James Chapel

**James Chapel** is a major supporting character in The CW and DC Universe series, *Stargirl*.

He is an employee at The American Dream and the doting father of Beth Chapel. After learning the truth about their daughter being a superhero, Bridget and James leap into action to help their daughter navigate a new part of her life. James becomes Dr. Mid-Nite's sidekick, **Nite-Lite**.

## Biography

At some point in his life, James married Bridget Chapel and had a daughter with her, Beth Chapel. According to Beth, Bridget and James sacrificed much of their lives and careers to raise their daughter and help her grow as a young woman. James presumably took a step back from his duties at The American Dream to help raise Beth. When Beth became old enough, he returned to his duties as an employee under the watchful eye of Steve Sharpe.

## Series

### Season 1

James attended the Blue Valley High School welcome assembly alongside his wife and daughter. At school the following day, Beth video conferences with her mom at lunch and cues in James who is also at lunch. She excitedly gets her dad to join the "family lunch", only to be informed by him that he's busy. The following day, he goes to work at The American Dream where he notices Barbara's intuitive nature and applauds Jordan's return to Blue Valley.

Weeks later, Beth is dancing in the bathroom as she gets ready for school. Her parents interrupt to ask if Beth made them lunch, as they didn't see it in the fridge and are about to leave. Beth nervously moves around her parents, trying to conceal the goggles behind her back. She admits she got too busy and quickly leaves with a smile telling them to have a great day.

### Season 2

Beth works on rebooting Chuck's AI. Her attempts fail but she is distracted by her parents leaving for work. Beth gives them their lunches and wishes them a great day. She mentions that today is her last day of school before the Summer break, though her parents clearly forgot and aren't sure what tests she has that day. When her parents do leave, Beth goes back to the goggles but accidentally knocks a stack of papers off a coffee table. As she picks them up, she comes across a petition for divorce.

A few days later, Beth goes home where she holds a family picture. Her parents enter the room to ask about their lunches, with Beth admitting she didn't make them. She quickly confronts them about getting a divorce. Bridget assures Beth that it's a mutual idea that hasn't been decided on yet. James adds that it doesn't change how much they love Beth, and that this won't change that. Beth wants to talk more about the situation, but Bridget has to leave for work. The parents decide to talk with Beth that night over dinner. James gives Beth an awkward hug and Bridget follows suit before they both leave. Beth is left standing alone in the room, heartbroken over the revelations.

As she recovers from the revelation of her parents divorce, Beth visits her father at The American Dream. James comes to see her in the waiting area and greets her happily. She gives him his lunch but also has a thick binder full of different idea for a romantic date, ranging from dinners to cruises. James stops her before she can explain further, reminding her this won't help their marriage. He has to get back to work but thanks her for her efforts before leaving her alone again. As he steps outside of the building that night, he witnesses a giant eclipse in the sky.

As he settles into work, their temporary leader Janet announces her plan to close a plant. The effects would be laying off dozens of employees, something that Barbara has an issue with. Barbara suggests they liquidate their back stock, as Jordan wouldn't have given up on their neighbor, Oakvale. The staff, including James, vote in favor of Barbara's proposal, adjourn the meeting. After they adjourn, James praises Barbara for her idea.

Two days later, Beth talks with her parents about her emotional state. She has a heart-to-heart with her parents where she realizes their conversation that afternoon was part of Eclipso's illusion. They never came home early or talked about the divorce. Beth admits that she sometimes feels as though she's pretending to be someone she's not, or that she has to pretend to be someone she isn't. Bridget understands that feeling from her first years as a doctor in Blue Valley. The previous doctor who retired was an older white man, and the residents of Blue Valley were reluctant to trust Bridget as she was a newcomer and the first black doctor in town. She had to work hard to convince them she was a competent doctor, and now, she's one of the most sought after doctors in town. Bridget tells Beth that she can be anything she wants to be, because their family works hard and she shouldn't let anyone tell her what she can be. Bridget than asks about the goggles Beth is wearing, and Beth claims that they're swim goggles as she's joining the swim team.

### Season 3

On the first day of junior year, Bridget and James] wake up Beth with breakfast in bed. Bridget eagerly shows her color swatches for a new super suit. Beth forces a smile and looks down at her phone, seeing a selfie from Courtney telling her the family is leaving Yellowstone National Park.

While sitting at lunch, Beth talks with her parents using the goggles. They continue to show her samples and a digital design for a new suit. Bridget suggests lemon yellow as a new color scheme, but Beth reminds them that yellow and black are Rick's colors. She likes her cape, too. She ends their call and sighs that she shouldn't have given them this number. Courtney eagerly asks what she's eating, with Beth telling her the rundown which sounds less appealing to Courtney. Beth admits her parents made it; breakfast too.

