Stargirl Review: Shining Knight (Season 1 Episode 11)

A mind full of assumptions is a dangerous thing. If feeds us guilt, lies, and even false hope. Stargirl Season 1 Episode 11, “Shining Knight,” shows us several examples of how tricky overcoming these obstacles can be.

Honestly, I’ve been waiting for this moment.

Every superpowered hero has one of these episodes within the first season. The titular character has some sort of negative response to a major catastrophe they were involved in. This catastrophe causes them to doubt their place in this world, hindering their ability to tap into their newfound powers. 

It is a cliché I have grown quite used to. It isn’t something I particularly love, just something I’ve learned to live with.

These sorts of episodes are a way for fans to get to know the real reason their hero was chosen for this lifestyle instead of someone else. As the hero learns more about themselves, the audience gets a sense of who this character is at their core.

I wouldn’t necessarily call it lazy writing, but it is far from unique. Many shows have used the same plot points as It’s a Wonderful Life to a similar degree — I’m looking at you Supergirl!

After Henry’s death, Courtney is at an all-time low. She feels she is responsible for the actions he made and assumes if she never stepped into his life he would still be alive. 

Courtney never takes into consideration everything Henry did was on his own accord.

He is the one who telepathically called out to her. He is the one who decided to face off against his father alone. 

A false sense of guilt overpowers rational thought. It doesn’t give way to solid logic. 

Mike: Why won’t you tell me anything? What did I do wrong?

If this isn’t enough for the poor young girl, her father is in town.

Ideas placed throughout the season thus far gives us hope that Courtney’s father will be the one to pull her out of this funk once and for all. After all, he is Starman, right?

Well, yeah, about that…

Courtney’s mind has been working overtime in the assumptions department. She has convinced herself and a majority of the people around her that since the cosmic staff works for her, she must be related to the original version of the hero.

Turns out, that assumption is wrong — way wrong in fact. 

In actuality, Sam Curtis is pretty far from a hero. As the episode winds on, he seems to be more of a conman.

Sam tries to sell Courtney on several different reasons why he has chosen now as the time to walk back into her life. Of course, many of his stories are very cliché as well. Down on his luck, thinks about her every day, yadda, yadda, yadda. 

The way the camera pans away from him during these moments gives the audience the feeling that what he says truly isn’t important. I respect that the makers of the show don’t want to waste our time on Sam’s lies.

At first, Courtney refuses to admit that Sam can be her father. This doesn’t work with every story she has created in her mind as to why her father left. The only part that breaks her fantasy is their shared memories.

The cold hard facts add insult to injury. 

If she isn’t Starman’s daughter, then how can she be his rightful successor?

These newly-discovered facts mingling with her false guilt all but destroy Courtney’s confidence. Her shattered delusions go forth and make delusions of their own — further proving to her that Henry’s blood is on her hands. 

As feelings typically go, they wear off on our surroundings creating black clouds everywhere around us. The cosmic staff senses the shift and acts accordingly by shutting itself down.

Of course, this makes sense.

The cosmic staff is a positive energy conduit. If the person trying to use the staff is filled with negative energy at the time of use, the energy will be neutralized. Is this what we call superhero physics?

Instead of taking this at face value, Courtney assumes the staff is rejecting her because she isn’t the rightful heir. Honestly, I can’t fault her for this one. With my naturally negative mentality, I’m pretty sure I could convince myself of the same thing.  

All of these assumptions make for great moments of drama. Courtney’s crushed heart and ego make you feel for her — giving you all sorts of emotions and empathy. 

I just wish they would up the ante by giving the villains more of a storyline in this episode. 

With Courtney falling apart at the seams, any interference from the ISA would create a sense of urgency to the inevitable conclusion. Sure, Icicle and Brainwave do plenty of planning, giving small details of their overall plan, but that is really about it. 

Heck, even the rest of the JSA are sidelined for a majority of the episode, only being included as an afterthought. But I guess in a way this works.

When we assume, we typically make everything about ourselves. This went wrong because of something I did, this happened because I wasn’t there to stop it, etc, etc.

We exclude the actions and feelings of others, shutting out any outside interference and throw a complete pity party. No matter what anyone else says — this is MY fault. 

Against her refusal, Pat corners Courtney and attempts to make her see the truth. These feelings she has are false. They are made up of misplaced guilt and broken dreams.  

A well-timed hug breaks Courtney — and me — into tears. 

Pat’s love for his stepdaughter is the darling of television. His relationship with her is the epitome of what every stepfamily wants for their lives — rather they realize it or not. Luke Wilson and Brec Bassinger have chemistry that transcends the show they star on together.

This is the type of person you need in your corner, a person who will be there no matter what you throw at them. A friend who can take the onslaught of life and face it down with you. Someone willing to give you space when needed, but runs back to your side the moment you call their name.

Love overcomes shortcomings, even when that shortcoming is a mind full of assumptions. Love covers failures with grace and understanding. Love, above all else, is patient and kind. 

So instead of sharing assumptions, share love. Assumptions hurt and hinder, but love heals even the mightiest of wounds.

What did you think of this episode of Stargirl? Will Mike ever be let in on the family’s secret? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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

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