‘Titans’ Season 2, Episode 4 ‘Aqualad’ Review: Lost Love

Following the new Titans‘ first encounter with their adversaries, we take a trip back in time. As mentioned by the former members, the recruits deserve to know the reason behind their disbandment. As this chapter introduces both heroes and villains alike, we witness the events that begin a deep grudge. The path of revenge is a dangerous one but is nonetheless more natural to take.

On Friday’s episode of Titans, the infamous Dr. Light (Michael Mosley) makes his debut. Meanwhile, Slade Wilson/Deathstroke (Esai Morales) finishes contract after contract. At the tower, Dick Grayson/Robin (Brenton Thwaites), Dawn Granger/Dove (Minka Kelly), Hank Hall/Hawk (Alan Ritchson), and Donna Troy/Wonder Girl (Conor Leslie) grow fond of their newest member, Garth/Aqualad (Drew Van Acker). However, unexpected events and harsh realities stand in their way.

Teamwork

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The entire episode is a flashback sequence, so we see the original members at the height of their crime-fighting careers. Brandishing their unique costumes, the team kept the public safe from criminal elements. Also, the episode significantly explored the team dynamic. Perfectly choreographed fight sequences showcase their skills along with their well-coordinated tactics. Putting aside the events that complicated the team’s existence, the group prove to be a formidable crime-fighting force. However, things change when one of their own takes the fall.

It is a shame to note that Aqualad only appears in this episode. Seeing him rejoin the team alongside the new roster could have been a spectacular event. Still, his plot explains the grudge between Deathstroke and the Titans. Also, Aqualad did not go down like a stormtrooper. His character has a considerable amount of airtime and is a critical element of the overall story. However, whether or not the next episode continues this trip to the past plot remains uncertain.

The Atlantean and The Amazonian

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The reason behind Donna’s skepticism to relaunching the Titans is understandable. Of all members of the original team, she received the most amount of pain. At the time, Donna weighed the possibility of having a relationship with Garth. One of the factors Donna considered is their duties to their people. Soon, both of them would have to return to their homes and fulfill their obligations. Because of this Donna initially is skeptical. Her fear pushed her as far as lying to Dick about being forced to leave the team.

Unexpectedly, the show decided to implore a tinge of intimacy in their sub-plot, but it works well. The scene further stresses why Donna wanted the new members to know about the past. She is perhaps afraid of the same thing happening to the young heroes. Also, the sequence of Garth’s death was bittersweet. The young man died after professing a love he passionately felt for Donna. Upon his death, Donna could do nothing but cry for her fallen lover.

Where it all Started

The first part of the episode shows how dangerous and how excellent Deathstroke is at his job. Accompanied by a chill mix of jazz music, Deathstroke eliminated his contracts wherever they stood. However, the last target he received hinted at something quite different compared to the previous ones. Also, him keeping tabs on his son, Jericho (Chella Man) revealed how even Jericho’s mother, Adeline (Mayko Nguyen) feared him. Deathstroke is a threat to anyone on his wrong side. The Titans made their choice as they have Dick trail and possibly abduct Jericho.

Dr. Light, on the other hand, is just as crazy as he is now. His hatred for the Titans resulted from his defeat at their hands. Much like Deathstroke, Dr. Light’s origins played out in the episode. He used to be a scientist until an accident caused him to have his powers. Jacob Finlay (Dan Beirne), an old colleague of his, used Light’s ideas and gained prominence while Light took no credit. With that said, Light sought after personal gain. Also, Jacob mocked his violent tendencies and was as sarcastic as he can be until he probably died or gave in to Light’s torture. Before Light even gained his powers, he likely had issues that are borderline dangerous and left unchecked. No wonder he found it easy to work with Slade.

‘Titans’ Season 2, Episode 4 ‘Aqualad’ Final Verdict

Titans continues to make Deathstroke appear dangerous and formidable. Garth’s character, despite his involvement in the show limited, provided a solid foundation on how the team and Deathstroke became mortal enemies. While the battle between the original members and Garth’s killer remains a mystery, we at least have a significant chunk of the grudge the heroes have against the contract killer. Next time, however, the outcome is likely different. With the new members of the team undergoing training, they stand a chance against Slade alongside the original members.

Titans continues Friday, October 4th with ‘Deathstroke’ at the DC Streaming Service.