When a massive alien asteroid lands in the middle of Jump City, the crime alert sounds in Titans Tower. However, the Teen Titans are more annoyed than scared—all of these world-threatening invasions are getting tedious. They'd rather have a lighthearted fight like the old days... but those days are over. So they get going.
Once they arrive at the impact crater, the team is shocked to see that the alien menace is just a talking worm. Certainly a surprise, but a refreshing one. They're even more thrilled to see a boy named Billy Batson about to fight the worm. Not only that, but he can transform into the mighty superhero Shazam just by saying "Shazam!" The Titans can't seem to get over how awesome he is, but Shazam has no time for them; he has to defeat the worm, aka Mr. Mind, a tiny yet terrifying criminal. But during their conversation, Mr. Mind had dipped on them. Shazam must now meet with the Wizard, a magical man who gave him superpowers, and the Titans tag along.
The group takes an enchanted subway ride to the Rock of Eternity, where they meet up with the Wizard. He's a little bit strange... apparently, the old man bestowed his powers upon Billy because of a looming prophesy about being crushed by a giant rock—a prophesy that, for some reason, he eagerly anticipates. While looking around the lair, the Titans notice a bunch of evil looking statues; encased inside are the Seven Deadly Enemies of Man. To the Wizard's dismay, the heroes start idolizing the sinful idols. Not for long, though... Mr. Mind suddenly arrives and snatches up all seven vices, intent on releasing them into Jump City. Billy and the Titans head off to stop the wicked worm.
Unfortunately, the Seven Deadly Enemies of Man instantly overtake the Titans: Robin's pride gets multiplied, while danger comes from Starfire's anger. In greed, Cyborg flees, and Raven's indelibly filled with jealousy. Meanwhile, Beast Boy has gone soft with sloth... With the Titans disabled, the seven sins morph into a gigantic robot and start wrecking the city. Luckily, Shazam arrives to take on the monster in an epic brawl. The battle eventually ends with the destruction of the robot, as well as Mr. Mind being chucked into outer space (where a comet smashes the worm). Shazam tells the Titans that the reason superheroes have become grim and serious today is because they didn't take him or Mr. Mind seriously.
Watching from a portal in the Rock of Eternity, the Wizard is proud to see that Billy's victorious. His rejoicing is short-lived, though, as a giant rock falls on him. Prophesy fulfilled!
This episode premiered the same week as the DC Extended Universe film Shazam!, which hit theaters on Friday, April 5, 2019. They were most likely released so close together to play off each others' hype.
While Mr. Mind played an important antagonistic role in "Little Elvis," he was only seen in a mid-credits scene in Shazam!. This hints that the sequel will likely feature the worm as the main villain.
This episode in fact was already finished and delivered to Cartoon Network eight months prior to being released, but Cartoon Network held it back just to coincide with the Shazam movie hype.
Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom aired this episode before the official United States premiere.
The reason why the Seven Deadly Sins of Man was altered into Seven Deadly Enemies of Man is most likely owing to sin being a strongly uncomfortable sounding word for a kids show and also copyright issues ensue. It should be noted that in the original Shazam/Captain Marvel comics they were called the Seven Deadly Enemies of Man, so this episode likely paid a tribute to that fact.
The season 5 part 2 DVD Smells Like Magic cover was based on this episode.
Despite the fact that this episode aired on April 1st, this episode isn't related to April Fools' Day.
Robin's classic Titan design has appeared again since "Classic Titans".
References[]
The title of the episode is a reference to the late Rock and Roll legend, Elvis Presley.Beast Boy remarks that Shazam resembles the singer when in adult form.
No lust, only the unjust.
The Seven Deadly Enemies of Man are a spoof of the Seven Deadly Sins, a list of vices in Christian teaching. Six of the deadly sins (Greed, Pride, Envy, Gluttony/Selfishness, Sloth/Laziness and Wrath/Hatred) are present, with Injustice substituting for Lust. Previous versions of Shazam and this episode likely made the change so as to avoid the sexual implications of this sin.
Mr. Mind's voice and laugh is probably a reference to Elmo Monster's from the educational TV series Sesame Street.
When the Titans mock Mr. Mind by making him look like a literal bookworm, it's likely a reference to the titular character of the PopCap game, Bookworm.
Errors[]
TBA
Running Gags[]
The Teen Titans referring to the Wizard by the names of other well known wizards.
Raven trying to get the Shazam to say his name to get him to transform.
The Titans freaking out over Shazam.
The Titans acting excited over Mr. Mind and thinking he's adorable.
Transcript[]
The transcript for "Little Elvis" can be found here.
Gallery[]
The image gallery for Little Elvis may be viewed here.
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