Barbara returns to The American Dream. Charlotte asks if she's heard about Steven Sharpe being dead, as a tornado apparently touched down right on top of him. James quickly explains that Blue Valley has been known to have bizarre weather from time to time, like this summer's storms. Janet thinks it serves Mr. Sharpe right, adding in a "God rest his soul", as she passes them.

Beth and Rick drive down the street in his car. She wears her goggles for a video chat with her mom. Bridget is in disbelief that they still don't know who killed The Gambler, conferencing in Beth's father as he'll want to hear about this. He questions if this is about The Gambler, pressing that he can't believe he worked with supervillains. Beth can't talk about it right now. She has to run, but tells her parents to have a good day. They're still chattering away when she hangs up.

Barbara gives her new park pitch to The American Dream. She thinks Blue Valley needs this park, as more families than ever are making their town their home. They need a safe place to take their children. They would have a new playground, and an outdoor auditorium. Tim cuts her off to say it's wonderful. He gives her two thumbs up as she has his vote, calling her Babs. He tells that group that any project she's for, he's obviously supportive of. He asks who's with him, earning near unanimous support except from a man taking notes. Tim hisses for him to put his hand up, making the vote unanimous. He tells James to push the paperwork through immediately.

Beth is in a JSA meeting where goggles ring so she puts them on, answering a call from her parents. Bridget and James grin on the other end, asking how her math test went. It was horrible because she cheated, but can't talk right now as she's in the middle of a JSA meeting. The goggles automatically analyzes Sylvester's mood, first showing agitation, then curiosity. James tells her that Barbara said the Crocks were following up some leads. Bridget thinks that if the Crocks can help, they can certainly do something. They want an assignment or a special mission believing themselves to be ready. She promises they'll talk later tonight and hangs up. She explains they want her to give them a mission. Sylvester knows it's hard when the family finds out and gets involved. His sister Merry did, who Yolanda recognizes as being Henry's mom, Merry Pemberton. Sylvester adds that Brainwave killed her. Beth asks what she should do. His first rule is to protect the family.

That night, Beth sits at her computer at home, working on The Gambler's case by viewing feedback from the goggles. Her parents rush in, having come as soon as she called. They know there's a lot happening fast, and ask how they can help. Beth slowly stands from her chair, closing her computer. They can help her the most if they stay out of her life as Doctor Mid-Nite. This confuses them so she explains to Bridget how dangerous this life is. Sylvester's sister was murdered because she got involved, and so was Dr. McNider's daughter. If DRagon King is out there, or whoever it is, she doesn't want anything to happen to them. It scares her so she's asking them to please stop calling her and to stop helping. She tears up as she asks and looks at their saddened faces. James and Bridget understand and leave the room as she cries.

In the morning, Beth works on decrypting Gambler's laptop when her parents come into her room. They've been trying to call her all day, but couldn't seem to get through. They came home when they couldn't reach her. Bridget asks if Beth really blocked them. Beth's guilty look is confirmation. She told them before, it's too dangerous for them to be involved in this. Mr. Pemberton, Starman, his sister was killed because she was involved. Bridget wonders who will be protecting Beth if she's trying to protect them. Beth affirms that it'll be her friends, her team. James insists they're on her team. Beth shakes her head - there's a killer out there. She's asking them to please, don't make her push them away anymore she already has. James and Bridget solemnly leave the room.

One night, Dr. Mid-Nite and the JSA confront the Mahkent's about their involvement in the secret cameras hidden around Blue Valley. Dr. Mid-Nite ends up in a volatile situation with Sofus Mahkent. The goggles analyze Sofus and ring with a call from an unknown number, which she answers. James is on the other end, and she warns this isn't a good time. She questions how he even called her since she has him blocked. He called from a different number, a burner phone. Sofus tells her to leave them be. He slams his palm against the wall, sending a wave of ice her way. She ducks from shattering glass. James asks what the sound was, and it was bad guys. She hides behind a wall.

Sofus summons ice around his hands. James tells Dr. Mid-Nite to listen. He and her mom talked to Dr. McNider and learned everything that her suit can do - even the untested programs. Her goggles display the Mid-Nite protocol, as James tells her to activate combat mode. She repeats the mode and the goggles react to her verbal command, activating a beta trial, turning her lenses red. Combat mode allows her to fight against Sofus and protect herself. When the man has a heart attack, Beth calls her parents. Bridget tells her to restart his heart and James reminds her about the gloves, which double as defibrillators because of their power. The suit will insulate her, she just has to get everyone clear. She sends a shock through Sofus then another, successfully reviving him.

