Stargirl Season 3 Episode 5 Review: Frenemies — Chapter Five: The Thief
The Gambler is doing more to break up the new JSA in death than in life. The investigation into who killed him seems to be putting the gang on a collision course for a break up on Stargirl Season 3 Episode 5, “Frenemies — Chapter Five: The Thief.”
Interestingly, the tension this season has less to do with fear of another attack than the strain the investigation puts on the JSA. It turns out the JSA is much better at beating up bad guys than being detectives.
Sylvester’s warning that they could be doomed to the same fate as his JSA hangs over the episode. Considering the new JSA already broke up once, I really hope the show does not pursue that conflict again.
Aside from Cindy and the MIA Dragon King, there aren’t any suspects which leads to some heightened emotions and not just from Sylvester. Courtney being an absentee leader while she’s in the throes of new love with the son of a villain isn’t helping either.
The other thing hanging over the episode is the big question mark around Cindy’s development. We know she’s hiding two major things (the Gambler’s laptop, and her mutating genes), but it’s still unclear what her end game is.
She’s nice to Mike and Jakeem but then bullies Cameron on behalf of Courtney (or so she claims). It’s easy to see why the JSA members can’t make up their minds about her. Not everyone can share Courtney’s blind optimism.
Meg DeLacy is fantastic when Cindy gets to have a little venom in her interactions, so maybe that’s why it’s hard to ever read Cindy’s hero act as genuine. It’s a double-edged sword being so good at being bad.
Hopefully, with Yolanda discovering at least one of her secrets there will be more answers on where she stands. Her development from villain to hero to maybe villain again is a frustrating journey I’m ready to be done with.
Less frustrating and more heartwarming on this episode is Stargirl’s approach of stepping back from heroism to look at the people behind the costumes.
One of the best parts of Stargirl is that it’s never shied away from focusing on family and friendship as much as it does superhero antics. Calling something a “family show” in the post-peak-TV era may seem like a diss, but it really is a compliment to how warm and inviting the show is.
I love that Courtney is getting the chance to have some happiness that’s not defined by being a hero. The chemistry between Brec Bassinger and Hunter Sansone sells the romance very easily.
Sure it’s challenging her role as a leader a little, but what’s a teen romance without a little drama?
Sylvester’s journey to becoming a role model, and his heart-to-heart with Barbara, also gives you the warm fuzzies. Even someone who started as unlikeable as Sylvester wins you over because this show is ultimately about people becoming the best versions of themselves and overcoming their challenges.
There’s little doubt the JSA will win the day and figure out the mystery, but I’m starting to get anxious that day isn’t coming soon enough.
What did you think of this episode of Stargirl? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Stargirl airs Wednesdays at 8/7c on The CW.
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Breeze Riley
Breeze Riley is a pop culture enthusiast who decided to turn her love of watching too much TV into a hobby writing about it. Although she's a convention-going sci-fi and fantasy nerd, she's just as likely to be watching an off-beat comedy or period drama. She is a Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic.