This week on Black Lightning, a shootout on the streets of Freeland led to Jefferson, Anissa and Jennifer learning that Lynn was using the meta-boosters to empower herself; while Jefferson continued to spiral into anger and depression; and Gambi got a new gig.
1. Jefferson is Becoming Unsympathetic
Jefferson must have a death wish after losing Henderson, continuing to use his powers without his suit, and endangering his secret identity by attacking crooks in their homes as himself. I understand he is losing his mind, but after his solo therapy session this week, he’s starting to come across as really immature, making the same mistakes over and over again without any reflection — it’s also become really tiresome seeing him fall out with Gambi yet again. At some point, Jefferson went from world-weary veteran to cranky old man, and the sooner he’s Black Lightning again, the better.
2. Whale’s Convenient Power-Up
Whale has developed a serum to counteract Jefferson and Jennifer’s powers, insulating his body from their electrical tendrils. OK, I can understand he wants to avoid being absolutely humiliated the way he was at the end of season two again, but there’s no way there’s not gonna be any side effects right? He’s already taking one serum that keeps him young. Still, it should give us a truly brutal fight between him and Jefferson by the end of the season.
3. Anissa Makes a Male Friend
Anissa, who’s also working at Lynn’s genetic research facility overseeing Grace’s recovery, befriends the new doctor, Darius Morgan (Todd Anthony), who does flirt with her before learning she’s gay. Darius is an otherwise sensitive soul, who, like Jefferson, responds deeply emotionally over the boy who’s killed during the shootout, and I can imagine he and Anissa will become very close friends — I just hope Grace doesn’t come out of her coma, and is portrayed as the jealous type.
4. Gambi’s New Old Job
After his latest clash with Jefferson, Gambi accepts Lauren’s offer to work with her at Monovista International, the company providing directed energy weapons (or DEGs) to the police. I like that, no matter what, Gambi will always be there to spy on weapons that could be used against Jefferson and his family: sure, it’s an opportunity for him to keep seeing Lauren, but it’s still reflects the true, unconditional love of an adoptive father.
5. Blackbird Rules the Streets
After the shootout, Anissa revives her Blackbird persona, and uses her contacts to grab both Lala, and Lady Eve’s new representative, Destiny (Teesha Renee), so she can tell them to knock it off in-person. It’s interesting she’s willing to let both the 100 and Kobra Cartel’s leaders be as long as they’re not violent: sure, Lala can’t actually die, but I can only imagine how this’ll come back to bite Anissa.
Bonus Thoughts:
– I’m going to assume Whale hired Red (Matt Roszak) to be his new assistant because he reminds him of himself.
– While I still find it strange how fluorescent Lynn’s mask is, her improvised superhero costume is starting to grow on me.
What did you find interesting on this week’s Black Lightning? As always, let me know in the comments, and until next time, have a good week.
