Episode 13: Beta Male
Takes place 23 September 2010.
Short version
The Team cleans out an infestation of enhanced attack animals in a facility where Lex Luthor is researching the Danner formula.
Longer version
During repairs to the cave, Superboy overhears Aqualad discussing the warning that there might have been a traitor but is prevented from escalating when Paul intervenes. Paul explains that the info came from a villain and is not credible, and was most likely an attempt to sow seeds of distrust in the Team. OL and Aqualad reveal that they have checked up on every member and found no proof of any sign of activity as a spy and the Team accepts their explanation.
The Team is then sent on a mission to India to investigate claims of gorillas armed with guns, accompanied by Captain Marvel, who will act as their minder for the week. At the research facility near the previous attacks, they are ambushed by enhanced animals equipped with shock collars. After subduing them, they find swarms of Danner-enhanced rats in the facility, which has been taken over by the Brain; they neutralise or kill the rats, but fail to capture him before he escapes through a spatial tear made by Wotan. Afterward, the Team call Luthor in order to get information about the situation, with Robin confirming that he has more work on the subject set up somewhere. One of the scientists saved also claims to be the grandson of the man who created the Danner Formula.
Later, Paul brings Billy and Constantine to the tomb of the wizard Shazam's previous champion to see how Theodore got the former's powers. Paul decides to try and find a way to strip Theodore of his powers.
Throughout the episode, Paul shows a high number of uncontrolled avarice spikes, leading him into possessive and controlling behaviors.
In the Renegade timeline, the Team takes an intelligence-enhanced tiger (Mr Tawny) home with them as a pet, as per canon.
Equivalent canon episode: "Alpha Male". "Beta" likely refers to how Paul does not seek to lead the team, considering Aqualad to be a better choice, but he helps to co-ordinate.
- Attack Animal: The Brain uses animals enhanced with Venom Buster to protect the facility.
- Gone Horribly Right: Paul has the idea to use magic to see what really happened the day Billy's parents died. It works... and also gives Billy, Paul, and Constantine a front row seat as phantasms reenact the ritual sacrifice of Billy's parents that gave Theodore the powers of the wizard Shazam's previous champion.Paul: [internally] Good idea, subpar implementation, I guess.
- Nice Job Breaking It, Hero: OL mentioned the Danner Formula to Lex Luthor back in Taiwan. Two weeks later, he has scientists working on it and the grandson of the man who created it working for him.
- Poor Communication Kills: Averted. OL and Aqualad are able to explain their actions to the Team and this results in their working relationships not being strained like they were in canon.
- Riddle for the Ages: The truth behind the confrontation between Teth Adom and the Wizard Shazam will forever be a mystery
. - Rodents of Unusual Size: The Brain created giant rats by injecting them with Blockbuster Formula and Danner Formula, while using an aerosol version of Venom as a finisher to drive them berserk.
- Taught by Experience: Having learned from the poisoned lipstick incident, Paul follows up his standard scan with additional scans to pick up anything that was missed, allowing him to notice the monkeys that are about to attack him and Captain Marvel.
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Word of God: Killing the Joker might end up creating a Demon Clown Cult in the future.
