Black Lightning: Season 1 – Recap/ Review (with Spoilers)

What Black Panther did with empowering the undeserved on the big screen, while appealing to the masses, Black Lightning does on television episode to episode.

Summary

It had been 9 years since Jefferson Pierce, Garfield high school principal, was the legendary hero Black Lightning. However, with it affecting his marriage and his battle with his father’s killer over, he retired. Thus leading to a criminal element returning to Freeland and him making deals with criminals, to protect his school and students, than fighting them.

However, as his youngest daughter, Jennifer, finds herself drawn into trouble, thanks to this young man named Will, Black Lightning ends up having to come out of retirement. Something which many are happy about but also question. Mostly in the form of, why now? Which, the one character who seemingly pieces it together, they get killed off quick.

But, overall, the fight for justice and the safety of the children in the town is the main focus. Especially as the leader of the 100, disgraced politician Tobias Whale, begins pushing drugs onto kids. Not knowing that he is just a pawn within his boss’ Lady Eve, and her associate, Proctor’s, goals in finding more people who could become like Black Lightning and perhaps create an army.

Question(s) Left Unanswered

1. Whatever happened to Anissa’s love interest, Grace?

Highlights

It’s Black As Hell

You know how we’re having a bit of a 2.0 craze? How this is A Different World 2.0, Cosby Show 2.0, and etc? Well, in some ways, Black Lightning brings about an almost Cosby Show vibe but with fewer children and sci-fi/ action elements. It begins just by the noting of Black authors, philosophers, and Jefferson seriously pushing Black American history when it comes to his kids and students. Us seeing, similar to The Chi, so many different hues of Black and while it may not get bonus points for different body shapes, in the beginning, there is some LGBT representation with Jefferson’s daughter Anissa.

Something that may have gotten dropped, but seeing a Black lesbian superhero, live action, who also is brown skinned? It was so nice and refreshing. Then, on top of that, the same character is such a social justice warrior, for Black rights, that her sister nicknames her Harriet? Can you ask for more?

Black Love

Well, actually, you can. Because unlike many shows, nearly every single Black character on here is either seeing someone Black or did. Jefferson and wife Lynn, a neuroscientist, will be perhaps one of your favorite couples on TV. Yes, they have some marital issues, but it stems from her worrying about one day finding Jefferson dead in an alley, on the news, or bleeding out while she is trying to save him. Not to forget, someone figuring out his real identity and that putting the family in danger.

But it isn’t just the parents, but also Anissa and Jennifer who dabble in Black loving relationships. Anissa’s longtime girlfriend, Chenoa, is a Black woman and despite us not seeing them much, a Black lesbian couple on network TV doesn’t come around every day. Then with Jennifer, she had a really sweet relationship with Khalil till that went to hell.

Thus giving you a bit of diversity without diversity meaning your usual person of color and white pairing.

Black Family

Bringing back that Cosby Show comparison, there is something strangely ideal yet still real about the Pierce household. They have family dinners, the kids live with their folks, but it isn’t like the kids are saints. Jennifer, as noted, is starting to smell herself and talk back a bit. Anissa, who is productively stubborn, also isn’t much for hearing no.

Yet, despite the issues they sometimes have, and how they deal with secrets once revealed, they remain a strong unit. One which figures out how to present something to put on a pedestal without making it feel unattainable.

Lady Eve

How many Black villains do you know off hand? Not anti-heroes, or those like Amanda Waller who have the attitude of a villain but technically are an anti-hero? For those not heavily into sci-fi and comic book lore, there aren’t many to quickly name. Especially those who look like Jill Scott and present the best of both worlds. That sweet southern nature, which has you see why they are an honorable member of society, paired with someone who would unload as many clips into you as needed. Be it to get a point across or to simply kill you.

And speaking specifically about Scott, you will so badly wish that, like Tobias, she was a villain throughout the series vs. just an arc. For those who saw Love Beats Rhymes, the darkness and venom we saw in her role within that movie, it is on full display here. To the point that you’ll be clamoring for this show to do like Gotham and bring back its villains with various means of explaining how or why it was done. For she is truly that good.

