[6.3/10] I’m apparently going to need to modulate my expectations on how sophisticated a show Teen Titans will be. The emotions here -- of feeling upstaged, worrying about being replaced, and caring about a family member who’s unkind -- are recognizable. But they’re delivered in an overly-simplified and obvious way that’s suitable enough for elementary school students, but doesn’t leave much for old grumps like me to latch onto.
Once again, that’s fine. It’s OK to have a specific target audience in mind and pitch your material to that level. I was just under the impression that this show would be a little more accessible to all-ages rather than just the kiddie set.
That said, I enjoy Starfire’s characterization as a blithe and chipper alien who’s still getting used to what Earth has to offer. Hynden Walch (of future Adventure Time fame) does a great job of delivering lines in an upbeat fashion, while revealing some hesitance or hurt beneath it.
The story here’s no great shakes, as Starfire’s sister, Blackfire, shows up and seems to be trying to take her sister’s place among the Titans. Blackfire earns the admiration of the rest of the team, and Starfire fears she’s being squeezed out. Eventually, however, Robin reassures her that she could never be replaced by anyone, and they find out that black sheep Blackfire was, predictably, just trying to sic the cops who are after her on her sister instead. The beats are clear enough, but again, overly simplified, and Blackfire is too much of a caricature of a bad sister to have much impact.
Still, this one at least develops the friendship (and hints at romance) between Starfire and Robin, which is something. There’s mutual support and kindness to their relationship, which is a good foundation to build on (and presumably tease for several seasons).
Overall, this show has yet to win me over, but that may just be because I’m over the age of twelve and thus not in its presumed audience.
Review by Andrew BloomVIP 9BlockedParentSpoilers2021-06-16T20:47:18Z
[6.3/10] I’m apparently going to need to modulate my expectations on how sophisticated a show Teen Titans will be. The emotions here -- of feeling upstaged, worrying about being replaced, and caring about a family member who’s unkind -- are recognizable. But they’re delivered in an overly-simplified and obvious way that’s suitable enough for elementary school students, but doesn’t leave much for old grumps like me to latch onto.
Once again, that’s fine. It’s OK to have a specific target audience in mind and pitch your material to that level. I was just under the impression that this show would be a little more accessible to all-ages rather than just the kiddie set.
That said, I enjoy Starfire’s characterization as a blithe and chipper alien who’s still getting used to what Earth has to offer. Hynden Walch (of future Adventure Time fame) does a great job of delivering lines in an upbeat fashion, while revealing some hesitance or hurt beneath it.
The story here’s no great shakes, as Starfire’s sister, Blackfire, shows up and seems to be trying to take her sister’s place among the Titans. Blackfire earns the admiration of the rest of the team, and Starfire fears she’s being squeezed out. Eventually, however, Robin reassures her that she could never be replaced by anyone, and they find out that black sheep Blackfire was, predictably, just trying to sic the cops who are after her on her sister instead. The beats are clear enough, but again, overly simplified, and Blackfire is too much of a caricature of a bad sister to have much impact.
Still, this one at least develops the friendship (and hints at romance) between Starfire and Robin, which is something. There’s mutual support and kindness to their relationship, which is a good foundation to build on (and presumably tease for several seasons).
Overall, this show has yet to win me over, but that may just be because I’m over the age of twelve and thus not in its presumed audience.