Titans season 2, episode 13 review: Nightwing

A final battle between Dick and Deathstroke, the climax of Cadmus’ plans and a shocking twist are packed into the Titans season finale.

Titans‘ season finale is finally here. Last time we saw Dick Grayson and his merry band of misfits, the heroes were gearing up for a final showdown with Deathstroke. Dick learned that Slade had been playing him for months by using Rose to break the team apart. Deathstroke’s plan worked perfectly; throughout the season, the Titans have been strained to their limits.

Plus, Mercy Graves continued to develop her nefarious plans. She’s turned Gar into a bloodthirsty monster and Conner into a ruthless machine. We still didn’t learn her endgame but we know she’s up to no good.

Rapid Fire

The whole season built toward the climactic fight between Dick and Deathstroke. With anticipation at a fever pitch, this episode quickly launched into it. Though the final battle was impressive, it also felt rushed. Early on, Slade attacks the Titans and Dick rescues them. In a triumphant moment, he swoops in, wearing his brand-new Nightwing costume.

We’ve been waiting to see Dick don his new outfit, so it was satisfying to finally get that payoff. But the fight itself could have been more satisfying if it had been drawn out a bit more. Instead, Dick and Deathstroke battle one last time, a third party tips the scales and it’s over. Similarly, the finale focuses on Conner’s struggle to escape Mercy Graves’ mind control. So Cadmus’ downfall doesn’t receive the narrative attention deserves and it feels like an afterthought.

A Far Cry From Robin

While the resolutions of these conflicts fell short of the mark, the show significantly progressed in two major areas. First, it’s clear that Dick isn’t the same person anymore. He’s reached some miserable lows, as seen with his intentional arrest. But Dick makes meaningful strides in the finale.

Dick’s transformation into Nightwing represents more than a costume change. He’s a better hero now. As Robin, he nearly died during his initial battles with Slade. Here, he holds his own with Deathstroke. Then, he successfully leads the team against the mind-controlled duo of Conner and Gar.

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But Dick has also blossomed as a leader. When another tragedy suddenly strikes the team, Dick doesn’t isolate himself. Instead, he comforts his friends and leads them through a challenging time. More than ever, Dick is the captain his team needs.

We Are Family

For a few moments late in the episode, the Titans are happy. They’ve beaten their enemies, so they can rest. But a freak accident kills a member of the team. It seemed like we were destined for more of the same dark, dreary tone. But Bruce Wayne helps Dick navigate the storm.

“Things inevitably fall apart,” Bruce tells a grieving Dick. Batman then tells his former sidekick that the beauty in life is finding ways to put things back together. Despite the tragedy, Dick keeps his friends united. The team cooks dinner together and enjoys a heartwarming meal together. The group isn’t a perfect family; like any other, it has its flaws. But the Titans are finally proving they can overcome any obstacle.

Titans Takeaways

• The Titans soundly defeat Mercy Graves but it’s a safe bet that we haven’t seen the last of Cadmus. Surely, Lex Luthor has some contingency plans.
• During the team dinner, Bruce reveals that he’s never been to Elko, where he reunited the team in a diner. Donna and Kory think Rachel might have used to her powers to project the whole thing. That might be a point of contention next season.
• In a teaser for season 3, a woman at a grocery store gets infected by some purple substance. Last season’s similar hint about Conner and Krypto was more exciting because the characters are easily recognizable. This stinger isn’t as exciting because we already knew it was related to Blackfire, so it’s not quite as effective as an appetizer for next season.
• We’re also left wondering who, if anyone, might join the team. Jason rides off into the sunset, Rachel goes on an individual mission and one member dies. The roster seems pretty depleted at the moment.

When in it comes to resolving the main conflicts of season 2, this finale arguably dropped the ball because Deathstroke and Cadmus were both dealt with quickly. But it makes major changes to Dick’s character and the team’s entire dynamic. For that reason alone, this episode is a successful bookend to a gripping second season.