Addressing The Past To Understand The Present

Those who don’t venture to read the source material often times are led to feel they are missing out or can’t jump in because they are out of the loop. With Black Lightning, thankfully it isn’t part of the Arrow-verse, yet or officially, so there isn’t any need to watch that show to understand what is going on. Also, unlike some shows which make you believe you have to check out a Wikipedia article or something else to get a firm understanding of a character, that isn’t necessarily the case here.

I will admit to feeling compelled to look up Lady Eve, since there seemed to be something missing there, but for the most part, you get everything you need to know in terms of how Jefferson became Black Lightning, Tobias’ past, and more.

Low Points

No One Can Figure Out Jefferson is Black Lightning?

Jefferson has the body of a WWE wrestler and is very distinctive. So the fact that a mask made for a barely discreet masquerade party is hiding his identity is comical. So comical that when two characters seem, or do figure it out, it makes you wonder why only these two can see what everyone else can’t?

It Tones Down The Urban Drama Vibe As The Season Goes On

When the season begins, and we are introduced to Lala, there is this vibe that we are going to watch a mash-up between a hood drama and your usual superhero vehicle. However, as Lala’s arc ends, the show effectively kills the urban drama vibe and doesn’t necessarily lighten things up but brings the tone of the show more in line with Black Lightning’s peers. Which makes things seem less serious, life or death even, and signals the beginning of a slow death in quality for the villains.

On The Fence

How Its Villains Are Handled

The way this show handles its villains is with each one passing the baton to the next. Lala passes it to Tobias, he to Lady Eve, back to Tobias, then to Proctor, and it is right back to Tobias again. Unfortunately, as said baton is passed, we don’t necessarily get a bigger and stronger bad guy. Don’t get me wrong, upon introduction, each villain seems formidable and intriguing. The issue is, they don’t stay that way. Well, with the exception of Lala who may be the only one that can be considered consistent.

As for everyone else? Tobias becomes very hit and miss. In fact, for those who watch or are aware of FOX’s Gotham, consider Tobias this show’s Penguin. He started off low, jumped up in status too quick, and now is sort of the gatekeeper for the show. To become a notable villain on this show, you have to interact with Tobias and there is the wonder, if not fear, his ups and downs in the underworld are going to strongly coincide with what we’ve seen Penguin go through.

Leading to Lady Eve and Proctor. To put it simply, despite how bad ass they are touted to be and appear, that façade is taken care of quicker than you may like. Making them seem all talk, despite the inkling of action and them throwing their weight around. And this even includes when some, like Proctor, even at this lowest point, have something to combat Black Lightning with.

Anissa’s Love Life Being Shutdown

Taking note becoming a hero is assumingly time-consuming, it seemed odd that Anissa being queer and showing interest in women got drastically reduced to not being a part of her storyline by mid-season. Especially since her second love interest, Grace, was a comic book nerd and was part of what inspired Anissa to become Thunder. Yet, after Grace gets attacked and consoled, we don’t see or hear from her again.

Overall: Positive (Watch This)

While there are many blueprints for how to handle a superhero show, there isn’t one which is made to cater to a Black audience while maintaining its ability to not simply become a “Black show.” That is, for Black people and only attractive to Black people. Yet, Black Lightning makes it work by not looking towards its comic book adaption peers, but more so towards The Cosby Show as to what to emulate until it finds its own groove.

Leading to why the positive label. Black Lightning finds a way to appease and excite those who want a sci-fi action hero, as well as those who want to see a Black family go through highs and lows. It’s a people pleaser without being pandering and while its villains sadly falter in quality, their entrances are good enough to make up for their unfortunate exits tolerable. Thus giving us a show which will hopefully open the doors for other people of color heroes in the future. Especially now that a blueprint for them has been made.

