Stargirl is Geoff Johns’ newest DC Comics-based show for the CW. This show is different from other superhero shows because it will be more grounded in reality. Stargirl will tackle real-world problems many young people face, such as drug addiction and cyber-bullying. This is likely to result from Johns’ love for superheroes rooted in more realism. Below are reasons why this show is more grounded than other superhero shows.
The Show Is Optimistic
The CW’s Stargirl show, created by Geoff Johns does indeed stand out from the other shows in that it feels more lighthearted and optimistic. Even her greatest enemies, Shuma-Gorath and Deathstroke, were lovable and sympathetic characters in their ways. Looking back at season one in its entirety, it seems like Geoff Johns set out to write something much closer to Supergirl than any other show in this shared universe so far. The show is wholesome family entertainment with a message of hope and inclusiveness.
The Show Displays Humanity
Geoff Johns also shows that he’s not afraid to go dark when necessary. The scene near the end of episode 12 is one such example. Shuma-Gorath has just captured Stargirl and her boyfriend Billy confronts Deathstroke to free her. The two engage in a duel, with Deathstroke getting knocked off a building and plunging towards his death. Only for him to be saved at the last moment when Stargirl blasts him away from danger with her cosmic staff. Everything about this scene makes you see him as someone with a broken heart who just wanted to help his friend. It is a surprisingly subtle way of showing that even the evilest villains have hearts and souls. However, it also makes them seem more human.
The Stargirl Character Is Unique from Characters in Other Shows
The Stargirl is a hero unlike any other seen so far in this shared universe. Every other character has been someone with an existing superpower or extraordinary skill set. Almost always derived from science or technology in some shape or form. However, Courtney Whit more is as normal as they come. She does not have any powers at all. Her only notable talent lies in the cosmic staff. This allows her to fly and conjure fantastic shields against any enemy attack. It is a refreshing direction and allows Stargirl to be unique and different. Not just another meta-human or technological gadget.
The Show Displays a Strong Sense of Justice
What truly makes Stargirl special is her willingness to do good no matter what it takes. She is not afraid to face any challenge, especially if it has anything to do with the safety of others. When she was scolded for breaking into an abandoned warehouse in episode seven because that was trespassing, Courtney argued that lives were at stake if those people got hurt by whatever was lurking inside. The scene brings her strong sense of justice and needs for self-sacrifice to life.
Most shows mainly focus on the lives of regular people, with superheroes happening to live in the same world. Stargirl aims to be a superhero show that is more grounded than other superhero shows. This means it will focus less on the epic battles between superheroes and villains.
