In April 2017, Warner Bros. (WB for short) announced that a streaming service was in development to compete with Netflix, Hulu & Disney’s upcoming subscription, Disney+ with content related to Star Wars, Marvel, Pixar & the company’s animated films. A year later, WB revealed the name of the streaming service under “DC Universe.” The subscription’s following features includes previously released movies, cartoons and live action shows, the option to purchase merchandise and viewing comics digitally.
Titans officially streamed its first episode in October 12, 2018. Each episode is released once per week spanning a total of 11 episodes in one season. The first season earned positive reviews from critics and viewers alike.
We all know Shazam is out in theaters. I want to share my real thoughts on Titans: Season 1, is because Joaquin Phoenix’s upcoming Joker film is coming out in October.
Today’s review doesn’t have anything related to crucial SPOILERS. If you haven’t paid a subscription to watch Titans on the DC Universe app, feel free to read my non-spoiler article.
The Whole Season
Positive: The Main Cast all did a good job for their performances.
Action Sequences are brutal and gory at the same time. If you have a weak stomach, be prepared. Don’t forget to bring yourself a barf bag or run to the nearest bathroom.
Geoff Johns, (former CEO of DC Entertainment) Akiva Goldsman & Greg Berlanti co-developed the show together.
Season 1’s storyline is about bad guys tracking down Raven who has a demonic lineage.
Besides Batman, other A-List characters exist in the show’s universe.
Underrated characters from the DC Universe make guest appearances including The Doom Patrol.
Costume Design for Robin’s suit looked 100% accurate from the comics.
For those who are scratching their heads on why Starfire is dressed like a hooker from “Pooty Tang,” it turns out she has no memory of her past.
Clint Mansell (Requiem For A Dream, The Fountain, Black Swan) orchestrated music for the show.
Robin has a crisis about his double life as a civilian & superhero.
The show has a darker tone taking cues from Netflix’s shows related to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. (MCU for short) It’s about time the Titans deserve some dignity.
Negative: Unlike the comics, Starfire has fire projectiles instead of her signature green energy blasts. She ain’t Johnny Storm/Human Torch from Fantastic Four. Did the producers failed to research Starfire’s profile?
Beast Boy never stays green as he did in the comics. I remember in the 2003 cartoon that he’s always green.
Whenever Raven releases her demonic powers, her skin looks like an unnecessary reboot of “The Grudge” coming out in January 2020.
Product Placement featuring certain brands like Trix, PlayStation, Xbox, Sony, Budweiser, Apple, MacBook, PlayStation & Dos Equis.
Episode 1 – Titans
Positive: There’s a specific reason why Robin left Gotham City.
A death scene indicates that the show is gonna be darker than previous adaptations of the team.
The first episode introduces the main characters.
Remember the trailer when Robin said “F Batman?” The marketing was taken out of context, the actual scene makes sense not Robin dissing Bruce Wayne.
Episode 2 – Hawk & Dove
Positive: The second episode’s title is named after a crime fighting duo.
Somebody watches “Game Of Thrones” on TV. Jason Momoa, who plays Aquaman in the DCEU, was in Game Of Thrones as Khal Drogo.
Robin has some history with “old friends.”
Episode 3 – Origins
Positive: If y’all are familiar with Robin’s backstory, it’s shown to give some newcomers a reminder.
Raven’s backstory is further explored.
A pinball machine of The Twilight Zone is on display. Jordan Peele is currently the host of the revived anthology series.
Episode 4 – Doom Patrol
Positive: The fourth episode’s title is obviously named after a superhero team.
Brendan Fraser, Matt Bomer make guest appearances as a set up for their own series.
A flashback reveals a character’s origin story.
Members of Doom Patrol also have backstories. Each one is shown visually in their spin-off show.
There’s an action figure of Godzilla in Beast Boy’s room. WB owns the rights to produce an American version of the character set in a cinematic universe known as, “MonsterVerse.”
“Cuphead”, a video game from the Xbox One condole, is shown on a flatscreen TV.
In one scene, ACDC’s “Thunderstruck” is played in the background. The song was also used in “Deadpool 2.”
Episode 5 – Together
Positive: Fifth episode’s title is pretty meaningful about teamwork.
An Action Sequence felt legit, meaning the show is getting good.
Henchmen from a previous episode return to track down our heroes.
A familiar face from the comics shows up in right in the nick of time.
Episode 6 – Jason Todd
Positive: The sixth episode is named after one of Batman’s allies.
This episode centers around a criminal from Dick’s past.
Jason mentioned his past and the reason why Bruce recruited him as his new Robin.
One of the Titans say, “I wanna be Robin!” A reference to that one Teen Titans episode with the gang wearing Robin’s costume while he’s away.
Episode 7 – Asylum
Positive: Seventh episode’s title is taken from a location set for the rest of the episode.
The Plot thickens, now that it makes sense on why Raven is important to the bad guys.
Dick goes on an “induced trip” reminded me the Scarecrow levels from Batman: Arkham Asylum. The segments with Scarecrow in the games feels like going inside Amanda Bynes’ brain.
A Death Scene or two is one heck of a bloodfest.
Episode 8 – Donna Troy
Positive: Eighth episode’s title is taken from a character associated as a partner of a notable superhero.
Dick reunites with an old friend from his past.
Someone suffers from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD for short) due to a “previous encounter.”
Beast Boy addressed what he did back in the last episode.
Episode 9 – Hawk & Dawn
Positive: Two characters from the second episode come back.
This episode explores the early days of Hawk & the original Dove.
The duo referenced one of my favorite movies of all time. I’ll give you a hint, Meat Loaf was in it as a character named after a voice actor who played Yakko from “Animaniacs.”
A famous stand-up comedian makes a cameo on TV.
Unlike Bruce Wayne’s origin story, Hawk’s childhood flashback is messed up.
Episode 10 – Koriand’r
Positive: Tenth episode’s title is taken from a character’s birth name.
Starfire learns about her actual role.
The main antagonist’s identity is finally revealed.
Episode 11 – Dick Grayson
Positive: The season finale’s title is named after Robin’s identity.
The season finale ties up loose ends.
Jason talks about Bruce Wayne.
Speaking of Bruce, one of his adversaries makes a brief appearance. Although his appearance is like Ms. Bellum from “The Powerpuff Girls.”
The finale is filled with mind bending twists & turns. I can’t tell you all the details. You’re gonna have to see for yourself.
The ending sets up Season 2.
The Final Verdict: B-
Titans: Season 1 is an average season with a few blemishes. At first I thought Titans was gonna be another misfire like Teen Titans Go, turns out I actually enjoyed it. If you’re curious to watch Titans & Doom Patrol, go ahead and give both of em’ a watch.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 