Greg Berlanti isn't always the most consistent writer, but he does know how to write at the very least a fun t.v show. This show is set out to be dark, with good story development, for the classic DC heros. He seems to want to add crazy death scenes which I appreciate because it makes the superhero seem more realistic. All in all it is shaping up to be a good season. It seems that there going to keep the characters separated to develop them better. It's hard for me to have faith that this show is going to be amazing, but them not straying away from violence is a cool add. It acts as a super real element of death for these heroes. It makes it different almost like the injustice comic. I hope that this show can get more super heroes to the R rating because it would make the universe so much better. Dont screw it up Greg Nightwing and the teen titans dont deserve it. Put the love into that I know your capable of.
34 Reviews
Great start
eastondemarrco12 October 2018
Typical Pilot
adventuresntoto13 October 2018
This episode is divided into two segments. The first segment focuses on Dick Grayson (Brenton Thwaites) and Raven (Teagan Croft), called Rachel Roth in this interpretation, while the second segment focuses on Koriand'r (Anna Diop), referred to as Kory Anders. Rachel's life begins changing when she receives a surprise visit from an unknown, cultish man at her house. From then on, it's a journey from the suburbs of Traverse City, MI to the inner city of Detroit, MI where she meets Detective Grayson. Doused in nothing but mystery, Kory's scenes are mostly recollecting her own memory and making sense of the life she previously had while in the outskirts of Vienna, Austria. There is a small but brief cameo at the very end, akin to a post-credit scene, where Garfield shows up in one of his transitions. It is established that he lives in the midwest in Ohio, United States.
I want to emphasize that if you are expecting a live action adaptation to the 2003 animation this is not it. TITANS is its own body of work that takes primary inspiration from the Wolfman and Perez's New Teen Titans from the 80's, Nightwing's solo series, and Raven's solo series. Prioritize Geoff Johns's series and Wolfman's series. Beyond the comic inspiration (which provides multiple background Easter Eggs), TITANS is a series for a certain audience, and if you are not in that sect you may not like the show. It does its own thing while taking bits and pieces from different runs to shape a modernized and compelling story. Comic purists and fans of only the 2003 animation might not enjoy this show if they don't look to it with an open mind.
I do love the characterization of Rachel. She seemed just like a teenager to me. Reliant upon her mother's guidance for safety, make rash decisions when faced with danger, unsure of what or who to trust, over emotional, detached from her socially abusive peers and their antics; I liked that (possibly because it slightly reminds me of my childhood), and I loved the performance Croft gave. However, at times, I felt like the glimpses of her school life were rushed, but it is to be expected as it is not a primary focus in her story; it's merely a smaller detail to describe her character and situation (a socially isolated freshman).
Dick's sullen and spaced out character mimics his situation inside a liminal space, a grey area. He's torn between worlds. While other people may have difficulties understanding or even watching this, I think it's being done well, and I appreciate Thwaites's performance. I wish there was more development in the initial introduction of the main antagonist (for Rachel) and Rachel's relationship with her foster mother. The writing seemed rather rushed and slightly weak.
While I did enjoy Kory's parts, I felt that her scenes were also less developed (whether that was because it's purposely supposed to be a mystery, or if there wasn't much to that part, I can't say). Diop, Krupa, and the other actors put on a phenomenal performance and the story to it was fantastic, but I was left wanting more from the scenes.
I liken this pilot to be similar to most pilots. It has so much potential and so much story wrapped behind it. The performances are strong, and the writing is intriguing. The score was absolutely perfect fitting for the scenes. The visuals are pleasing and nice to look at; in other words, I enjoy the cinematography, the visual effects, the special effects, and the coloring. There are somethings where I am unsure if it's a plot hole or intentional gap in the story for later development.
