Based on New Teen Titans by DC Comics, Titans explores the origin stories and coming together of young superheroes Robin, Raven, Starfire and Beast Boy. The first season of Titans has made quite the impression.
Dick Grayson, the original Robin, is no longer Batman's sidekick; he has left Gotham City and is a detective with the Detroit Police. Grayson (Brenton Thwaites) is struggling with his past and who he has become, but is still active as the masked vigilante. He chances upon Rachel Roth (Teagan Croft), who is on the run. There is something dark about her, and we are not just talking about her clothes. Rachel has demonic powers that she does not quite have a handle on, and is being hunted by “the organisation”. In pursuit of Rachel is Kory Anders or Starfire (Anna Diop) who cannot remember who she is. All she remembers is her mission―find Rachel.
Garfield Logan (Ryan Potter) runs into Rachel and gets involved in their quest to find answers. Together, they have to figure out who is after Rachel and why. So far, all we know of Logan, or Beast Boy, is that he was injected with a drug that helps him turn into a green tiger at will. His storyline is bleary at best. (And, why is Cyborg not a part of this?)
Having watched (and loved) the Teen Titans animated series, I have certain grievances against Netflix's Titans. Perhaps because, in the animated series, the Titans have already come into their powers and are seen as young, confident superheroes. Plus, it is a lot more fun and lighthearted. Netflix's Titans is darker, grittier and more violent. Robin almost makes violence look sexy. Blood flies everywhere.
At the end of the 11-episode first season, the series has not established these young heroes as the 'Titans' yet. Titans, which has been renewed for a second season, is worthwhile if you want to catch a good superhero series.
TITANS
Available on Netflix
Rating: 3.5/5