After nearly a year and a half, ‘Young Justice’ season one has finally come to an end with a thrilling finale that sets the stage for season 2, which premiers next week on the Cartoon Network. Although not all is revealed, it seems like Vandal Savage is not only trying to conquer earth, but desires for our planet to be the most powerful in the universe. For a man who is 50,000 years-old, who knows what that plan might entail? According to Savage, phase two of his scheme has not yet begun. Before we delve into the final minutes of “Auld Acquaintance,” let’s take a look at how this season has progressed.
As a whole, I thought this was an excellent first season, and what made it so compelling was how the team at Warner Brothers Animation took the time to develop its main characters. One of my favorite moments from this season was in the episode entitled “Downtime,” where Aqualad returns to Atlantis only to discover that his best friend is currently dating his old girlfriend. I loved how that moment came full circle in the finale as Red Arrow asks Aqualad to tell him when his heart was broken. It’s those small, yet intimate moments between the teammates that make this show special. The action is fantastic as well, but without characters to care about, what’s the point in watching the show?
Looking back at the finale, I’m curious to see what you all thought of Vandal Savage leading this villainous group, with Lex Luthor and Ra’s al Ghul following close behind. I can’t imagine those two are going to let Savage rule the galaxy without having an ulterior motive of their own. Something I’d like to see in season 2, would be a deeper exploration of the villains. I like how they kept them shrouded in mystery for most of the season, but now that they’re exposed, I’m interested to see what parts they’ll play as the story unfolds.
The end of this episode had some of the best action we’ve seen all season, with duels between Superboy and Superman, and a highly anticipated matchup featuring Batman and Robin. It was nice to see Robin admitting that they couldn’t take down the Justice League one-on-one, as Superboy violently launches Robin into an oncoming Batman. As usual, the fight choreography is superb, making the final minutes of this season a joy to behold. Another of my favorite moments was watching the interaction between Clark and Connor, as Superman finally gives Superboy some words of encouragement, and approves of his decision to carry on the Kent name. As with most finales, the questions about what we’re going to witness next season are endless. Personally, I’m anxious to discover more about Red Arrow/Roy/Speedy, and how his discovery of finding out he’s a clone will affect him. What were your thoughts on this season, and what are you most looking forward to seeing as the show moves forward?
-David Griffin (Follow @griffinde on Twitter)
Deathstroke(alias Slade) should become the main villain of Young Jusitce. I know they want to set the series aside from Teen Titans, but to be honest Slade has been a thorn in every young hero team for a long time. It seems like a waste to see a good villian not be used. Plus these kids are having to much luck, I mean they just defeated the Jusitce Leauge, with ease! They need a challenge, like no holds barred mentally-scared challenge and Slade is the character to bring it.
Other than that, it was a good first season can't wait for Season 2. Blue Beetle and Wonder Girl appear! Plus Lobo!
Oh, great review by the way David.
Thanks Michael! Deathstroke would be an interesting villain, and one I would like to see as well. Looking forward to seeing Wonder Girl and Blue Beetle in action during season 2. I wonder what kind of dynamic they'll bring to the team? It's nice that season 2 begins next week, so we don't have to wait very long.
I know right?!
I agree that Slade Wilson (and Rose! Can't forget li'l Ravager, now, can we?) should get in the show, but in a third party player.
Sometimes antigonist, sometimes ally, someone the team isn't exactly sure which side he stand for and keeping them on their toes
On of my favorite aspect of this show is the subtexted/subconscious transhumanist -in a darker angle. Cloning and genesplicing, pruning of the mind and memories, memetics like the "Light" stuff, the Venom poison, uplifting animals like Wolf and the monkeys, cybernetic augmentation (seriously, Mercy's armgun would give Jansen's Typhon augmentation a run for its money! wonder if it was a reference to Terazawa's Cobra's Delta Ray), levels of sentiences in AI and sleeving them in different bodies… and let's not forget Vandal's laius about human evolving
Plus the use of haptic holographic GUI and controls that would give any Shadowrun (and Cthulhutech and other sci-fi games) GMs inspiration, there was also the nanotech and tactical networking with transduction comm through M'gann's telepathy, this show has been giving me gamergasms from episode 1!
And the action is a complete Aster (see what I mean about memetic? that Robin speak is fracking viral!) and stunning by their realism -so to speak- both in gunfight and close quarter
I often wondered how they got away with that level of brutality in hand-to-hand fighting.
Can we have some more, please?
Robin's dialogue is fantastic. "He's underwhelmed, she's overwhelmed. Is anyone ever just whelmed?" Thank goodness the premier for season 2 is only a week away, so hopefully we'll get some more excellent hand-to-hand combat from the guys at Warner Brothers. Thanks for checking out the review
Great review David! I loved this season and really wish Marvel's animated series were on par…
The emotional development of the characters was definitely the best thing about the series! I loved a couple episodes ago how Robin really realized how much he didn't want to end up like Batman and Superboy's relationship with Lex. The moment he shared with Superman still left me unsatisfied but I was most dissapointed that the relationship between the Flashes wasn't explored deeper.
I really get Vandal Savage's motivations and has been a fan of his character since the old Justice League cartoon. I'm totally with you on wanting to see more from the other villains next season, Deatstroke would be awesome and I'm curious if these new revelations about Red Arrow is what will drive him to the dark side like in the comics. I doubt they'll make him a drug addict since this show is mainly for kids but I'm glad we don't have to wait forever to see what happens next.
Thanks! And I agree. It's disappointing that Marvel's animation is never as good as DC's, which is surpassing due to their relationship with Disney. I didn't like Ultimate Spider-Man at all, and Avengers is just ok for me. What do you think of the digital animation for Green Lantern?
I'm not hooked… I'll watch the whole series in one shot when it's done but I was never so much into it that I couldn't wait till the next week! The Avengers is gonna be canceled after this season. I'm really upset about that. You'd think that the new buyout by Disney would mean better shows but they're canceling all the shows that Disney isn't a part of. I was surprised to find out that EMH was all Marvel too.