Stargirl’s Staff Has a Choice to Make - But Which Hero Is Worthy?

The following contains spoilers for Stargirl Season 3, Episode 2 “Frenemies – Chapter Two: The Suspects,” which debuted Wednesday, Sept. 7 on The CW.

The arrival of Sylvester Pemberton aka Starman on Stargirl suggested that he would try to retrieve the Cosmic Staff from Courtney Whitmore (played by Brec Bassinger). Yet at the beginning of Season 3, Courtney generously offered to share the staff with Sylvester, and all seemed well. However, Season 3, Episode 2, “Frenemies – Chapter Two: The Suspects” demonstrated that sharing will come with a few twists and turns.

Conflict arose in “The Suspects” when Sylvester took an aggressive stance questioning The Shade about The Gambler’s murder and let his understandable anger get the better of him, which made the situation worse. He lost his temper again when he went with Courtney to apologize to The Shade — only this time viewers witnessed him forcibly wrenching the Staff from her hands. Appalled at his combative behavior, the Staff allowed Courtney to aggressively retrieve it from Sylvester, clearly demonstrating that neither has a claim on it. This clash of wills can only end with one hero in possession of the Cosmic Staff… so which one has a stronger case, Stargirl or Starman?

Stargirl’s Staff Has a Choice to Make - But Which Hero Is Worthy?_0

Sylvester has the experience, as he aptly demonstrated during his training session with Courtney. His flashy signature move proved he can exert impressive control over the Cosmic Staff, but Courtney mastered the maneuver without difficulty, showing her deep connection with the Staff as well. While Starman might have the edge in training and knowledge, Courtney has proven that she’s no novice and can handle herself.

With a palpable emotional link to and history with the Cosmic Staff, Sylvester’s attachment may supercede Courtney’s. Yet this link is strained, as evidenced by a snippet of communication between them and the Staff apologizing for letting Courtney reclaim it during the skirmish with The Shade. The Cosmic Staff didn’t want to displease Starman, but it instinctively knew Sylvester’s actions were wrong and Courtney was right in trying to stop him. This tiny crack in their bond could lead to a wider rift.

Therein lies the conflict — in both the show and the character of Starman. Sylvester Pemberton is suffering, coping with survivor’s guilt and not making good decisions. He is out of step with the world and trying to recover a life that doesn’t exist anymore. Instead of moving forward and rebuilding, he is stuck in the past. While he has a strong bond with the Cosmic Staff, being a hero may not be what he needs, and he may be clinging to his Starman persona for the wrong reasons.

Stargirl’s Staff Has a Choice to Make - But Which Hero Is Worthy?_1

Courtney Whitmore genuinely wants to help people and make a difference in the world. She has yet to become jaded despite some of her own emotional issues and possesses an exceptional spirit — qualities the Cosmic Staff responded to when it picked her as its new partner. While Starman may be the staff’s past and a friend, Stargirl is its future. Sylvester’s inner streak of self-centered behavior can’t compete with Courtney’s goodness.

While viewers can be reasonably certain Courtney will remain Stargirl and in possession of the Cosmic Staff, the legacy of Starman and his connection to the staff is strong. It is unlikely Sylvester will step aside — regardless of his promises — and he has already shown in Season 3 that he’s willing to manipulate others to get what he wants. But the Cosmic Staff will decide its own partner, and Starman isn’t likely to win.

Stargirl airs Wednesdays at 8:00 p.m. on The CW.