Cameron’s got a new attitude and Cindy had better watch herself.
Poor Cameron. Everyone in his life is either lying to him or leaving him. However, he’s holding his own. For now, that is. This week’s Stargirl shows the youngest Mahkent grappling with his dad’s death, his growing feelings (and frustrations) for Courtney, and Cindy’s attempts to recruit him.
This leaves him in a rather interesting and somewhat ambiguous position. Will he go dark? Or will he see the light but follow his own path? That’s what we’re waiting to find out.
Watch Your Back, Cindy!
At the beginning of the episode, we see Cindy try to approach Cameron but she is stopped by Lily Mahkent, his grandmother. This scene alludes to two things; one is Lily has powers like her late son, Jordan. The second is that Burman simply doesn’t care about anyone’s authority, let alone an old lady with powers that kill instantly. It throws the theory of her still having humanity left after Eclipso killed her stepmother out the window on a literal scale.
Later, she corners Cameron in the art room and gives her “sympathies” over Jordan’s death.
However, unlike Isaac, who falls for the bait, Cameron doesn’t and puts her in her place by bringing up her mother’s death and how she told their fourth-grade class that she didn’t care about her mother.
Ultimately, this backs up what Beth told Courtney in Shiv Part One about Cindy becoming a different person after her mother’s death.
Going back to the situation, the moment is only defused when the art teacher, Paul Deisinger walks in. If he hadn’t, then the result wouldn’t have been great. Little is Cameron aware, behind Cindy’s back, she’d activated one of her wrist blades ready to kill or maim him.
One thing that stands out with Cameron in this episode. It’s his maturity and his unwillingness to fall victim to a heartless bully like Cindy. As Hunter [Sansone] mentions in this week’s Stargirl Aftershow podcast episode, Cameron is observant and makes his judgements.
Tension With Rick
One of our favourite moments is the tension between Cameron and Rick at the mural. Despite being small, it shows the potential drama.
Having grown up in the same town, Cameron would’ve seen things. Naturally, he’d form an unflattering opinion of his classmate.
However, we need to address the elephant. If this tension develops, how would it affect their relationships with Courtney?
What’s more, is Rick dislikes Cameron because his dad almost killed his friends and kidnapped Barbara.
Unsure Feelings
Cameron and Courtney’s relationship is the literal definition of awkward but in the best way. Despite the almost kiss, the chemistry is red hot and burning. Though the evident frustration from Cameron when Courtney suddenly pulls away and is forced to abort is understandable.
For the audience, this is frustrating too because we want something to happen, but the slow burn keeps taking over at the last moment. It also made us sad when he says she can’t keep bailing on him as it is becoming a habit.
While we as the audience understand why she keeps doing this, he doesn’t. Note it would make anyone else mad, however, he’s not. He is just disappointed.
Its obvious bailing was the last thing Courtney wanted to do. She wouldn’t have leaned in for the kiss if she didn’t want it to happen. Damn it, Yolanda! You pick the worst times to text!
Earlier in the episode, we see Cameron unsure of what to do. However, his art teacher, Deisinger, sees his sketchbook and comes to his rescue.
Paul gives him the encouragement to show Courtney his drawings as he says they can do the talking if he finds himself unable to. To his delight, it works. Courtney’s face instantly lights up when he reveals she is his muse. Aww!
Powers Emerging
In the final seconds, we see Cameron back at the mural when his hand suddenly cramps up, making him drop the paintbrush. The shot cuts to the fallen object, and we see ice has formed over it. Finally, this is another indication that his powers have started to emerge. Moreover, the last time we saw this in Season 1 in The Justice Society with the ice breath.
Whether his powers come out due to his emotions is yet to be seen. Though, nothing is out of the question. Though given it was his mother’s birthday when the ice breath kicked in. Also, Courtney had just ditched him when the frost struck. It may mean he was overwhelmed on both occasions.
