Stargirl season 2, episode 7 review: Summer School: Chapter Seven

“God isn’t here on Earth to stop the devil, shouldn’t we?” Spoilers for Stargirl season 2, episode 7 follow.

Eclipso is now loose in Blue Valley, his chaos now looming over Stargirl and the JSA who are unsure of how to even fight him, let alone beat him.

Meanwhile, Yolanda is finally being forced to confront her guilt over Brainwave’s death.

Here’s what happened in Stargirl season 2, episode 7.

Catholic guilt

This season has worn its horror influences on its sleeve, while only going full horror over the past couple of episodes, and now, this entire episode is a psychological thriller focusing on Yolanda’s guilt. This is something that has been building since the final moments of the final episode of the first season. And now that we’re here, the bits and pieces of build-up that have been occurring over the course of this season feel warranted and rewarding as Yolanda’s inner turmoil is this episode is fantastic.

This episode features some of the best character work that Yolanda has had over the course of the series so far. Seeing her struggle with her guilt and consciousness over her actions is something that I think most people can relate, even if it’s not over the exact same circumstances as, like always, superhero experiences are heightened compared to real life. It’s what makes this episode so haunting. Everyone has been where Yolanda is at one point or another and how this episode is executed with the return of Brainwave is truly sublime and impactful.

Probably the best part of the episode though is the heart-to-heart that Yolanda has with the rest of the JSA about her killing Brainwave. It’s such a great confrontation between the four of them and one that feels so real, even if the content of it isn’t something that normal people would have with each other. It’s heart-wrenching and emotional, while also getting to the heart of whether or not superheroes should kill.

Mending metal

While Yolanda is trying, and failing, to be helped by the rest of the JSA, Pat and Mike begin their first project together. Rebuilding S.T.R.I.P.E. This is very much something that could have felt like filler for this episode, but the show managed to make it work for the larger narrative of the show in such a great way that also help further the relationship of Pat and Mike.

This furthering of the narrative and relationship doesn’t really stem from the rebuilding of the robot though, it comes from when Mike finds the shards of Eclipso’s diamond sitting on a work table. This is a fun little scene that turns horrific as Mike begins to play a little with the shards, as when one moves away from the rest, it’s pulled back. This may sound morbid, but it’s good that little bit of levity and childlike joy from Mike quickly turned to horror as it fits the tone of the season so nicely and allows Pat to be a kind, loving father to Mike.

Shadows in Stargirl season 2

Probably the most disappointing part of this episode though is the severe lack of The Shade. He’s the best part of the season so far and his absence from an episode is noticed. Luckily though, he’s not completely absent as he seems to almost be haunting Barbara at this point. His shadows appeared to her, and seemed to be bleeding as well, so while not a huge part of this episode, it seems like this is building to the JSA venturing into the Shadowlands.

Stargirl season 2 returns to The CW next Tuesday, September 28, at 8:00 p.m. ET.

What did you think of Stargirl season 2, episode 7? Let us know in the comments below!