Titans streams new episodes on Friday’s via the DC Universe platform. The second season will debut internationally on Netflix later in 2019.
Synopsis
With the team in upheaval, the Titans do everything in their power to save Jason’s life. But when Deathstroke demands they turn over Rose, the dilemma threatens to tear the team apart.
Review
I seem to have a new Friday tradition, I watch the latest episode of Titans season 2 and end it by saying “well I have a new favourite episode of Titans now.”
“Deathstroke” is no exception to that rule.
After sidestepping for the excellent “Aqualad” (reviewed here) in the previous episode we’re back to the present day and picking up where we left off. But most importantly Titans is continuing to prove that it has drastically matured in its storytelling.
This episode presents so many grey areas within our characters that it’s difficult to remember who are the heroes and who is the villain. It also present the audience, particularly those with knowledge of DC Comics history, with a dilemma. We now find ourselves liking and enjoying the character of Jason Todd (Curran Walters).
Writer Bianca Sams takes the various plot threads setup in the first four episodes of season 2 and tie them together pretty nicely. With Starfire (Anna Diop) returning to the fold its able to bring things to a head.
Conversations between the non-Teen Titans are tense and give all of the actors chance to show a more grown up side to their personalities whilst exploring more of each of their interpersonal connections.
A standout moment in this episode was the scene between Kory and Donna Troy (Conor Leslie) as they share a drink and discussed Kory’s royal status on Tamaran. It drove home the point that Titans takes its characters relationships seriously. There’s no pretence in the scene and it becomes a warts-and-all conversation between tired, weary friends.
It’s hard not to appreciate how the show refuses to sugarcoat any of its subject matter, instead choosing to present these relationships as difficult, damaged and heavily affecting.
“Deathstroke” also gives fans something they have been longing for as Dick (Brenton Thwaites) and Slade (Esai Morales) finally come face-to-face. The build up to the showdown was fairly typical with Dick choosing to ditch the rest of the team and go it alone (I never said the show was perfect).
The ensuing fight scene is spectacular. The two go hand-to-hand brilliantly as Jason’s life hanging – literally – in the balance. When Kory joins the fight Titans is able to bring in some effective special effects as well as it’s now standard but outstanding fight choreography.
Whatever happened behind-the-scenes between seasons 1 and 2 the level of production has just increased exponentially and I’m impressed with it at every turn.
There’s only one way Jason’s predicament can resolve itself… Superboy!
Verdict
Titans is developing a penchant for cliffhangers featuring characters in precarious situations but we can’t wait to see how Jason gets out of this one! “Deathstroke” is another episode featuring some luscious storytelling and stellar fight choreography.
9/10
Titans stars Brenton Thwaites as Dick Grayson/Robin, Anna Diop as Starfire, Teagan Croft as Raven, Ryan Potter as Beast Boy, Alan Ritchson as Hawk and Minka Kelly as Dove.
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