DC’S STARGIRL: Episode 1.2: S.T.R.I.P.E.
Seeking justice for the fallen, Stargirl finds strength in family.
Should You Watch It?
This episode steps things up from the pilot. Its story is more involving and cohesive, and it builds toward a strong emotional climax. Justice, family ties, and prudence give the superhero action a meaningful center.
The episode also includes intense action violence that puts Courtney and Pat’s lives in danger. There is some gratuitous foul language, mostly connected to a pop song heard during the epilogue. The moral themes and strong family relationships make the episode worthwhile, but younger viewers need a parent’s discernment.
If your family includes teenagers and adults, this episode is worth watching together.
The Story
NO SPOILERS — WE KEEP THE SURPRISESAfter Pat’s giant robot rescues Courtney, also known as Stargirl, from Brainwave, Pat tells her more about the Justice Society of America and his connection to her mother, Barbara.
Courtney wants to find Brainwave and learn where Icicle, the leader of the Injustice Society, is hiding. Pat warns her that pursuing them is too dangerous. But Brainwave has discovered Stargirl’s real identity, putting Courtney and her family in greater danger.
Is It Any Good?
Four stars means this is a highly entertaining and effective episode. Compared with the pilot, it is more involving and cohesive, with a story that leads to a strong emotional climax.
The episode also handles its moral themes well. Justice, family ties, and prudence shape the story, while heartwarming scenes between Courtney and her mother—and between Courtney and her stepfather—give the action emotional weight. The episode is a strong continuation of the series.
The Worldview
This episode presents a strong moral worldview centered on justice, family, and prudence. Courtney wants justice for members of the Justice Society, including the man she believes was her father. At the same time, the episode stresses that courage must be guided by prudence, since Pat warns Courtney that confronting Brainwave is too dangerous.
The family relationships are especially positive. Courtney’s bond with her stepfather grows stronger, and the episode includes good scenes between mother and daughter. These relationships give the superhero story a warm, grounded center.
The episode’s view of justice is expressed through the fight against Brainwave and the Injustice Society. Its central moral concerns align with Scripture’s call to pursue what is right while walking wisely: “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8).
The Content Guide
The specifics — spoilers included by nature — so you can judge for your own family.
Dominant Worldview and Other Worldview Content/Elements
Strong moral worldview stresses justice, family and prudence and includes good scenes between mother and daughter and stepfather and stepdaughter
Foul Language
Seven obscenities (one a** word and six “d” words with three or four in a song on the soundtrack) and two OMG exclamatory profanities
Violence
Strong and light violence includes supervillain threatens to kill teenage superhero’s mother, giant robot’s fist detaches and hits villain to knock him against an object, man working giant robot throws car and dumpster at supervillain, but villain uses his telekinetic powers to throw them away and tries to crush man in robot between a bus and a car, Stargirl appears with Cosmic Staff and punches villain, but he gets the better of her and knocks her down, a blast from Stargirl’s staff damages the high school’s large marble name plaque, Stargirl uses power from her staff to knock villain into a coma
Sex
No sex
Nudity
No nudity
Alcohol Use
No alcohol use
Smoking and/or Drug Use and Abuse
No smoking or drugs;
Miscellaneous Immorality
Villain’s son lies to him to avoid telling him he was beaten up by a girl, i.e. Stargirl.
Talk About It
Questions for the drive home, the dinner table, or the youth group.
Courtney wants justice for the fallen members of the Justice Society. How can a desire for justice become wise and righteous rather than reckless?
Micah 6:8 · James 1:19–20Pat urges Courtney to be prudent instead of rushing into danger. When is courage strengthened by patience and wise counsel?
Proverbs 11:14 · Proverbs 15:22Courtney’s relationship with her mother and stepfather grows stronger. What actions help build trust and love in a family?
Ephesians 4:2–3 · Colossians 3:12–14The villain’s son lies to avoid embarrassment. Why do people hide the truth, and what does Scripture teach about honesty?
Ephesians 4:25 · Proverbs 12:22The Final Word
This episode delivers strong superhero entertainment with a cohesive story, meaningful themes, and moving family relationships. Its profanity and intense action violence call for parental discernment with younger viewers. For teenagers and adults, WORTH WATCHING — TEENS AND ADULTS.