I want to emphasize that if you are expecting a live action adaptation to the 2003 animation this is not it. TITANS is its own body of work that takes primary inspiration from the Wolfman and Perez's New Teen Titans from the 80's, Nightwing's solo series, and Raven's solo series. Prioritize Geoff Johns's series and Wolfman's series. Beyond the comic inspiration (which provides multiple background Easter Eggs), TITANS is a series for a certain audience, and if you are not in that sect you may not like the show. It does its own thing while taking bits and pieces from different runs to shape a modernized and compelling story. Comic purists and fans of only the 2003 animation might not enjoy this show if they don't look to it with an open mind.
I do love the characterization of Rachel. She seemed just like a teenager to me. Reliant upon her mother's guidance for safety, make rash decisions when faced with danger, unsure of what or who to trust, over emotional, detached from her socially abusive peers and their antics; I liked that (possibly because it slightly reminds me of my childhood), and I loved the performance Croft gave. However, at times, I felt like the glimpses of her school life were rushed, but it is to be expected as it is not a primary focus in her story; it's merely a smaller detail to describe her character and situation (a socially isolated freshman).
Dick's sullen and spaced out character mimics his situation inside a liminal space, a grey area. He's torn between worlds. While other people may have difficulties understanding or even watching this, I think it's being done well, and I appreciate Thwaites's performance. I wish there was more development in the initial introduction of the main antagonist (for Rachel) and Rachel's relationship with her foster mother. The writing seemed rather rushed and slightly weak.
While I did enjoy Kory's parts, I felt that her scenes were also less developed (whether that was because it's purposely supposed to be a mystery, or if there wasn't much to that part, I can't say). Diop, Krupa, and the other actors put on a phenomenal performance and the story to it was fantastic, but I was left wanting more from the scenes.
I liken this pilot to be similar to most pilots. It has so much potential and so much story wrapped behind it. The performances are strong, and the writing is intriguing. The score was absolutely perfect fitting for the scenes. The visuals are pleasing and nice to look at; in other words, I enjoy the cinematography, the visual effects, the special effects, and the coloring. There are somethings where I am unsure if it's a plot hole or intentional gap in the story for later development.
Pleasantly Surprised
jazbicker12 October 2018
Like most people, I was disappointed by what we saw from the trailers. My initial thoughts were that it was going to be a cheap, badly acted and poorly written show. Now, it may be too early to tell, but from what I've seen from this first episode, I was perhaps very misled.
The acting is not bad at all, it feels natural and is very watchable. Brendon Thwaite's version of Dick Grayson seems much different than his cheery, cocky comic book counterpart, but there are reasons for this that the show is, and will, explore. It is clearly going for a dark and gritty take on the classic Teen Titans atmosphere. This may not be everyone's preference.
The effects so far are nicely done, there was nothing here to take me out of the show and some of it actually impressed me. (Robins initial fight scene in particular had me open mouthed at one point! it's very obvious that he was trained by Batman!).
The dialogue is great, it's natural and believable. And the story is clearly not made without effort, there's backstory, and there's POTENTIAL.
I definitely recommend this show, especially to those who were skeptical at first like I was, it's too early to tell, but I know for sure I'm going to keep watching.
The acting is not bad at all, it feels natural and is very watchable. Brendon Thwaite's version of Dick Grayson seems much different than his cheery, cocky comic book counterpart, but there are reasons for this that the show is, and will, explore. It is clearly going for a dark and gritty take on the classic Teen Titans atmosphere. This may not be everyone's preference.
The effects so far are nicely done, there was nothing here to take me out of the show and some of it actually impressed me. (Robins initial fight scene in particular had me open mouthed at one point! it's very obvious that he was trained by Batman!).
The dialogue is great, it's natural and believable. And the story is clearly not made without effort, there's backstory, and there's POTENTIAL.
I definitely recommend this show, especially to those who were skeptical at first like I was, it's too early to tell, but I know for sure I'm going to keep watching.
Better than I'd expected
andrewjerome15 October 2018
Warning: Spoilers
I am a huge Titans fan and wasn't really that thrilled by the trailer that was released for the show. Regardless, I ended up liking this more than I expected.
