The Arrowverse’s Secret Show Is 10/10 From Start To Finish

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I have to tell you about this incredible show hidden within the Arrowverse – it’s a perfect 10/10, seriously! It somehow flew under everyone’s radar, but it’s amazing. Honestly, after a string of so-so DC movies, the Arrowverse really brought these characters back to life for me, and introduced them to a whole new audience. I’m completely hooked!

The term “Arrowverse” usually refers to six TV shows: Arrow, The Flash, Supergirl, Batwoman, Black Lightning, and Legends of Tomorrow. These shows are known for their crossover events. But the Arrowverse actually includes several other series that don’t often get mentioned.

This covers animated series like Vixen and Freedom Fighters: The Ray, and live-action DC shows such as Constantine. While these shows aren’t crucial to following the main Arrowverse plot, excluding them would mean missing out on Stargirl, which many consider to be a perfect show from beginning to end.

The Stargirl TV Show Is A Secret Part Of The Arrowverse

Similar to Superman & Lois, Stargirl is set in the Arrowverse, but on a separate Earth created after the ‘Crisis on Infinite Earths’ event. The ‘Crisis’ finale visually confirmed the existence of these new alternate universes, and Stargirl, along with its characters, resides on Earth-2, which also features alternate versions of familiar faces from the Arrowverse.

Interestingly, the original photos of the Justice Society of America actually feature the versions of Green Arrow and Speedy from this universe. Plus, John Wesley Shipp’s character, Jay Garrick, appears on the Stargirl Earth both in season 2 and during the flash-forward scenes of the series finale. This suggests they ultimately discovered how to connect Earth-Prime and Earth-2.

Stargirl Embraces That It’s A Comic Book Show

Look, as a lifelong comic book fan, I get it – they can be totally over-the-top and melodramatic, sometimes feeling like daytime TV. But that’s actually what I love about Stargirl. It doesn’t shy away from that campiness; it embraces it. The show really stays true to the spirit of the comics, and thankfully, it doesn’t take itself too seriously, which makes it such a gem.

One reason for the show’s accuracy is that Geoff Johns, who created the Stargirl comics, was also in charge of the TV series. The creators paid very close attention to detail – even Courtney’s school clothes are taken directly from the comic books.

One reason the show maintains a lighthearted tone is because it began as a DC streaming series, separate from the more established Arrowverse. It doesn’t try to make the superhero costumes look serious, and it embraces the idea that superhero stories can be fun, dramatic, action-packed, and important all at the same time – these elements actually complement each other in Stargirl.

Stargirl’s Cinematography & Effects Feel Like They Were Meant To Exist On The Big Screen

Stargirl benefitted from a large budget for a DC television series, and the quality really reflects that. Right from the beginning, it’s clear this show isn’t like other, more cost-conscious programs in the Arrowverse. The creators clearly used the extra funds to create a visually impressive experience.

The filmmakers cleverly relied on real-world effects as much as they could, which made the action sequences more believable. Instead of creating the entire battle with computer graphics, they only needed to remove the visible wires and rigging used to create the action.

Using practical effects was much cheaper than relying on sound effects for everything, and it helped the team get more out of their budget per episode. It also enabled them to create unique fighting styles for each character. Once the Justice Society of America formed, every member played a vital role in their victories, even though Stargirl was the main character.

The show’s action sequences and editing style were heavily influenced by big-budget blockbuster films, rather than typical TV shows. Visually, it’s comparable to Marvel series like Ms. Marvel and Hawkeye, and DC movies such as Shazam! and Birds of Prey—all of which had significantly larger budgets than Stargirl.

Stargirl Includes Top-Notch Heroes & Villains

Unlike some other superhero universes, the Arrowverse generally focused on one big bad guy at a time. While groups like the League of Assassins (in Arrow) and the Legion of Doom did appear, they were exceptions. These team-ups were well-received when they happened, but the CW network ultimately decided against creating a spin-off series centered around a team of villains, as reported by The Direct.

Stargirl breaks from the typical superhero story by mixing heroes and villains together, featuring groups like the JSA, the Young All-Stars, Injustice Unlimited, and the Injustice Society of America. Because of the way the JSA works as a team, every episode feels like a collaborative effort, making crossovers with other shows unnecessary.

Having villain teams makes the antagonists just as interesting as the heroes. Each villain has a unique personality, and watching them interact is fun. The internal conflicts and power struggles within these teams add another layer of complexity. Even though the ISA had extreme plans, like mass murder, their motivations stemmed from what they believed were honorable goals.

Stargirl Has The Heart & Optimism Of The Flash & Supergirl

Everything about Stargirl has been fantastic, making it a truly exceptional TV show, but what really sets it apart is its emotional core. The show premiered right when COVID-19 lockdowns began, and it offered a much-needed sense of hope during a difficult time.

Luckily, Stargirl is just as hopeful and optimistic as shows like The Flash and Supergirl, but it doesn’t rely on the darker tone of series like Arrow and Batgirl. It’s a bright and enjoyable show, and Brec Bassinger brings a lot of warmth to her role leading the cast. Watching it, you can easily feel like everything might be alright, even if just for a little while.

Even after five years, Stargirl still feels inspiring, and its positive outlook continues to offer a much-needed boost during challenging times. More than just a great show, Stargirl has truly helped many people get through difficult periods and deserves to be celebrated for that.

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2025-12-10 19:50