This week’s episode starts with a bang, with the former Speedy, now renamed Red Arrow, rescuing a scientist from a tropical beachfront fortress. He really kicks some ass and delivers this scientist to our superhero team, only to find he’s been replaced with a new sidekick for Green Arrow, Artemis.

We also find out what scientist lady has been working on- a giant swarm of nano-bugs capable of absorbing and destroying technology (or something). Our heroes are charged with defending her while she finishes working on a virus to destroy the bugs, but the League of Shadows are hot on their trail. Specifically, we get to see Cheshire, Black Spider, Professor Ojo, and the Hook face off against the team. Oh, and there’s something suspicious about Artemesis’ past, and she seems to have some connection with the League of Shadows herself.

The real standout here is Aqualad, who is settling in well to his role as team leader. It’s nice to see that dynamic, as it would make sense to have either Robin or Superboy be the leader, but neither of them are really ready for that responsibility.

This episode is pretty by the numbers: lots of action and fighting, not so heavy on character development. Which is fine if all you want are the ‘splosions and the smashy-smashy. It delivers on that. Lots of good arrow-work in the episode especially, given the presence of Red Arrow and Artemis. Even though your typical archer character (Hawkeye, Green Arrow) can be really lame, in these instances the writers and creators know what they’re doing. I’m also still really digging the wordplay Robin engages in (asking why people are always overwhelmed or underwhelmed, but no one is ever just “whelmed”, etc). We also get some fun moments where Martian Girl telepathically links everyone’s minds together because they fear their electronic communications are being monitored- lots of typical adolescent thoughts being thrown around that team, and even a moment where Aqualad tells people he can hear them glaring at each other.

While not as good as last week (I loved the character moments. . . and still can’t get over the robot monkey attack!) this is a solid episode worthy of your time.  Again, add this to your DVR, watch it Friday night with Clone Wars (or Smallville? If that’s your thing. . .) or watch it Saturday mornings when cartoons were meant to be watched, with a giant bowl of sugary cereal, the way cartoons were meant to be watched.