2x06 Sunspots

[7.4/10] This one rushes through a lot of premise, to the point where I almost wish it had been a two-parter, but it hardly counts as a complaint when you wanted more!

I liked the idea here a lot. There’s an Avatar: The Last Airbender-type concept at play, of cosmology affecting metahumans’ powers, that’s very neat. Static seeing his powers ramp up and then disappear, while Heatstroke is only empowered by the geothermal phenomenon. For a while, the episode struggles a bit to make a conflict out of it, as opposed to just a problem. But it’s still cool to see Static trying to deal with his powers hitting overcharge, to where he has to blow off steam in order not to destroy his home, school, or bedroom.

But I also like the scenes where he loses his powers. It’s hard not to think of Spider-Man 2, where the young adult hero loses his abilities, only to remember the type of life he could enjoy when he didn’t feel compelled to save the world on a weekly basis. Him having time to study, to be with Daisy, and feeling OK with it makes for a nice internal journey for Virgil, to where you almost root for him to get that kind of peace back.

Of course, Heatstroke sees to the fact that it’s not possible. But honestly, I like that Static still tries to face him even though he doesn’t have his powers, and even risks uncertainty and destruction to halt his archenemy via the electric fan. It’s a sign that what makes Static a hero is Virgil’s courage and resolve, not just his crazy powers. Him standing up to heatstroke and defending another bullied kid demonstrates his character in a meaningful way.

Of course, everything’s gotta be set back to the status quo, so we get a triumphant return of Static’s power and a declaration of how much he enjoys having them again. Still, this is a nice interlude, a unique challenge for the young hero, and a superb start to the new season.

That means a few changes! Different theme song! (I think I like the old one better.) Many more needle drops! (They were hit or miss.) And maybe even some minor design changes? (Did Ritchie always have an earring?) Curious to see what sticks!