I decided there wasn't a way to get around this pay-per-view stuff, let alone not shell out for an entire, online channel. It's the only way I could hope to see DC Universe's "Titans", produced/developed by Akiva Goldsmith, Geoff Johns, Greg Berlanit, among other DC masterminds.
The series's Titans are, of course, young (duh), but act like adults, with great sensibility, responsibility and if ever there's gonna be a time for tears, it'll be (I should hope) for good reason. Guess that might make "Titans" an adult program... (Rumor says it'll be violent, as well, and as such, not conducive to the timid of any age.)
Brenton "Gods of Egypt" Thwaites fills the lead as Dick Grayson, a grown-up Robin. Why not call him Nightwing, then? No matter. In comic-book lore, Robin has long been the Titan leader. It would only be a matter of time, anyway, before he'd switch suits and labels, and even then, the change wouldn't be radical. A Robin by any other name, after all... (For this incarnation, Grayson also acts as a Detroit detective, which is interesting, if only in how it alludes to "Dark Knight Rises" lore.)
The show's premise, at this point, is really one of construction, with Grayson crossing paths with Rachel Roth/Raven, played by Teagan Croft, who has nightly visions of him, while she's tracked by the curious Koriand'r/Starfire, played by Dana Diop. A bond will form among them. From there, once a week for the following eleven (starting Oct 12), more members will enter, until the concept looks as it should.
Ryan Potter will appear regularly as Garfield Logan/Beast Boy (expect lots of CGI). However, on the sporadic, look-forward-to roster, we'll have Dawn Granger/Dove, played by Minka Kelly and Hank Hall/Hawk, played by Alan Ritchson. (Ditko fans will appreciate the significance.) Other heroes will act as special guest stars, like April Bowlby's Elasti-Woman (va-va-voom!!!); Jake Michaels' Robotman; Dwain Murph's Negative Man; Bruno Bichir's Chief; and then there's (hold on to your seat, and let that dramatic drum roll...), Curran Walters' Jason Todd (Robin II for our purposes here) and Conor Leslie's Donna Troy/Wonder Girl. Holy Smokes and Hot Damn!!!
Anticipate friction between the Boy Wonders, though the crossover won't cover much of the season. Still, depending on how the encounter is handled, it could be good or bad from a dramatic/historical stance. In the same vein, keep in mind that "Titans" is a concoction reputedly influenced by certain members of CW's staff. That, too, could be good or bad depending on the creative command. Lord knows, we don't need another ethically challenged "Supergirl" or fact-distorted "Legends of Tomorrow".
Despite the evident obstacles, I do hope "Titans" works. It's just a shame one has to sign up and shell out to see it, but if it's worthy of its DC roots, the $7.99 a month might be worth it. Besides, the DC Universe has other wonders in store for subscribers, including "Doom Patrol"; "Harley Quinn"; "Stargirl"; a new "Swamp Thing", and so it goes...
The initial episode was violent and serious. I like the tone: how Grayson must fight the odds for acceptance, even though he’s doing his city good. (As in real life, the good are often vilified, particularly by the media. “Titans” acknowledges this.) If the series keeps its no-nonsense flavor, it could give “Gotham” a run for its money. If that’s not a positive endorsement, I don’t know what is.
ReplyDeleteGrayson's "F*** Batman" was unsettling, though. Could use less of that...
Nice to see Hawk and Dove. Their differences weren't really defined, as I thought they might be. However, their combined presence was felt and appreciated.
ReplyDeleteI continue to feel at ease with this series...
"Origins" was great--great flashbacks.
ReplyDeleteThe series remains impressive and mature. It's not truly a "teen" thing (well, with Raven it may be, if only due to her age relegation). The story relies more on a quest for personal discovery and the courage and/or insight to do what's right: things that anyone of any age should pursue.
The queue of eccentrics on Episode 4--grand on all levels! I love and respect the characterization on this series. The show keeps getting better and better...
ReplyDeleteIf this is, therefore, the start of the Doom Patrol, does that mean the promised series will, indeed, be live-action? I'm confused as to which of the DC Universe online shows will be animated and/or done like "Titans".
DeleteSo good to see the team "Together": a historic merger with more potential to thrill than ever before. Five episodes in, and I remain satisfied.
ReplyDelete"Jason Todd" turned out to be more impressive than I anticipated. So much history there, so much to ruminate... (and not anywhere near as adversarial as I expected, at least not until the justified end...I like that).
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed "Asylum". Again the team bonds, strengthens, even despite the psychedelic stress, which I must say, was most intense. Now looking forward now to that Donna Troy episode...
ReplyDelete"Donna Troy" was a delight in both character and in episode content. There's a lot of history there, a lot of psychological insight. That's why this show continues to hold up in my eyes. It has the bases covered.
ReplyDelete"Hank and Dawn" was a good, character-driven episode. It was intense, too, maybe more than I was able to take during the wee hour when I watched it. Still, better to get depth and some hollow pursuit.
ReplyDelete"Korland'r"--solid, bridge episode, with appreciated character development. Guess that's a big reason why "Titans" clicks: It's character driven. This installment proved it all the more so...
ReplyDelete"Dick Grayson" was sure something to remember, and I don't want this series to end, because I simply can't accept certain things that happened in the installment. One thing, in particular, upset me on a level I can't even begin to describe. It had to be a trick, an illusion...anything but what was implied...okay, more than implied...I guess.
ReplyDeleteWonder if fans will raise their angry voices in protest to this, but I don't know how many watch "Titans"...how many at this point could care.
Get a load of this: https://screenrant.com/titans-ian-glen-batman-beyond-dc-universe/.
ReplyDeleteIt's most telling regarding my 12/21 lament. Does the Dark Knight prevail?