The last time we saw Terra was way back in Episode 16 when she hightailed it after being offered a spot on the Titans roster. Okay, admittedly this was not that far back, but this series is directed at the post-MTV generation, is it not?

Terra's lack of control was an issue for Raven, and upon her return it is apparent that Raven's concerns have not dwindled. The rest of the team now has reservations as well. Despite greeting Terra with embraces galore, especially from the elated yet shy Beast Boy, her desire to accept the offer of Titan membership is welcomed with less than open arms.

Understanding their hesitance, Terra demonstrates newfound authority over her powers by performing an airborne "surfing a boulder" ballet that is truly awesome. This impresses the majority of the team into giving Terra a second chance, yet Raven remains unconvinced.

Terra seeks to prove her worth, and what better way to do so than in battle? Earthquakes have registered within city limits and Robin invites her to help out. What ensues is a plot to sink Titan Tower involving mechanical worms and everyone's favorite puppet master, Slade.

Of course, this raises bigger issues than merely a chance to take out the Titans' home base. The purpose of this episode is largely to deal with the issue of trust, and Raven is unrelenting.

It is tough to tell if Raven is being entirely forthcoming about her reservations. True, Terra's control is a major concern, and restraint is an important trait to Raven who must constantly meditate to hold back the dark forces of Trigon. However, Raven registers a flash of Slade's face when Terra brushes past her, so I wonder if she suspects more than mere lack of discipline here.

It doesn't help matters that Terra refuses to listen to others suggestions in battle and even goes so far as to push Raven aside when trying to cautiously handle a mechanical worm as it thrashes around downtown.

The battle sequences in this series never disappoint. This first altercation is proof, especially when Terra creates a rock stairway for Robin to get up close enough to drop bombs, and later as he narrowly grapples out of harm's way as lasers follow tightly behind. Kinetic to say the least, there is a synergy of style and flow in these sequences making them some of the best I've seen in American TV animation to date.

With trust so clearly laid out on the table it would be difficult for anyone to pick up on the larger consequences in balance here, but let's face it, this is a character that was last seen entertaining both an offer to join the Titans and an offer to become Slade's next apprentice to hone her skills.

She needs to earn the viewers' trust as much as Raven's, and the fact that Slade is behind the major ploy in this episode is of no surprise and only succeeds in heightening further speculation. Raven unleashes on Terra, in a way that both troubles us as viewers and reinforces our own suspicions at the same time.

Concerned that Raven hates her, Terra turns to Beast Boy for support and he consoles her without question. Little does she realize, but Raven's harsh treatment only strengthens the bond between Terra and Beast Boy, who is no stranger to Raven's aversion.

One of Terra's strongest bonds was formed with Changeling (aka Beast Boy) in the Titan books, and their romance was an integral component in the Terra storyline. Seeing it here, even in it's earliest stages, is reassuring to say the least as it shows a side to Beast Boy that differs from his clown around oddball persona.

In one of the only pop-culture references of note in this episode, the worms climb towards the surface pulls back to reveal a "Dig Dug" layout with the worms making their way to the surface in classic 8-bit arcade style.

Although I did miss the usual barrage of references and inside jokes, I realize that these are better suited for episodes that skimp on storyline and must find other ways to spice up what would be ordinarily drab. That's just not the case with this episode.

We conclude with Terra becoming a full-fledged Titan, despite Raven's initial apprehensions. Any fan of Marv Wolfman and George Perez's work on The New Teen Titans comics knows that there is just cause for concern here, and Slade's interest in Terra only heightens this trepidation.

I hesitate getting too descriptive at this point with Terra's story arc from the comics because it was one of the defining moments in the Wolfman/Perez run. If the animated team plans to go that route I would hate to ruin it for new fans.

Fair warning: If you do not want any possible storylines ruined, skip ahead to "Next Week," otherwise read on with caution.

Still here? Well as many already know, one major difference in Terra's character is that the writing team has not even hinted at the possibly of her being a villainess. They seem to be painting her more as a misdirected teen that may have fallen into the wrong hands as opposed to a budding assassin for hire.

Of course, even Wolfman and Perez toyed with their readers in this regard as well. Although hints at villainy were laid out, many readers refused to believe it, or just plain overlooked it. This isn't really the case here as the circumstances with her association with Slade are unknown, so any real motivations for treachery on her behalf are still relatively kept secret.

Her ultimate betrayal of the Titans was a pivotal moment for the team, and it will be interesting to see how things play out between Terra and Beast Boy in the coming episodes.

Interestingly enough, Terra's trust issues while pining for membership were resolved in the comics with a staged battle to the death (faked of course) between her and Deathstroke the Terminator (a.k.a. Slade Wilson). In this episode, Slade's plan aided Terra in gaining the Titan's trust, but was this merely coincidental?

Anyone interested in further back-story should check out The Judas Contract trade paperback to get brought up to full speed.

Inevitability aside, the writers have done a decent enough job shaking up the storyline to the point where it's a joy just to see which way they choose play it, without completely abandoning the themes that made her story arc so intriguing. Will Terra turn out to be a victim of Slade's manipulations, or will she take her place in the Titan's Rogues Gallery due to her treachery? Only time will tell.

Next Week: Someone has summoned superhero teens from all over to another dimension to compete in a tournament. What are the stakes? Cyborg seems concerned, but Robin is eager to win! I am anxious to see the return of Aqualad and an appearance by Speedy and Wildebeest! Looks like fun!

Mario Anima