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Thug: "Hey, this isn't your town. Aren't you supposed to be with -- "
Robin: "Just moved here. And from now on, I work alone."Originally aired: December 17th, 2005 Written by David Slack
Directed by Michael Chang
How did ROBIN meet STARFIRE? What was BEAST BOY's first joke? Why did CYBORG build his Sonic Cannon? When did RAVEN first call the Titans her friends? Return to the very beginning and see how it all started – from the word "GO!"
Gary Sturgis as Trogaar
This episode is a flashback to before the events of the very first episode, DIVIDE AND CONQUER. In GO, we learn how the Teen Titans met for the first time.
Producer/Writer David Slack on writing GO: "After I finished writing the Direct-To-Video, there was one episode slot left in season five. [Story Editors] Rob [Hoegee] and Amy [Wolfram] were kind enough to let me come in and write that episode. We originally thought the finale for season five was going to be in three parts - but it ended up being two. So we had this set-up episode - and then decided we didn't need it. It was eventually Rob who sold us on the fact, "We should do this now." We never wanted to do it just to do it. But as Rob mentioned, this really felt right within the arc. We expanded the group of Titans and the connections between them; This new generation of heroes is being threatened. So it seemed like the perfect time to look back on how it all started.""[...] You never want to write anything bad. But there's always pressure. For this one, I guess tremendous pressure. It actually became a little complicated to write. But I couldn't have picked a more fitting story for my final script on the series. Because it was really fun to do, and truly challenging to write. Usually in a standard episode, you would have an A plot with the villain, a B plot that's emotional and a C plot 'runner.' But for this one to work properly, I had to have 5 plots - one for each of the Titans. So however simplified, there had to be a little arc for each character - because that's how the story had to work. So it was a lot to fit into a half hour. But I was really pleased with the way that one came out. I think there's some cool stuff in there and I hope people enjoy it."
Story Editor Rob Hoegee on GO: "Another thing was this: All season long we slowly were pulling our characters apart. So it made total sense to have an episode where it shows them all coming together for the first time."
Comic Book writer and co-creator of the New Teen Titans, Marv Wolfman: "Although writer/story-editor/Producer David Slack told me it was coming up awhile back, by the time yesterday's Teen Titans episode, "Go!" came out I completely forgot that George Pérez and I made a little cameo in it. During one of the early battles between Robin and Starfire they pan up to a rooftop and two of the people there are George and me. George is the huge bearded guy in the Hawaiian shirt (George in real life is NOT that Samoan looking) and I'm the skinny guy next to him. (In real life I am anything but anorexic)."
Much of this episode borrows elements from NEW TEEN TITANS #1 [1980], where the New Teen Titans gathered as a team: Robin, Starfire, Beast Boy, Cyborg, Raven, Wonder Girl and Kid Flash. In that issue, the teen heroes rescued Starfire from Gordanian slave traders who kept her hostage.Robin's initial scene subtly mentions his mentor, Batman. First, there are the flying bats; Second, the thug says, "Aren't you supposed to be with..." before Robin interrupts him and informs him he now works alone. Prior to joining the New Teen Titans, Robin had a falling out with Batman and went solo. At this time, Robin attending Hudson University in a city called New Carthage.
Starfire's origin is touched upon in this episode. To protect Tamaran, Starfire's father was forced to abdicate his daughter to the Gordanian slave traders. She escaped and found her way to earth, where she was rescued by the Titans. When Starfire first came to earth, her passionate side often resulted in almost lethal attacks. She learned to temper his anger with the help of Robin.
Robin and Starfire ultimately fell in love in the comic books series and had a lasting relationship. Just as this episode illustrates, Starfire absorbed Robin's language through a kiss in the now-classic scene from NEW TEEN TITANS #2 [1980]. As the caption read, "The Teen Wonder's protests end quickly."
Beast Boy's personality and trademark humor is the same in the comic book series. Beast Boy's jokes often masked his insecurity. As the youngest member of the team, he was the most unsure and least confident. He used jokes hoping people would like him as the comedian of the group.
Cyborg alludes to his comic book origin, where a lab accident destroyed half his body, forcing his scientist father to rebuild him as a Cyborg: half-man, half-machine. The accident also claimed the life of his mother. Cyborg was initially very bitter about his condition. Among the Titans, he felt less like a freak since many members had offbeat physical attributes as well. When Raven recruited Cyborg, he was wearing a hooded sweatshirt to hide his appearance; In this episode, he wears the same sweatshirt.
Beast Boy and Cyborg became fast friends in the comic book series - something that is echoed in this episode. Raven and Cyborg also have a little bonding moment; They shared a similar scene in NEW TEEN TITANS #7 [1981].
Raven was, at first, a very mysterious presence of the team. She was afraid to reveal her true half-demonic nature to her teammates. Because of her upbringing and fear of emotions, Raven was very shy and introverted; She wasn't used to having friends.
The Gordanians were a recurring threat in the comic book series. The lizard-Iike race thrived on obedience to authority and strong military leadership. In time, slavery became their main vocation. In NEW TEEN TITANS #1 [1980], the leader of the alien ship is Commander Trogaar, the same name used in this episode.
For more information on the comic book versions of the characters - including many images - visit titanstower.com's meeting room page.
Sometimes, good things come to those who wait. So here's the episode we thought we'd never see: The Secret Origin of the Teen Titans. At this point, to deliver of fan expectations for such a story is nigh-impossible; But David Slack delivers.The story is well-told from its first scene - a jarringly creepy opening with Starfire as the 'monster locked up in the room.' From there, we get a brief retro-introduction to each character, knowing what we know now. The animated series is also confident enough at this point to liberally borrow from its source material. Comic fans were treated to some amusing references - including the animated appearances of Marv Wolfman and George Pérez.
Hindsight being 20/20, it's probably better to get this episode now, rather than in season one. The series has become deeper and richer since those early days. So, here, we get a story with a bit more resonance for the characters. Although it appears as if the story centers around Starfire, each character gets a small story arc. Robin begins the episode resolving to go solo - yet finds new allies and a new direction. Bitter Cyborg finds kindred spirits and acceptance in this new group of strange friends. Shy Raven learns she doesn't have to go through life alone. Beast Boy goes from eager-to-please soldier to equal-footing teammate. Starfire learns a lesson in trust - and finds a new home.
The stories are told in an amusing 22-minutes, replete with jokes and references for fans of the series. Sure, there will undoubtedly be some things individual fans wanted to see. For me, I would have liked to see them adopt the name Teen Titans - and perhaps see Arella mystically guiding Raven toward her new friends. But that's the downside of doing this episode in the fifth season: fan expectations. As it stands, GO has gone and told an amusing origin story with some real heart. Grade: A-
provided by John The Artist