In Review: Stargirl (S1 – Ep10) – Brainwave Jr.

Synopsis: As Henry Jr. hones his newfound skills, secrets from his family’s past force him to make a difficult decision. Tensions between Pat and Barbara have her revisit her own past.

The Story

Having learned the truth about Courtney’s activities as Stargirl. Her mother Barbara hits the roof and the relationship between her and Pat is very much on the rocks, but things gradually cool down to a point where even Barbara begins to reflect on the past and ask a few pertinent questions about the new life she has been trying to make for herself.

Elsewhere Henry Jr. sees Jordan aka Icicle take his father away along with Courtney’s staff. Having heard the conversation between Jordan and his father Henry is understandably a little confused as to what it’s all about and goes to Courtney for help. This sees Courtney getting the team together along with Henry Jr. to go rescue his father and hopefully retrieve the staff, but things are not quite as simple as the plan seems.

While all of this is going on. Patrick goes to see Barbara and finds her packing up her office and as the two begin to talk civilly again they get a visit from Jordan (Icicle) and his parents. Much like last week, Jordon’s parents have a little side conversation in their native tongue, which Barbara cleverly records with her phone. It seems that Barbara is now looking to help Pat get to the bottom of things with regards to the New America Project and the ISA.

The Acting

Jake Austin Walker steals the show again as his character of Henry Jr. struggles with some of the family secrets that he learns from his father. The scene towards the end of the episode where he battles with Brainwave is absolutely phenomenal. Christopher James Baker is fantastic as Brainwave and the moment where he admits that it was him that killed young Henry’s mother cuts through like an ultra-sharp knife. It definitely has to be the standout scene of the episode. Perhaps even the series thus far.

Overall

This was a very emotionally charged episode, but thankfully Pat and Barbara do not separate or have not as yet, which will make things quite interesting as we move forward. Especially given how much Courtney is putting herself and her friends in harm’s way. We get some nice action. I particularly enjoyed the confrontation between Stargirl, Wild Cat, and Dragon King, and the final few scenes with Brainwave Jr. was really solid.

Overall. A really enjoyable hour or television.