Director – Nathan Hope
Writer – Richard Hatem
A real slow burner of an episode this week from Titans, that despite its measured pace, still managed to introduce a pair of major characters from DC Comics lore. Yes, we got our first look at Rose Wilson and a certain Dr Light, with the promise of much more due to arrive. This episode felt very much like a table setter for future events to come, with different story threads being established that can be mined in the future for different plot arcs. Our principle characters were split down into different cliques as the timeline jumped forward three months from the events of “Trigon”. In effect, there are three separate groups. Jason, Raven and Gar training with Dick in San Francisco, Hank and Dawn living a quieter life in Wyoming and Kory & Donna at large in Chicago, tracking down rogue metahuman fugitives.
Dick has really embraced his role as a mentor/big brother figure now, and Brenton Thwaites has grown into the part more and more each week. It would be hard to imagine any other actor taking on this part, which is testament to his performance. Thwaites exudes a quiet authority and charisma, whilst never being overbearing, which are vital elements of the Dick Grayson character. As his march towards adopting the Nightwing persona is being kept at a deliberate pace, these character driven episodes are well worth investing in, as they frame the man he is going to become.
His second exchange with Iain Glen’s Bruce Wayne is another captivating scene, albeit one done over the telephone rather than face to face. I am officially sold on Glen’s interpretation of Wayne, despite my initial scepticism. With screen presence and gravitas to spare, his limited screen time has been a treat so far, as there is something of a Dark Knight Returns vibe to this older take on the character. As I have mentioned before, it will be intriguing to see Glen get involved in any type of physical altercation as the season develops and how it holds up. As part of a show that has set the bar high with its hand to hand fight choreography, I have high hopes indeed.
Chelsea Zhang’s introduction as Rose (daughter of Slade) Wilson starts with a bang, as her physical prowess is highlighted right from the off. With no backstory nor explanation given for her wounded state, the history of the character is there to be expanded upon. The complicated nature of her relationship with Daddy dearest will provide some rich scenes amidst the inevitable carnage that will follow. For now, her sullen nature should give us some interesting interactions with the younger members of the team, particularly Jason.
The paring of Donna and Kory was entertaining stuff, as the two formed an alliance to serve the greater good. Interestingly, the intel that they were working with was provided by a certain Roy Harper. Could this be leading up to an appearance from him down the line? Hope springs eternal. The exchanges between the two are very natural and easy to believe due to their conversational nature. Conor Leslie and Anna Diop work well together as a team, grounding the high concept premise of the show in a realistic style. An alien talking to a part Amazonian is an almost ridiculous conceit, but credit to screenwriter Richard Hatem for his naturalistic dialogue. The identity of the mystery Tamaranean and his true motives for abducting Kory remain to be seen. If we were treated to more of a glimpse of the alien race and their way of life at a later date then this fanboy is going to be very happy.
The last thread involves Hank & Dawn and their attempt to live a peaceful life in Wyoming. With Hank finding purpose in helping young addicts clean themselves up, the facade of a happy ending is soon shattered twofold. One, the revelation that Dawn is still moonlighting as Dove, dishing out justice in a way that might be physically beyond Hank at this point. Whilst her motives are somewhat understandable, the disappointment from Hank is too. It is a credit to the performances of Alan Ritchson and Minka Kelly, as they can switch to intimate moments to points of rage with ease. The other fly in the ointment is the introduction of Dr Light. Depicted here as an old adversary for the team, freshly escaped from prison with murder on his mind, Michael Mosley is a perfect fit for a character that has been portrayed as being totally amoral in the comics. His glee when dispatching prison guards shows what a cold hearted man he is. Could it be that he is in league with Slade? Time will tell.
A hugely enjoyable episode for Titans, establishing more characters for this show that is already loaded with them. With even more big names yet to make their debuts in this season, the gaps between episodes are becoming harder to bear. Roll on Friday and another captivating instalment!
