Episode 46 The Prophecy
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"Tick, tock, Raven. Time is running out. "
- Slade
Originally aired: June 4, 2005
Written by Tom Puglsey, Greg Klein
Directed by Ben Jones


Why did Slade come back? What is he planning? Ever since the return of their arch-nemesis, the Titans have been searching for answers. But is there something Raven isn't telling them?


Virginia Madsen as Arella
Ron Perlman as Slade
Kevin Michael Richardson as Trigon


This episode follows up events from BIRTHMARK
This episode is directed by Ben Jones, who also directed X. Viewers will remember a strong John Woo influence in that episode, including Woo's signature white dove. Series director Ben Jones has used white doves in two previous episodes: X and BUNNY RAVEN. And now, white doves appear on Azarath.
Virginia Madsen - voice of Arella - is an accomplished screen actress, appearing in such films as "Class", "Dune", "Candyman" and the oscar-nominated "Sideways." Her brother is actor Michael Madsen, featured as Susan Sarandon's boyfriend in "Thelma & Louise", as well as in "Reservoir Dogs" and "Kill Bill."


Raven's mother, Arella, appears in this episode. Angela Roth, involved in a mystic cult, was chosen to become the bride of the demonic Trigon. Abandoned by the demon after mating with him, she was taken in by the pacifistic disciples of Temple Azarath, a group who had centuries earlier forsaken life on Earth to pursue their own nonviolent lifestyle. Angela was given the name "Arella", which means "messenger angel." In their interdimensional world, Raven, Arella's daughter by Trigon, was born. Raven grew up on Azarath and learned to control her emotions, lest Trigon's evil would burst free. Raven and Arella's story was told in NEW TEEN TITANS #1-6 [1980].

Raven would sometimes let her evil side show - which sometimes would cause her own teammates to fear her. Eventually, Raven became increasingly corrupted by Trigon and became the vessel that brought him to earth. Once on earth, Trigon lay waste to the planet until he was eventually destroyed by the combined forces of the Teen Titans. It all happened in NEW TEEN TITANS [second series] #1-5 [1984].

Raven mentions, "I'm not just a person. I'm a portal." When Raven was reborn in a new body by Brother Blood, one of her new abilities was to act as a 'doorway.'

Other references in this episode: Trigon lay waste to Azarath in NEW TEEN TITANS [second series] #1-5 [1984]; The 4-eyes is the mark of Trigon; The sculptures in the library look like the Azarathians from the comic book series.

For more information on the comic book versions of the characters - including many images - visit titanstower.com's meeting room page.


This episode suffers a bit from “middle part” syndrome.

The Raven/Trigon arc was very effectively established in BIRTHMARK. That episode has an urgency and sense of dread. While there is still an ominous tone in THE PROPHECY, it feels like we are marking time until the gonzo 3-part finale, THE END.

The story may be a tad sluggish, but the visuals help to compensate. The eerie library became a scary and claustrophobic battleground. And Raven’s sense of helplessness is echoed when she reaches her mother, Arella, who offers little hope. It was nice to see the series acknowledge Raven’s mother and at last travel to the place of her birth. This episode competently sets up THE END, but it could have benefited from more in the way of actual story. Grade: B-

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