Stargirl 3x13 : Frenemies - Chapter thirteen : The Reckoning review

 

             Be warned there will be SPOILERS* involved in this review. With that being said let's get into it.

So here we are. The final episode of Stargirl. This is it and boy what a way to go out. The episode begins nine months in the past as we're shown the real Starman's grave. It's not long before Sylvester is seen strapped to a gurney completely tied down unable to move. Jordan (Icicle) enters the scene and we now know that he has been alive for quite much longer than expected. He tells Sylvester that the people will listen to Starman, they will support him even vote for him if he ran for President. This is why he will be Jordan's voice. Sylvester of course refuses but he really has no say here as Dragon King is also present along with the Ultra-Humanite who at this point is still in control of the Albino Gorilla, he's even strapped into a gurney next to Starman. The operation gets underway which also includes Dragon King himself putting his mind into the Gorilla giving him a big upgrade. The process is completed as we know and back in present day we see the JSA begin to catch onto Sylvester's plan of driving them all apart as to end the JSA from within. As for Pat he is still missing even proclaimed dead by Cameron who phones Courtney after Jordan tells him to do so. It's clear that Cameron can't stomach lying to Courtney even if it is because of his father. What could this all lead to then??

A giant battle soon ensues between all JSA members, Icicle, Cameron and his grandparents. S.T.R.I.P.E is also back in the fight and yes it is Pat inside as he somehow clawed his way out of his grave. He lets everyone known that the Ultra-Humanite is infact Starman and that he has been stringing them all along this whole time. A giant battle begins as practically everyone fights together, alone and apart in a wild and fantastic brawl. This fight definitely feels finale worthy and is so well done and put together. It's main focus here turns out to be Cameron and Icicle with whom Cameron finally stands up to and Starman and Pat. We also see Courtney finally proclaim herself as worthy of holding the Cosmic Staff in what was a really satisfying moment indeed. 

The episode and show draws to a close as Cameron stops his father turning him into a cloud of ice with Jordan's face flying through the cloud seemingly killing him but is he really gone?? more on that in a bit. As for the Ultra-Humanite he too is stopped and the Albino Gorilla which houses the brain of the Dragon King is turned into a Gorilla plush thanks to Jakeem and his Thunderbolt wish of rescuing Cindy and freeing her from her fathers clutches. It all comes quick and fast as the JSA are victorious once again and save Blue Valley. Cameron who says he betrayed Courtney, his family and more tells her that he is to leave Blue Valley but ultimately he stays behind and joins Courtney whom he asks to help him understand his powers and the toll it has taken on him. It's a great moment and wrap up for Courtney who has been a tremendous character in both written and acting form. As for the others we see Mike finally meet his real mom in yet another great scene as the Whitmore family seems to finally be at peace and most importantly happy. The episode isn't over yet however as we've got two more things to talk about. Firstly is Jordan who like I mentioned earlier is not actually dead. It's three months later and he is in Denmark, we see him walking down a street until he begins to hear someone call out to him. It's none other than Artemis who has lead Jordan right into a trap of her father's making. Jordan steps into a puddle of a goo like substance. Artemis says it is highly flammable and she's absolutely right as she sets it ablaze with a flare literally burning Jordan to death making sure he will not be able to come back this time and in the process getting revenge for her parents deaths at his hands. A bittersweet moment for sure but ultimately earned. We're then off to 10 years into the future as we're shown the JSA museum. The Shade is leading a tour and mentions how the JSA have stopped Brainwave, Eclipso, Icicle, Ultra-Humanite, The Nebula Men and more. We also learn that Courtney now goes by Starwoman and all the heroes that have sat at the JSA table. This was again just so satisfying and a really touching way to end the show. But y'know we got one more thing. As the tour goes on none other than The Flash Jay Garrick races into the room. He breaks a table completely in half before asking for The Shade. He says that the JSA need help and that their work is never truly done. And that's it. That's how Stargirl ends. A surreal moment and ending to a show and episode that has been truly a delight to watch and see unfold. Amazing action, performances and all around impeccable writing and character development over three years. You couldn't really ask for more as both a DC fan and as a fan of good TV. 

So there you have it. Stargirl season 3 is done and the show has ended. What a ride, what a journey and ultimately what a bunch of amazing characters portrayed in a big and impactful way. Is this the most perfect DC show? no but it's sure close. It has been so much fun to talk about, deep dive into and just simply enjoy. 3 years isn't nearly enough for this show that I would've imagined but it did get to go out on it's own terms unlike other recent DC shows which I did really appreciate. To Brec Bassinger you are simply a star and the perfect Courtney Whitmore in every single way. As for everyone else thank you for the memories and performances I'll never forget this adaptation that's for sure. Stargirl has been a bright light in the DC TV world and something that won't soon be forgotten. 

Episode ★★★★★

Season ★★★★