Titans Season 2 Episode 4 Review: Aqualad
Paul Dailly
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The original Titans were more fun.
Titans Season 2 Episode 4 took us to the past to reveal how Deathstroke dismantled what was once a very successful team of heroes.
Of course, that meant we got to meet Dick, Donna, Dawn, and Hank when they were in different stages in their lives.
It was en episode needed to help viewers fully understand why these characters are so scared of Deathstroke in the present timeline.
In most cases, exposition of this caliber is not needed, but there was so much hurt from the killer's actions that I walked away from this episode was flawlessly executed.
Many people skip these types of episodes because they take away from the action, but it was done so perfectly, and everyone must watch it.
When Deathstroke shoots, he doesn't miss his target. That's what we've learned through the various iteration of the character over the years.
Donna: We got a hit... from the U.S. military?
Dick: Jacob's activator was for a laser that was developed to take down nuclear missiles.
He may be all over the place, but he'll always rise to the occasion of a fight. That's what scares me the most.
The deep dive into Donna gave Conor Leslie her best material on the series to date, and it really helped drive home the fact that she's now a series regular.
What was so enthralling about the younger Donna was how she opted to read in her bedroom while the others celebrated their crime-fighting victories with lots of beer. It was different, especially for someone of such a young age.
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But we didn't know at that point that Donna could return home and become the type of warrior that she was poised to become.
Themyscira: This is about Garth. Next time don't waste so much energy deflecting. Atlantians are highly skilled warriors and troublemakers. Clearly Garth's been blessed with other noble attributes.
Donna: So, you've been following me?
Themyscira: Surely you don't think I let you run around with your friends without keeping tabs. By the way, the next time you need a good birthday cake, I recommend Tartine on the mission. They have a divine deux cross.
Donna: Hmm, since you know everything, I'll just shut up.
Themyscira: Quite the contrary. You asked for more time here, I granted it. You still have six months left. Whether you want to use it or not, that's your choice.
Donna: Sometimes it's not.
It was an intriguing character study and one that was needed to advance the present storyline. Knowing the lengths Deathstroke and Dr. Light went to with the aim of taking down the team makes them formidable foes.
The addition of Drew Van Acker as Aqualad was a decent one, but I'm glad that his story appeared to be been completed with "Aqualad."
Like I've said before, the series has too many characters, and Titans Season 2 is doing a decent job of serving all of them storylines. Adding anymore into that perfect mix could prove problematic.
While I like Drew Van Acker, Garth wasn't the best character. Nothing about him screamed long-term. He was probably the most expendable character on the series.
Characters with dark backstories are the ones that are the most interesting to watch, so his death helped shape Donna into the woman she is today. I'm thankful for that.
Donna feels somewhat responsibe for Garth's death because she's under the impression that if she didn't decide to return home, then there's no way Garth would have been caught in the line of fire.
But there's no point in worrying about that, because Deathstroke kills his targets. That's why everyone is scared shitless of him.
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When it comes the time for the final battle with Deathstroke, expect Donna to step up to the challenge to avenge Garth's death.
Deathstroke's return in the present is anxiety-inducing for the former members of the team. He will go after everyone they love, and he'll do what he can to mess with their lives.
Thanks to the power of the flashback, we still don't know whether Jason survived his tussle with the villain, but killing him off would make the team realize he is a threat that needs to be taken down.
Themyscira: Six months ago, you begged me to stay in San Francisco, insisting you deserve time to explore independence from Diana with your indie rock group of vigilante friends and now you wanna go home?
Donna: I was procrastinating. As a young girl, the idea of becoming a warrior, I couldn't wait. But now that the time has come to actually become it...
Themyscira: We wage the great battles and scars. That seems daunting.
Donna: Yeah. This is my destiny. And I'm ready.
It's possible that Jason will die and Dick will suit back up as Robin in his honor for a time. As excruciatingly annoying as Jason is, it's difficult to imagine him meeting his maker so soon.
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The more likely scenario is that he will be brainwashed, incapacitated and returned to the team to cause problems from the inside.
Jason knows a lot of vital information that could help Deathstroke and Dr. Light, so they would be wise to promise Jason he will get to make his own decisions if he works with them.
Jason really loves when people nurture his ego.
Let's wallow in the past a little bit more.
Dick and Dawn were cute together, right?
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They have an undeniable chemistry when they share the screen, and that's probably another reason why Hank does not want to return to the world of crime-fighting.
Hank is struggling so much in the present that it was nice to see another side to him in the past. He was lighter and somewhat happier, even if he was still struggling.
The team is in an uncertain state right now. Rachel is struggling to contain her powers, and there's so much animosity.
With so many people, there's unrest because nobody understands their place.
What did you think of the episode?
Were you surprised by Garth's death? Who you think Deathstroke will target next?
Hit the comments below.
Titans continues Fridays on DC Universe.
Paul Dailly was an Associate Editor for TV Fanatic.Follow him on X.