The characters are interesting, the storyline is intriguing and the mood is obviously dark. I admit that the violence is excessive. Knocking out the bad guys is something we all like to see, but do we need to see these so-called heroes beating them to a pulp or incinerating them?
I am definitely interested enough to continue with this series as the acting was also better than expected. I just hope that they don't lose complete focus on these beloved characters and keep them entertaining
The characters are interesting, the storyline is intriguing and the mood is obviously dark. I admit that the violence is excessive. Knocking out the bad guys is something we all like to see, but do we need to see these so-called heroes beating them to a pulp or incinerating them?
I am definitely interested enough to continue with this series as the acting was also better than expected. I just hope that they don't lose complete focus on these beloved characters and keep them entertaining
A great start
Max5653-19 October 2018
Thumbs up DC
garypinder-6821129 December 2018
Looks promising.
jgreening-0908722 October 2018
Like many people I was put off by the trailer (a horrible representation of this show) but decided to give it a chance. I'm glad I did, though I'm still not quite sure what to think about it.
For what it is, it's a great first episode. The acting is phenomenal, and I love the actors' representations especially of Raven and Starfire/Koriand'r, whose confusion and amnesia was palpable. I can't wait to see how Raven's story develops. Robin (Dick Grayson, newly fallen out with Batman and on his own in Detroit) is a much different character from how he's been portrayed before. In the comics, Dick is quiet and serious, but with a cheerful and compassionate bent. There's none of that here, except in his fierce protectiveness of young Raven.
I think that's the main thing that gave me pause. Titans isn't pulling any punches. If you're expecting the warm, humorous "weekend club for teenage superheros" atmosphere from the comics, prepare to be shocked. This first episode is brutal and gory. It has a high body count (yes, most of those are killed by the Titans) and the violence doesn't show any sign of letting up.
Honestly, I'm not sure how I feel about that. I like dark and gritty, but I feel like this show may be going a touch overboard for the shock value. Regardless, I'm looking forward to the next episode and will be interested to see what comes.
For what it is, it's a great first episode. The acting is phenomenal, and I love the actors' representations especially of Raven and Starfire/Koriand'r, whose confusion and amnesia was palpable. I can't wait to see how Raven's story develops. Robin (Dick Grayson, newly fallen out with Batman and on his own in Detroit) is a much different character from how he's been portrayed before. In the comics, Dick is quiet and serious, but with a cheerful and compassionate bent. There's none of that here, except in his fierce protectiveness of young Raven.
I think that's the main thing that gave me pause. Titans isn't pulling any punches. If you're expecting the warm, humorous "weekend club for teenage superheros" atmosphere from the comics, prepare to be shocked. This first episode is brutal and gory. It has a high body count (yes, most of those are killed by the Titans) and the violence doesn't show any sign of letting up.
Honestly, I'm not sure how I feel about that. I like dark and gritty, but I feel like this show may be going a touch overboard for the shock value. Regardless, I'm looking forward to the next episode and will be interested to see what comes.
Best line ever uttered by Dick Grayson
Lokisgodhi14 October 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Fuçk Batman. Best line ever uttered in a DC show by Dick Grayson.
I enjoyed most of this first episode. A Dick Grayson disaffected from Batman, out on his own to create his own man and superhero persona is a great theme for the character in this show. I'm looking forwards to the transition to Nightwing.
I really liked the handling of Raven and her struggles, her first steps on her journey discover who she is who she'll be.
Far less convincing is the Starfire subplot. It felt has someone had just cut scenes from a 70s exploitation movie into the episode and called it a day. It strikes me as reminiscent of the infamous Code Of Honor episode in Star Trek: The Next Generation season one. The character really needs to get better soon and pretty damn fast. If not, not one is going to take this Starfire seriously. This is the reason for the loss of three stars.
The Beast Boy teaser at the end was a fun Easter egg while still waiting for a later episode for a more formal in depth introduction of the character. It would have been hard to do justice to the four characters if they had done an introduction of all four in this pilot.
