Ep 2. Shadow of the Hawk

As the second episode of Justice League Unlimited season 2, "Shadow of the Hawk" follows the Justice League as they confront the return of an ancient and powerful threat to the planet. Carter Hall, reincarnated as Hawkman, is drawn to a powerful artifact that ultimately imprisons him. The Justice League must race to free Hawkman and stop the villainous Hath-Set from unleashing a destructive force upon the world.

The episode begins with Hawkman in a trance, drawn to a remote location by a powerful force. As he investigates, he is suddenly attacked and imprisoned within a mysterious object. Meanwhile, the Justice League is called to investigate a series of strange occurrences around the world, all pointing to the resurgence of Hath-Set, an ancient Egyptian priest with a vendetta against both Hawkman and the world at large.

As the team investigates, they discover that Hath-Set seeks to use Hawkman's body as a vessel for the power of Nth metal, a powerful alien substance that grants immense strength and durability. The Justice League races to locate Hawkman and free him from his imprisonment, but are waylaid by Hath-Set's minions and forced to fight for their lives.

Throughout the episode, we see various members of the Justice League struggling with their own personal demons. Wonder Woman in particular has recurring flashbacks to her time as a young girl on Themyscira, reminding us of her Amazonian roots and the struggles she faces as a warrior princess. Meanwhile, Green Lantern wrestles with the responsibility of his newfound power, struggling to balance his duty to the Corps with his own desires and fears.

As the team finally arrives at Hath-Set's lair, they confront the resurrected Egyptian priest and engage in a fierce battle. The fight scenes are expertly crafted, showcasing each member of the Justice League's unique strengths and abilities. We see Superman wrestle with his own vulnerability, using his immense strength to protect his friends while risking his own life in the process. Batman, as always, is the consummate strategist, constantly thinking several moves ahead even in the heat of battle.

Ultimately, the Justice League emerges victorious, having freed Hawkman from his imprisonment and stopped Hath-Set from unleashing the power of Nth metal upon the world. The episode ends with the team reflecting on their own inner struggles, reminding us that even superheroes face challenges and doubts.

Overall, "Shadow of the Hawk" is a thrilling and action-packed episode that delivers on all fronts. The animation is top-notch, bringing the characters to life with vivid colors and dynamic movement. The voice acting is also superb, with each actor bringing depth and nuance to their respective characters. Fans of the Justice League will love this episode, and newcomers will be drawn in by the compelling storyline and expertly crafted action sequences.