Black Lightning - S1E2 - Lawanda: The Book of Hope

Previously on Black Lightning, “The Resurrection” 

Maybe because he’s been out of the game for nearly a decade, but Jefferson Pierce is genuinely shocked (no pun intended) to learn that Black Lightning’s brief return did little to make a difference in the war for Freeland’s soul. The Seahorse Motel is back to serving as the venue for teenage sex trafficking, Will escaped custody, and Latavious (I’m not calling him LaLa) has witnesses who dispute the Pierce girls’ claim that he was involved in their kidnapping.

On top of that, the community isn’t comforted at all. Reverend Jeremiah Holt (Clifton Powell) claims it’s cruel of Black Lightning to make a one-time appearance if he’s not willing to commit to saving the community full time. And Lawanda White (Tracey Bonner) wonders why only Jefferson’s daughters were saved while hers is still being forced to sell her body in the motel. As a former student, Lawanda appeals to Jefferson for help, but he’s torn because of the promise he made to Lynn, who seems poised to reconcile.

Meanwhile, Tobias Whale increases the pressure on Latavious; if people think this “fake” Black Lightning will save them, they’ll no longer fear him. And without fear, he has no control. Properly motivated, Latavious sends a threat of violence to Jennifer, literally to her doorstep, and kills his own cousin, Will, to make sure he doesn’t snitch. Latavious gets a little too bold though when he shoots and kills Lawanda after she confronts him about her daughter. She meant it when she said she’d do anything for her child, and that included dying for her: she set the whole incident up to be recorded on her phone. The police arrest Latavious after Black Lightning suits up once more to bring him down. But this much violence in a community doesn’t exist without the indifference of the police and/or their corruption. A cop lets Tobias into Latavious’ jail cell so he can quiet his henchman for good.

Even though Will and Latavious are gone, don’t expect things to go back to normal for the Pierces. Jefferson has decided to go back to being Black Lightning, which pushes Lynn away; Jennifer, perhaps jolted (no pun intended) by Latavious’ threat, begins to act out by drinking at school, which threatens to push away her new boyfriend, Khalil (Jordan Calloway); and Anissa’s powers are getting stronger as she singlehandedly, literally, takes down an armed robber.

It’s Lit

Anissa becomes the first Black, lesbian superhero on television when it’s revealed she has a long-time girlfriend. Though, she does seem a bit commitment shy. Let me find out Anissa a fuckboi!

Tobias Whale remains downright frightening. I can’t believe they gave Latavious the Cottonmouth treatment two episodes in. He was so delicious to hate! Still, at least the villain who remains is actually compelling. *side-eyes Luke Cage*

Khalil is cute, nice, and has a good head on his shoulders. He’ll be dead before the season’s up.

Recharge

Not sure what to make of Lynn. Her fear is understandable, but she’s actively refusing to listen to what Jefferson is telling her. Her confrontation with Gambi proves this. I want to like her. I do like her. But I feel like they’re about to make her annoying.

As much as I loved seeing Anissa neutralize the robber, her reaction afterwards was just silly.

What are your thoughts on this week’s episode of Black Lightning? Leave them below or on our Facebook post for this review, and we’ll read them on tonight’s podcast.