Still reeling from ‘Influence’? I warned ya, it’s a lot. However, we like the intensity of it all, so let’s continue right into ‘Leverage’!. Finally, the much-anticipated Suicide Squad episode. In this episode, the brand new Gamma Squad investigates a Super-Robot base in Russia. Because this is Young Justice and nothing can ever be easy, they get a little more than they bargained for. Especially when three escaped convicts come out to play. Feeling a little lost? Don’t worry, I got you covered. 

1. Stuck in a Contract: The episode begins in the middle of a Space Trek shoot, where we learn that Granny is holding Garfield in repeating scenes over, and over again. Do his eyes look a little redder to you? I don’t blame him, the kid must be exhausted. He contemplates quitting the show, but the director reminds him that due to his contract with the studio, he’s stuck. Maybe angering Granny wasn’t the smartest idea.
2. Aunty Mouse: Back at my favorite house, I mean, Star City, Artemis prepares to leave as Will and Lian eat dinner. Hilarious shenanigans ensure, as the toddler shows her ‘Aunty Mouse’ her chewed up food in her mouth. Brucely eats the spilled up food, and Will and Lian proceed to have a ‘gross out contest’. No, it’s fine, I’m not melted into a puddle of feelings or anything. Really. Also, I just have to give credit to the amazing Zehra Fazal for giving a very convincing toddler-voice to Lian over these three episodes. All my respect and appreciation! 
3. Gamma Squad Rules: Beast Boy is the last to arrive to the Watchtower, after doing 52 takes for Space Trek. I feel your frustration, Dude. The newly minted Gamma Squad are to go on a covert mission (ha) to Russia in order to investigate a possible government-sponsored Meta-program. Brion is quick to scoff, positive that it will be the Russian equivalent of Bedlam, but Kaldur instructs him to keep an open mind, as it may be their equivalent to the MHYC in Taos. 
4. Stick Around: Speaking of the MHYC in Taos, the Meta-Teens father in a Hall, awaiting instruction from Eduardo Dorado Sr. As one teen moves to leave, she’s stopped by Ed Jr., who explains how running away won’t solve anything. She ends up staying, and Both Eduardo’s (Sr. And Jr.) take turns explaining to the teens how they will proceed from this point. The important message is that they are welcome to stay as long as they’d like, will receive counseling from Megan and Dinah, and will also be given training to better control their powers. In a bit of a twist, the teens are also offered their own inhibitor collars if they choose. While the intentions are noble, I can already see the potential danger of collaring Metas. 
5. Super Soldiers: Clad in snow-stealth, Gamma Squad arrives in Verhoyansk. They carefully navigate their way to investigate the base, and it’s truly a pleasure to see how efficiently they all work together after half a season of fumbles. We learn that the Russians are developing a type of super soldier called the ‘Rocket Red Brigade’. Essentially, trained combatants are (painfully) bonded with a giant metal suit; sort of like Iron Man, right? I kid, hold your rotten tomatoes. With this intel gathered, Artemis prepares the team for extraction. Brion, however, is not happy with doing nothing to stop the Brigade. Luckily for him, extraction is cut short when Beast Boy notices three very familiar faces: Black Manta, Captain Boomerang, and Monsieur Mallah. Their appearance is quite a surprise on Gamma, given that the three should be locked away in Belle Reve.
6. Settling the Score: Gamma Squad quickly prevents the criminals from attacking the Russian base. The Russian soldiers realize they are under attack, and quickly prepare for combat. Meanwhile, Black Manta immediately recognizes Artemis in her Tigress getup and remarks that they still have a score to settle. Sure thing, Manta. Not like it was settled last season or anything. Gamma Squad and the escaped convicts engage in battle, with the Russian super-soldiers following suite. Captain Boomerang corners Halo, and his words seem to trigger something in them. Violet is rendered frozen as Captain Boomerang impales her in the chest, wiping the slate clean for how many episodes it’s been since Halo has been killed. It takes Violet a while to recover, and they are unable to conjure up a Boom Tube to help Gamma escape once the Super Soldiers find them out. 
7. Peer Counseling: In a peer-circle with Ed Jr. as leader, the Meta-Teens express distaste at the inhibitor collar. Ed is able to explain to them how in one case (Newt’s case, to be exact), the inhibitor collar was extremely helpful in getting him back on the right track. Despite the story, Wendy remains adamant on not needing the collar. 
8. Suicide Squad: Black Manta and his squad had since retreated, analyzing Gamma squad from afar to a very familiar voice. He reveals that the Justice League has a covert ops unit, which intrigues the voice quite a bit. He asks for an extraction, but is bid otherwise. Despite the odds, Black Manta and his team are forced to stay and fulfil the mission of eliminating the Rocket Red Brigade. Artemis attempt to convince the Super-Soldiers that they are not here to attack, but rather to prevent an attack. Proving her point, Black Manta and his team strike again. The Super-Soldiers are able to take out Black Manta and his team quite easily, which is terrifying if you think about it. They remain uncertain about the intentions of Gamma Squad, but thanks to Garfield’s reputation and Artemis’ quick thinking, they are able to convince the Soldiers to let them go.
9. An Attempt of Control: At the MHYC, Dr. Eduardo Dorado Sr. leads Mist, Livewire, and Wendy in an attempt to control their powers. Livewire and Mist immediately show off, and Wendy harnesses her powers soon after. Things quickly go awry when Mist gets sucked into Wendy’s cyclones, one thing leads to another, and soon Wendy’s powers are out of control, sucking all the air out of the room. Ed Jr. is able to teleport her out of the room, reducing Wendy to a mess of tears once she realizes what she’d done.
10. Secrets to Keep: Kaldur waits in Belle Reve to try and uncover the reason behind Black Manta, Captain Boomerang, and Monsieur Mallah’s escape. He gets his answer in the former warden, Amanda Waller. She reveals that the government has enlisted these villains in a ‘Suicide Squad’, in which they complete covert missions for them. She also holds a bargaining chip over Kaldur’s head: he doesn’t reveal the Suicide Squad, and she keeps quiet about the Justice League’s covert team. Though Beast Boy claims she’s bluffing, Kaldur accepts the deal. 
11. Aftermath: In Dakota City, Hardware gives Dr. Jace her craved access to a laboratory. Yeah, I’m sure that’s going to work out well for everyone involved. Especially because not even two minutes later, we see her investigating a hair off the hairbrush she used on Violet back in ‘True Heroes’. Over back in Taos, the Meta-teens leave their peer counseling session, and we see that Wendy is wearing an inhibitor collar. Ouch. Garfield simmers in Brentwood, watching as his heroic selfie garners more and more fame. And then finally, in Star City, Artemis enjoys some ice cream with Lian as Will washes dishes. And then… Artemis has a very suggestive look on her face as she stares at Will. Uh oh. Yeah, we’re going to delve into that more in the next episode. Violet still seems pretty down after her encounter with Captain Boomerang, and we soon learn why. Back when they were Gabrielle, they accepted a bribe to let in the assassin who killed the King and Queen of Markovia. Looking on in horror at the realization, Violet declares that Brion, Tara, and the rest of the inhabitants of the Harper-Crock household can never know. 

