Batman and Robin have a very weird and probably illegal relationship. Let’s discuss it. But first: There’s a big joke, The ...

On Jan. 12, 1966, “Batman,” starring Adam West as Batman, Burt Ward as Robin and Cesar Romero as the Joker, debuted on ABC.

Batman and Robin must (with the help of their trusty Bat-utility-belt) thwart the efforts of a variety of master criminals, including The Riddler, The Joker, Catwoman, and The Penguin.

The twice-weekly series (Wednesday and Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.) premiered this week with Adam West as Batman and Burt Ward as Robin. They are flattering reproductions of cartoonist Bob Kane’s ...