DISCLAIMER: This spoiler-free reviews cover the first five episodes of Titans season 4, which the first two episodes dropping on Thursday, November 3, on HBO Max.
When it comes to Titans as a DC TV show, its journey as a series has always been an interesting one, besides its history from airing on DC Universe before getting moved over to HBO Max. Based on the Teen Titans property, it has always been felt that the show wants to do a lot with these characters and explore massive territory. However, there have been times when Titans feel overcrowded and have too much to focus on, which can be damaging for a TV Show. However, Titans season 4 is the first time in the show’s run where the first couple of episodes truly feels like it’s learning from the previous seasons and starting to really tap into a lot of the potential that many knew this series could have.
To start things off; Titans season 4 is making it crystal clear that the team doesn’t have one leader; it has two: Nightwing and Starfire, just the way it should have always been. If there is a similarity between all of Greg Berlanti’s DC TV shows, it’s that it always has a power couple or dynamic that together leads the adventure. Similar to The Flash’s Barry and Iris, Superman & Lois’ Clark and Lois, Titans has Dick and Kory, and this season, they are a stronger unit than ever. Brenton Thwaites and Anna Diop have since the first season, always had great chemistry, which is why it’s baffling how it has taken so long for the show to go even further into their relationship. But nevertheless, the relationship is getting fleshed out, and their destiny is heavily teased – look for something very special in episode 5, DickKory fans – as they also together lead the Titans against their newest threat.
Speaking of threat, we probably should say threats because Titans season 4 is not lacking in the villain department. Franka Potente’s Mother Mayhem is, without a doubt, one of the best additions to Titans in its whole run, and it gives DC TV one of the strongest female antagonists that we have had in quite some time. As they get further into the supernatural aspects of the series, Mother Mayhem comes in hot and strong as she puts the Titans up for quite a battle. As someone who has personally been waiting to see Joseph Morgan be tapped for a DC role, Sebastian Sanger will be someone that many will both want to comfort and take care of while also being completely terrified of as Brother Blood enters the Titans universe. For anyone who loves Lex Luthor, be ready to add Titus Welliver to your list of favorite performers as the iconic Superman baddie.
Each season of Titans has played with various tones and aspects of the DC Universe. For Titans season 4, they are certainly heading back into the supernatural realm, but even darker, bloodier, and more delicious than before. It’s fitting that the new season is premiering around Halloween because it truly feels like a perfect DC TV adventure for anyone who loves themselves a spooky storyline or two. Without giving too much away, there may be some callbacks to Titans season 1 that fans will appreciate seeing but also be surprised to see tie-backs to.
The best way to sum up the theme of Titans season 4 is through one word: Destiny. The HBO Max drama is exploring multiple destinies this season with all of the characters, and by the time viewers reach episode 5, that will have been made abundantly clear, and it’s both exciting and scary. Similar to how Nightwing and Starfire are growing as leaders and in their relationship with one another, Tim Drake is getting closer and closer to becoming the next Robin, Superboy begins exploring his family linage in ways that he hadn’t previously, Raven gets an interesting taste at reality, and Beast Boy begins feeling changes that are taking the teen hero down a mysterious path. All in all, the first five episodes of Titans season 4 is a massive ride that makes this season the strongest one yet for the series and will hopefully end just as powerfully in 2023 with part 2.
For anyone who may have missed it, check out DC TV Podcasts’ EXCLUSIVE interviews with Titans’ Brenton Thwaites (Nightwing,) Ryan Potter (Beast Boy,) Joshua Orpin (Superboy,) and showrunner Greg Walker at NYCC 2022:
Having saved Gotham, the Titans hit the road to head back to San Francisco. But after a stop in Metropolis, they find themselves in the crosshairs of a supernatural cult with powers unlike anything they’ve faced before.