5 reasons you need to give DC’s Stargirl a chance

Luke Wilson is the series’ stealth MVP

I’m not sure I ever would have pegged Luke Wilson as an actor who’d find a place on a superhero show, but his performance has turned out to be one of the best things about Stargirl. Wilson plays Courtney’s step-dad Pat, who used to be in the superhero business himself back in the day, as a sidekick to the original Starman. Now Pat’s all grown up with a family of his own and a much more complex perspective on fighting the Injustice Society. His worry for Courtney’s safety, as well as his innate desire to do the right thing regardless, are palpable, as well as his guilt over lying to his wife about his extracurricular superhero activities.

Wilson and Bassinger have wonderful chemistry together, and their heart-to-hearts are almost automatically standout moments in any episode in which they occur. As a character, Pat walks a fine line in trying to both be Courtney’s sidekick and mentor that must teach her the ways of being a superhero – stressing patience and teamwork over recklessness and running off on her own – and the show handles it beautifully.

Plus, Stargirl never lets us forget that Pat is a character in his own right outside of his connection to Courtney, regularly reminding us of his own connection to the JSA and the fact that he’s never really gotten over their deaths.