Black Lightning
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Jefferson Pierce, who retired from his superhero persona Black Lightning nine years ago after seeing the effects it had on his family, is forced to become a vigilante again when the rise of the local gang called the 100 leads to increased crime and corruption in his community of Freeland.
Release Date: January 16, 2018
Genres: Science Fiction, Drama, Action
Phase: Ended
Classification: TV-14
Average Runtime: 42m
Network: The CW
- Seasons
- 01
- 02
- 03
- 04
January 16, 2018
As Black Lightning begins, Jefferson Pierce is a man wrestling with a secret. As the father of two daughters and principal of a charter high school that also serves as a safe haven for young people in a neighborhood overrun by gang violence, he is a hero to his community. Nine years ago, Pierce was a hero of a different sort. Gifted with the superhuman power to harness and control electricity, he used those powers to keep his hometown streets safe as the masked vigilante Black Lightning. However, after too many nights with his life on the line, and seeing the effects of the damage and loss that his alter ego was inflicting on his family, he left his Super Hero days behind and settled into being a principal and a dad. Choosing to help his city without using his superpowers, he watched his daughters Anissa and Jennifer grow into strong young women, even though his marriage to their mother, Lynn, suffered. Almost a decade later, Pierce's crime-fighting days are long behind him…or so he thought. But with crime and corruption spreading like wildfire, and those he cares about in the crosshairs of the menacing local gang The One Hundred, Black Lightning returns — to save not only his family, but also the soul of his community.
October 9, 2018
October 7, 2019
February 8, 2021
January 16, 2018
01. The Resurrection
Jefferson Pierce is the principal of a successful high school... but nine years ago he was the masked vigilante Black Lightning until he promised to retire. Now the rise of The 100 in his city and their threats to his daughters means that Jefferson will have to break his promise and fight the crime in the streets.
January 23, 2018
02. LaWanda: The Book of Hope
After their abduction, Anissa seeks comfort in the arms of her lover while Jennifer starts drinking. Meanwhile, Jefferson realizes that he has to do more than just rescue his daughters if he wants to save his city, and Lynn fears that he's returning to his old ways.
January 30, 2018
03. LaWanda: The Book of Burial
Reverend Holt announces his intention to lead the people in a community street march. When Jeff and Gambi realize that Tobias plans to stop them--violently--they make plans to stop him. Meanwhile, Anissa meets a new woman, and Jennifer and Khalil plan to have sex.
February 6, 2018
04. Black Jesus
After Lady Eve tells him to deal with Black Lightning, Tobias calls in his sister. Meanwhile, Jeff deals with the weight of the collateral damage caused by his vigilante activities and Anissa starts using her powers to do good.
February 13, 2018
05. And Then the Devil Brought the Plague: The Book of Green Light
Jeff discovers that Tobias is still alive and behind Green Light. Meanwhile, Anissa looks into her grandfather's investigation into "enhanced' children thirty years ago and gets a cryptic warning.
February 27, 2018
06. Three Sevens: The Book of Thunder
Despite his recent pains, Jeff sets out to bring down his father's killer. Meanwhile, Thunder intervenes when a protest goes wrong, and Jennifer has second thoughts about Khalil.
March 6, 2018
07. Equinox: The Book of Fate
Tobias sets out to frame Black Lightning for Lady Eve's death and avoid the wrath of the Shadow Board. Meanwhile, Lynn accepts that Anissa is going to be a hero no matter what she says.
March 13, 2018
08. The Book of Revelations
Jeff trains Anissa in how to use her powers and become an effective vigilante. While they try to clear Black Lightning's name, Gambi meets with his old ASA boss and gets disturbing news. Meanwhile, Lynn learns that Alvin was doing a story on a vaccine tied to Green Light, and Jennifer realizes that she has superpowers.
March 20, 2018
09. The Book of Little Black Lies
Anissa tells Jennifer the truth about their powers and where they come from, creating a rift between Jennifer and her parents. Meanwhile, Gambi breaks into the ASA building and discovers part of their plan, and Black Lighting and Thunder learn where there ASA is manufacturing Green Light.
March 27, 2018
10. Sins of the Father: The Book of Redemption
Martin and his men abduct Gambi and try to force him to reveal who Black Lightning is. Meanwhile, Lynn learns more about Jennifer's powers, and Jeff learns that the ASA is abducting teenagers again.
April 3, 2018
11. Black Jesus: The Book of Crucifixion
The ASA arrange for cops on their payroll to frame Jeff and arrest him so that the ASA can take him to a black site and determine if he's Black Lightning. Gambi and Anissa come up with a desperate plan to get Jeff free, while Bill starts asking questions.
