REVIEW: Young Justice – Season 4: Phantoms, Episode 18, “Beyond the Grip of the Gods!”

Television Reviews

*SPOILERS*

“Beyond the Grip of the Gods!” begins Rocket’s story arc with a bang in more ways than one. The episode’s first scenes show us a day in the life of Rocket and her autistic son Amistad. He obsesses over details like the arrangement of his toy cats, he can’t handle certain smells, and he absolutely must have a certain type of cookie and his wool hat – even in the heat of August. When she finally gets the boy to his father’s house, the two discuss his IEP (a unique education plan for a special needs child) and perhaps even a special school for his special needs. Rocket/Raquel ends the conversation on a sour note, reminding him that she won’t be back in time for Amistad’s IEP meeting. She unites with Forager and Jay Garrick on a mission to New Genesis in the hopes of signing a treaty. Things aren’t as great in Highfather’s great city as one might hope, though. His adopted son Orion flies into a rage any time he is physically confined or verbally contradicted. Tensions between the New Gods and the bugs (Forager’s people) haven’t gotten any better since the events of Outsiders; quite the contrary. A stranger informs Conner that Lex Luthor is yet another hallucination after the false Luthor has him running around saving people and replacing Superman. Another Forager, a female from a different hive of bugs, steals a device called a ruction cell from the New Gods. This sends Orion, Rocket, Flash, and the Forager we know and love into action to retrieve it. Forager identifies the bug and leads them to the hive, and the thieving female Forager gives him the ruction cell. M’gann’s brother M’comm is working for Darkseid, who orders him to obey someone named Lor-Zod. The episode ends with Conner learning that he is in the Phantom Zone and his new friend is General Zod – a name that means nothing to him.

Wow! This is the most satisfying episode in a while, as so many story threads are starting to come together. I’ve been wanting answers about Superboy all season (and to know he isn’t dead), and the answer was literally in the season’s title! I can’t believe I didn’t see this coming. This is a very different portrayal of the Phantom Zone than I’ve seen in Superman (1978) and the DC Animated Universe, which was a good call. It would have been obvious right away what was going on otherwise, and unique visuals are one of the main advantages of the animated medium. I genuinely can’t wait to see what happens with Conner and if anything comes of his hallucinations about letting go of M’gann. Surely not; I mean, this season literally began with their wedding preparations. And real or not, it was Lex Luthor who suggested as much. This is interesting because, in believing him to be dead, M’gann has had no choice but to let go of Conner. How will she react to learning he lives? Then, we have the two Zods. I think I remember Lor-Zod from the attack on Mars; is he the one who put Conner in this state? Could this be part of some elaborate ploy to release General Zod? Is Lor his son? Does Zod know who Superboy is? He could use this to his advantage in escaping and with whatever comes next.

I’m very intrigued by Rocket’s son and his condition. They don’t say anything about what form of autism he has, but he doesn’t seem to be very high-functioning. I think that could well be part of this arc’s theme, exploring Rocket’s expectations for her son (which seem astronomical), his actual abilities, and what he needs from her. I’ve seen some concerns raised online – mostly on Twitter, unsurprisingly. Autism is sometimes used as a plot device to create drama and problems for the neurotypical people who have to deal with the autistic person, i.e., Rocket in this scenario. Characters like Amistad are frequently shown in a stereotypical way that isn’t realistic or helpful in understanding and relating to autistic people. Personally, I didn’t see a problem in this episode, and I have faith in the writers, particularly Greg Weisman. Orion’s migraines and outbursts seem to be a parallel to Amistad’s autism, and Rocket calling him a monster when talking to Jay reaffirms my belief regarding this arc. In learning more about Orion and his condition, could Rocket gain a greater understanding of her own son? The episode even focuses on Highmother offering Orion support and guidance a couple of times. I also like the idea that Orion isn’t defined by his birth father being Darkseid. One of the episode’s highlights is his adoptive mother reminding him how different the two are.

The technical side of “Beyond the Grip of the Gods!” is excellent. I love the music when Rocket, Jay, and Forager make their way into New Genesis. The thumping sound Orion’s Motherbox makes when it calms him down is very satisfying. The animation is fluid and bright. “Beyond the Grip of the Gods!” is dedicated to Rene Auberjonois, who passed away last year and played a few minor characters in seasons 1 and 2. I may just need to rewatch Outsiders, but I didn’t realize that Forager was a title; I thought it was just his name. I echo Jay’s sentiment that having two characters named Forager is confusing, and I hope the female doesn’t become a major character for that reason. My initial thought was that they could become a couple, particularly when Forager called her a “capable female” while gazing at her.

Overall, I have to applaud “Beyond the Grip of the Gods!” Rocket isn’t one of my favorite characters, and I wasn’t particularly looking forward to her arc. But lots of Phantoms’ story threads connect in meaningful ways in “Beyond the Grip of the Gods!” and its narrative is spectacularly conveyed. Interesting themes are introduced, the character interactions are good, and I can’t wait to see where this arc goes.