The Justice Society of America from "Smallville" (Photo: CW)

Stargirl: Must every Justice Society story be a tragedy?

“DC’s Stargirl” is taking flight with its story of a teenager coming into her own as a hero indebted to the past and looking to the future.

But there’s no denying the premiere episode hit like a punch to the solar plexus for those who love the first and greatest super-hero team, the Justice Society of America. In a harrowing sequence, “Stargirl” opened with the team assassinated by the Injustice Society of America.

As the Modern Age of Super-Heroes has soared in film, animated works and live-action TV, those who have followed the JSA for decades, hoping to see them take their place in the pantheon of champions, have been resoundingly disappointed.

In their scant few appearances, the Justice Society seems to have one power: dying.

Continue reading “Stargirl: Must every Justice Society story be a tragedy?”

Luke Wilson, "DC's Stargirl" (Photo: CW)

Luke Wilson needed to have his ‘Stargirl’ role explained to him

Luke Wilson wasn’t quite sure what he signed up for when he agreed to star in “DC’s Stargirl.”

Speaking on CBS’ “The Talk,” Wilson credited series creator and writer Geoff Johns for explaining the concept and the character of Stripesy – also known as Pat Dugan – to him.

“I felt like a little kid when I was talking to him about it, and I said, ‘So is my character a superhero?’ and he said, ‘Well, he doesn’t have any superpowers, but you do have a 17-foot-tall robot to operate.'”

Wilson recalls that he still wasn’t satisfied.

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Brec Bassinger, "DC's Stargirl" (Photo) CW

‘Stargirl’: Parent-teacher nights are murder

How do you defeat a murderous mindreader with savage telekinetic powers?

Stargirl (Brec Bassinger) takes on one of the Justice Society’s most notorious foes in this week’s episode.

She has no training, no battle experience, and her cosmic staff seems to have a mind of its own.

This sure seems like it’s going to be over quickly – for Stargirl.

Continue reading “‘Stargirl’: Parent-teacher nights are murder”

Luke Wilson, "Stargirl" (Photo: CW)

‘Stargirl’: In defense of Stripesy

There’s a moment that haunts from the premiere of the new DC Universe/CW series “Stargirl.”

Stripesy – Pat Dugan (Luke Wilson) – has just rescued his partner/mentor/presumed pal Starman (Joel McHale) from a massacre at the Justice Society headquarters at the hands of the Injustice Society.

Starman, alas, is dying and begs Stripesy to protect his cosmic staff.

“The Justice Society must live on. Its legacy must survive. Someone with honor, strength, must carry the torch.”

“I’ll try,” Pat says.

“Not you.

Continue reading “‘Stargirl’: In defense of Stripesy”

"DC's Stargirl" (photo: CW)

‘Stargirl’ takes to the skies with an endearing heroine

Just in time for summer, at a moment when she’s never been needed more, Stargirl swoops in to rescue us all.

“DC’s Stargirl” (today on DC Universe, tomorrow on CW) is an utterly charming take on a beloved DC Comics teen, buoyed by a natural, breezy performance by star Brec Bassinger.

Warning: Minor spoilers follow!

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