April 10, 2018
12. The Resurrection and the Light: The Book of Pain
Tobias and Khalil return to Freeland, and Lala receives new orders from his master. Meanwhile, Lynn discusses the possibility of suppressing Jennifer's powers, and Black Lighting and Thunder continue the search for the missing kids.
April 17, 2018
13. Shadow of Death: The Book of War
While in a coma, Jeff talks with his dead father. Meanwhile, Martin orders his tac team to move in on Gambi's cabin, and Tobias makes his move.
October 9, 2018
01. The Book of Consequences: Chapter One: Rise of the Green Light Babies
Months after the ASA's attack, Jeff and his family discover that things are worse than ever. Green Light babies are rampant in the street, the board is threatening to shut down Garfield, an ASA agent is probing into Lynn's involvement with the pods, and Anissa's powers are going out of control.
October 16, 2018
02. The Book of Consequences: Chapter Two: Black Jesus Blues
One of the Green Light Babies escapes her pod and goes on a rampage. Meanwhile, Jeff is informed that he has been replaced as principal, Anissa reconnects with Grace, and Khalil pays Jennifer a visit.
October 23, 2018
03. The Book of Consequences: Chapter Three: Master Lowry
Jeff cleans out his desk after the board retires him as principal. Meanwhile, Anissa goes looking for money to keep Holt's clinic from going insolvent, Lynn gets a new co-worker, and Jennifer meets a woman with a unique gift.
October 30, 2018
04. The Book of Consequences: Chapter Four: Translucent Freak
While Tobias scheme to clear himself of any suspicion of Alvin's death, Jeff has it out with Anissa, Jennifer, Bill, and Lowry.
November 13, 2018
05. The Book of Blood: Chapter One: Requiem
Death strikes close to home for the Pierce family, and Jeff has trouble coping. Jace offers Lynn a solution to saving the Green Light babies, and a new threat emerges in South Freeland.
November 20, 2018
06. The Book of Blood: Chapter Two: The Perdi
While Lynn deals with the aftermath of fourteen deaths, Anissa meets with Anaya's parents and help her deliver her baby... only to receive a surprise.
November 27, 2018
07. The Book of Blood: Chapter Three: The Sange
Looker and her Sange search for Anaya's after electrocuting a captive Jeff. Their mistake. Meanwhile, Jennifer and Khalil come up with a short-term plan to get Holt out of harm's way, but Holt isn't interested in cooperating.
December 4, 2018
08. The Book of Rebellion: Chapter One: Exodus
Jeff reveals to Lynn and Anissa that Peter is still alive, and together they go searching for Jennifer and Khalil. Meanwhile, Tobias brings in an old "friend" to hunt down Khalil, who catches up to Khalil at the same time that Black Lightning does.
December 11, 2018
09. The Book of Rebellion: Chapter Two: Gift of the Magi
Jennifer breaks into a hospital supply room to get the antibiotics she needs for Khalil when he becomes feverish from his injury. While Cutter tracks her, Black Lightning, Thunder, and Peter try to find the missing teenagers while Lynn approaches Khalil's estranged father.
January 21, 2019
10. The Book of Rebellion: Chapter Three: Angelitos Negros
Jennifer decides that it's time to stop running, and Jeff asks Bill for a favor. Tobias reveals to Todd why he's supporting him financially, and Todd learns of a secret that is the key to Tobias controlling Freeland.
January 28, 2019
11. The Book of Secrets: Chapter One: Prodigal Son
While the Pierces gather around a dying Khalil, Tobias discovers that Jace knows where the Masters of Disasters are and breaks her out of ASA custody.
February 4, 2019
12. The Book of Secrets: Chapter Two: Just and Unjust
Jennifer grieves in the aftermath of Khalil's death, and Odell saves Lynn from an abduction. At Garfield, Jennifer and Jeff both confront Lowry, while Anissa is surprised by a sudden turn of events with Grace.
February 11, 2019
13. The Book of Secrets: Chapter Three: Pillar of Fire
Tobias activates one of the Masters of Disaster, and sends him and Cutter to bring him the other pods. Napier gets Jeff a chance to get his old job back, and Anissa learns more about Grace's history.
March 4, 2019
14. The Book of Secrets: Chapter Four: Original Sin
Jeff receives a visit from a former student, Anissa goes looking for Grace, and Jennifer gets a new suit.
