‘Stargirl’ 2×01 Photos: “Summer School: Chapter One”

It’s been nearly a year since the epic Stargirl Season 1 finale. The show that introduced a new generation of superheroes to the CW’s line-up returns with its second season and summer vacation. The JSA follows leads on the loose ends left behind from last season on Stargirl Season 2 Episode 1, “Summer School: Chapter One.”

Remember when Rick spared Solomon Grundy’s life despite him killing Rick’s parents? Well, Rick isn’t so sure that Grundy left town like Rick demanded on Stargirl Season 1 Episode 13, “Stars & Stripes: Part Two.”

Elsewhere, Yolanda is still dealing with the deadly decision she made when avenging Henry Jr. by killing Brainwave. That stark juxtaposition of two sides of the same coin will surely tee up a domino effect for both of them in Season 2.

For Courtney, that means taking the JSA’s win against the ISA as a sign to keep superhero-ing, even when there aren’t really any bad guys to bring to justice. Pat Dugan, being the best man ever, suggests a family trip as a way to get Courtney’s head out of the clouds. More Whitmore-Dugan family time is never a bad thing, but it probably won’t last long.

Courtney must be able to sense all the darkness looming over Blue Valley. Stargirl teased the introductions of both Shade and Eclipso last season, and now they’re following through and delivering those baddies to Blue Valley. Shade (played by Jonathan Cake) works through shadows, so you know there is nothing creepy about him.

Shade is a major player in the trailers below, which means Stargirl wants to keep Eclipso (played by Nick E. Tarabay) a secret. Cindy aka Shiv, presumably the leader of a new generation of the ISA, unleashed Eclipso in the Season 1 finale. Now we’ll get to see the fallout of that major decision.

TV Line describes Eclipso as “an ancient entity of corruption and vengeance, who is described as physically imposing and frightening. Brimming with a cold, terrifying darkness, Eclipso exploits the flaws of others, reveling in the impure and sinful, sadistically feeding off the dark side of humanity.”

With two major villainous players who strive off of darkness, the JSA we know and love is needed more than ever. The JSA is a group of superheroes who strive off of all the things that come from stepping into the light, like a whole lot of heart, hope, and humor. Hopefully, this premiere dives even deeper into their dynamics as a team but also outside of their super suits.

Plus, we can’t forget all the other surprises this season has in store. There’s the return of (potentially) Sylvester Pemberton, the OG Starman, played by Joel McHale. The one photo of him doesn’t give too much away, but we like that. We don’t mind that Stargirl wants to keep that a secret.

Ysa Penarejo joins the cast as Jade, the daughter of Green Lantern. You can catch a glimpse of her in the trailer below. Also, you can’t forget that John Wesley Shipp will be featured in an episode where he will once again play Jay Garrick, who he currently plays on The Flash. Crisis on Infinite Earths revealed his version of the Golden Age hero to be on the same Earth as Courtney.

There is plenty in store for us, and Season 2 hasn’t even started yet. Can you believe the show has already been renewed for a Season 3? It’s a good time to be a Stargirl fan!

Check out the episode description:

SCHOOL’S OUT — With summer break around the corner, Pat suggests the family take a vacation after seeing that Courtney has been spending too much time focused on being Stargirl and not enough time on her schoolwork. Meanwhile, as Beth attempts to reconnect with Chuck, she stumbles upon a major secret her parents have been keeping from her. Elsewhere, Yolanda continues to be haunted by Brainwave’s death, and Rick secretly tracks Solomon Grundy after suspecting he may still be in the area. Amy Smart, Trae Romano, Hunter Sansone and Meg DeLacy also star. Andi Armaganian directed the episode written by Geoff Johns.