Let us know what you thought of the episode in the comments below and in the forum!

Today’s the day! After five long, arduous months of waiting, new Young Justice episodes have arrived. Are y’all staying whelmed? I hope so, because we have a LOT to cover. No lie, I watched these episodes probably around six times each during my vacation, just to make sure I didn’t miss anything. ‘Influence’ starts off with an off-world mission, highlighting the Justice League’s attempts to recover the missing meta-teens in space. Our secondary plot takes us back to the Outsiders and their transition into the main team, with so much to unpack throughout. Without further ado, let’s get into it!

1. Kiss the Ring: Wonder Woman’s team investigates an attack over on Thanagar. Upon scanning the wreckage, Superman detects only Thanagarian casualties with no sign of Parademons. While the destruction mirrors previous Parademon attacks, there is no sign of Boom Tube activity and the attack pattern is different. It seems that the main reason for the attack was to steal Nth metal from Thanagar. Hawkman becomes irate at the fact that the Apokoliptians have stolen another rare material for their armada, but Commander Talak insists that the only life-signs scanned were those of Earthlings, and luckily, not those of the Justice League. It appears that despite sending evidence defending the actions of the enslaved meta-teens, the Justice League is still unable to fully convince everyone that the missing teens are acting beyond their control. Commander Talak seems especially leery, as he points out that Wonder Woman’s team jumping in to help mirrors the apologetic actions taken by the Justice League as a result of their tirade during the missing sixteen hours. The one true delight in this entire conversation is the endearing obnoxiousness of Guy Gardner, who displays zero tact and does as he pleases. He reveals that he did some of his own scanning, and while there was no sign of Boom Tube activity, the attackers left an Ion trail leading to the attackers ship.
2. A Choice to Make: Over at Mount Justice, in a rather peaceful moment, the Outsiders introduce Tara to the culinary delight of breakfast burritos. Brion explains that he and Tara grew up without the practice of ‘eating with one’s hands’, prompting Vic to make fun. Brion turns the tables on him and points out that Vic didn’t exactly grow up outside the lap of comfort, humbling Victor immediately; much kudos to Troy Baker and Zeno Robinson for the hilarious delivery. Connor, Dick, and Artemis cut in to explain to the gang that they think the Outsiders are ready to join the team. However, joining is not without sacrifice; choosing to be part of the team is an important decision, not to be taken lightly. In a moment that will likely ache Spitfire fans everywhere, Artemis recounts how she and Wally left the hero business and had a normal life, until they risked it all to save the world. With all that said and done, the Outsiders are left to make their decisions.
3. Mea Culpa: Before they can, Victor’s phone pops up with the Justice League press conference, where Kaldur is giving a briefing about the true intention behind the Goode Goggles. He calls on local governments to investigate Goode World Studios, and to take sanctions against Meta-Human trafficking. Lex Luthor criticizes the Justice League’s efforts in saving the trapped meta-teens, claiming that because they did not alert and coordinate with local authorities, the people responsible for the trafficking were able to escape at large. As usual, G. Gordon only adds fuel to the fire, explaining how the public and government officials are turning against the Justice League. If you suddenly hear a crack, it’s the sound of my heart breaking when we learn Commissioner Gordon has covered up the Bat-Signal. Before we can delve too much into that, G. Gordon introduces Granny Goodness, who is there to address the Justice League’s accusations against her. To Gordon’s surprise, instead of rebutting the accusations, she owns up to them. Sort of. She blames it all on Jaqquar Marlo, and insists that she and her company are making amends to the goggles in addition to funding the Meta-Human Youth Center in Taos.
4. Granny vs. Garfield: Garfield, who was watching the interview, is dissatisfied with the lie. As he’s leaving a restaurant, a robbery occurs. Garfield immediately handles it, apprehending the robber and returning a woman’s purse to her. She celebrates by taking a selfie with him, which is sure to go viral. Granny is happy with his heroic display and praises him for ‘trending’, letting him know that his mother would be proud of him. Garfield doesn’t take this sitting down, and immediately calls her out for who she is. Brave, sure. But probably not the best idea, Gar. There’s no way that Granny is going to let him get away with this kind of behavior, and gives him a warning.
