I was enthralled by DC Universe's "Titans", at least until its season finale, and then several things happened to upset me. I felt betrayed enough not to watch again, even if what I witnessed was part of a terrible, Trigon (Seamus Patrick Deaver) embrace-the-dark-side trick. Still, how can I turn my back on anything DC based (unless it's that blasphemous "Lego Batman")?
Besides, there are hints that things may swing in a more positive way for the Titans in Season 2, with new faces on board to fortify the optimism. Batman (Iain "Game of Thrones" Glen) and Deathstroke (Esai Morales) enter the plot. Even Superboy/Connor Kent (Joshua Orpin) and Aqualad (Drew Van Aker) say hello, along with other bold faces. (It would be cool if we got another "Doom Patrol" detour, but maybe that's expecting too much.)
Brenton Thwaites returns at the troubled Dick Grayson, aka Robin (though he's much more Nightwing). His titans include Teagan Croft as Raven; Anna Diop as Starfire; Beast Boy (Ryan Potter); Wonder Girl (Conor Leslie); Hawk (Alan Ritchson); and Dove (Minka Kelly). Jason Todd's Robin (Curran Walters) will not only guest star, but be a full-fledged member this time out.
For most of Season 1, the members formed a tight fit; let's hope that doesn't slip for the sake of trendy contention (i.e, more Dick-hates-Bruce motifs or variants).
This saga's ongoing theme requires our young superheroes to halt the spread of Hell on Earth: a daunting premise, to say the least, but then fighting any form of super-powered evil would be. "Titans" has invested a steely realism to the war at hand, which isn't likely to cease anytime soon.
The series' real success will spring from how well the intent plays over Season 2's run. "Titans" is DC Universe's founding, live-action series: an original that, if it prevails, should amass an enduring, faithful following. Here's hoping that it stays on track (skips those annoying misleads and out-of-character experimentation), serving its purpose with focus and respect.
Weekly episodes of "Titans" begin September 6.
The opening episode reminded me of "Doom Patrol" (the basic flow of the series' installments), but more serious and darker.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure how I feel about these morbid reveries. I can justify the characters' actions not being their own (not being a reflection of their true selves) and yet if these folks do think such bad thoughts, do such bad things, maybe that means they're not so nice. I guess lurking behind every Jekyll, there is a Hyde, but should that concept define the Titans?
PS: I realize the Episode 1, Season 2 is a leftover from Season 1. It felt that way (like a finale), but at the same time, I suppose it did a decent enough job of establishing the basic gist of what's to come.
DeleteGosh, "Conner" could stand as a pilot for a new "Superboy" series. With "Krypton" now dead in the water, why not?
ReplyDeleteBTW: The episode's Frankenstein angle was a nice touch.
DeleteWhat a finale with the advent of Nightwing, but such tragedy, too. I don't know what to make of that. There's got to be a twist, I keep telling myself. Season 3 should clear it all up, right?
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