March 11, 2019
15. The Book of the Apocalypse: Chapter One: The Alpha
Tobias initiates the first step in selling his army of metas, Jeff sets down some ground rules to his daughters, and Lala and Lazarus have a chat.
March 18, 2019
16. The Book of the Apocalypse: Chapter Two: The Omega
Black Lightning and Thunder take on the Masters of Disaster, while Peter and Jennifer try to restore the city's power during the riots that break out after Cape Guy's death. Tobias and Cutter have a disagreement, and Odell makes his move.
October 7, 2019
01. The Book of Occupation: Chapter One: Birth of Blackbird
The ASA puts Freeland under martial law, forcing Bill to cooperate. Jeff and Lynn remain in "protective custody", and Anissa takes on a new costumed identity as Blackbird to get metas out of the city.
October 14, 2019
02. The Book of Occupation: Chapter Two: Maryam's Tasbih
Freeland is under siege, and the Jeffersons feel the pressure: Jeff and Lynn argue, Jennifer snaps at her fellow students, and Anissa snaps at the Perdi when they take the meta refugees in. Gambi asks Bill to help him get a comm drive from the ASA so that he can contact Anissa, and Odell uses Khalil to conduct a field test of his new tech.
October 21, 2019
03. The Book of Occupation: Chapter Three: Agent Odell's Pipe-Dream
Odell uses several carrots and sticks to get Lynn, Jeff, Tobias, Khalil, and Jennifer to do his bidding as the siege of Freeland continues.
October 28, 2019
04. The Book of Occupation: Chapter Four: Lynn's Ouroboros
Jeff gets his first taste of occupied Freeland after he's freed from the Pit, and discovers that Jennifer is taking Odell's side. Lynn takes modified Green Light to boost her mental abilities, and Bill chafes under the ASA's commandeering of the station.
November 11, 2019
05. The Book of Occupation: Chapter Five: Requiem for Tavon
Odell tries to track down Blackbird, and Bill arrests Two-Bits and Reverend Holt. Lynn turns to an unlikely source to obtain the metacure, and Jeff gets a rude awakening from the ASA soldiers.
November 18, 2019
06. The Book of Resistance: Chapter One: Knocking on Heaven's Door
Black Lightning hits the streets to fight the ASA, while at home Jeff and Lynn fight. Anissa tries to fight Painkiller's toxin with some help from Gambi, and the Markovians launch an attack on the ASA with some help from Instant and Jace.
November 25, 2019
07. The Book of Resistance: Chapter Two: Henderson's Opus
Anissa asks Jeff to help her get Grace out of Freeland, while the ASA searches for metas door-to-door. Gambi convinces Lynn to help him gain access to The Pit, and Jennifer tries to find out where Jace is so she can help Brandon.
December 2, 2019
08. The Book of Resistance: Chapter Three: The Battle of Franklin Terrace
Black Lightning decides to fight back when the ASA threatens his old neighborhood. Thunder battles Painkiller, and Tobias has a plan for Lynn to stop the ASA from weaponizing the metas.
December 9, 2019
09. The Book of Resistance: Chapter Four: Earth Crisis
With the coming of the red skies, Jennifer finds herself torn between worlds.
January 20, 2020
10. The Book of Markovia: Chapter One: Blessings and Curses Reborn
Jefferson navigates his new reality following the events of the Crisis, and Lynn's determination to save the meta kids deepens her troubles. Meanwhile, Anissa/Blackbird faces new challenges. Lastly, Jennifer's bond with Brandon begins to grow.
January 27, 2020
11. The Book of Markovia: Chapter Two: Lynn's Addiction
Jefferson, Anissa and Jennifer discover that the ASA is now hunting the entire Pierce family. Meanwhile, Lynn does the unthinkable.
February 3, 2020
12. The Book of Markovia: Chapter Three: Motherless ID
Jefferson and Anissa join forces with the ASA to help one of their own. Meanwhile, Lynn is forced to continue battling her demons.
February 10, 2020
13. The Book of Markovia: Chapter Four: Grab the Strap
Black Lightning and his team descend upon Markovia on a mission to rescue Lynn who finds herself in even more trouble when she meets Gravedigger, a metahuman on the Markovian side.
February 24, 2020
14. The Book of War: Chapter One: Homecoming
As the battle continues, old alliances are revisited and new alliances forged.
March 2, 2020
15. The Book of War: Chapter Two: Freedom Ain't Free
After learning that Gravedigger and the Markovians are coming to attack Freeland, the Pierce family prepares for war.
March 9, 2020
16. The Book of War: Chapter Three: Liberation
Black Lightning faces off against Gravedigger.
