Synopsis
Garfield Logan tests out a pair of Goode VR goggles. Then the goggles test him.
Review
We’re rapidly nearing the end of this first batch of new Young Justice episodes. Whilst it’s been a mixed bag of score for me in analysing the individual episodes there’s no denying it’s been fun to have the show back.
This latest episode, “Nightmare Monkeys,” is a well crafted deep dive in to the mind of Beast Boy. Gar has been sorely missed so far in this season and it’s great to have him front and centre in this episode.
A fun opening sequence soon gives way to something much more sinister as Granny Goodness’ plan begins to unravel. This episode cleverly masks its plot developments in a much more engaging storyline.
There are plenty of adult themes at play in “Nightmare Monkeys” all of which feel perfectly in tune with the character development.
I’m intrigued to see how the back half of the season deals with Conner and M’Gann’s relationship. The two are beginning to head towards rocky territory despite some strong foundations. There’s huge potential for Young Justice to tackle the darker side of relationship politics. To see the two go through something akin to a divorce, as sad as it would be for the characters, would be breaking new ground for this type of series.
As for the sequences set inside Beast Boy’s mind… they are equal parts hilarious and heartbreaking. It’s great to see Wally again as well as Gar’s mum. These flashes of the past are great call backs to previous seasons but also help to refocus Gar’s character.
A particular highlight is the Doom Patrol Go! animated sequence. Hearing the Teen Titans Go! voice actors portraying different characters was trippy but very fun at the same time. It was also interesting to see these characters portrayed in a completely new way. Well done DC Universe on cross-promoting your upcoming new show!
Although “Nightmare Monkeys” doesn’t quite set us up for an explosive finale it’s still overall one of the most enjoyable episodes of the season.
Verdict
“Nightmare Monkeys” is an excellent character piece focussing on Beast Boy, a character sorely missed for the bulk of the season. Ironically it isn’t a million miles away from the Titans episode “Dick Grayson” is equally as entertaining.
7/10
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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