‘Titans’ Season 2, Episode 7 ‘Bruce Wayne’ Review: Breakdowns

In the wake of a close-call rescue, the Titans pick up the pieces of their shattering friendship. As one recuperates from his injuries, another loses himself in traumatic flashbacks. While their leader decides to go alone on a witch hunt, the remaining members receive reminders of a past they try to forget. Indeed, their enemy remains steps ahead of them as they seem to bite on each other instead of helping themselves out.

On Friday’s episode of Titans, Dick Grayson (Brenton Thwaites) decides to take on Slade Wilson/Deathstroke (Esai Morales) alone. Thankfully, Dick’s better thoughts manifest itself as Bruce Wayne (Iain Glenn), guiding him back to sensibility. Back at the tower, the team claws at each other. As Jason Todd/Robin (Curran Walters) loses his mind on his near-death experience, the other titans receive grim reminders about a fallen friend.

Strong Aliens

Last week’s cliff hanger leaves us with Conner Kent/Superboy (Joshua Orpin) fighting for his life. In this episode, we get enough closure to his establishing story. Contrary to what most viewers would think, the team does not take Conner to Bruce. Instead, a fellow alien takes care of the recovering Kryptonian-Human hybrid. Koriand’r/Starfire (Anna Diop) along with a seemingly sleepy Rachel Roth/Raven (Teagan Croft) nurses Conner back to health. Also, Dr. Eve Watson (Genevieve Watson) easily breaks Krypto the Dog out of Lexcorp, racing to find her ‘son.’ She watches in awe as Kory and Rachel use their powers to heal Conner before having a heart-to-heart moment that the pairs deserved. Despite the relatively short length of the sequence, it was substantial, and it brought much to developing Conner’s character. The show is likely to see more of their mother and son relationship, especially since Conner has the mental maturity of a child.

Wisecrack

DC Universe

The show makes a parody of Bruce Wayne’s character. Technically, Bruce here is a figment of Dick’s imagination, likely coming out as hallucinations given how stressful their situation became. It is funny to note how the people around Dick wonder who he is talking to since he deliberately talks to Bruce as if he is with him. Also, Bruce fucks around with Dick’s thoughts, airing sarcastic comments every chance he gets. However, Bruce eventually takes things seriously as the episode progresses. Still, it is quite a risk that the writers decided to butcher Bruce in the series, but it works. Likely, Dick’s training under Bruce is the reason behind Dick seeing him as his conscience.

Internal Combustion

DC Universe

As pointed out by ‘Bruce’ the team did need Dick’s leadership. The tower is compromised. Hank Hall/Hawk (Alan Ritchson), Dawn Granger/Dove (Minka Kelly), and Donna Troy/Wondergirl (Conor Leslie) each receive objects that remind them of their fallen friend, Aqualad. Rachel, on the other hand, enters her room and finds crucifixes all over the place. Quickly, the blame goes to poor Jason, who has a reputation for being an asshole. Even Rose Wilson (Chelsea Zhang) became angry with him as soon as she discovers a record that belonged to her brother. However, Jason’s obliviousness does not save him from the fault despite it not being his. Deathstroke was fucking around with their minds, and they were too busy arguing among themselves to realize that. Sadly, Jason had to reach a tipping point before Dick arrived. In the end, however, Dick takes the blame for what is happening in the tower.

Into the Light

DC Universe

The situation is entirely Dick’s fault. It does imply that the other Titans do not know his actions that drove Deathstroke to hate them all. Deathstroke’s son, Jericho (Chella Mann), ‘fell into the wrong crowd’ before Deathstroke killed him. However, Dick’s admission of murdering Jericho changes things. His confession is enough to talk Jason out of jumping off the rooftop, as well as make ‘Bruce’ disappear. Now, the Titans’ leader has to bring his secret out of the dark and tell everyone.  The new members (and maybe even Rose) should know about his guilt. Before he becomes the hero that the Titans need, he has to make peace with the past. It does seem that the team will not take such a revelation lightly.

‘Titans’  Season 2, Episode 7 ‘Bruce Wayne’ Final Verdict

Bruce’s involvement, as well as Dick’s irrational decisions, makes this Titans episode appear like a witty comedy of the world of the DC Universe. It does not lose the trademark seriousness that DC stories have, but at the same time, it implores a style found in other DC Universe shows such as Doom Patrol. This episode, in particular, plays with both humor and drama. Mainly focusing on Dick and his thoughts are necessary for his transition to becoming Nightwing, hence this crazy chapter in the season. Bruce’s taunting makes up for the humor part, especially since he annoys Dick into thinking with sense. As soon as Dick rids himself of the secrets, both he and the Titans can move forward and become the best version of the team. They surely will have a better chance of taking Deathstroke down when all that happens.

Titans continues Friday, October 25th, with ‘Jericho’ at the DC Streaming Service.