I enjoyed most of this first episode. A Dick Grayson disaffected from Batman, out on his own to create his own man and superhero persona is a great theme for the character in this show. I'm looking forwards to the transition to Nightwing.
I really liked the handling of Raven and her struggles, her first steps on her journey discover who she is who she'll be.
Far less convincing is the Starfire subplot. It felt has someone had just cut scenes from a 70s exploitation movie into the episode and called it a day. It strikes me as reminiscent of the infamous Code Of Honor episode in Star Trek: The Next Generation season one. The character really needs to get better soon and pretty damn fast. If not, not one is going to take this Starfire seriously. This is the reason for the loss of three stars.
The Beast Boy teaser at the end was a fun Easter egg while still waiting for a later episode for a more formal in depth introduction of the character. It would have been hard to do justice to the four characters if they had done an introduction of all four in this pilot.
Bloody awesome so far
veryprivateswag20 October 2018
Decent but not great
mitchg2613 October 2018
The first episode is decent. What little action there is was good, but they make Robin into a more ruthless fighter than he should be. Fans will have patience for the show to pick up, but the studio should not let the patience run out. Episode 2 needs to be a big hit!
Feels new and different
swan-reynolds20 October 2018
We really need that right now. It has the feel of a CW Arrowverse show, but goes for the punches below the belt like Kick-Ass. I'm sick and tired of seeing Batman, Superman and Spidermans origin stories. Each Robin has a great story to tell (during &) after Batman's mentorship. I like this direction. Even if it steps away front the original content at times. Just wish I could binge watch it... I'm spoiled.
Bit early
rudicantfail28 November 2021
Meet the Titans
highmarksreviews13 October 2018
Warning: Spoilers
I can honestly say that I was not excited for DC's "Titans". From poorly made trailers, to its themes and cheap visuals, the show seemed like a sure miss-fire waiting to unfold. Interestingly enough, not quite the case with the pilot episode, as the show managed to establish an intriguing, if not exactly thrilling footing. I have to say, the cast is a mixed bag thus far. Brenton Thwaites and Teagan Croft as Dick Grayson and Raven are pretty solid all around, while I found Anna Diop's Starfire a bit of a letdown. Beast Boy is a mystery thus far, as his CGI tiger form isn't a believable one to begin with. As for the action and atmosphere, all is okay, but I couldn't help but feel that the series wanted to be a forcibly dark and gloomy spectacle, using mood and bloody violence to make a point. All in all, Titans could very well be a show worth seeing for DC fans at least, as it has a lot of things to like, but does have a lot of problems currently.
Good start
muamba_eats_toast5 March 2019
Dark tale of dark characters
ha77y73ad9714 October 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Certainly a dark adaptation of some beloved characters from the comics. The casting for dick Grayson/ robin is prefect. After leaving batman to work out on his own the fight scene was brutal and bloody to say the least and I cant wait to see him in the fall nightwing gear by the end of the series!
Second casting triumph if raven the scared little girl with the daughter of the devil inside of her and the contrast is great. The bloody killing of the guy at the end just showcases a percentage of her powers. Can't wait to see where we go from here.
The back story to dick Grayson is perfect as well keeping the original from the comics. We need to see the relationship between batman and robin in this series for it to be great.
Worst part of the series is starfire completely miss cast and the story is so far from the original origin story. Just not my character!!!
But have to say I'm going to be watching this until the end.
Second casting triumph if raven the scared little girl with the daughter of the devil inside of her and the contrast is great. The bloody killing of the guy at the end just showcases a percentage of her powers. Can't wait to see where we go from here.
The back story to dick Grayson is perfect as well keeping the original from the comics. We need to see the relationship between batman and robin in this series for it to be great.
Worst part of the series is starfire completely miss cast and the story is so far from the original origin story. Just not my character!!!
But have to say I'm going to be watching this until the end.
