Titans streams new episodes weekly in the US via HBO Max. International airdates are yet to be confirmed.
Synopsis
Kory and Gar track down the source of her trance-states.
Review
Titans is a series which has often struggled to manage its multiple plot threads. Striking a balance with its ensemble cast has often meant standalone episodes which break the overall flow of the season. But in season 3 the writers have been able to finally find that balance. Allowing multiple plots to flow through each episode, developing and sharing screen time.
That newfound balance is at its strongest in this week’s episode, “Blackfire.” We follow Kory (Anna Diop) and Gar (Ryan Potter) as they search for the (titular) source of her trances. But we also follow further development in the Red Hood storyline with Dick (Brenton Thwaites), Jason (Curran Walters) and Jonathan Crane (Vincent Kartheiser).
It’s easy to overlook the fact that Titans writing has come so far from its pilot. Other series manage this balance from the outset, others struggle to ever find it. For Titans it’s the difference between what makes a show good and what makes a show great.
The promise of Blackfire dates back to last season and the introduction of Damaris Lewis in the role. Finally, the series is fulfilling that promise as it weaves Blackfire in to the central cast of the season. Kory and Gar’s mission allows for some light relief against the darkness of Red Hood. But also allows the series the opportunity to explore more of Kory’s backstory. Fans have been clamouring to pit the two sisters against each other and this episode delivers on that.
It seems, for now, that Titans is prioritising Jason’s journey over Blackfire as the season’s villain. With Blackfire set free and on her way to Wayne Manor it will be interesting to see how her story develops in the back half of the season. Hopefully the opportunity isn’t squandered due to the impact of Covid and the series’ shift to Gotham City.
Elsewhere the problem that is Jason Todd is worsening. After the death of Hank last week, we first have to say goodbye to Dawn (Minka Kelly). After that, Dick is on a mission to resolve the Red Hood problem. Dick’s journey to leader of the Titans is complicated by his actions this week. Kidnapping Doctor Crane in order to draw out Jason serves two purposes. It outs the puppeteer who brought Jason to the point where he felt he could take on Joker. It also brings Crane out of Arkham, in to the open and presents him the opportunity for freedom.
Dick’s actions put him at odds with Barbara (Savannah Welch) and will certainly have far reaching consequences in the coming weeks. Thwaites, Kartheiser and Walters all triumphantly carry out their scenes in what is some of Titans most compelling scenes to-date.
Knowing the next episode is told predominantly in flashback makes the cliffhanger of “Blackfire” all the more effective. Lives are truly hanging in the balance. Villains are on the loose. Nightwing has truly put himself at odds with the GCPD and we have two weeks to wait to find out what happens next…
Verdict
“Blackfire” sets up a number of exciting plot lines as we enter the middle of season 3. With lives left in the balance the episode ends on one of the best cliffhangers yet.
Titans stars Brenton Thwaites as Dick Grayson/Nightwing, Anna Diop as Starfire, Teagan Croft as Raven, Ryan Potter as Beast Boy, Alan Ritchson as Hawk, Minka Kelly as Dove, Curran Walters as Jason Todd/Robin and Joshua Orpin as Conner Kent/Superboy.
Joining the cast in season 3 are Savannah Welch as Barbara Gordon, the former Batgirl, Jay Lycurgo as Tim Drake and Vincent Kartheiser as Dr. Jonathan Crane, the former Scarecrow.
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