Of the three episodes of Young Justice: Outsiders that dropped final Friday, the primary “Personal Safety” is the funniest — although you may’t name it straight filler.

Young Justice at all times strikes the plot ahead, even in its lighter episodes, and “Personal Safety affords a little bit of respite from the motion, it turned out to be essentially the most emotional of the brand new incarnation.

[Ed. note: This post contains spoilers for “Private Security” the fourth episode of Young Justice: Invasion]

The episode begins with Artemis, Superboy, and Black Lightning determining what to do with the three stragglers from their mission to Markovia. All of them contact Nightwing, however he’s very intentionally ignoring their calls.

As a substitute, Nightwing exhibits up at Bowhunter Safety, a non-public safety agency (wink, wink nudge, nudge) owned by Will Harper (Roy Harper’s clone from the primary season who has since reformed). Together with Nightwing are unique Roy Harper (going by Arsenal) and Jim Harper (one other Roy Harper clone, going by Guardian). They’re right here to persuade Will to accompany Nightwing on one more covert mission. Roy agrees — however provided that they assist him on a Bowhunter Safety job.

Cue the Hire-a-Cop uniforms! Cue the riffs! Cue that prompt face of remorse on Nightwing’s half!

Roy, Will, Jim and one regretful Dick Grayson Warner Bros. Animation/DC

“Let’s not faux you have been planning to hit your traffickers earlier than dusk,” says Will

“That’s the Dark Knight manner, proper?” chimes in Jim.

“I hear all these dangerous boys flip into pumpkins in daylight,” provides Roy.

The job seems to be a bit extra advanced than the group thought, as a a bunch of thugs decides to steal the cargo of Goode Goggles in broad daylight. Fro there, it’s automotive chases and extra jokes, because the clones and Dick tackle the VR headset bandits. However whereas the banter is enjoyable and it’s hilarious to see the normally secretive Nightwing dressed on this uniform, there’s one thing off — why isn’t Dick answering his calls? Why is he guarding goggles with the Harper clones as a substitute coping with the Markovians? Will is suspicious, however in fact, there are goggles to guard.

On the identical time, Artemis brings Halo to a gathering with Zatanna. This subplot hints on the deeper undertones of the Bowhunter Safety plot, as Artemis and Halo watch Zatanna meet up along with her father. Within the unique Young Justice seasons, Zatara was a distinguished League member, who allowed Lord of Order Nabu — also called Dr. Destiny — to inhabit his physique as a substitute of taking on Zatanna’s. Annually, for one hour, Nabu releases Zatara so he and Zatanna can reunite.

Warner Bros. Animation/DC Universe

This sense of grief and loss continues to permeate by means of the episode, particularly once we be taught simply why Nightwing has referred to as Will Harper on this mission.

In a slip of tongue within the midst of battle, Nightwing calls Will “Wally.” That’s when Will realizes why Nightwing specifically requested him on this mission— he wants his finest good friend. Since Wally West is useless, faux Roy Harper is the closest substitute.

Nightwing is defensive at first, however whereas beating up the dangerous man with a flashlight and a clipboard (no Batarangs for personal safety guards), they ultimately have a heart-to-heart. Nightwing is reluctant to “do groups” anymore, given what occurred with Wally, however Will confronts him about this hesitation: Dick must step up.

Nightwing relinquishes after which the 2 toss the criminal that they’re holding above their heads into the road. In opposition to a setting solar, Dick realizes that he must step it up and make it proper. He doesn’t point out Wally once more, however the speedster’s presence is felt.

Warner Bros. Animation/DC Universe

Young Justice: Outsiders excels when it balances its humor with its depth. “Personal Safety” is now one of the best instance. The lack of a serious character isn’t one thing that the present’s third season hand-waved or overused: nobody’s forgotten Wally West, however on the identical time, these closest to him aren’t wallowing in swimming pools of grief or swearing vengeance. As a substitute, the sentiments of loss are delicate, however nonetheless very a lot current.

The following three episodes of Young Justice: Outsiders premiere on Jan. 18 on DC Universe.