Titans review: Season 3 Episode 9, “Souls”

This week’s episode of Titans spotlights three stories of death and life. Death is a shadow looming over the entire episode, but life always finds a way to persevere. “Souls” features a trip to the in-between place between life and death, a glimpse at what Rachel has been up to and a big decision for Bruce Wayne.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Titans season 3 keeps delivering top-notch stories, and “Souls” raises the bar even higher.  It also sets up big things to come as we speed toward the season finale.

Tim Drake encounters some new friends in the latest episode of Titans

After being shot in last week’s episode, Tim Drake wakes up on a train. He has no memory of how he got there or where he’s going, but the conductor is incredibly creepy and Tim has no interest in waiting around for the final stop. When he tries to leave, the conductor chases him, which catches the attention of another passenger: Donna Troy. When Tim jumps, she goes with him.

The new duo find themselves in the middle of a creepy forest with shadow people trying to catch them, but a car pulls up blasting Jon Bon Jovi. It’s Hank, who has arrived to help them. It turns out that the people on the train are on their journey to Hades, but if you leave the train then you’re in an intermediary place where ghouls try to steal souls. There’s a way out, but it’s not an easy road.

As much as Tim wants to get back, and Hank too, Donna doesn’t. She is happy being free of her body and she’s ready to leave. Tim’s presence complicates things, because Tim knows that Donna and Hank are former Titans and asks for their help to get him home.

While Donna’s soul languishes in the in-between place, Rachel, aka Raven, is trying to re-animate her corporeal body. She’s at a temple, training hard, but no matter what they do Donna won’t wake up.

And while all of this is happening, Bruce Wayne checks back in. He revised his will, and toward the end of the episode he pours gas all over his home (wherever he is at the moment) and sets it on fire.

“Souls” provides a way back for Batman

“Souls” moves seamlessly between the two main stories, shifting to black-and-white for Tim and Donna’s story and reverting to color for Rachel’s. It’s an artsy episode that leans into film noir in many ways, down to Hank’s black sedan and long black trench coat. It’s a visually stunning episode that feels dreamy and edgy.

Hank doesn’t make it out of the in-between place, but Tim and Donna get to the other side of the bridge. Tim wakes up on the operating table while Rachel feels Donna’s presence and discovers her body is gone. Donna herself ends up at the new Wayne Manor, just in time to save Bruce from the fire. Bruce can’t believe his eyes when he sees her, and it’s in that moment she’s glad to be back.

With Tim and Donna alive again, Rachel will no doubt return to the Titans in due time. It’s unlikely that Hawk will make a return, but “Souls” was a great way to bid farewell to his character while leaving the door open for a return. He’s positioned to become a hero of the in-between with his old friend Dove (not his lover Dove, but his friend from the past).

“Souls” sets the stage for two members of the team to return while giving Bruce a path to pulling his head out of his keister and get back to the city. With Tim alive and well (for the most part…he did get shot), Bruce might have a new protege soon enough, which could help pull him out of his downward spiral.

As Titans’ third season speeds toward the season finale, all of the pieces are in place for a big showdown against Scarecrow, possibly with Batman back in the mix. A full Titans team, one that includes Donna Troy and Rachel, will be able to take on whatever challenges arise.

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