Stargirl has been doing a solid job of balancing the backstory of the villains while also keeping things in the present as the new JSA forms. “Brainwave” opens up, not surprisingly, with Brainwave and his origin. But more importantly, his son Henry discovering the truth of it all.

What’s really interesting is where the episode immediately pivots and that’s Courtney not just feeling sorry for Henry but wanting to recruit him to help with the JSA. But, we also get some awesome history about Pat and the Seven Soldiers of Victory, a team before the JSA. And we also find out they’re still alive, maybe, Pat lost touch with them.

The series really does a fantastic job fleshing out the various characters giving us a lot of insight into both the good and the bad. Cindy is “off studying” but really locked up in a dungeon. The situation is beyond messed up and we’re reminded how evil Cindy really is. Time’s also spent watching Henry training and learning how to use his power. But what’s nice is we see Henry’s growth and why he goes in the direction he does.

Stargirl “Brainwave” is full of really good moments like Yolanda confronting Henry, a dinner at Courtney’s, and what’s discovered through it. But it’s the last few minutes of the series that makes the episode and really shakes things up.

“Brainwave” is an interesting episode in that it features some really solid moments but nothing standing out. It’s still a really entertaining episode and comes together nicely at the end of the hour with some twists and turns. It plays with expectations, as the series has, and is able to deliver things that are unexpected. It’s not an “oh my god episode,” it’s just a very good episode of a very good series.

Overall Rating: 8.0