5. Great Scott!: Much to Wonder Woman, the Hawks, and Superman’s annoyance, Guy passes their travel time with a rather entertaining song. Luckily for them, Superman spots what they’re looking for: an astroid base. One that’s twice the size of the Watchtower. Uh oh. 
6. Who You Are Inside: Inside the Watchtower, Violet, Brion, Forager and Tara officially join the team. Artemis commends that there are two more girls on the team, but Violet is uncomfortable with this. Violet explains that though their appearance is female, Violet is unsure as to whether they are a boy or girl. For now, Violet would prefer to just be themselves. Violet asks if Brion is alright with this, and he is more than accepting. Miss Martian brings along more good news: Artemis and Connor are rejoining the team. They aren’t the only ones, though! Garfield has officially decided to rejoin as well. 
7. Social Presence: On the media front, Catherine and Troia defend the Justice League’s actions and try to explain how limited they are in assisting worldwide. G. Gordon makes light of their attempt while speaking with Lex Luthor. Lex informs us that to maintain transparency on the Justice League’s actions, he has a satellite constantly monitoring the Watchtower. Additionally, to avoid conflict of interest with his own company, he has stepped down and handed over the reigns to his sister, Lena Luthor. 
8. Attack on the Horizon: On the Astroid base, Granny and Barda watch as Wonder Woman’s team follows the ion trail directly to them. Barda reveals that she avoided Boom Tubing and purposefully left the trail so they could fight. Granny, however, is displeased with the initiative, and disciplines Barda as a result.
9. Domestic Chaos: Back in Happy Harbor, Brion recounts his fascination with the Watchtower to Vic, who seems relatively uninterested. He’s still set on staying out of the hero game, and getting his life back to normal. I’m unclear on what his plan is, other than sulking on his phone, but I wish him the best of luck. What’s interesting, though, is that he seems to have seen an incoming text from Violet to Brion. Sure, it could be a coincidence that he knew Violet would text him, but based on his expression after it happens, I’d place a stronger bet that it isn’t. We cut over to Star City, where poor Will Harper’s home is amuck. Lian has spilled her juice, Brucely needs to be walked, and on top of all that, Jefferson and Dr. Jace are visiting. Luckily, Violet and Tara assist with the chores, and Artemis is a stellar aunt to Lian so Will can keep the visitors company. Dr. Jace expresses displeasure at her inability to do anything to help the ‘children’, and claims she could help Victor with the use of a laboratory and equipment. Anyone else getting seriously shady vibes from her? I’m waiting for her true motives to be revealed, so I can finally be vindicated in my distrust of her. Speaking of being shady, Tara lurks outside, recording Dr. Jace’s conversation with Will and Jefferson, before sending it over to Deathstroke in Santa Prisca.
10. Hail Darkseid: On Granny’s orders, Barda fires on Wonder Woman’s team as they approach the asteroid. A short battle ensues, in which Superman, Wonder Woman, and Hawkwoman are able to sneak aboard the asteroid. However, because nothing is that easy, they are spotted, and Barda declares that she will send the furies after them. In a truly adorable moment, we discover that the team’s lingo has even found its way to Superman’s mouth, in which he encourages Hawkwoman to ‘stay whelmed’. Too cute. Right after, Wonder Woman discovers the missing meta-teens. All the missing meta-teens. Before they can do anything about it, Barda attacks with the Furies. Granny and Desaad Boom Tube into the fight and decide to test a new torture device. However, it doesn’t just affect the three heroes, but Barda and the Furies too. Superman orders everyone out of the zone, and is able to fly out with Barda in tow. He notices Granny and Desaad, and distracts them so the torture stops. As the three heroes attempt to confront Granny, she Boom Tubes them into space, where they cannot breathe. Lucky for them, Guy was around to provide assistance. 
11. A Bitter End: As Granny Boom Tubes the asteroid away, we learn the conclusion of her interview segment. She claims that she will be releasing new and improved goggles, and will continue to support the Meta-Human Youth Center. Garfield watches the conclusion of the interview with a bitter expression before staring at his victory selfie. As expected, it has gone viral. But what does it mean? Follow along to the next two episodes to find out!