In the morning, Dr. Bridget Chapel examines Rick's facial wounds. He asks what his prognosis is and if he will ever be able to play the violin again. Beth replies that it's not funny, and that Mr. Mahkent almost died. Rick snaps back that he didn't, neither did he. Dr. Chapel tells him while that's true, his blood pressure and heart rate are elevated to unnatural levels. Beth insists it's that hourglass, as he's been wearing it for too long. He chuckles, standing up, as he feels better than ever, and with Cameron Mahkent and his grandparents out there, none of them can let their guard down right now. James tells Rick that from what Beth told them, it sounds like he just rushed in, even hit Courtney. Rick angrily and offensively yells back that it was an accident. Beth looks at her parents in surprise and he looks to Beth, insisting she knows that. She gestures for him to calm down as she takes a step closer. They do know that, but also knows he hasn't been acting like himself. They're all really worried about him him. Rick grabs the hourglass, insistings he's fine, really. Beth tells him to take off the hourglass, then. Take it off for ten minutes and see how he feels. Rick scoffs and approaches Beth, looking down at her. He warns her to don't ever tell him what to do. He leaves the house as she shouts after him, with James telling him to hold on. Rick ignores them as he leaves. The Chapel family stands together in worry.

After the Battle of Blue Valley, Rick visits the Chapel residence. He sets the hourglass on the coffee table in front of Beth, Bridget, and James. He's sorry for the way he spoke to all of them. He's not going to blame that on anything other than being a thick-headed jerk. Bridget and James chuckle and she assures him it's alright. James adds they're just glad he's feeling better. He looks to Beth and says thank you, then to the parents, for being there for him. He looks back to Beth with a soft gaze as it's her turn. She nods and nervously stands beside Rick. They exchange a look before she talks to her parents.

They've been her guides since she was a kid, and they were her guides when she was Doctor Mid-Nite through all of this. Even when she told them she didn't want them to be. She becomes emotional so Rick puts a supporting hand on her back. She knows they love her, and she loves them too. Rick rubs her back gently in support. She does need their help. She wants their help, so she's asking for it officially. James and Bridget laugh and grin with excitement, questioning if she wants them to be her sidekicks. Beth quickly admits that sounds a little derogatory, but her parents are too eager to let her finish. James leaps over the couch, exclaiming it's a dream. They point to both of them, ready to talk costumes.

The Chapels attend a dinner at the Whitmore-Dugan House. They stand around the dinner table as Beth tells her dad the dish he brought looks great. Rick asks James and Bridget about being sidekicks. He's decided to be Nite-Lite, while Bridget is choosing Hootie, in honor of Dr. McNider's wise owl. He has the whole suit design, which makes Beth chuckle as she puts her arm around him. Bridget greets Yolanda as she brings the bowl of pasta to the table on her way out of the room. Rick asks what James's powers would be, and he incredulously says he's glowing in the dark, man. Rick chuckles as that's cool. James has some new things and it's going to be great, it's going to be fantastic. Beth smiles that she knows. The group laughs together and talks. James pulls out Bridget's chair for her so they can sit.

## Physical Appearance

James is an older man with a large figure, mustache, and short black hair. He is always seen wearing expensive yet attractive suits. He has a kind relaxed demeanor and brown eyes.

## Notes and Trivia

* James is the third parent to learn of his child's superhero activities, following Bridget and Barbara.

## References

1. ↑ "*S.T.R.I.P.E.*"
2. ↑ "*Icicle*"
3. ↑ "*Shiv Part One*"
4. ↑ "*Summer School: Chapter One*"
5. ↑ "*Summer School: Chapter Five*"
6. ↑ "*Summer School: Chapter Six*"
7. ↑ "*Summer School: Chapter Seven*"
8. ↑ "*Summer School: Chapter Eight*"
9. ↑ "*Chapter One: The Murder*"
10. ↑ "*Chapter Two: The Suspects*"
11. ↑ "*Chapter Three: The Blackmail*"
12. ↑ "*Chapter Four: The Evidence*"
13. ↑ "*Chapter Five: The Thief*"
14. ↑ "*Chapter Six: The Betrayal*"
15. ↑ "*Chapter Nine: The Monsters*"
16. ↑ "*Chapter Ten: The Killer*"
17. ↑ "*Chapter Thirteen: The Reckoning*"