Things That Only Adults Notice In Young Justice

Season 1 of "Young Justice" explores how secrets, no matter how well-intentioned, almost always wind up isolating the person keeping them. For example, M'gann claims to be the niece of J'onn J'onzz, the Martian Manhunter. She also says she's a Green Martian, as the superheroes of Earth are familiar with them. However, M'gann is actually a White Martian, and her true form is potentially terrifying to humans. All of this subterfuge is unnecessary, as her teammates accept her when her true form is finally revealed. M'gann endured loneliness and anxiety for absolutely no reason. Adult viewers are sure to be reminded of moments in their own lives when they kept a secret unnecessarily, and will groan in recognition.

Artemis is also secretive — in fact, her entry into the team is based on lies. After she escapes the clutches of her villainous and abusive father Sportsmaster, she desperately seeks a way to become a superhero. Unbeknownst to her, her mother has begged Batman and Green Arrow to help. Thus, Green Arrow claims that Artemis is his niece. But these secrets come back to hurt her and the team, as the Light tries to blackmail her into doing their bidding with this information. When Superboy confesses the truth about his cloned heritage, Artemis is emboldened to do the same. Kids know honesty is important, but only grown-up fans will grasp how fully it can set you free.