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Sidekicks Assemble!
Original Airdate - January 22nd, 2010
Aqualad, Robin and Speedy have had it with being bossed around and demand a piece of the action, but they get more than they bargained for when they find themselves facing off against Ra's Al-Ghul and his flying island!

Written by Marsha Griffin
Directed by Michael Chang
Animation by MOI Animation
Review by Andrew
Media by Warner Bros. Animation
Cast
Diedrich Bader as Batman
Andrea Bowen as Talia
John DiMaggio as Aquaman
Zachary Gordon as Young Aqualad
Jason Marsden as Speedy
Ryan Ochoa as Young Speedy
Jeremy Shada as Young Robin
Zack Shada as Aqualad
James Arnold Taylor as Green Arrow
Crawford Wilson as Robin
Peter Woodward as Ra's Al Ghul

Music
Theme Written and Performed by Andy Strumer
Music by Michael McCuisition, Lolita Ritmanis, Kristopher Carter
Media


Video Clips



Review
Similar to “The Color of Revenge” in which this episode, delving into the world of junior heroes, starts without the usual unrelated teaser. Instead giving a look at the past when Robin, and company in this case, was a mere youth in order to set up the present-time setting for the main story. That said, it was quite a brilliant start for the episode. Starting off on the Justice League Satellite, we get our first glimpses (though brief, and rear shots) of Superman, Wonder Woman and Martian Manhunter for the show gathered with the rest of the Justice League, meanwhile Robin, Speedy and Aqualad attempt to eavesdrop on the conversation. It’s a funny moment, but came off as a bit too forced and soon enough you’re left waiting for the main story to start. It’s not a bad opening, mind you, but conflict for the sake of plot has been one of the weaker elements that has occasionally popped up in the show since the beginning of season 1.

The main story, unfortunately, delves further into the contrived conflict aspect in order to deliver a plot as Robin, previously seen solo in Bludhaven, is now leading Speedy and Aqualad, in what seems to be an unofficial Teen Titans. This is actually one of the worst continuity breaks that the show has done in its run so far; as mentioned, Robin was last seen as a solo act in Bludhaven, and even then he was still complaining about not being seen as the star hero. However, this episode seems to imply that he has been teamed with Speedy and Aqualad the entire time - and the end of the episode doesn’t leave this as potentially happening before the events of “The Color of Revenge.”

That’s not to say that this was a bad episode, though. In fact, that’s really the only nitpicking I have about it. The actual story, ignoring the continuity fault, is very entertaining and well written as we get some great spotlighting of Aqualad and Speedy - whom has only been featured previously for a significant length under the possession of Deadman. The use of Ra’s Al Ghul as a villain seemed a bit odd, but it was nice to see him, Talia and Ubu show up together at last, and each character acted as you would expect. It was very nice to see that the conflict wasn’t solely devoted to Robin and co., but rather Batman, Green Arrow and Aquaman had plenty of similar conflict to themselves, showing that even the veteran heroes aren’t infallible in their team-ups, and makes their scorning the sidekicks all the better.

Season 2 has been getting into a consistent run of solid episodes, and this one nicely continues that run despite its flaws. It’s worth several watchings as it seems to be chockfull of subtle jokes and “Easter eggs,” such as Plastic Man’s head being visible in the gathering of the Justice League. Overall, a very enjoyable episode, don’t miss this one!

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