Great Titans’ redemption ruined thanks to Bruce Wayne’s most sinister lie
In the Titans Season 3 finale, the great moment of redemption is marred as Bruce once again tells a little lie, albeit his most sinister yet.
WARNING: The following article contains spoilers for Titans Season 3, Episode 13, “Purple Rain,” available now on HBO Max.
In Titans‘Season Three, a lot was discovered about Bruce Wayne (Iain Glen) and his manipulation of the Robins to create an army. He turned their fear into a weapon instead of using compassion, hope and empathy to shape the right race of vigilantes, but the season ends when he finds the light again. However, the finale ruins the great moment of redemption as Bruce once again tells a little lie, albeit the most sinister yet.
Nightwing helps Jason Todd find redemption as Red Hood works with his “brother” to bring down Scarecrow. With Bruce back in the mansion looking to rebuild, Jason shows up to apologize for the troubles and deaths he has caused. Bruce forgives however, and since they have a heart to heart, Batman also apologizes for not helping Jason heal.
Jason agrees, ultimately asking if Bruce killed Joker for him. Bruce says yes because he beat the clown to death with the crowbar to avenge Jason but that’s not true. Bruce’s real reasoning was that he felt ashamed and felt guilty because his lack of foresight continued to let Joker out in the first place. He was blaming himself so it was his way of punishing himself rather than trying to solve Jason’s dilemma.
If Bruce had really killed Joker for Jason, he wouldn’t have given up on Gotham right after because he would have cast out his demons. Sure, he mourned his load, but Joker was a personal thing from a place of ego as he smashed the bat. It’s a disappointing decision not to admit narcissism because this conversation with Jason is meant to be honest and about exorcising the darkness within.
So, this was the perfect place for Bruce to admit he was selfish, emotional, and bloodthirsty, related to a Jason who killed Hawk. It would have shown a vulnerable Bruce, who lost control and gave in to rage, shattering the Caped Crusader symbol and showing Jason that they are both fallible men at the end of the day. It could have convinced Jason to stay and heal with Bruce, possibly going beyond being family murderers. This would have paved the way for Bruce to get back into the cloak and hood, readjusting with Red Hood winning over Gotham a bit.
Jason could even have left afterwards as planned, venturing out on his own journey, but the point is, when he leaves and Bruce calls him his “son,” he falls flat. This is not genuine and shows that the two are still afraid of being themselves imperfect and open with each other. And that’s a shame because with Barb on guard again as Commissioner and ARGUS around, the groundwork has been laid for Bruce and Jason of course to correct what Batman and Robin did, being introspective on their own issues rather than reactive. and blaming the outside world.
Ultimately, both Spirits are in the right place, as are their hearts, but Bruce’s words teach Jason that revenge is always an option. However, as this season has shown, revenge is nothing more than a poison that consumes their soul and does not allow the mantle to be passed on.
All 13 episodes of Titans Season 3 are available now on HBO Max. The series has been renewed for season 4.
About the Author
