Stargirl Review: Summer School: Chapter Eleven (Season 2 Episode 11)

The mystery of Eclipso unravels more on Stargirl Season 2 Episode 11, “Summer School: Chapter Eleven.” Transported to the Shadowlands where Eclipso’s powers come from, Courtney finds herself trapped in a frightening purgatory.

Stargirl continues its horror streak, this time leaning into elements reminiscent of The Twilight Zone. Courtney navigates an uncanny version of Blue Valley full of memories she would rather not revisit.

The choice to film all of the Shadowlands scenes in black and white adds to the creepiness of the setting. It’s not the first black and white episode of a superhero show, but the technique is used very effectively here. 

The Shadowlands represent a type of purgatory filled with regrets. It’s an interesting concept for Stargirl to explore given so much of this season looks at dealing with past mistakes.

That said, Courtney’s past has been well explored on the show so there are fewer lessons for her to learn from this experience. Instead, the story looks to characters like Cindy and Dr. McNider to make the most of this strange place.

Courtney’s journey through the Shadowlands drags a little until she crosses paths with Cindy. Part of this encounter covers the exposition of what we need to know about the Shadowlands, but it also allows us to reset our opinion of Cindy.

She may be a little psychotic as Courtney points out, but this scene reminds us that so much of her “evil” behavior is a defense mechanism for her own traumatic life. Meg DeLacy does a great job balancing Cindy the villain with Cindy the sympathetic victim.

Her darkness complements Courtney’s light, intertwining their journeys and making them perfect enemies. They may have opposite outlooks on life, but they’re both survivors.

It’s not a wonder that they find common ground over defeating Eclipso since they have more in common than they think. Their reunion nicely parallels with the story Dr. McNider tells about the Shade and how he visited him after Eclipso killed Rebecca.

These parallels are the most satisfying part of the episode, though it comes with a sad ending. The Shade redeems himself by opening up a door to the Shadowlands to rescue them and in doing so ends up sacrificing himself.

We know by the end that Cindy wants to team up with Courtney. Will her amends come with the same type of sacrifice?

Also notable is Courtney’s confrontation with Bruce/ Eclipso, where he tries to take advantage of her insecurities and fears. Between Dr. McNider’s coaching on how to see through the illusions and her bravery, she overcomes his tricks. 

She still admits to Eclipso she hates him though. (Who wouldn’t? He’s the worst.)

This scene exemplifies how Courtney’s sometimes misguided optimism matured over the season. She embraces her “light” in a way that is still hopeful but also leaves room for acknowledging her darker feelings and doubt.

It’s learning to balance those things and letting them co-exist that allows Courtney to be the best hero she can be.

Overall this episode incorporates some interesting elements but isn’t the season’s best. It’s a high bar to meet when Stargirl has fired on all cylinders most of the season.

This installment does set up the series nicely for a final confrontation with Eclipso. That should be enough to keep viewers hooked for the final two episodes.

Additional Thoughts

• Seeing Courtney’s family react to Pat coming home alone broke my heart into a million pieces.
• Barbara’s fierceness against the Shade makes me love her even more.
• Also, Beth’s goggles filling up with tears… my emotions!
• The theater playing The Picture of Dorian Gray is a nice, if not too on the nose, touch.
• The visual of Jennie’s Green Lantern ring making the town map is stunning and makes me glad Stargirl has these kinds of effects.
• If I never watch another show/movie with a creepy kid again it will be too soon. 

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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