Stargirl review: Episode 12, “Stars & S.T.R.I.P.E Part One”

The penultimate episode of Stargirl season 1 sees our group of heroes trying to stop the Injustice Society’s plan for New America.

And just like that, Stargirl is one week away from wrapping up its very first season — can you believe it?! It’s been a wild freshmen year, and it’s safe to say that Stargirl had made its mark on the DCTV universe. From the story to the cast of unique characters, there’s a lot to admire and love about the series.

This week’s penultimate episode very much serves its purpose and neatly ties together everything that’s happened over the past 11 episodes. The season started with Courtney accidentally stumbling into the world of superheroes, and it’s ending with a concerted family effort (Barb and Mike included) to fight against the Injustice Society of America.

Given the villains on the other side, this fight won’t be easy, and I wouldn’t be shocked if next week’s finale has some deaths in store for us. Here’s hoping Stargirl doesn’t break our hearts quite so soon.

The ISA is hard at work getting ready to broadcast “Project New America” across the nation, and they are willing to go to any lengths to get it done. I mean, Brainwave killed his own son, so this isn’t something they’re going to negotiate.

ISA members Sportsmaster and Tigress set out to kill the Dugan/Whitemore clan, but it doesn’t go how they hoped: Barb puts up a solid fight against Tigress, and Courtney is there with the Cosmic Staff and gets her mother was out of harm’s way.

Pictured (L-R): — Photo: Jace Downs/The CW

United Front

I have to admit, I love the family dynamic in this episode. Pat and Barb definitely have their issues to work out regarding Pat’s secret life and the Justice Society of America, but I’m hopeful they can work through it. Tight now they are all in danger and need to work together to stop whatever the ISA is planning.

Even Mike is brought into the inner circle as he learns all about the JSA, Courtney/Stargirl, S.T.R.I.P.E, and his father. He was starting to get annoying so I’m glad that Mike is involved now; I couldn’t handle anymore temper tantrums. And of course I can’t blame the kid for wanting to be involved; from the outside, it seemed like Pat only cared for Courtney. Luckily, everything is out in the open now, and it’s brought them all closer together.

With just 12 hours to figure out what the heck the ISA is planning, everything comes down to Rick figuring out what his father’s journal says. Unfortunately, deciphering it is easier said than done. Nonetheless, he keeps on pushing and winds up being the hero everyone needs.

One of the many things Stargirl does right is giving each character a moment to shine. It’s not just about Stargirl herself, but rather the people and efforts she has inspired. This community really gives the series a solid foundation.

The ISA’s plan revealed

The big plot twist comes in the last few minutes of the episode when the ISA’s plan is revealed. Barb helps Beth break into Jordan’s office where they learn that the ISA’s plan is to bring…positive change?

Uh, wait, what?

As Beth uses Dr. Midnite’s goggles, she finds out the ISA intends to improve affect positive change in the realms of climate change, discrimination, and universal healthcare. This is a plot twist for the ages, if I do say so myself.

But there’s one “catch”: Once the broadcast goes live, only developed brains will be privy to this change, and anyone resisting it will basically have their brain implode. So while the goal of changing the world for the better is admirable, the means are a little much.

As the broadcast goes live, every adult sort of zaps out of consciousness, leaving the kids to take on the war against the ISA themselves. There may be an advantage here: the members of the ISA don’t like each other. They’re definitely plotting and scheming against one another with the Dragon King leading the charge. Maybe the kids can leverage that.

It’ll be an uphill battle for Team JSA junior, but I have a feeling they’ve got this. If anyone can take down the ISA, it’s them.

The Stargirl season 1 finale is next week–don’t miss it!

Grade: B+

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