Promising start
holywan15 October 2018
The first episode is dark and serious. Gotham seems to be far away, this city is real, people angry and something is gonna happen.
But what is gonna happen? The final score will depend on which card they are gonna play.
Show us something new, please!
Solid Beginning
callenfech28 August 2021
Warning: Spoilers
The first episode of DC Universe's "Titans" was a pretty wild ride. There were good things about it and bad things, but overall it was a strong pilot.
Pros: One of the things I loved about the episode was the opening scene. We all know Robin's backstory but this scene made it very tense and heartbreaking. The scene looked gorgeous, with a cinematic flare. Another thing I really liked was Dick Grayson's first fight. The choreography was great and it really sets the tone for the rest of the episode. I love the dark tone and the violence in the episode. It shows that this is a grittier take on a beloved franchise. I think that the episode handled its plots decently. Rachel's and Dick's storylines intercept and I think that is where the episode is the strongest. Kory's introduction was pretty confusing at points but I really enjoy her character. The ending to the episode is also great, teasing Garfield's inclusion.
Cons: One of the things that didn't work for me was the CGI especially in Rachel's scenes. It wasn't awful but its definitely not one of the show's strengths. The acting was a little questionable at times from Teagan Croft, but for the majority of the episode she was fine. The dialogue was pretty weak at points like Rachel's scenes with her mother.
Overall, this was a good episode. It introduced us to the characters naturally, had pretty fun action, and made me excited for the next episode.
Pros: One of the things I loved about the episode was the opening scene. We all know Robin's backstory but this scene made it very tense and heartbreaking. The scene looked gorgeous, with a cinematic flare. Another thing I really liked was Dick Grayson's first fight. The choreography was great and it really sets the tone for the rest of the episode. I love the dark tone and the violence in the episode. It shows that this is a grittier take on a beloved franchise. I think that the episode handled its plots decently. Rachel's and Dick's storylines intercept and I think that is where the episode is the strongest. Kory's introduction was pretty confusing at points but I really enjoy her character. The ending to the episode is also great, teasing Garfield's inclusion.
Cons: One of the things that didn't work for me was the CGI especially in Rachel's scenes. It wasn't awful but its definitely not one of the show's strengths. The acting was a little questionable at times from Teagan Croft, but for the majority of the episode she was fine. The dialogue was pretty weak at points like Rachel's scenes with her mother.
Overall, this was a good episode. It introduced us to the characters naturally, had pretty fun action, and made me excited for the next episode.
Good show but has flaws
frednickjr1612 October 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Titans does a good job keeping the tone consistent but doesn't help explains things to none-comicbook fans. Unfortunately they make the mistake of giving starfire amnesia right out the gates which doesn't help the audience. Best boy who is supposed to be the heart of the show to give it a light tone doesn't show up until the end of the episode. On the bright side the story done for robin is done very well. Raven is played well as she struggles to control her inner demons. Also, we see a much more vicious starfire which considering the origins makes sense.
Great casting
Smatamala3 September 2019
Solid start, should deliver along the season
housebeast8 March 2019
This start is great. Even if it does not have the regular shock value as any other pilots on air TV. When watching this, you feel that is good and will be faithful to base material.
Not much is revealed but the characters at least have storylines that are going somewhere and leave the viewer curious of more.
Only Netflix does comic book shows right.
BoringJoe17 January 2019
No corny jokes. No "always does the right thing" eye rolling quotes. Violence. Deaths. They set the bar for both Marvel and DC. Disney should take notes because Netflix continues to impress. I'm afraid to chance losing my time on a show that ends up sucking, but I never had that fear going into this show. I knew after Daredevil and Punisher this show would be great, and it's defied my expectations. Keep em coming Netflix.
Had Promise
IrishCreem91417 January 2019
The pilot started off well. Interesting characters, well choreographed action sequences... but that terrible CGI tiger at the very end. If that's going to be a recurring character going forward, I'm not sure I can get into it... looks like a video game character edited into the scene and not in any way believable. Takes you right out of the scene.
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