Black Lightning Review: Batteries Not Included

Black Lightning
Photo Credit: The CW

The CW’s Black Lightning returned for its final season Monday night, and it felt different. It was the beginning of the end for the citizens of Freeland and the Pearce family.

The patriarch, Jefferson Pearce aka Black Lightning (Cress Williams), is usually a pillar of strength and literal light. However, the events of the past seasons have clearly worn him down. He is filled with grief over losing his friend Henderson (Damon Patterson), and angry with the ways of the world. Not to mention his marriage is falling apart.

One thing is for certain, he is done being superhero Black Lightning. This doesn’t stop him from using his powers, though. He uncharacteristically used his powers in plain clothes twice in the episode. The police are even on to him! Obviously, the man is slipping and he doesn’t even care! If this is any indication of the rest of the season, it’s going to be one hell of a bumpy ride.

The Pearce girls, Jennifer (China Anne McClain) and Anissa (Nafessa Williams), have taken crime fighting into their own hands without their Dad! Since Black Lightning is currently out commission, Jenn’s Lightning and Anissa’s Thunder, are cleaning the drugs off the street.

In her spare time, Anissa is caring for her girlfriend Grace (Chantal Thuy). Last season, Grace suffered serious injuries and is now in a coma. Meanwhile, Jenn is busy exploring her powers. In one of the standout scenes in the episode, Jenn flies through the sky while her powers glow around her! However, things don’t quite end well for the sister duo. Jenn is hurt in a battle, and Jefferson becomes livid his girls are essentially following in his footsteps! Jenn recovers quickly, and returns to flying the friendly skies. However, she suddenly loses consciousness and free falls!

Lynn (Christine Adams), the girls’ mother and Jefferson’s wife, is well…the best liar in the series! She kicked her addiction to greenlight, but has been a hot mess ever since! While she is seemingly back in the lab trying to heal the sick, she’s still full of ulterior motives. Mama Lynn is experimenting with injecting herself with the Metahuman gene and trying it out when she has time. If “in over your head was a person”, she’d be the poster child!

Tobias Whale (Marvin Krondon Jones III) remains the smoothest villain to make it to the final season! He struggled last season being held against his well, but now he’s back to being large and in charge. He has rebuilt his wealth, and is moonlighting as a philanthropist. He’s now the money behind Lynn’s job and meets her for “first time”. He remains determined to carry out his plan to get more of the metahuman gene! He is an enjoyable as ever to watch!

Lala (William Catlett) refuses to die, and I don’t know why! The man is still selling drugs in his infinite death and rebirth. He feels like an anchor holding an otherwise great series down. He needs to die once and for all! Tobias Whale can handle the big bad quota for the series!

Gambi (James Remar) is watching from the shadows as always! He met up with a lady friend, but was pulled away. He and Jefferson still aren’t on the same page, and that book is seemingly on fire. However, Gambi has proven he is usually two steps ahead of everyone. I’m interested in how he plans to navigate the season.

The first episode really drove home the broken family dynamic. No matter how strong one is, family is the foundation. With our main family all pretty much looking out for themselves, Freeland is in real trouble. Batteries are no longer included in the Black Lightning machine!

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Written by Melodie Aikels

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