Why Stargirl May Be the Best CW Superhero Show

The show, which completed its second season, doesn't fall into the Arrowverse formula.

Stargirl, which debuted on DC Universe before switching to the CW Network, has wrapped up its second season and it might be the best superhero show on CW.

Whereas the Arrowverse shows have fallen into the the formula of "one big arc over the season, with little arcs that get resolved within an episode," Stargirl takes a different approach, utilizing some of the elements of a binge-watching show with some elements of episodic TV.

Stargirl set up a number of arcs in Season One, but only resolved a few while allowing others to carry over into Season Two. The show has done a good job, in most cases, of establishing arcs here and there and allowing them to play out over time, with subtle reminders here and there that something needs to be resolved.

The show also does a good job of taking the elements of a family show first, in which there happens to be elements of superheroes. The show is centered around Courtney Whitmore and her family, so their family relationships are a major element in how each member grows as a human being.

However, it's not limited to the Whitmore family. Beth Chapel, Yolanda Montez and Rick Tyler each have family relationships that are explored as well, and play a role in how their characters develop.

The show also isn't afraid to show its humor and put characters into awkward positions, not simply for the sake of laughs, but to put a twist in how relationships work. They've managed to hit the right notes with the relationship between Courtney's family and the Crocks -- the former is on the side of justice, while the latter has been on the opposite side.

Yet throughout the show, we notice that Pat Dugan (Courtney's stepfather) and Larry "Crusher" Crock actually develop a friendly acquaintance early on. Indeed, you get the sense that Larry really does like Pat, even after learning that Pat was an associate of the Justice Society of America.

There's also a theme of redemption and forgiveness in the show, as evidenced by the relationship between Rick Tyler and Solomon Grundy. I also enjoy the complexity of Cindy Burman's character, who has a troubled past that's made her arrogant and spiteful, but has demonstrated she can show empathy for others.

And in Season Two, they introduced The Shade, who was a great addition to the show -- the type of person who admits to doing bad things (namely, that he's selfish and cunning), but he's not truly evil. It fits right in with his character in the comics -- an individual who has his own agenda, but has limits to how far he'll go and stays within those limits.

I think what makes Stargirl work so well is because the series creator, Geoff Johns, has such a passion for the character -- and with good reason, because he based Courtney Whitmore off his sister, who died in the explosion of TWA Flight 800 in 1996.

But the creative staff who write and direct the episodes play their parts as well, keeping the show grounded where it needs to be and pacing the storylines well for the most part. There are points in which they have rushed quickly to the end, but they do a good job building to these moments that I can forgive it.

Stargirl is kept separate from the rest of the Arrowverse, which is a good thing because it allows the show to develop on its own terms. And given how it breaks away from the formula that many of the Arrowverse shows have followed, it offers a fresh take on superhero TV.

The creative team put together a compelling storyline in Season Two, despite pandemic restrictions, and they've set up plenty of storylines to explore in Season Three. If the writers and directors can keep a proper pacing, though, and avoid falling into tropes or a repetitive formula, Stargirl will continue to set itself apart from other CW superhero shows.