Has Another Season Been Confirmed?: Yes

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Season/ Episode	Synopsis	Episode Information
Season 2/ Episode 6 “The Book of Blood: Chapter Two: The Perdi”	Black Lightning finally brings on a new villain, a faction war, and loads of action. Thus reminding you this isn’t strictly some metahuman family show.	Director(s) Oz Scott Writer(s) Pat Charles Air Date 11/20/2018 Introduced This Episode Looker Sofia Vassilieva
Season 2/ Episode 5 “The Book of Blood: Chapter One: Requiem”	Black Lightning continues to suffer by not having a true villain, but it may use the existence of new, or newly revealed, and old metahumans to compensate.	Director(s) Michael Schultz Writer(s) Lamont Magee Air Date 11/13/2018 Introduced This Episode Deacon Rob Morean Anaya Birgundi Baker Councilman Kwame Eric C. Lynch Featuring: Deacon, Anaya, Councilman Kwame, Grace, Anissa, Tobias, Dr. Jace, Lynn, Jennifer
Season 2/ Episode 4 “The Book of Consequences: Chapter Four – Translucent Freak”	As we learn whether Tobias will be charged or not, Jefferson has the kind of conversations with his kids which will alter their relationship.	Director(s) Salli Richardson-Whitfield Writer(s) Adam Giaudrone Air Date 10/30/2018 Introduced This Episode Ms. Montez Salli Richardson-Whitfield Featuring: Jefferson, Anissa, Gambi, Lynn, Mr. Lowry, Jennifer, Khalil, Tobias, Henderson, Ms. Montez
Season 2/ Episode 3 “The Book of Consequences – Chapter Three ‘Master Lowry'”	The Book of Consequences arc continues to be about building up to something bigger than starting things off with a bang.	Director(s) Rose Troche Writer(s) Jan Nash Air Date 10/23/2018 Characters Introduced Mr. Lowry P.J. Byrne Perenna Erika Alexander Dr. Jace Jennifer Riker
Season 1/ Episode 1 “The Resurrection”	It seems like DC and the Akils are looking to steal some of Black Panther’s thunder (I couldn’t help myself) with the premiere of Black Lighting.	Network CW Creator Mara Brock Akil, Salim Akil Director(s) Salim Akil Writer(s) Salim Akil Air Date 1/16/2018 Official URL http://www.cwtv.com/shows/black-lightning/ Noted Cast Jefferson Pierce/ Black Lightning Cress Williams Gambi James Remar Anissa Nafessa Williams Lynn Christine Adams Jennifer China Anne McClain Tobias Marvin ‘Krondon’ Jones III Latavious “Lala” William Catlett Will Dabier Kara Skye P. Marshall Inspector Henderson Damon Gupton
Season 1/ Episode 2 “Lawanda: The Book of Hope”	Black Lightning pushes what you expect from network TV, hell the CW, as it throws us some unexpected deaths to push Jefferson to accept fate.	Director(s) Oz Scott Writer(s) Salim Akil, Charles D. Holland Air Date 1/23/2018 Characters Introduced Lawanda Tracey Bonner Khalil Jordan Calloway Chenoa Shein Mompremier Kiesha Kyanna Simone Simpson
Season 1/ Episode 3 “LaWanda: The Book of Burial”	As Black Lightning makes his presence known to even Tobias’ boss, Lady Eve, so comes the question of whether his presence helps as much as Gambi thinks it does.	Director(s) Mark Tonderai Writer(s) Jan Nash Air Date 1/30/2018 Characters Introduced Reverend Jeremiah Holt Clifton Powell Lady Eve Jill Scott Grace Chantal Thuy Syonide Charlbi Dean Kriek
Season 1/ Episode 4 “Black Jesus”	Lady Eve makes it clear Black Lightning has to be eliminated, for real this time. However, how can you take down a superhero beloved by the people? Well, turn the people against him.	Director(s) Michael Schultz Writer(s) Pat Charles Air Date 2/6/2018 Characters Introduced Mr. Lewis Derrick Lemont  Tori Edwina Findley Dickerson Bernard Michael King Two-Bits Jason Louder
