According to Neilsen Media Research, some of today’s highest rated programs are broadcast on the top 3 “throwback” networks: Antenna TV, Cozi TV, and MeTV, acronym for Memorable Entertainment Television.
Memorabilia from favorite shows, including props and costumes used or worn by familiar characters can bring thousands of fans to TV nostalgia conventions.
One of the most instantly recognizable outfits is the famous “bat suit,” worn by Adam West, TV’s ‘Batman.’ Based on the famous comic strip, the television series ran from 1966–1968. The “caped crusader” donned the purple top and tights, black cowl, cape and boots during the show’s 120-episode run.
Batman’s clever “bat” devices made him indestructible against Gotham City’s villains and villainesses, but sadly, his famous get-up was not so well protected. The well-known bat suit has fallen victim to perhaps the most evil villain of them all – Mother Nature.
Moth and vermin infestation has tragically destroyed Batman’s famous suit. The heartbreaking discovery was made public just weeks before the 30th annual Convention of Television Yesteryears, to be held in Frensno, California.
“That was the biggest draw we had by far,” said convention coordinator Mark Delaney. “We were keeping it a big surprise until the last minute. We were going to do a big reveal with special guest stars Adam West and Burt Ward doing the unveiling. We were so excited, we rented the motel suites and everything, but now I just want to crawl in a hole and drop dead,” added Delaney.
A representative from the cold-storage facility protecting the Batman costume, among others, provided the following statement:
Unfortunately, due to a massive power failure affecting the surrounding business district, a compromise in quality was encountered which resulted in damage and loss to some of the inventory housed and protected within our facility. Insurance investigators are conducting an assessment so that clients will be fully compensated for damages and loss.
“They say they can fully compensate us,” said Delaney, “but what’s the value on something that millions of people love and remember? It’s like a part of my childhood and the childhoods of millions of fans all over the world has been burned to ashes and then flushed down the toilet, or in this case destroyed by moths, and then burned to ashes and then flushed down the toilet! How much value can be placed on that?” he asked.
Insurance investigator Yvonne Meredith commented on the progress of the investigation.
“Well, from what I’ve been able to see, it’s pretty bad. When the power went out, the magnetic locks on the climate-controlled vaults failed. All kinds of things were able to get inside there. The Batman costume was chewed through with holes. They must have been super-moths to do that sort of damage, or maybe some other kind of insect or rodent. I saw a hat once worn by Lorne Greene from Bonanza with mice making a nest out of it, and some feral cats had scratched up Robert Conrad’s pants from Wild, Wild West. That’s a real tragedy,” she added, shaking her head.
As for the convention, “The show must go on,” said Delaney, trying to sound cheerful as he tacked bunting onto a display booth. “This one thing shouldn’t ruin the entire event. A lot of people look forward to this convention every year. It’s like a family. I can’t let them down just because I want to crawl in a hole and drop dead. I’m going to keep my chin up for the fans.”