'Stargirl' Episode 2 Review: Classic superhero dynamics done right as Stars and Stripe align
Spoilers for 'Stargirl' Season 1 Episode 2 'S.T.R.I.P.E.'
While it's still very much Courtney Whitmore's (Brec Bassinger) show, this episode dives a little deeper into what makes Pat Dugan (Luke Wilson) tick. In the meanwhile, however, the threat of Brainwave (Christopher James Baker) looms large and the bond of Stargirl and S.T.R.I.P.E. is forged in the fire of their first real supervillain fight. The show has now well and truly begun.
The pilot episode did a wonderful job of introducing the setting of Blue Valley and the many intriguing characters who occupy it. This episode has more of a focus on vital elements of a superhero's journey mainly, a training montage and a costume design. While a lot of minor plot threads continue to be introduced, to be picked up later, the main focus of the episode is on Brainwave, Pat and Courtney, who all make the most of their time in the spotlight.
Courtney's character in particular really gets to shine, now that she's out from the shadow of being a resentful teen. The elements of what make her such a great superhero start to show - she's brave, stubborn, smart and resourceful. There's no trace of hesitation as she dives into superheroics and no acknowledgment that she may be in over her head; part of that is simple teenage naivete, but a large part is simple confidence that being a superhero is what she was meant to do. Later, in the episode, we get to see her more encouraging, inspirational side - Courtney Whitmore is a light.
In contrast, Pat is a man of equal earnestness but nowhere near the same amount of confidence. Despite owning a very powerful mecha, the first time he ever used it is out of necessity. He is a man who is very aware that he's in over his head but his sense of duty makes him go headlong into danger anyway. Pat's story is one of a man who tries, tries, and tries again, despite the belief that true heroism was only ever something he could aspire to and not embody. Only Luke Wilson could play a character so easily pushed around by a confident teenager.
His performance makes a great case for why he's Stargirl's sidekick and not the other way around. Their relationship continues to develop in very entertaining ways - there is a closeness that's developing between the two, though not necessarily one of a father and daughter. They feel more like colleagues than family but one that is there to support and protect each other. It's a unique dynamic, but it works.
Brainwave makes for an excellent first villain. He is powerful enough to push both Stargirl and S.T.R.I.P.E. to their limits and his mix of arrogance and his intimidating nature add up to a sincere take on old-fashioned villainy. It's a defining feature of 'Stargirl' and it makes takes a lot of classic superhero conventions, taking them seriously enough and portraying them well enough, to show just why people fell in love with them in the first place. 'Stargirl' has a few twists but it's classic superhero storytelling at its finest. Like its rousing musical score, there is a lot about 'Stargirl' that feels familiar, but it is in the very best of ways.
The next episode of 'Stargirl' airs June 1 on DC Universe and June 2 on the CW.