Season 1/ Episode 5 “And Then the Devil Brought the Plague: The Book of Green Light”	For those wondering about the origins of Tobias, as well as his beef with Jefferson, Anissa begins that journey this episode.	Director(s) Rose Troche Writer(s) Adam Giaudrone Air Date 2/13/2018 Characters Introduced Joey Toledo Eric Mendenhall Eldridge T.C. Carson Lana Whitney Anderson David Poe Antonio Fargas
Season 1/ Episode 6 “Three Sevens: The Book of Thunder”	As Gambi’s secrets slowly are revealed to us, Jefferson comes to a crossroad of whether or not he’ll officially become a murderer.	Director(s) Benny Boom Writer(s) Charles D. Holland Air Date 2/27/2018
Season 1/ Episode 7 “Equinox: The Book of Fate”	With Lady Eve and Gambi trying to maintain this balance of power they created, people die and one, strangely, comes alive.	Director(s) Bille Woodruff Writer(s) Lamont Magee Air Date 3/6/2018
Season 1/ Episode 8 “Revelations”	Gambi’s struggles to keep his past in the shadows as the reckoning comes with Lady Eve’s murder.	Director(s) Tanya Hamilton Writer(s) Jan Nash Air Date 3/13/218 Characters Introduced Martin Proctor Gregg Henry
Season 1/ Episode 9 “The Book of Little Black Lies”	Thunder & Black Lightning have their first official outing together as Jennifer deals with the family secret.	Director(s) Tawnia McKiernan Writer(s) Keli Goff Air Date 3/20/2018
Season 1/ Episode 10 "SINS OF THE FATHER: THE BOOK OF REDEMPTION"	As Tobias remains in hiding, Lala continues to reestablish himself as a villain, but not one that will stand in Black Lightning’s way yet. He instead is dealing with his second betrayal in months.	Director(s) Eric Laneuville Writer(s) Pat Charles Air Date 3/28/18 Actors Introduced Neema Kat Logan
Season 1/ Episode 11 “Black Jesus: The Book of Crucifixion”	Gambi may have found a way to not only buy Jefferson some time off the ASA’s radar but also reconcile with him.	Director(s) Michael Schultz Writer(s) Melora Rivera Air Date 4/3/2018 Actors Introduced Deputy chief Cayman Anthony Reynolds Detective Glennon Faron Salisbury Tavon Jasun Jabbar
Season 1/ Episode 12 “The Resurrection and the Light: The Book of Pain”	The battle for Freeland has intensified as new defenses against Black Lightning have been made and it seems he is becoming heavily outnumbered.	Director(s) Oz Scott Writer(s) Jan Nash, Adam Giaudrone Air Date 4/10/2018 Actors Introduced Thomas Hidalgo Morgan Bown
Season 1/ Episode 13 “Shadow of Death: The Book of War”	In the season finale of Black Lightning, the fate of the encased metahumans gets decided and some characters present their final goodbye.	Director(s) Salim Akil Writer(s) Charles D. Holland Air Date 4/17/2018 Actors Introduced Young Jefferson Kaden Washington Lewis
Season 1 – Recap/ Review	What Black Panther did with empowering the undeserved on the big screen, while appealing to the masses, Black Lightning does on television episode to episode.
Season 2/ Episode 1 “The Book of Consequences: Chapter 1 ‘Rise of the Green Light Babies’”	Black Lightning is back and to move the story forward, his identity comes out to a few people. Also, there is a need to address the kids in pods.	Director(s) Salim Akil Writer(s) Salim Akil Air Date 10/9/2018 Characters Introduced Napier Robert Townsend Agent Odell Bill Duke
Season 2/ Episode 2 "The Book of Consequences: Chapter Two 'Black Jesus Blues'"	As someone in the pods breaks out, and Tobias begins making moves, Jefferson is forced to face the music at Garfield High School.	Director(s) Oz Scott Writer(s) Charles D. Holland Air Date 10/16/2018 Characters Introduced Wendy Madison Bailey Issa Miles Truitt Marsellus Ralph Wilcox Zoe Andy Allo