We’ve
been pretty open with calling a spade a spade here at Fanboy
Planet, especially when dealing with filler episodes that
simply fail to satisfy. With "Stranded" we are
met with one of the tougher situations regarding this ilk,
because although this episode is filler, it still manages
to satisfy on multiple levels.
The only quibble
one can really have with an episode like this regards its
placement within the Season Four lineup. The developments
here are significant and necessary for character development,
but placing this episode here disrupts the flow of the Raven
story arc, which has been reaching a full boil as of late.
As in
"TROQ," the
Titans get caught up in events in space, which ultimately
leads to some important character development along the
way. This time, the team is investigating an abandoned space
station, which has ceased to send out its regular relays
for whatever reason. Why this station sends out relays to
the Titans in the first place is unclear, but that isn’t
important here. Also of less importance is the lurking space
alien responsible for destroying the stations electrical
systems, and inadvertently disrupting said relays in the
process.
This portion
of the show is all relatively pointless, as it serves only
as a catalyst, albeit a dynamic one in the action department.
While engaging the alien in battle, the team is split up
and, wait for it, stranded on a strange new planet.
Now
you get the word choice for the title. Let’s not dwell
on this aspect for now, but rather get to the real meat
of the episode: development of the Starfire and Robin relationship.
Fans of the comic series know that Kori and Dick (Starfire
and Robin) maintained an ongoing relationship with one another,
which had many ups and downs throughout the years, yet remained
a vital aspect of both characters’ lives. It’s
only natural that fans would wish to see some development
in this department, especially since this has been largely
hinted at in past episodes, but all but disappeared in this
recent season.
Well,
fans of Starfire and Robin rejoice, this episode is for
you. Not only do the characters dive into attempting to
“define” their relationship, they do so in a
quarrelling fashion, which is always good for fans of cattiness.
To get
the ball rolling, this tiff gets its start largely because
of a remark made by Cyborg early on in the episode. Attempting
to get under the Boy Wonder’s skin (perhaps a bit
of residue from the Titans
East leadership conflict is still at work here), Cyborg
coyly questions whether or not Robin wants to get going
or “...stay here goofing off with your girlfriend.”
As with all good quips of this sort, Cy’s timing is
perfect as his remark is heard clearly by both Robin and
Starfire, and Robin’s reaction to Cy’s remarks
sets our lover’s squabble in motion.
That’s
right, Robin retorts with, “She’s not my girlfriend!”
Causing Starfire to keel over on the spot. Before this review
turns into far too much of a “he said / she said”
affair, lets take a look at the severity of the situation
here. We’ve always looked at this show at face value.
After all, it is aimed at younger audience for the most
part. This said, the series couldn’t really dig into
the sort of relationship (or struggles) that Dick and Kory
faced in the comics, but fortunately for us the writers
make the most of the situation regardless.
Starfire’s
characterization on the show thus far has been that of the
inquisitive alien, unfamiliar with Earth’s customs,
and this pays off in this circumstance because Robin is
suddenly forced to explain to her exactly why he takes aim
with her being his “girlfriend.” She questions
whether or not she is a “girl,” which of course
leads to the questioning of their “friendship”
which is par for the course for Star, as fans of the show
will eagerly point out. So it is here that we find the Boy
Wonder, up against a wall with some explaining to do.
It takes
some time, but as fate would have it Starfire and Robin
end up stranded on the planet together, so they have plenty
of time to mull over the situation in between comedic segments
with Cy and Beast Boy, and a cute subplot involving the
alien inhabitants of the planet worshipping Raven. The latter
is decent derision regarding the heavier developments with
Raven as of late.
An
interesting spin on the situation is that Star eventually
experiences a disruption in her powers, specifically her
ability to fly. She explains to Robin that Tamaranian powers
are based on emotions, and that her recent confusion in
regards to her and Robin has caused her powers to flutter.
Although Robin never fully owns up to his feelings for Star,
his gut reactions tell us that there is more to this whole
scenario.
The episode runs
its course as expected, the team encounters the space alien
yet again and the prerequisite action sequence takes place.
All in all, the disappointment of the lack of Season 4 arc
progression wears off once the conflict between Robin and
Starfire kicks in, but one still can’t help but feel
that after recent revelations the team would be more focused
on Slade and Trigon than investigating an abandoned space
station’s defunct relays.
In the end, Robin
and Starfire learn that although their future together as
“boyfriend and girlfriend” may be uncertain,
the one thing they both know is that as long as they are
together things are going to be A-Ok…
You know what
that means? Robin loves Starfire! Nyah-nyah-nah-nyah-nyah!
Next
Week: We force feed you a double helping of “catch
up” here as we take a look at yet another in a long
line of absurd Titans Episodes with Mother Mae Eye, and
we also roll into the first of the three part season finale
with The End Part I.
