The DC Comics universe has been doing rather well on the small screen, boasting numerous series that are well into their third, fourth and even fifth seasons. Sadly most of them are boring as all hell. Yeah, come at me internet! Flash is more of the same, which is why its so easy to pick up after missing episodes. Arrow… well Arrow lost my interest two seasons ago. I never got into Supergirl because it broke my ‘camp-o-meter’ leaving Legends of Tomorrow. Legends started our pretty terribly with story telling and special effects that made ones eyes water. And then something special happened. It stopped taking itself seriously, embraced its wackiness, and became awesome. This left a hole in the DC plane that was yearning for something with more teeth. And Titans offers that in bucket loads.

Starring Brenton Thwaites as Richard “Dick” Grayson – better known as Batman’s boy wonder sidekick Robin – the series explores the trauma that leads otherwise ‘normal’ people to become extraordinary, and not always at an acceptable cost. Indeed Robin is suffering serious psychological issues that were caused by Batman’s shaping him as a child into a weapon. Putting it that way doesn’t really sound like the Bat won surrogate parent of the year award now does it? Joining Robin is Raven (Rachel Roth), played by Teagan Croft, who also has issues that would make most goths run for the life of white pickets fences and partners who mow the lawn on Sundays. Robin and Raven are the main focus of season 1 of Titans which allows for some refreshing breaks in narrative storytelling. While we follow Robin’s attempt at self-healing, we also follow Raven’s flight from a mysterious organisation hell bent on using her powers, but to what end?

By far my favourite though, is Starfire. Yes, she ISN’T the glowing yellow alien from the comics, get over it. Anna Diop does a great job adding sass and strength to the role and has some of the best lines in an otherwise bleak story. She also knows how to kick some serious ass. Her story is a slow burn as she tries to recover her memories of why she was searching for Raven, and what her role is in the greater picture.

I feel most sorry for the character of Beast Boy, played by Ryan Potter. Firstly, he looks like Slimer vomited over his head, but then again most of the characters look like an advert for hair products so I suppose he fits and that can be forgiven. What CANNOT be forgiven, is the absolutely terrible CGI we have to endure when he morphs into his green tiger!

We’ve already had a written review by Sam so allow me to wax lyrical in a video below instead. Suffice it to say though, I was far more impressed with the first season than he was! A few things I touch on:

  • Violence and language – This is R-rated stuff, well, almost. But is it needed?
  • Abrupt ending of the season (no spoilers)
  • Story arcs of the main characters
  • A look at some of the interesting returning characters

Last Updated: January 15, 2019

Titans
A great start to DC's new universe, and one that caters for the more mature audience. It's not perfect, but what is offers is a breath of fresh air in a somewhat stale DC universe.
8.0
/10

48 Comments

  1. I think the violence suites the story and the atmosphere that had been created.

    The CGI is terrible. It’s almost series breaking, almost.

    I am loving the cinematography and directing. I see that it has different directors for each episode.

    Reply

    • Guz

      January 15, 2019 at 15:52

      Hopefully they will have a bigger budget and take some of the criticisms to heart and next season should be a lot better

      Reply

      • Weanerdog

        January 15, 2019 at 15:57

        I do find it bizarre. I have seen better CGI in some real budget stuff.

        Reply

  2. Yondaime

    January 15, 2019 at 15:06

    I still don’t get why people have an issue with violence & language in shows that are mainly about violence. I mean if you don’t like it why do you even watch the shows? Just watch something light hearted instead.

    Reply

    • Alien Emperor Trevor

      January 15, 2019 at 15:25

      Guess some people just can’t handle the fact that it’s not live-action My Little Titans.

      Reply

      • RinceThis

        January 15, 2019 at 15:26

        oh man, really? Let’s all be friends here!

        Reply

  3. Unavengedavo

    January 15, 2019 at 15:21

  4. Conan the Barbarian

    January 15, 2019 at 14:56

    Flash wasn’t boring. It was offensively bad from episode 1, much like the latter episodes of Arrow, where anyone can be a superhero after half a day’s worth of martial arts training.
    Goeie fk…I get upset just thinking about sitting through that drivel.

    Edit: I need a trigger warning for any articles containing anything about Flash and Arrow.

    Reply

    • RinceThis

      January 15, 2019 at 14:56

      Run Berry, RUN!

      Reply

    • RinceThis

      January 15, 2019 at 15:11

      Noted.

      Reply

    • Yondaime

      January 15, 2019 at 15:16

      I’ve literally never bothered watching Flash….or Arrow past the first episode. Those 2 hours I spent watching the pilot episodes are time i’ll never get back

      Reply

      • miaau

        January 15, 2019 at 16:22

        Arrow Season 1 is pretty good. Good production quality and nice showing two story arcs, Island and not island. I find it well worth the time. Wife and I sort of watched season 2 as well, then started losing interesting Season 3

        Reply

  5. BradeLunner

    January 15, 2019 at 17:11

    You know, for once I didn´t mind the “universe” building they were doing by dedicating whole episodes to Doom Patrol, Hank and Dawn. That stuff was really cool; it was good to see Alan Ritchson return to DC (after smallville) and that Dove character was also really good to see (heh)

    Also, when did this show release on Netflix? You telling me all you guys just binged it in the last few days?
    😉

    Reply

    • RinceThis

      January 16, 2019 at 12:42

      Came out last Friday. It helps having NO LIFE. SIGH

      Reply

  6. CrAiGiSh

    January 16, 2019 at 10:14

    The review we deserve.

    Reply

  7. Tbone187

    January 18, 2019 at 09:57

    I was surprised with the dark tone but dig it and I totally agree on Flash, SG and Arrow. Can’t see why they are so popular. Flash in particular! It’s such an awkward/ lifeless watch.I wouldn’t even bother with SG and Arrow has been awful from release.

    There’s simply too many of these super hero series around these days. At least Titans offers something different with it’s violence and slightly thriller-esque approach.

    Reply

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