'Stargirl' Episode 4 Review: Wildcat debuts in an episode that highlights heartfelt female friendship
Spoilers for 'Stargirl' Season 1 Episode 4 'Wildcat'
While it's been obvious from the start that 'Stargirl' is a much brighter show than a lot of current live-action superhero content, episodes like this show just how important a show it is as well. Tackling a tricky subject like slut-shaming in a small town and building up a strong female friendship, this episode almost effortlessly manages to capture something that's been missing from a lot of superhero television.
The episode focuses on Yolanda Montez (Yvette Monreal) and the troubles she's been going through in her own life. Once a bright promising student, a simple picture that was stolen and then used to shame her has turned her life upside down and made her a shameful outcast in her own family. It's a little shocking to see just how drastically her life has changed, even three months later, living with a family that is nowhere near ready to forgive her for bringing shame.
It's Yolanda that Courtney Whitmore (Brec Bassinger) chooses to make the first member of the new Justice Society. In a twist from the comics, all one needs to become the new Wildcat is to wear the old Wildcat's suit, doubtless a mechanic that will apply to the other items Courtney has procured as well. It's a mark of just how much 'Stargirl' cares about expanding its world that we get a hero-of-the-week format instead of rationing out new heroes over season-long arcs.
Though it takes some convincing, Courtney's eternal optimism, sincerity and determination finally sees Yolanda agree to put the Wildcat costume on and it's from this point on that the episode truly shines. Wildcat and Stargirl are a heartwarming superhero duo. They instantly bond both as friends and as superheroes and their very first mission at the hospital may not go as smoothly as they would have liked, but it is wildly entertaining. James Robinson, who wrote the episode, has a long history of writing great dialogue for characters, which Brec Bassinger and Yvette Monreal have elevated with their performances.
There's a lot of heart in this episode. Yolanda's confrontation with her family as she attempts to rid herself of her own shame is an inspiring moment, despite how little effect it has on her family. Despite airing once a week on the CW, 'Stargirl' deviates from the standard CW model of glamorizing moody, dramatic teenagers, instead letting them be young, flawed and awkward but most importantly, young and hopeful.
The episode is a great example of what sets 'Stargirl' apart and it is a model that other shows could do well to learn from. It's been a long time since any superhero property has managed to be so effortlessly inspiring. The series has shown that it's willing to tackle important problems facing teenagers today and having them come out stronger for confronting it. The show has a long way to go before the Justice Society has been formed but it's going at a fast pace and the ride there continues to be a worthwhile watch.
The next episode of 'Stargirl' airs June 15 on DC Universe and June 16 on the CW.