they have to deal with other threats, both human and machine, But regardless of whether it be a bounty hunter, a killer robot, or simply a group of opportunistic locals, Zeta's moral code underpins each adventure.

The final episode (S02 Ep 14) is interesting, feeling more like a Batman Beyond story than any that preceded it. Speaking of which, Batman features in one episode is S1 (Ep 08: Shadows), so if you're a fan of that series, you may want to check it out. That leads me to the Zeta Project's cancellation, which may in part have been because it did things differently to the others.

As an adult, it was easy for me to accept the NSA as a believable antagonist, but given that the series was aimed more directly at kids, it may not have had enough colourful (recurring) villains to make it as memorable as some of DC's other TAS cartoons. If that's not a problem for you, then there's much to enjoy for TAS fans. It's a shame the series often gets overlooked. 

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