Review: ‘Titans’ Season 1 Episode 11 – “Dick Grayson”

“Dick Grayson”

Writer: Richard Hatem

Director: Glen Winter

Starring: Brenton Thwaites, Anna Diop, Ryan Potter, Teagan Croft

Wow. This episode has jumped into my “Unreasonably Good Television” list. The story takes the time to quiet a discomfort I’ve felt since the series started, as well as asking the hardest question: What could cause the characters we love to go fully off the deep end? Firstly, Bat-fans, don’t worry; all is not as it seems.

The writing team have done a masterful job of setting my mind at ease, and laying out threads for future stories. They’ve also blown me away with a deeply compelling episode.

Once again the emphasis is on Robin. With this being the season finale, I can say that my ongoing gripes are founded. This show should probably have been called Nightwing instead of Titans, as it’s more the story of Dick going his own way than it is a team show.

The strengths of the group influence the unexpected development of his character, however. We see him go somewhere unexpected, though obvious if you really think about it.

Alain Moussi and Maxim Savaria (it’s hard to tell who did what, thanks to some superb editing) make for an imposing and terrifying Batman. I’ve heard the costume described as demonic, and the brutality these stuntmen have him dish out makes this version of The Dark Knight a force to be feared.

Conclusion

I went into this episode uncertain of how to deal with a murderous Batman, although Dick did a strong job reassuring us of his code. Hearing these reasons, and knowing nothing is as it seems, let me enjoy this strong episode at face value. It’s important to ask ourselves why things like this could happen, without saying they should, or ever will.

This was a dark, triumphant ending to season one. The creative team have confirmed that there’s more to come, making the heavy ending easier to live with.

The tease after the credits (watch to the end!) has left me Super excited for a new team-member next year.

(This review was originally published on the Dark Knight News website on December 23rd 2018)