Get ready to enter a colourful world steeped in DC Comics history as we lift the lid on our first impressions on DC Universe’s (and The CW’s) Stargirl.
From original creator and comic book writer Geoff Johns (executive producer of “Titans”, “Arrow,” “Batwoman,” and “The Flash”), DC’s Stargirl follows high school sophomore Courtney Whitmore (Brec Bassinger) as she moves to Blue Valley, Nebraska after her mother remarries Pat Dugan (Luke Wilson) and inspires an unlikely group of young heroes to stop the villains of the past. The live-action superhero drama reimagines the 1999 Stargirl comics and the very first superhero team, the Justice Society of America, in an unpredictable series. DC’s Stargirl is lovingly inspired by Johns’ late sister, who was killed in a plane accident.
We’ll be reviewing each episode of DC’s Stargirl as it premiere’s on DC Universe but we were lucky enough to get an early sneak peak at the first three episodes of the season.
Like other comic book TV series, the first season of DC’s Stargirl is very much an origin story for Courtney Whitmore as we follow her journey to becoming a hero. Across the first three episodes we get to witness several major steps in that journey as the series features some well balanced pacing.
The first episode, titled “Stargirl,” drops the viewing in to the world of the series in a huge moment in DC Comics history. Before we have a moment acclimate to the world of Blue Valley we find ourselves in the middle of an impressive battle between the Justice Society of America and the villainous Injustice Society.
This opening sequence features some impressive set piece design as well as some great action and visual effects. It instantly makes a statement that DC’s Stargirl will have a huge, cinematic scope and won’t be our average superhero TV series.
We’re very happy to report that this level of scope is apparent right through the first three episodes of the season. Episode two, called “S.T.R.I.P.E,” and episode three, “Icicle,” both open up the world of Stargirl in ways which feel organic to the story and satisfying to the audience. Bringing in a wider cast of characters and allowing the viewer to get to know the world slowly but surely.
Whilst Courtney (Bassinger) is the main focus of the series, she has an excellent co-anchor in Pat (Wilson). Even across these first three episodes there is an arc to their relationship as she learns to accept him as her step-father and comes to grips with his secret life as Stripsey.
Bassinger and Wilson have the beginnings of some great chemistry, he fulfils the role of awkward step parent incredibly well and that is complemented by Geoff Johns attempt as some truly Joss Whedon-esque dialogue.
Courtney and Pat remain the most developed characters on the show through these episodes. It makes sense as we’re spending the bulk of the episodes screen time with them, but there is still sufficient effort to begin pulling other characters to the fore.
In the pilot episode we meet a number of high school colleagues of Courtney’s as well as some very shifty seeming teachers. We’re certainly getting the feeling there’s more going on in Blue Valley than it first seems!
Blue Valley High is populated with the usual cast of characters, there’s the jocks, the cheerleaders and the outcasts. The latter of which seem likely to become Courtney’s circle of friends as she settles in and the rest of which could easily become series villains.
Johns pens the first two episodes with Colleen McGuinness penning episode three, the darker of the three episodes. But already there’s a palpable sense of direction for the show.
For those keeping score on DC Universe original series we’ve got the grown up vigilante drama of Titans, the zany comedy of Doom Patrol, the horror of Swamp Thing and now DC’s Stargirl takes us in to even more, brand new territory.
We’ll touch on this more in our reviews but DC’s Stargirl feels in a similar vein to big-screen DC adventures like Shazam. There’s an accessibility for younger audience members through a brighter on-screen colour palette and more comedic dialogue but the series also doesn’t seem scared to shy away from tougher subject matters.
From a production standpoint, DC’s Stargirl has some truly cinematic imagery which is accented by an impressive level of visual effects for a series hailing from a niche streaming platform. Those concerned about the integration of the S.T.R.I.P.E. robot need not worry, these episode show that the production team are using their budget wisely.
A huge nod also has to go to hiring composer Pinar Toprak (Captain Marvel) to produce the score. The music across these three episodes is outstanding for a television series.
If episodes one to three are anything to go by then DC’s Stargirl may end up the most critically lauded series yet from the streaming platform. Fun, engaging and laced with a gleeful sense of adventure, DC’s Stargirl is definitely a show you’re going to want to watch.
We’ll be bringing you our full review of episode one soon. But in the meantime, don’t forget that following the May 18 premiere on DC Universe Stargirl will be screening on The CW at 8/7c.
As per DC Comics: DC Universe members will be the first to stream new episodes, every Monday commercial-free in downloadable 4K Ultra HD. Additionally, members will have access to several exclusive offerings, including extended versions of select episodes, behind-the-scenes footage of cast and crew, exclusive collectible pins and limited-edition posters, fan community forum to discuss the latest episodes and access to deep dive into all the comics that inspired the series.
Next up we’ll be getting you up to speed on the series’ characters in our “Get To Know” feature, coming soon!
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