Season two of Stargirl, subtitled Summer School, has just started. It is already pushing the established characters in different directions, from Courtney Whitmore seeking more action after the defeat of the Injustice Society of America to Yolanda Montez feeling more guilt over her recent actions. However, it also establishes several new characters who can severely alter the dynamics of the series.
Jennifer-Lynn Hayden
Because the show is produced by comic book veterans such as Geoff Johns and James Robinson, viewers can expect several deep-cut characters. One of these characters is Jennifer-Lynn “Jenny” Hayden, played by Ysa Penarejo. She claims to be the daughter of Justice Society of America member and Green Lantern Alan Scott and can freely control the lantern’s energy, unlike her father. She leaves Blue Valley for the time being to find her long-lost brother, Todd.
Eclipso
The black diamond that Cindy Burman grabs from William Zarick’s storage room first appears in the season one finale, “Stars and S.T.R.I.P.E.” However, it is not until season two when the entity inside it, Eclipso, reveals himself. He communicates with Cindy and her stepmother and appeals to their darker nature. Once his victims commit a “sin”, he feeds on them and grows stronger. Eclipso is played by Nick Tarabay, though so far, he is only present as the voice inside the glowing diamond.
The Shade
The second major antagonist of the season is Jonathan Cake’s The Shade, also known as Richard Swift. He is a former ISA member who disagreed with Icicle’s ultimate plan, so he bailed on the fateful night they had their final showdown against the original JSA. Shade is the only member who is unaccounted for and who returns to Blue Valley to fulfill a mysterious agenda. Robinson’s involvement in the show might hint at a morally complex portrayal, however, since he wrote the famous Starman stories that turned Shade into an anti-hero.
Jakeem and Thunderbolt
Teenager Jakeem Williams and interdimensional genie Thunderbolt debut in Summer School, played by Akloya Brunson and Jim Gaffigan, respectively. However, their presence is hinted throughout season one, with Jakeem being mentioned as Mike’s off-screen friend and Thunderbolt’s pen being one of the items Courtney grabs from the old JSA headquarters. In the comics, Jakeem takes ownership of the pen and fights crime with Thunderbolt by making carefully worded wishes that the latter grants. Due to this partnership, Jakeem takes the name of “Jakeem Thunder”.
The Flash
The series tends to highlight past members of the JSA via flashbacks, and the Flash will be no exception. The Jay Garrick version of the Flash has been hinted throughout the series and he will be played by John Wesley Shipp, who played Barry Allen’s Flash in the 1990s television series. This version of the character has appeared before as a recurring character in The Flash, which is also produced by The CW. Therefore, this episode could be the first official crossover between Stargirl and the rest of the DC/CW shared universe.
Season two of Stargirl continues to expand the universe in new, unexpected ways. Viewers who know about these new players may be better prepared to enjoy the new season when they watch it.
