Stargirl Review: Summer School: Chapter Five (Season 2 Episode 5)

After flirting with horror all season, Stargirl delivers its scariest episode yet on Stargirl Season 2 Episode 5, “Summer School: Chapter Five.”

Starting with a focus on the gloomy weather, which contrasts Blue Valley’s preternatural perfect small-town charm, sets the stage perfectly for the darkness to come.

Stargirl knows how to deliver epic fight scenes, and the showdown with Eclipso via a possessed Mr. Deisinger is no different. As if being a high school teacher isn’t hard enough try having a demon inside your head.

Eclipso using not only his creepy shadow powers but also his power to manipulate people and make them see things is terrifying. Having a swirling cloud of paint and darkness would be enough to scare most people, but he also preys on their deepest insecurities and fears.

From Beth’s fear of abandonment to Yolanda’s guilt, there is so much for the story to explore about these characters and their struggles. Stargirl chooses the perfect villain to examine the psychological traumas of its characters while also creating a thrilling action scene.

Courtney saving the day with the light of the cosmic staff provides just the right amount of heroic inspiration without veering too far into melodrama. Light conquering darkness is a reliable storytelling trope put to excellence use in this case.

Teen horror is making a comeback lately with films like the Fear Street trilogy so Stargirl’s nostalgic embrace of the genre comes just at the right time. With Eclipso’s powers growing we can look forward to more chilling encounters to come.

Cindy still seems to think she’s in control, but Eclipso has an agenda of his own and it’s not clear how the ISA fits in. As interesting as the ISA storyline is, it’s still living in Eclipso’s very dark shadow.

To paraphrase the Shade again, Cindy and her gang are bad, but are they evil? Cameron tells her she’s never been sorry for anything when she pretends to care about his dad’s death.

We know that’s not true though since we see her guilt over her mom. Cindy makes for a great villain, but there’s a lot more to her than pure evil. The show is at its best when it explores that nuance. 

The ISA is more interesting than Eclipso because of their personal motivations for revenge, but the question over how evil they’re willing to go looms. Hopefully, we find out soon.

Even more satisfying than the frightening battle with Eclipso is Courtney reconnecting with Cameron.

For a show about teens, Stargirl really doesn’t spend much time on romantic relationships. Some viewers may prefer that, but Courtney and Cameron’s attraction has been teased since Season 1.

They finally get their long overdue “first date.” Hanging out with her ISA legacy crush probably isn’t what Pat meant about continuing to live her normal life, but it’s true to Courtney’s stubborn character that she chooses to interpret it that way.

Is Cameron’s sketchbook of drawings of her honestly a tiny bit creepy? Yeah, but we’ve seen a lot weirder in Blue Valley so I’m still rooting for them.

The fact a group text interrupts their almost first kiss reminds us to silence our ringers and provides perfect foreshadowing for all of their problems to come. Cameron’s burgeoning powers and Courtney’s secret life will probably derail their romance in the future, but for now, we can just enjoy the warm fuzzy feelings of young love.

Those highlights aside, Stargirl still struggles with biting off more than it can chew. This installment tries to tie in some loose ends that don’t fit with the main story.

The Shade showing up to warn Barbara against Courtney’s interference seems to foreshadow something more, but then she doesn’t mention it again. It is sort of hilarious that all the villains end up obsessed with Barbara though.

After ignoring it for an episode the show decides to revisit Mike’s loneliness. Pat chiding him and then offering to work on a JSA project because he feels guilty all in one swoop feels out of place.

Normally Pat’s “great dad” scenes are the highlight of the show, but this moment feels forced. This scene would’ve worked better directly following their confrontation on Stargirl Season 2 Episode 3, “Summer School: Chapter Three.” 

Mike and Barbara are important members of the team even if they aren’t superheroes. Stargirl needs to figure out how to incorporate them better into the story.

At this point in the season, there are still a few pieces that need to fall into place. As long as they do Stargirl is on the right track for a fantastic season.

Additional Thoughts:

• I’m obsessed with Cindy’s wardrobe. The rest of the ISA needs to step up their game. Supervillains shouldn’t dress like they shop at the Gap!
• The random topiary garden in Cameron’s backyard is so… random.
• Did anyone else think Cameron’s sketches of Courtney do not actually look that much like her?
• Beth’s confrontation with her parents feels anti-climactic, but I’m glad it happens.
• I don’t know if it’s a budget thing or what, but the high school is getting a lot of screen time despite it being summer.

What did you think of this episode of Stargirl? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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

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