Review: Stargirl 1×08-“Shiv Part Two“
[Editor’s note: This review may contain spoilers]
Director: Geary McLeod
Writer: Paula Sevenbergen
Starring: Brec Bassinger, Yvonne Monreal, Anjelika Washington, Cameron Gellman, Trae Romano, Jake Austin Walker, Meg DeLacy, Neil Jackson, Amy Smart & Luke Wilson
Reviewed by: Sean Blumenshine
Summary
After Courtney gets herself into some trouble following an unexpected confrontation, Pat decides they need to come clean to Barbara. Meanwhile, Cindy takes heat from her father after a plan to take matters into her own hands goes awry. Finally, Yolanda, Beth and Rick lead an investigation into one of their own classmates.
Positives
This is not a plot-heavy episode; not a lot happens. But it uses that to its advantage. The episode drips with tension. The episode is split into two stories. The main one is the JSA, minus Courtney, investigating Cindy’s home and talking to her stepmom. The other is Cindy visiting an injured Courtney in the latter’s bedroom. The episode expertly plays the latter. The audience knows that Cindy knows that Courtney is Stargirl but Courtney doesn’t know and spends these scenes trying to figure out Cindy out. There’s a lot of strong suspense.
I like that the JSA goes on a mission without Courtney. Obviously it’s Courtney’s show but it’s nice to give the supporting cast a chance to shine on their own. It’s also important to give them their own dynamics and relationships. And the characters are compelling enough that they can hold their own without her. An issue I sometimes have with superhero shows is that the supporting characters aren’t as richly drawn as the leads. This show balances the cast well.
Again, the action is great. I like that this fight between Stargirl and Shiv is more of a brawl. Last episode’s fight featured a lot more stylized choreography, which was great, while this one is rougher. The episode showcases how far gone and brutal Cindy is.
Negatives
I’m not entirely sure why Dragon King stops Cindy from killing Stargirl. My best guess is that it was because the fight was happening in the middle of the street and they ISA is trying to stay hidden.
Verdict
This is another excellent episode. The suspense and tension are both well executed. The episode moves the story forward without a ton of plot which is impressive. This show is character-focused and uses that to build engaging and thrilling episodes.
