Larry the who?

Exactly. We begin with a sequence that solidifies Terra’s allegiance to Slade and introduces us to a side of Terra that we’ve never seen before. This is a Terra full of rage and hate, and boy does she loathe the Titans.

Ironically, the T-Car turns up in this episode, and as soon as it has appeared, it is thankfully wiped from Titan existence. Again. As I mentioned last week, the appearance of the Cyborg’s “baby” has been a bad omen for episode content this season. Serendipitously, the T-Car is dispatched in an act so gratuitous, you can almost feel the series creators giving you a nudge as Terra excessively pelts the vehicle into obliteration.

Good luck rebuilding that one, Cy. All of this aside, the action is fast and furious as Terra unleashes her assault on the Teens. Each Titan gets ample time to strut their stuff and learn just how far along Terra has advanced in her abilities.

To say that Terra has blossomed into a formidable opponent is to do injustice to just how threatening she has become. This is amplified by the fact that Slade is now able to tap into Terra’s powers while snuggled safely away in some cave somewhere. This little tidbit undoubtedly foreshadows events to come, as we all know that Slade is always seeking a way to benefit at every turn. There will be more to discuss in that arena next episode, but for now let’s examine how things have begun to tie together. Looking back at the series thus far, one can see a growth, not only in individual characters, but in content as well.

Consider Starfire’s puberty episode, “Transformation.” Sure, this wasn’t one of the season’s highlights, but it has now found a way to factor into the series as a whole, and resonate in its own way. During the Terra battle, Starfire squares off against Terra and manages to defeat her with the power she developed during transformation, her optical blasts.

However, Starfire is not the only character that has matured. Terra manages to regain the upper hand by using Starfire’s weakness against her. That weakness is her naiveté. Star’s concern for Terra’s well being costs her, and Terra is able to inflict damage due to Starfire’s lapse in judgment.

In a way, each Titan faces their weaknesses when facing Terra. Cyborg hesitates when Terra is down, and this costs him, and Beast Boy must cope with his willingness to give Terra the benefit of the doubt.

After retreating, the Titans learn that Terra and Slade have recruited Plasmus, Cinderblock, and Overload to wreak havoc all over the city. This looks and smells like a trap, but what is a Titan to do?

Splitting up three ways, Robin and Starfire take on Cinderblock, while Cyborg and Beast Boy face off against Plasmus. Both do a decent job fighting off the menacing monsters.

Meanwhile, Raven confronts Overload one on one, and has little trouble taking care of business. However, Terra shows up and the two face off in a mud soaked grudge match.

One thing about Raven that we’ve learned this season is her need to keep a well-balanced hold on her emotions. We’ve only seen a glimpse into the evils lurking within her, but Terra seems to know how to exploit this weakness. Preying on having successfully duped Raven, Terra proceeds to enrage the goth girl, and we get an even better look at what could happen if she ever loses control of her anger.

In the end, Terra succeeds in trapping the Titans deep beneath the earth, and the city is at the mercy of Slade and his new apprentice, for now.

This episode delivers in a much-needed way. We still lack a little bit in the motive department as far as Terra is concerned. It is a little difficult to tell if the emotional blow out in “Betrayal” is what caused her to teeter over the edge, or if the intent was there all along.

The other point of interest is what Slade’s bigger plan may be. Obviously he needs Terra for some reason, but what is he up to? Only a short time and all will be revealed.

One thing that is for sure is that fans of The Judas Contract story arc from the comics have got to be pleased with the way this whole ordeal is shaping up. The conflict between Beast Boy and the rest of the Titans in regards to Terra’s trustworthiness may not be spot on, but the essence is there.

The series is hitting all the right notes in a lot of ways, while reworking others to suit the format. With the rumors of a possible Trigon story arc for Season Three, one cannot help but be anxious to see what else is in store.

Sidenote: Did anyone else notice that Plasmus’ powers have been upgraded as well? It was a welcomed treat to see him “spitting acid” powerful enough to eat through steel girders, an attribute a bit more akin to his comic book ancestry.

Next Week: Aftershock concludes, as Terra and Slade finally get their hands on that piece of property they’ve been eyeing for so long, the City! Stay tuned for Part II.

In the meantime, Mario has a poll set up on the forums. Vote early and often!

Mario Anima