Aesop Amnesia: Subverted. The episode ends with Aquaman once again refraining from exiling Orm, opting instead to imprison him in a cell on the grounds that he can't give up on family. Batman is incredulous to say the least, until he sees Aquaman reading his ego-centric biography to Orm. Seeing how much that infuriates Orm, Batman sees this is a far worse punishment than exile would've been.
Arch-Enemy: Aquaman describes Black Manta as such, having a very personal loathing of him.
Bait-and-Switch: Played with, as an inner-monologue variety. When Aquaman vouches to simply imprison Orm (instead of banishing or executing him for treason), Batman cynically thinks "Just when I thought he learned something from 'The Adventure of the Bad Brother'..." But then, Aquaman reveals he plans to justly punish his brother the only way he knows how: by reading stories of his grand adventures! Batman changes his tune and thinks "He shows he knows exactly what he's doing".
Berserk Button: Batman points out that Aquaman keeps making excuses for Orm, due to guilt for what their mother decided. Aquaman responds with a stern, "Just drop it, old chum."
Beware the Nice Ones: Aquaman has one of these moments and reacts with Tranquil Fury towards his brother Orm after his brother reveals his true colors.
Both Sides Have a Point: Aquaman and Batman have an argument concerning whether or not Orm would scheme with Black Manta to destroy Atlantis. Aquaman is technically validated in that Orm would never dream of destroying Atlantis, as he would rather have a kingdom to rule rather than an empire of rubble. Batman is also right, however, in that Orm doesn't love Atlantis, not the way Aquaman does. If anything, he only loves the power that comes with being king.
Cain and Abel: Orm is actively plotting to kill Aquaman and take the throne.
The Cameo: Mera is present for the ceremony and later during Black Manta's announcement.
Cool and Unusual Punishment: Aquaman’s punishment for Orm: read his autobiography to him, which is something the latter absolutely hates.
Despair Event Horizon: With Black Manta beginning his plan to destroy Atlantis, Orm feels it's all over. Aquaman disagrees.
Didn't See That Coming: When chastised for his failed assassination attempt, Black Manta says it would've worked if not for Batman suddenly showing up.
Disc-One Final Boss: After betraying Orm, Black Manta becomes the episode's main antagonist.
Divide and Conquer: While in chains, Aquaman warns Orm that Black Manta will betray him. Orm thinks Aquaman is doing this trope to get out of this mess, but it was a legitimate warning. Black Manta immediately shoots Orm.
Enemy Mine: Aquaman and Orm decide something needs to be done about Black Manta and so the two foil Black Manta's plan to destroy Atlantis.
"Eureka!" Moment: When Orm mentions that Aquaman is heading to the shelf, Black Manta realizes that is far from any witnesses and a perfect opportunity for another assassination attempt.
Flashback: Showing when the boys' mother gave Aquaman the crown, much to Orm's frustration.
Friendly, Playful Dolphin: Fluke, much to Batman's annoyance. He changes his tune when Fluke helps him during this adventure.
Good Cannot Comprehend Evil: Played with. Aquaman professes to Batman that Orm couldn't possibly be in cahoots with Black Manta, because that would mean destroying Atlantis. And from where he stands, Orm loves it just as much as he does. But Batman knows better: what he loves is power. Later, it turns out Aquaman does secretly recognize that Orm is bitter about not being king, and understands why their mother chose him over his elder brother. He's just too guilt-ridden over how his brother turned out to admit it.
He Knows Too Much: While Orm and Black Manta are discussing their plan, the latter notices some local marine sneaking around and shoots it before it can warn Aquaman.
In the Back: How Black Manta incapacitates Aquaman. He does the same to an unexpecting Orm, too.
Irrational Hatred: Batmam's dislike of Fluke is played this way, as the dolphin is constantly upbeat and just wants to play.
It's All My Fault: Aquaman feels responsible for Orm's history, due to those actions stemming from their mother selecting him (Aquaman) to be her successor.
Jerkass Has a Point: Batman could've used a little more tact when he told off Aquaman for not seeing that Orm was plotting something. But he was right: as he so put it, Aquaman knows his brother is power-hungry, but he won't admit it because of guilt that their mother gave him the crown instead of Orm.
Man Hug: Aquaman greets Batman with one. That cracking sound indicates it's a rather painful one.
Noodle Incident: Orm's past actions against Aquaman, stuff apparently so severe that Batman can't believe Aquaman is in a forgiving mood. Batman in particular cites how Orm commandeered a nuclear submarine.
Oh, Crap!: Felix Faust when the Atom reveals himself, leading to two heroes about to punch him out.
Right for the Wrong Reasons: Aquaman knows Black Manta is behind the device taking over sea life, as part of another attempt to destroy Atlantis. This is why he doesn't believe Orm is involved, as there would be no city left for anyone to rule if Black Manta had his way. Aquaman is surprised to learn the truth, but he was right in a sense, as Black Manta planned all along to betray Orm and clear the way for destroying the city.
Screw This, I'm Outta Here: According to Aquaman, Orm left Atlantis almost immediately after losing out on becoming king.
Shadow Archetype: Orm has all of Aquaman's ego, but not his heroic spirit. As such, he feels entitled to a job that he is definitely not qualified for.
Sham Supernatural: In the teaser, Batman gets the better of Felix Faust by seemingly performing assorted magical feats, such as levitating himself and objects. Faust is completely confused, saying Batman's not reciting any spells. It's all actually the work of the miniature Atom to keep Faust off balance.
Teeth-Clenched Teamwork: After betraying Orm, Black Manta freely admits that he's been wanting to shoot him pretty much the whole time.
Thicker Than Water: Aquaman ignores Batman's warnings about Orm out of guilt, saying this is about his family. The villains exploit this attitude to catch him off guard. When it's all over, Aquaman still refuses to give up on a troubled family member, though he makes sure to give him a Cool and Unusual Punishment.
Threatening Shark: Double subverted. Batman is escorted out of the area by a pair of shark guards. They're quite benign, until the mind control kicks in and Batman suddenly has to fight for his life.
Unwitting Pawn: Black Manta mocks Orm for being this to him.
Villain Ball: Averted. After Batman is sent away from the city, the villains make an attempt to eliminate him rather than take any chances that he'll just stay away.
Yank the Dog's Chain: Based on the flashback, Orm was not told in advance that his little brother was being named successor. It being done at the ceremony in front of a huge crowd magnified his embarrassment and anger.
You Have Outlived Your Usefulness: Black Manta takes Orm by surprise with a zap to the back. Orm is of course unhappy with Black Manta for this betrayal but is not able to move or do much about it while his hands are chained up.
