Synopsis
Grayson’s operatives attempt to stop an auction of enslaved Meta-teens.
Review
I have my gripes with the first thirteen episode of Young Justice: Outsiders. At times this batch of episodes has felt like watching a collection of disparate plot threads trying to find a way to knit together.
Then there are episodes like “True Heroes”. Episodes which reminder you the writers of this show never leave anything to chance. In the space of 22mins this episode is able to tie all those plot threads together, resolve many of them an give us a jumping off point for the second half of the season.
The metahuman traffickers are dealt a huge blow in this episode. Thanks to coordinated attacks the Justice League and Young Justice teams are able to take down many of the Earthbound cells in the network.
Our team focusses on the cell in Greater Bialya. Nightwing; Superboy, Black Lightning, Artemis, Forager and Brion are the ones heading out in to the field. Their mission is two-fold: shut down the cell and rescue Tara Brion.
The whole sequence leads to some impressive fight sequences as well a some stunning cameos. I won’t ruin them all for the sake of spoilers but the appearance of a certain group of mask-wearing people from Gotham who are ardent fans of nocturnal birds turn up in a jaw dropping “wtf” moment.
Fans of the Young Justice and Teen Titans franchise will likely have an idea where the story is headed once Tara is rescued.
Prior knowledge of the character makes the end of the episode a foregone conclusion and alters the moments leading up to it to become all the more heartbreaking.
Whilst we’re on the topic of character there’s a shedload of moments here to allow the ensemble cast to shine. Back in Happy Harbour Halo and Dr Jace are left to deal with Cyborg. At the worst possible moment he, of course, has another attack and Halo is left unable to use her powers to return him to normal.
The whole sequence is based on emotion. With Halo struggling to deal with hers she is unable to calm Cyborg’s. In a moment of acceptance she realises her humanity makes her strong and the situation is, seemingly, resolved for good.
It’s a tightly written episode from start to finish and the best possible end to the first block of episodes. It was great to have a truly enjoyable episode after feeling on the fence for part of the season.
Verdict
“True Heroes” is finally the episode that I have been waiting for. An intense mix of action and character. It brings together all the plot threads and ties them up in a neat bow in a way that only Young Justice could.
8/10
Young Justice stars Jesse McCartney, Nolan North, Stephanie Lemelin, Khary Payton, Zehra Fazal, Troy Baker and Jason Spisak. The series is directed by Christopher Berkeley and Mel Zwyer and producers by Sam Register, Greg Weisman and Brandon Vietti.
The series premieres new episodes weekly via the DC Universe streaming service.
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