Sidekicks Unite In DC’s Titans
In every type of live action comic book series, we are used to the show focusing on the main heroes. With shows like The Flash and Arrow focusing on DC staples like the titular speedster and the Green Arrow (featuring cameo appearances by characters like Superman and, soon, Lex Luthor), it can sometimes seem like an oversaturation.
Titans, on the other hand, brings you into the lives of the lesser-known heroes, the sidekicks. The show stars Brenton Thwaites as Robin, Teagan Croft as Raven, Anna Diop as Starfire and Ryan Potter as Beast Boy.
As of this review, there are only three episodes available, with eleven total episodes in the first season. The first episode revolves around Raven and Robin. After leaving Batman’s side Robin, now detective Dick Grayson, works in the Detroit police force. After finding a young girl named Rachel Roth (Raven’s real name) he sets out to help her with her problem.
This episode also introduces Starfire, but she has little screen time. Her arc centers on her waking up with no memory of who she was. You can call it many things, but it is mainly plot convenience since it’s a way to reintroduce her to novices. In the last few minutes of the episode we see Beast Boy, who has nothing to do with the plot so far, making it feel like a need to jam every main cast member into the first episode.
I have a few issues with the show, one of them is the constant Batman name drop. Whether it be Bruce Wayne or the caped crusader himself, the show has a problem with mentioning him at least once in each episode, so far. We do learn that the main reason why Robin left Batman was that Batman was becoming a killer, leading Robin to realize he didn’t want to follow in his footsteps. We hear that, but when there are scenes with Robin fighting criminals it looks like he’s killing them. Besides that, the show is enjoyable, with each episode improving and it is clear where it will lead.
Titans is a different type of superhero show, and that is what I like about it — the characters, the world it’s based in and the continuing introductions to other, more obscure heroes.