Author’s note: From this point on, Violet will be referred to with gender-neutral terms to align with her neutral gender-identity. 

Let us know what you thought of the episode in the comments below and in the forum!

It's a little too close for our comfort! 11 hours before the big return of Young Justice with three new episodes and we are just now finally getting new episode images from the episodes that will air tomorrow! YIKES! But if you are sitting in your chair thinking it's feeling a lot like Christmas in July, then perhaps these images can be that one present you get to open on Christmas Eve! There are twelve new images for episode 14, only five new images for episode 15 and 13 new images for episode 16! What could they be hiding in episode 15? You'll find out soon but for now check out the images below:

Influence:

Leverage:

Illusion of Control

Let us know what you think of the new images in the comments below and in our forum!

We've waited, and waited, and WAITED! But the time is almost here! The DC Universe has released the one-line synopses for the next three episodes! Additionally, we can confirm that next Tuesday there should be three episodes to view not just one! A bit of an extra treat for having to wait so long. We believe that after Tuesday, the 2nd, DCU will revert back to releasing only one episode per week, taking us into August. We are working to confirm that now. As for the one-line synopses, you can check those out below:

• Episode 314: "Influence" The team reassembles while the Justice League faces a new threat in space.
• Episode 315: "Leverage" A new Gamma Squad sets out on its first mission.
• Episode 316: "Illusion of Control" The team gives thanks for what they have…and might lose!.

Very interesting! Sounds like the Outsiders could be folded into the larger team! We'll have to wait and see! Let us know your thoughts in the comments below and in the forum!