A new yet recognizable hero has arrived and if the pilot episode is any indication on how this series will go, it looks like we have another hit for DC at least on the television level. Warning spoilers ahead….
It’s been nine years since Jefferson Pierce (Cress Williams) appeared as the superhero known as Black Lightning. Today he is a well-respected principal and man about the community, at least in the black community. The social commentary present here is very reflective of the current state of racial tension that unfortunately remains present in our society. After his daughter Anissa (Nafessa Williams) was arrested during a protest, Pierce gets pulled over and subjected to questionable tactics by the police for a crime he didn’t commit but fit the color scheme. Pierce controls his anger and rage and only for a moment tapped into his metahuman powers as Black Lightning.
The final straw for Pierce is when his youngest daughter, Jennifer (China Anne McClain) gets into hot water at club owned by the 100, a ruthless gang that runs the city. Pierce arrives to rescue her and was forced to use his powers. Later Pierce visits his mentor and friend Peter Gambi (James Remar) and tells him what has happened. Gambi urges him to become Black Lightning again. Pierce however refuses to break the promise he made to his ex-wife Lynn (Christine Adams). After a member of the 100 kidnap both his girls from school even after Pierce had worked out an agreement with one of its leaders, a childhood friend now gangbuster named Lala (William Catlett), Lynn frees Pierce of his promise. With Gambi’s help (he is to Pierce as Alfred is to Bruce), he dons a new Black Lightning costume and was able to rescue his daughters and return them safely home. Upon finding out that Black Lightning has returned, crime boss and head of the 100, Tobias Whale (Marvin Jones III), instructs Lala to find and kill Black Lightning. The episode closes with Anissa activating her own powers, when she breaks a sink in half.
A very solid introduction with an impressive cast led by Williams. I hope this series much like Luke Cage has done for Marvel transcends race and gets the recognition and viewership the character deserves.
May the Dork be with you,
JPB
The Dork Knight
