Stargirl opens with a blast of exhilarating superhero action. It’s the final showdown between the Justice Society of America and their evil counterparts in the, um, Injustice Society of America. The battle is intense as Starman’s (Joel McHale) sidekick, Pat Dugan (Luke Wilson), pulls up to the scene in his classic car. Ultimately though, the Injustice Society prevails, destroying the Justice Society and forcing those in the group who survive to abandon their superheroics and move on with their lives. It’s a knock-out of a sequence that will immediately draw in anyone who loves superhero entertainment.
Of course, Stargirl isn’t the story of the Golden Age of Heroes. Soon the action flashes forward to the present day where Courtney Whitmore (Brec Bassinger) and her family, including her mother (Amy Smart), new stepfather Pat, and his son Mike (Trae Romano), are preparing to move from Los Angeles to Blue Valley, Nebraska. Needless to say Courtney’s less than thrilled with the circumstances. Yet it’s because of the move that Courtney discovers Starman’s cosmic staff and learns about Pat’s secret superhero past.
Courtney quickly comes to the conclusion that being the successor to Starman is her destiny and embraces the role with all the enthusiasm and naivete you’d expect from a teenager. The scenes of her training with the cosmic staff and going up against a trio of high school bullies on her first sort-of mission are a lot of fun. Things quickly grow more serious when the Injustice Society gets wind of her presence in town and start pursuing her, yet throughout the series' first five episodes made available for review, the show maintains an enjoyable, hopeful tone that also isn’t afraid to tackle more difficult issues.
That said, the show isn’t without a few flaws. Like any superhero series, Stargirl requires viewers to make some questionable leaps of logic, but they’re a bit more glaring here (Why are all the ISA members holed up in this tiny town? Why do all the members of the nascent second generation of the JSA seem to master their powers so easily? Could Courtney really perfectly tailor her new superhero costume in her high school’s home-ec classroom in a single period? Shouldn’t middle-aged men -- even evil ones -- be at least a little uncomfortable going after a teenage girl? Is that a cover of "MMMBop" soundtracking this scene?). The show is so breezy, however, it’s easy to let these issues go.
The more problematic issue is that Courtney’s absolute conviction in her superhero destiny leads her to make some questionable calls that put her and others in danger; however, the consequences of what she’s doing never really seem to sink in -- even when someone gets seriously hurt. And while Pat -- whom she adopts as her new sidekick, S.T.R.I.P.E. -- attempts to share the wisdom of his experience with her and preaches caution in order to keep her safe, Courtney dismisses everything he says, often twisting things to suit her own perspective and desires. This can get grating.
Courtney is a headstrong 15-year-old who’s understandably excited about being a superhero, but she often comes across as a little too impulsive. It’s likely viewers’ perspectives on this will vary based on their age, but for those of us who’ve gotten past our teen years, it can be frustrating to watch. Luckily, so much of the rest of the show works that so far it’s a bearable frustration that will hopefully stay that way (or dissipate altogether) as the series goes on.
Part of the credit for making Courtney watchable despite these issues goes to Bassinger who makes her budding superhero reckless but also charmingly passionate and optimistic. In fact, all the actors playing the teen characters do a good job, quickly establishing their unique personalities and motivations. The real standout, however, is Luke Wilson as the put-upon Pat. While Wilson has worked steadily for over two decades, he’s been somewhat under the radar since his early-2000s heyday. But he shines in Stargirl, perfectly balancing Pat's roles as awkward new stepfather, exasperated elder, and superhero sidekick, making for a thoroughly appealing character.
Overall, Stargirl is a fun show that’s sure to satisfy superhero fans. Plus, those who have spent time with the Arrowverse will be impressed with the series’ superior special effects. While the show certainly has room to grow, it’s off to a good start. With a likable cast, zippy action and a hopeful tone, Stargirl makes for great summer superhero entertainment.
DC Universe's Stargirl stars Brec Bassinger as Courtney Whitmore (Stargirl), Luke Wilson as Pat Dugan (Stripesy), Joel McHale as Sylvester Pemberton (Starman), Yvette Monreal as Yolanda Montez (Wildcat), Amy Smart as Barbara Whitmore, Anjelika Washington as Beth Chapel (Dr. Mid-Nite), Cameron Gellman as Rick Tyler (Hourman), Joy Osmanski as Ms. Brooks (Tigress), Christopher James Baker as Dr. Henry King (Brainwave), Neil Jackson as Jordan Mahkent (Icicle), Nelson Lee as Dr. Ito (Dragon King) and Neil Hopkins as Lawrence Crock (Sportsmaster). The series premieres Monday, May 18, on DC Universe and Tuesday, May 19, on The CW.