Young Justice season 3, episode 14 review: Influence

The return of Young Justice: Outsiders brings an update on the team and a demonstration of the power and influence of Granny Goodness.

Young Justice: Outsiders is back for the second half of its season, and things are heating up. The midseason finale saw the team score a key victory in the war against metahuman trafficking. However, the war is far from over and, now, the team have a traitor in its midst in Princess Tara. In “Influence,” the lines are drawn, and the true threat begins reveal itself.

The Heroes on Earth

After saving the trafficked teens from the metahuman fight club and auction, the “Outsiders” are feeling good, but they know the war on trafficking is far from finished. As alluded to in the previous episode, Brion, Violet, Forager and Tara (who is still actively spying on the team) are officially invited join the team, to which they accept. Victor, on the other hand, declines, as he is still seeking to have a normal life.

The team also gets a few returning members in the form of Artemis and Connor, who hopes to spend more time with M’gann in the process. Most notably, Garfield Logan (Beast Boy), who’s been living life as a Hollywood actoralso re-enters the hero game. After experiencing firsthand what Granny Goodness’ Goode Goggles can do, Garfield aims to put an end to her plans.

More from DC Universe

• James Gunn’s Superman: Legacy casts more major DC characters
• New Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom trailer pushes Arthur to his limits
• 7 actors who could replace Ezra Miller as The Flash in the DC Universe
• Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League will have a battle pass (and that’s a bad sign)
• Harley Quinn renewed for a fifth season on Max (and it’s well-deserved)

While this story may have seemed secondary to the more action-filled story, it still managed to push things forward and provide some strong character moments. Dick’s opening speech speaks volumes to the highs and lows of choosing the superhero life, and watching him and Artemis reflect on Wally’s sacrifice was moving. It also looks like Beast Boy is ready to throw himself into the fight against Granny Goodness. Let’s just hope he doesn’t lose himself in the process.

No Rest for the League

Despite bringing the metahuman trafficking threat to light, the Justice League is still be chastised by multiple sources. Hro Talek takes them to task for failing to stop an attack on Thanagar, and doesn’t believe Apokolips to be the threat.

Meanwhile, on Earth, the league still has its share of critics in Lex Luthor and G. Gordon Godfrey for its continued handling of the metahuman trafficking situation. Godfrey continues to manipulate public opinion of the heroes and give a platform to Granny, who is doing damage control after the goggles disaster. All the while, Luthor hides behind politics, as well as philanthropy through his sister, Lena.

The antagonists are ramping up with Granny’s true motives coming to light, and those who know Godfrey’s comic roots know his role in all of this. The wild card is Luthor, who (as always) is difficult to read. But it’s likely Lena Luthor will make a formal appearance before the season is over. And that could bring out a whole different side of the shady politician and industrialist.

The Fury of Granny Goodness

Most of the Justice League is still in space, and Superman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern (Guy Gardner), Hawkman and Hawkwoman are hot on the heels of Apokolips. After being chewed out on Thanagar, the team follow an ion trail that leads them to The Orphanage, run by Granny Goodness. There, the the group discovers that the location is being used as the endpoint for The Light’s trafficking ring.

But Granny is prepared for them and sends Big Barda and the Female Furies to handle things. During the fight, Granny activates a new device that paralyzes the League and the Furies, and takes note of their pain in the process. Fortunately, all break free, but not before Granny uses a boom tube to send the League members back into space. As this happens, The Orphanage exits through a larger boom tube.

Granny Goodness proves in this episode alone that she is not to be trifled with, and that she’s also a master manipulator. And what’s even scarier is that she’s not even the major threat, her lord, Darkseid. Seeing the Furies in the Young Justice continuity is cool, and the hint at Big Barda’s eventual turn is also a nice touch. It’s clear that, going forward, the Justice League and the team are going to have their hands full.

Overall, “Influence” comes out of the gate as a strong midseason premiere for Young Justice: Outsiders. And if it’s any indication as to what’s to come, viewers are in for a entertaining  treat.