DC’s Stargirl 3×04 Review: “Chapter Four: The Evidence”

Another examination of the Gambler’s trailer reveals a new piece of evidence and a new potential suspect in “Chapter Four: The Evidence.”

As Sylvester (Joel McHale) lies unconscious after the attack at the end of “Chapter Three: The Blackmail,” Cosmo the Staff quickly alerts Courtney (Brec Bassinger), hilariously waking her up and flying her to the crime scene. Sylvester ends up in the hospital but manages to recover quickly. The attack leads to the Justice Society of America (JSA) investigating the Gambler’s trailer again, unearthing a DNA sample that points to a new suspect.

At the hospital, McNider (Alex Collins) returns to Blue Valley at Pat’s (Luke Wilson) request. He theorizes that Sylvester absorbed Cosmo’s energy when he died, which slowly healed him and brought him back to life. It’s great to see McNider again and even better to hear that he’s settling in nicely after reuniting with his family at the end of last season. His continued support of Beth (Anjelika Washington), and his belief he made the right decision to pass on the Dr. Mid-Nite goggles to her is heartwarming.

Both the attack and McNider’s words make Sylvester question if he should also permanently pass on Cosmo to Courtney. Sylvester’s struggle is interesting, and his bonding with Pat and Crusher (Neil Hopkins) as he recovers is also fun. Ultimately, Sylvester realizes he’s not ready to let go of being Starman, particularly when he sees the new costume that Pat has hand-sewn for him.

The search of the Gambler’s trailer originally comes up empty, until Beth’s goggles identify a single DNA particle inside. Further analysis indicates that the sample is scaly and seemingly points to the Dragon King, who Cindy (Meg DeLacy) killed at the end of the first season. Yolanda (Yvette Monreal) and Rick (Cameron Gellman) remain convinced that this points to Cindy as the suspect, but Courtney defends Cindy and tells them what she witnessed in the shadow lands last season.

Elsewhere, Paula’s (Joy Osmanski) intimidation of Barbara’s (Amy Smart) boss has terrified him into being over-the-top supportive of Barbara. Paula once again arrives at Barbara’s work to give her a token of her appreciation, a taxidermy raccoon. The endearing nature of Paula’s gesture and her obliviousness to Barbara’s horror makes this one of the funniest moments of the episode.

Cameron (Hunter Sansone), struggling to control his ice abilities, does his best to avoid Courtney. She finds him in an empty classroom, and he soon unleashes a blast of ice around the room. He tells her that his powers are hereditary and that his father was a hero that was killed trying to help save the world. Courtney doesn’t tell Cameron the truth about his father or her own Stargirl identity, a move that will likely backfire in the future.

For now, Courtney tries to help support Cameron and help him learn to control his powers. He turns their surrounding area into a winter wonderland, and they share their first kiss. Though I’m not the biggest fan of this pairing, I do like their dynamic in this episode and I’m happy for those who have waited so long for the first kiss. However, it remains to be seen how much Cameron learning the truth will affect him and their relationship going forward.

The episode’s end shows that the mysterious skin cell Beth found in the Gambler’s trailer indeed belongs to Cindy, who is starting to grow scales like her father. Though I still believe that the evidence so far all pointing to Cindy is leading to a twist of a less obvious killer, whatever is going on with Cindy is clearly suspicious. I want to believe in Cindy’s potential for redemption, but there are a lot of questions that need answers.

Unable to reach Courtney, Rick and Yolanda turn to Sylvester to help them search for the Dragon King at the end of “Chapter Four: The Evidence.” It’s unfortunate that we haven’t really been able to see the young JSA members working together, or extended focus on everyone other than Courtney, this season for more than one or two moments at a time. Though the writing is on the wall for a JSA split this season and a potential crossover, I really miss the group dynamic and hope for a reconciliation and reunion by season’s end.

Author: Jessica Wolff

Jessica Wolff is a graduate of Drexel University with a BS in Film/Video. She has a passion for entertainment and representation in entertainment. She currently resides outside of Washington, DC.

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