February 8, 2021
01. The Book of Reconstruction: Chapter One: Collateral Damage
Jefferson Pierce is still mourning the death of his long-time friend Detective Henderson. Meanwhile, Gambi is presented with an interesting opportunity. Lastly, Lynn and Jefferson are still not able to see eye to eye.
February 15, 2021
02. The Book of Reconstruction: Chapter Two: Unacceptable Losses
The war between the 100 and the Kobra Cartel rages on, with tragic consequences. Meanwhile, Lynn continues her experiments. And both Lynn and Jefferson have individual counseling sessions.
February 22, 2021
03. The Book of Reconstruction: Chapter Three: Despite All My Rage...
Jefferson is feeling even more lost after a frustrating therapy session. Meanwhile, Anissa continues to care for a still comatose Grace. Lastly, Lynn has a breakthrough.
March 1, 2021
04. The Book of Reconstruction: Chapter Four: A Light in the Darkness
Jefferson pays Tobias a visit and warns him to stay away from his family.
March 8, 2021
05. The Book of Ruin: Chapter One: Picking Up the Pieces
Gambi supports Black Lightning as he departs on a special mission. Meanwhile, Grace tries to persuade Anissa to let her guard down.
March 15, 2021
06. The Book of Ruin: Chapter Two: Theseus's Ship
Jefferson crosses a line with Lynn. Meanwhile, Anissa shares some important news. Lastly, Tobias makes a surprising move.
April 12, 2021
07. Painkiller
Khalil Payne is a young man ridden with the guilt of his troubled past from his former life in Freeland City, where, as a super-enhanced killing machine known as Painkiller, he was both a member of Tobias Whale's gang and a weapon of Agent Odell and the shadowy ASA. After attempting to bury the darker, devastatingly lethal Painkiller part of his persona, Khalil has distanced himself away from everyone he knows and loves in a new city, Akashic Valley, in order to find peace... but peace never comes easy for men with pasts like Khalil Payne and Painkiller. As his violent, destructive history crashes his idyllic new beginning, Khalil is thrusted back into action with a new mission - bring justice where he once gave out punishment - but to do that, he will first have to deal with and harness his darker side, Painkiller.
April 19, 2021
08. The Book of Ruin: Chapter Three: Things Fall Apart
The FBI pays Jefferson a visit. Meanwhile, Anissa surprises Grace.
April 26, 2021
09. The Book of Ruin: Chapter Four: Lyding
Gambi warns the Pierce family of a possible crisis looming.
May 3, 2021
10. The Book of Reunification: Chapter One: Revelations
Black Lightning sends Gambi an SOS. Meanwhile, Lynn finds herself in some serious trouble.
May 10, 2021
11. The Book of Reunification: Chapter Two: Trial and Errors
Jefferson takes Khalil up on his offer to help. Meanwhile, Lynn finds herself wrestling with what could be the biggest decision of her life. Lastly, Tobias follows through on a hunch.
May 17, 2021
12. The Book of Resurrection: Chapter One: Crossroads
Jefferson realizes that sometimes, an admission of weakness can be a show of strength. Meanwhile, Tobias is focusing on an end game.
May 24, 2021
13. The Book of Resurrection: Chapter Two: Closure
After four seasons, the game-changing, relevant and electrifying series comes to an end.
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Reviewer:
GenerationofSwine
Date:
January 14, 2023
I suppose that the best part of Black Lightening is that, from time to time, it throws some serious 1970s Funk at you, and that is honestly about the coolest thing that you can do with a show...or movie...or just in general. And it beats the heck out of modern music. However, more so than any of the other Super Hero shows on the CW, it suffers HEAVILY under the mark of the CW. Just when you think it's going to take a good turn, the CW teenage focused melodrama is injected into it and takes the wind out of it's sails. It would be forgivable if it happened once, but it seems to get neutered by the CW every time it takes what promises to be heading into a good direction. It could have dealt with race relations in an entertaining and dramatic manner...but then it turns into a CW manner and it turns into a melodrama. It could have dealt with death is an entertaining, gripping, and dramatic way...and then abruptly turns to CW melodrama. And those are just a couple of examples. it all adds up...and even though I can honestly say that it does deserve more than 1 star...the CW robbed it of it's potential too many times to sit down and watch. Its like the CW is yelling "STOP! you're about to get gripping and realistic, remember your audience is a high school clique!" I gave up. I can't watch it any longer...but I do believe that, if any other network (with the exception of Netflix) were to have picked this up, the show could have been very good.
Rating:
1.0
