James Gunn's DC Universe Needs To Embrace Titans After Its Perfect Finale
While they may have launched with a rocky start, the underdog heroes of DC's "Titans" have finally found their footing in the fourth and final season. "Titans" has come an extremely long way from its early cringe-worthy days of "F*** Batman" and has steadily progressed season after season until it finally became the edgy live-action adaptation it set out to be. However, with James Gunn's new DCU right around the corner, it's likely this show's take on these young heroes will be lost in the extended universe forever if it isn't embraced for its authentic and riveting depictions of its comic book characters.
Season 4 built on several compelling storylines from "Titans" lore, like Superboy/Connor's (Joshua Orpin) complicated parental lineage, Tim Drake's (Jay Lycurgo) growth as the third Robin, and the rapidly developing abilities of Raven (Teagan Croft), Starfire (Anna Diop), and Beast Boy (Ryan Potter). It even introduces Connor's supervillain father Lex Luthor (Titus Welliver) as an unexpected warm-up act for the main evil entity of the season. The series' homerun conclusion fully embraces its gritty origins by centering its last battle on the formidable dark force Brother Blood (Joseph Morgan).
These character progressions send "Titans" out with a roaring bang while leaving fans craving even more from the underestimated show. Now that they've become full-fledged heroes by saving the entire universe, it's time for these Titans to be incorporated into even bigger DC adventures.
Titans nailed Robin's character not once, but three times (something the Batman films have neglected to do)
After being omitted from multiple stories about The Dark Knight, we finally have a faithful live-action adaptation of the Boy Wonder and the different incarnations that follow.
In Season 1, Dick Grayson (Brenton Thwaites) brings to life the first dark iteration of Robin to shift the focus off of Batman and onto the Teen Titans. He guides the new generation with tactical strategy, intensive training sessions, and unwavering support that ushers in the next identity of the iconic sidekick. In the Season 2 finale, he suits up as the acrobatic leader Nightwing with his notable blue Escrima sticks, ultimately delivering everything we ever wanted from the hero.
Next, Jason Todd (Curran Walters) gets his chance to shine through the harrowing Red Hood storyline. As a rebellious Robin eager to prove himself, he's mercilessly beaten by the Joker, setting him up to become the infamous anti-hero. Again, "Titans" nails a cherished DC story by infusing fresh and complex elements that play extremely well on TV. He even returns in the final season to pass the Robin baton to the third faithful depiction with Tim Drake. In the last season, Tim grapples with the dangerous responsibilities of being a hero, giving his fanboy fantasies a much-needed reality check. "Titans" even showcases his bisexuality through a heartwarming relationship with his techie boyfriend Bernard (James Scully).
With Robin, "Titans" excels by accurately portraying him on screen while making all three versions much more than just Batman's sidekick. It would be foolish to leave them in the dust with such talented performers already paving the way for DC's future.
Beast Boy has only just begun his journey in understanding The Red
Beast Boy's trippy adventures in The Red (now rightfully changed to a Beast Boy green) could be the key to weaving the entire DC multiverse together. It's no secret that the CW shows and DC films exist together in confusing ways that only intermingle whenever it's entertaining and convenient (see Ezra Miller's Flash meeting Grant Gustin's Flash). In contrast to the underwhelming attempt, "Titans" takes the endless identities in the multiverse and guides us through them in a cohesive way with Gar's playful attitude.
In the aptly titled episode "Dude, Where's My Gar?" Beast Boy learns about his unsettling visions through his unique connection to the vast force known as The Red. He enters The Red with the assistance of the animal guru Freedom Beast (Nyambi Nyambi), who helps him realize his destiny. Gar, like a select few other heroes, can access this point which connects him to all living things in the universe. Through his quick blip into this awesome power, he meets Stargirl (Brec Bassinger), reunites with the Doom Patrol and his best "Teen Titans" friend Cyborg (Joivan Wade), and even crosses paths with Gustin's Flash. Most notably, he sees his animated "Teen Titans Go!" counterpart, who desperately craves waffles. If you listen closely, you can even hear Kaley Cuoco's Harley Quinn voiceover as Gar solidifies his connection, which further weaves the DCEU together.
The Red has yet to be introduced on the big screen, but it could easily connect every DC property from the past, present, and future. With its prominent and already established role in "Titans," it seems irresponsible to abandon it now when it could ultimately prove to be an invaluable tool.
The Teen Titans still have plenty of villains to deal with
"Titans" has intentionally taken its time to flesh out its core characters for an emotional and satisfying conclusion. In the final season, Beast Boy, Raven, Starfire, and Robin go through extraordinary transformations that leave plenty of room to explore in future stories. As the team completes fulfilling character arcs, it's time to incorporate them into the greater DC universe rather than let them fizzle out.
The series separates itself from the rest of the DCU by masterfully balancing cynicism with optimism alongside its gritty yet often colorful tone. This distances it from additions like Zack Synder's divisive installments that desperately need a young voice of inspiration. In "Titans," the powerful teens have already defeated memorable villains from the animated series like Slade Wilson/Deathstroke (Esai Morales), Starfire's sister Blackfire (Damaris Lewis), and Raven's demonic father Trigon (Seamus Dever). However, Jinx's (Lisa Ambalavanar) presence in Season 4 paves the way for even more menacing adversaries to emerge like the H.I.V.E. Five squad. Additionally, they could also team up with the Doom Patrol to defeat the Brotherhood of Evil, which might even help rescue another canceled hit DC series.
All in all, the Titans are at the height of their abilities, paired with dramatic storytelling techniques that simultaneously thrill and devastate viewers. The series lets the f-bombs fly and permanently kills members of the team in ways that never feel cheap or unearned. It's a refreshing detour from the DC uneven run of films, never forgetting to have fun alongside its dark drama. There are several effective ways to keep the Titans around (we hear James Gunn may want to bring Connor's dog Krypto on board) and it'd be careless to cut their story short when it feels like it's just getting started.