Recap / Static Shock S 1 E 11 Bent Out Of Shape

Sharon dates a rapper who turns out to be the escaped criminal, Rubberband Man. Things get more complicated when two new Bang Babies, Puff and Onyx, show up on the scene, hoping to use their abilities to become metahuman bounty hunters, with Rubberband Man as their first target.

"Bent Out of Shape" includes the following tropes:

• Accidental Hero: Just as Rubberband Man pulls off Static's mask and is about to learn his true identity, Puff and Onyx attack him in order to claim the bounty on him.
• Character Development: Even if he's not quite done pulling his Heel–Face Turn in this appearance, Rubberband Man has come a long way. He's actually able to acknowledge that his temper is a problem and is willing to return to jail to please Sharon.
• Continuity Nod: Virgil references his last run-in with Rubberband Man when listing his past troubles with the law to Sharon.
• Dramatic Irony: Sharon nearly lets Puff (under the guise of a police friend) into the house. If it hadn't been for Virgil (AKA Static) recognizing her, she would've gotten in without trouble.
• Friend on the Force: Robert mentions having one of these when talking to Sharon about what to do with Rubberband Man.
• Love Redeems: Rubberband Man starts mellowing out here thanks to Sharon's influence. He's willing to go even farther and return to jail because she says it's the right thing to do.
• Mythology Gag: Rubberband Man's new alias in this episode is Stringer. Karmon Stringer was Rubberband Man's real name in the comics.
• Papa Wolf: Robert is livid when he learns his daughter allegedly welcomed a criminal into their home.
  • Earlier in the episode, he rips the phone off the wall to stop reporters from harassing Sharon.
• Rebuilt Pedestal: Sharon has one for "Stringer" (Rubberband Man). Initially, she's angry with him for hiding his criminal past from her. And although she wants to help him, she makes it clear that if he really wants a future with her, he has to put his criminal past behind him. When he finally decides to put aside his past with Static and turn himself in peacefully, Sharon couldn't be happier.
• Revenge: Since Static unknowingly exposed his true identity, Rubberband Man intends to return the favor.
• Tempting Fate: When fighting Puff and Onyx for the first time, Static does.
  Puff: Well howdy, Partner! Looking to rustle up some trouble?
  Static: Your call, Lady!
  Puff blows onto the garbage lid he was levitating on, causing it to break
  Static: I shouldn't have said that...
• Voluntary Shapeshifting: Rubberband Man, naturally. Sharon is irritated, though, when he tries hiding from Virgil and Richie as a vacuum cleaner that she has to lug around. As he sheepishly admits, functional wheels are hard for him to do.
• Wham Shot: When Static berates Stringer for the fire at the concert hall, he grabs his arm, and it stretches like rubber.