DISCLAIMER: This is a spoiler-free advance review of the first few episodes of DC Universe’s Titans.
The DC Universe is offering a slate of promising original programming, which will start with Greg Berlanti’s latest DC drama, Titans, which sees the iconic Teen Titans characters brought to life. Taking a new approach to the heroes while staying true to the characters’ comic book roots, this first DC Universe series is looking promising in several ways.
David Rapaport, who has assembled many of the superhero casts for Berlanti’s DC dramas, has put together another terrific group of actors to take on the roles of the Titans. Brenton Thwaites’ Dick Grayson allows viewers to see deeper sides of Batman’s former protége than we’ve ever seen before.
While this may be a different version of Robin than people are used to, that may be a good thing for this series. Thwaites take on the character allows the iconic Boy Wonder to stand out as his own hero who is on a journey to leave the Dark Knight’s shadow. One thing that should be pointed out early on here is that there is a lot of great action and Robin is very much part of that.
Teagan Croft, the cast’s youngest star, will make you want to see what’s next for Rachel, episode after episode. Without going into spoiler territory, Croft and Thwaites share a lot of screen time together as the two characters work off each other quite well. The story is a lot from Rachel’s perspective at first which comes with its set of drama and what drives the season’s main plot.
Anna Diop’s Starfire does shine the most with what they have given her character so far. If you’re looking forward to another kick-ass female hero in the DC TV realm, you’ll not be disappointed when you see Diop on screen. This version of Kory is very much a mystery while she lives up to being a Titan.
Just like Robin, Starfire contributes to the terrific action scenes that go down in these first episodes. For those who have criticized the look of Kory through promotional trailers and photos, will likely regret those words when you see Diop in action. It is not what she is wearing that defines her, it’s the hero who is seen on screen and Kory lives up to the term hero in more ways than one.
Ryan Potter’s Beast Boy will quickly become a major fan-favorite with his charm and wit. We also get a big taste of Alan Ritchson and Minka Kelly’s Hawk and Dove who we’ll hopefully meet a few more times in the first season. They are a compelling duo who, like many of the other cast members, have a lovely chemistry together.
Titans, from what was seen to the press so far, is definitely one of the more grittier shows from DC, maybe more so than, for example, CW’s Arrow. But with its combination of super-powered characters and inclusion of the sci-fi/fantasy element, it makes for a compelling and new type of DC TV series. It should be stressed that despite its groundedness, this is very much a DC show with multiple layers. For eager DC fans, yes there will be some fun easter eggs that you’ll want to keep your eyes open for.
Overall, Titans will be a series to catch when it debuts next week. It’s a maturer interpretation of the iconic group while also not making them unrecognizable. If you’re looking for a new kind of DC series that hasn’t been done before, then this will be a perfect choice. The series has compelling leads who are all portrayed as damaged, but powerful heroes that you will want to follow week after week.
Without getting into specifics, the third episode is where things kick into the next level in a strong way. But as a whole, this is an exciting new addition to the DC TV franchise as it offers viewers something new in terms of tone with these beloved characters. If you’ve been waiting to the Titans together in live-action then be sure you are ready for the series premiere.
“TITANS follows young heroes from across the DC Universe as they come of age and find belonging in a gritty take on the classic Teen Titans franchise. Dick Grayson and Rachel Roth, a special young girl possessed by a strange darkness, get embroiled in a conspiracy that could bring Hell on Earth. Joining them along the way are the hot-headed Starfire and loveable Beast Boy. Together they become a surrogate family and team of heroes.”
DC Universe’s Titans, starring Brenton Thwaites as Dick Grayson/Robin, Anna Diop as Koriand’r/Starfire, Teagan Croft as Rachel Roth/Raven, and Ryan Potter as Gar Logan/Beast Boy, premieres on Friday, October 12. The series is executive produced by Greg Berlanti, Akiva Goldsman, Sarah Schechter, Geoff Johns, Greg Walker, and John Fawcett. Follow @DCUTitans across social media through Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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