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CW is a known hub for producing several shows from the DC Universe. Shows such as Arrow, The Flash, Supergirl and more have enjoyed success and loyal fandom on the CW. The newest show of the DC Universe making its debut is Stargirl.
Stargirl is more of a niche character in the DC Universe. The character and comic was created by Geoff Johns and Lee Moder, now Johns is producing the show. So how does the show fair? Does this lesser known DC figure make a star making debut in the CW DC Universe? Breakdown of the pilot below.
WHAT’S IT ABOUT:
The show introduces us to the “Dugan” family. I put it in quotes because it’s a family that’s trying to come together. The father-son Dugan duo of Pat and Mike and the mother-daughter team of Barbara and Courtney. The family decides to leave the sunshine of California and move to middle America, to a small town in Nebraska. Yeah, imagine the joy those kids must be having with that news.
On a side note, we learn that the famed Justice Society of America team has parrished years ago and Pat has been in possession of the magically mystic “Cosmic Staff”. Pat had a close relationship with his best buddy “Starman” who handed him the staff or pitchfork or whatever you’d like to call this magical wand. Bet Aquaman is looking for his pitchfork somewhere as we speak, Starman is totally stealing the gimmick here.
Stepdad extraordinaire gets in some hot water when his stepdaughter Courtney discovers the prized object in the attic of their new Nebraska home. Pat must spill the beans as to the origins of the staff and Courtney might have a connection with it that nobody has ever had since Starman had it in his possession. Think: Aladdin and Magic Carpet connection.
OBSERVATIONS AND TAKEAWAYS:
My quick observation was that this is a more kid friendly and relatable show, but with a real aspect of family dynamic that many DC and superhero franchises don’t focus on. Sure, other shows depict various relationships, but this one deals with two families coming together that are very much part of the central story. It promises to be as much about Stargirl as it does about the Dugan’s and Whitmore’s. I felt that was a fairly refreshing aspect of this show.
Courtney isn’t the first teen superhero, nor is she the first DC teen superhero either. We have kids and teens transform into superheroes of the likes of Shazam, or even a whole team of them that are the Teen Titans. So what makes Stargirl a bit more unique? It’s the fact that she’s a teen girl playing a main superhero. I could see that being an empowering aspect for young girls, plus it brings in an additional audience of these teen, which is on brand with the CW demographic.
The pilot briefly showcases the potential villains that the season will introduce, but leaves a lot more to be desired and wait for. We do know that the villains will be the Injustice Society (lots of “justice” going around on the show).
HOW DID THE ACTORS DO:
It’s interesting because you have a major name on the marquee in Luke Wilson, who will certainly be a central figure on the show, if the pilot had anything to say about that. I’m actually surprised that they were able to land an actor with the star power that Wilson has. Good get. He will certainly add a lot to the show.
Amy Smart is another fairly recognizable actress. She’s at interesting point in her career where she’s suitable to play the mom role (can’t believe I’m saying that). She makes a good pairing with Wilson on-screen. I believe it’s a good one since Smart has underrated comedic chops, for reference check out Best Friends if you don’t believe me.
Brec Bassinger plays Courtney aka Stargirl. Bassinger is an intriguing actress. She has a real charm and relatability to her. I wasn’t really familiar with her work prior to Stargirl. So far, so good. Think she has potential and will do well in the role. Sometimes you worry about a young actor handling a lead role, but she has enough credits and experience to be able to do so.
SHOULD YOU SEE IT:
I’ll vote yes. There are so many shows and options out there, but this one has a particular audience that it will especially appeal to. As mentioned, CW fans, female teenage girls and current fans of the DC shows will be an obvious fit. The show will have crossover potential with the other DC shows also. I like what Johns is trying to do here. It’s different enough from the other superhero shows that it has some fresh taste to it.
After all, we do have a teenager at the center of the story, so it’s not as edgy or dark as some of the other shows of this genre. It’s fairly light on that scale. Personally, I do enjoy the “darker” shows, but I found this one to be charming enough to stick with it and allow myself to comeback next week.
Stargirl deserves a shot. The pilot wasn’t very action heavy, but they did a good job introducing the main characters and the world they are about to embark on. As long as they continue focusing on the family, the show will have a unique flavor to it. Overall, the pilot of Stargirl makes a bright debut.
- Acting: 7.5/10
- Entertainment: 6.5/10
- Story/Plot: 7/10
- Impression: 8/10
- Creativity: 7.5/10
‘STARGIRL’ Score: 75%
CW’s “STARGIRL” premieres Tuesday, May 19th at 8 P.M. (EST)
