Stargirl Review: Hourman and Dr. Mid-Nite (Season 1 Episode 5)

Stargirl Season 1 Episode 5, “Hourman and Dr. Mid-Nite,” brings two new heroes into the fold along with much drama. A large amount of character development leaves little room for action.

That last sentence was a strange one for me to write. Typically, I’m the guy who wants character development over everything. I honestly feel that the characters trump the story every time.

With that being said, one has to remember that this is a superhero show. 

The purpose of any given superhero is to fight crime at whatever level they are at. Some stop bank heists, others eliminate terrorists, while the most prolific halt full-on invasions. Looking at the makeup of the original JSA, it appears they were more than able to take on all three.

That is why it is so unfortunate that Stargirl, Wildcat, and the newly christened Dr.Mid-Nite do so little in their efforts — aside from looking for a recruit. I won’t go as far as calling the episode boring, but I do feel we get less than what we bargained for. 

This episode follows suit to last week’s  Season 1 Episode 5, “Wildcat,” in nearly every way. Courtney takes a back seat so that a new character can be introduced. That in and of itself is fine, but a similar vein to the other heroes’ origin stories makes it feel a bit bland. 

Essentially, Rick’s premiere feels like a mashup between Yolanda and Courtney’s. He barely knows his father who just so happens to be the original Hourman, and he has an extremely strained relationship with his parental guardian. While this may have been done to create kindred spirits, this soon out of the starting gate makes the writing feel lazy.

I understand that this could very well be similar to the origin story from the comics, but a couple of tweaks here and there would have gone a long way. 

At this point, the terrain seems already trod on, giving the viewer a been there, done that type of feeling. Only five episodes in, I believe a faux pas has been committed. 

Beth Chapel stumbling upon Dr. Mid-Nite’s high tech goggles doesn’t fare that much better. 

The nosey, and frankly a tad annoying, Beth Chapel, seems to be the type who finds herself amid trouble at any given moment. Her inquisitive nature appears to be her biggest asset and drawback. Her ability to talk at lengths about any given subject makes her a well-intended know-it-all.

She comes off as a modern-day Steve Urkel. No one has more than a passing interest in her, and even that fades after hanging around her for more than a few minutes. While she does have her charm, one can understand why the other heroes feel she comes on too strong.

Yolanda: It is a well-known fact that talking is Beth Chapel’s superpower. 

Courtney and Yolanda’s reluctancy to have her join the team is crystal clear. Nothing about her gives off a hero vibe — unless you are counting Arrow’s Felicity Smoak.

Keeping Beth on the far side of the action may very well be the best bet. Her general lack of athletic feats could prove to be more of a hindrance than an attribute. 

I do enjoy the moment when Beth “saves the day” by showing Rick a holographic video of his parents being killed. This cements her way onto the team by fulfilling something that the other two members couldn’t. Her resilience in the face of her doubting peers shows that there is far more to this young lady than just useless knowledge. 

Rick’s switch from lack of interest to reluctant hero plays fairly well, if not a little too expedited. 

He goes from a violent no to an angered yes rather quickly due to a small reveal. Instead of an all-in reaction, I feel a “tell-me-more” reply would be more plausible. The young age at which he was abandoned would play more into the part of his decision-making than is let on. 

If small parts of his past slowly clicked into place throughout the next few episodes — instead of all at once — I think the evolution would work better. I understand the writers may not have wanted to take the time to flesh out this character’s origin into a multi-episode arc. After all, they still have a few other heroes to introduce throughout the short season. 

Tying in Hourman and Dr. Mid-Nite’s origins works well by bringing home the theme of finding hope and purpose in unexpected areas. 

Yolanda and Courtney’s crusade to bring in more heroes seems to go not so swimmingly. Even in their desperation, they fail to see Beth Chapel as a trusted ally. When Beth brings much-needed info to the team, she becomes a beacon of hope in the darkness they find themselves in.

Rick’s aggravated past and present seem only there to make him tough and hardened against the world. Unbeknownst to even himself, Rick is on the constant lookout for the purpose in himself and the death of his parents. 

When he feels at his wit’s end, something like fate falls into his lap creating the prospect for a whole new life. A reason outside of himself that can make things better for everyone around him.

Unfortunately for now he sees his purpose as an act of vengeance, but I’m sure once the ball gets rolling positive aspects will peek their head out. He will see himself as a part of something bigger than he can ever hope to be alone. 

Rick and Beth are two different people but that doesn’t mean we can’t learn similar things through the stories they convey.

Hope is out there. It always has been and always will be.

It is our job to find it, and give it to others.

What did you think of this episode of Stargirl? Will the team warm up to Beth? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Stargirl airs Tuesdays at 8/7c on The CW.

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