Spoiler Alert: This article contains spoilers for CW’s Stargirl series.
Like many of the DC Comics’ shows, Stargirl has some pretty over-the-top villains. What good is a superhero if they are not fighting an outrageous supervillain?
In the first season, Geoff Johns, the executive producer of Stargirl, highlighted several villains instead of the usual one major supervillain per-season. One of these villains is somewhat unique in that he doesn’t rely on superhuman abilities. This particular bad guy is The Gambler.
Appearance
The Gambler’s appearance is that of an older southern gentleman in a purple suit complete with a wide-brimmed hat. This outfit is reminiscent of the gamblers on steamboat casinos and the old west.
As his alter-ego, he is often seen in a variety of business suits. These suits range from classic to modern and sport anything from an ascot to a pocket square. He maintains a professional attitude and bearing no matter which personality he is portraying.
Alter-Ego
The Gambler’s alter-ego is Steven “Steve” Sharpe, who has a soft spot for cats and an intolerance for other humans. Eric Goins plays him. Steve is the somewhat off-putting CFO of The American Dream, the company that is rejuvenating Stargirl’s new town, Blue Valley. This company is a front for Project: New America.
He doesn’t like anyone else’s opinions, even if they are right and can easily justify anything he does due to his egocentric nature. This part of his personality carries over into The Gambler persona. He is also enamored by money and wealth in general.
Powers
The Gambler is unique because his powers are not superpowers. He is a normal human who happens to be intelligent and likes games of chance, hence his moniker. In the television series, he is a gambler and a genius that is also into hacking computers. The ability to hack almost any computer is a skill added only in the television series and is not in the comics.
Affiliations
He is part of the Injustice Society of America and plays a role in their plot to take over the world. Although he is more of a behind the scenes personality, he interacts with most of the Injustice Society’s members, including:
- Brainwave
- Icicle
- Henry King Sr. and Jr.
- Tigress
- Sportsmaster
All of these he views as inferior due to his own intellectual abilities.
Enemies
The Gambler is the enemy of the whole Justice Society of America. Some villains have an affinity for one or two members but not The Gambler. He does have a particular hatred for Dr. Mid-Nite simply because the Dr. can match his intellectual ability, although he would never admit it openly.
At the end of Season One, he manages to defeat the Artificial Intelligence that is Dr. Mid-Nite and escape. There is a chance that he will reappear in Season Two, but nothing has been confirmed yet.
Overall The Gambler is an unusual enemy in both the comics and the television show. His only weapons are a Derringer and his intellect. Definitely not one of the superpowered villains viewers of the Stargirl series are used to pg.
