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"Only a minor setback. Nothing two old friends can't handle."
- Slade to RobinOriginally aired: July 9, 2005 Written by Rob Hoegee
Directed by Michael Chang
The stars are aligned. The sun is in eclipse. All of Slade's labors are about to reach fruition -- and the Titans are about to face their greatest challenge ever. But is there really any hope of preventing the end of the world?
Ron Perlman as Slade
Kevin Michael Richardson as Trigon
Starfire mentions how she channeled Raven's powers in the episode, SWITCHED
Producer David Slack on adapting the "Terror of Trigon" comic book tale: "That story - THE TERROR OF TRIGON - which has just been reissued in trade paperback - for my money, it's the best story that Marv [Wolfman] and George ]Pérez] did. Incredible artwork, a really, really interesting story... smart and emotional. So a lot of that stuff has made it into version. Of course, there's some adjustments. I wouldn't look for [the psychic Titan] Lilith to show up. That just didn't work out for our version. But there's definitely some ways in which we've been really faithful to the material that will hopefully be enjoyed by all.""It's been [a bit] difficult to adapt it. A lot of it is trying to remain true to the source material while being appropriate for your audience. In the end, it's a balancing act. And even though some of it is dark and scary, it's hopeful as well. So hopefully it balances out. And as I mentioned, we've also done some really weird funny stuff to kind of balance it out. "
THE END [parts 1-3] was inspired by the comic book tale, "The Terror of Trigon" which originally ran in NEW TEEN TITANS [second series] #1-5 [1984]. It is also available in trade paperback. Raven had to fight Trigon's dark influence over her. This dark side grew as she exposed emotions. Eventually, Trigon came beckoning to Raven and she could no longer resist. Trigon's presence was unleashed!
Many elements are borrowed from that original story in this episode. The earth after Trigon's emergence is similar to the comic book story. Stone becomes flesh. The skies burn red. And during Robin and Slade's journey, they pass walls of twisted flesh.
Slade mentions the rings of Azar were a means of protection from Trigon. In the original comic book tale, the psychic Titan known as Lilith used Raven's rings of Azar as a means to Trigon's eventual defeat.
In that story, the Titans also face dark versions of themselves. Composed of black and grey coloring and glowing red eyes, these doppelgangers tormented the Titans with their failed hopes and dream - and worst fears.
Evil-Cyborg mentions how Cyborg "doesn't have a momma." In the comic books, Cyborg's mother was killed in the same accident that forced Vic Stone to be grafted with cybernetic parts.
Raven's disappearance is something that happened in the comics as well. After Trigon's defeat, Raven appeared cleansed of his evil and disappeared in a flash of light. Her body, now purged of Trigon's evil, actually rose from the ashes of battle. Raven lost her memory and was later located by Dick Grayson - and both were captured by Brother Blood. When Dick Grayson found her, she wore her white cloak for the first time. Raven disappeared in New Teen Titans (second series) #5 [1985]. Dick located Raven in New Teen Titans (second series) #22 [1986].
Slade was initially the Titans adversary as Deathtroke, the Terminator. But after his contract with the H.I.V.E. to kill the Titans was dissolved, Slade gave up his vendetta. With his son Jericho as a member, Slade even became the Titans ally, especially when the team was abducted by the Wildebeest Society. This happened in New Titans #72-84 [1991-1992]. Slade remained a sometimes-ally for quite a few years after that.For more information on the comic book versions of the characters - including many images - visit titanstower.com's meeting room page.
Trigon has arrived and the series examines some of its darkest subject matter. It’s always difficult to write the middle part of a story. Things must develop from an initial set-up, but nothing can conclude. But this episode doesn’t falter one bit.
Rob Hoegee is perhaps more well-known for his comedy episodes, but here he proves he can handle darker stories as well. The sense of loss is felt by the Titans in some poignant moments early in the episode. And the episode gets more intense in the second half.
Slade’s team up with Robin was handled well. It’s nice to see the series has embraced its own mythology. We get some nice references to APPRENTICE and AFTERSHOCK in those scenes. And Robin’s uneasy alliance with Slade is handled well. The unmasking of Slade is perhaps one of the most shocking moments in the show’s history!
The Titans’ battle with their evil doppelgangers was also a high mark. I’m glad there was some psychological torture as well. Well, as much as we can get away with in a Y-7 rated program. But the evil Titans taunts wounded deeper than any punch. Reminding Beast Boy of Terra was a stinging moment. And teasing Cyborg about his dead mother was fairly shocking.
The whole episode is thrown into a tailspin with its final cliffhanger moment: an amnesiac white-cloaked Raven. How could we not tune in to part three? Grade: A
provided by John The Artist