Stargirl and her new JSA are having a rough summer. Not only do two of them have to go to summer school, which no teen wants, but they’ve dealt with malicious teachers, a powerful demon on the loose, a rival team being put together, and an enigmatic 19th century visitor. In addition to this they have mysteries involving their predecessors, complicated love lives, crushing guilt, and a lot of pressure as the stakes are constantly being raised.
They’ve been doing a good job showing Cindy Burman, AKA Shiv, putting together a team to challenge Stargirl’s fledgling Justice Society of America. Now, at least most of the pieces are in place and Cindy is making her move.
For a show that started off relatively bright and sunny, Stargirl has really developed a dark side. Eclipso is loose in Blue Valley, and that’s bad news for everyone. Now there’s creepiness in the shadows, unexpected allies and enemies, and a lot happening behind the scenes.
One of the things I’ve enjoyed the most about Stargirl is the history from DC’s older characters they’ve managed to bring in, bit by bit. They’ve created some interesting mysteries (Why was Dr. Midnight so much older than he should have been? Where are the rest of the Seven Soldiers of Victory?) but still respect at least most of the various character’s pasts.
What do you do after a major triumph? That’s something Courtney is struggling to answer as both her Stargirl and Courtney Whitmore lives are suffering after dealing with the ISA.
Now, in season two, we see some of the aftermath of the heroes’ big win, as well as new characters and complications. There’s a lot to learn in “Summer School: Chapter One.”
Stargirl’s first season is almost over, although season two has been confirmed. It will be airing on the CW, leaving DC Universe, the future of which is very much in doubt.
This episode shakes Courtney up, shows the difference between blood and chosen family, confirms something I was afraid of, and sheds more light on the background of one of the so-far minor characters.
Events are really picking up steam as so many plotlines crash into each other in this episode. There are questions about allegiance, honesty, the future, and the past, as characters deal with some very wrenching discoveries on many fronts.
While there’s a lot of focus on one character, we see bits and pieces of a few other things of importance. I love that they are throwing in so many things for long term readers like me, but you don’t have to know them to follow the story.
ComicBookClog 