Stargirl
DC Universe/The CW
Season 1, Episode 9 “Brainwave”
With Henry finally learning more about his dad and the powers he is slowly inheriting, we see the struggle that comes with being able to read minds. This fight that Henry is having shows the brittle balance he faces when looking at good and evil with his new power. This theme of exploring good and evil is a unique approach and theme for a show to take.
The episode takes a different route from the other previous ones as the action and fighting is turned way down. This is a massive contrast from Shiv part 1 & 2, where action was used to push the story and narrative. Having each character deal with the situations through words and thoughts allows for them to show what side they fall on.
Stargirl takes the superhero show genre and alters it to make it different from the other ones. We still have team building but showing the villains with family and caring about their kids’ future allows viewers to be sympathetic to them. Arrow was a show that most villains were unlikeable and we cheered for their downfall. We find ourselves liking some of the Injustice of Society members.
The other thing Stargirl does well is tackle real world problems and situations. In this episode Yolanda is finally able to confront Henry about leaking her photos to the school. This is something many students have to confront and deal with. These situations happen and having a show address it without targeting or placing blame on the victim is a risk that’s paying off.
Overall the episode is great and allows the viewers to take a break from action. The personal demons take center stage as we see Henry struggle with his new powers, Yolanda finally being able to confront him about the photos, and Courtney confronting family life. These interpersonal relationships are what makes the show great and having it be the focal point this week is perfect.