This week on Black Lightning, the Pierces, Gambi and T.C. worked together to figure out how Whale took away their powers, and to clear Lynn’s name after she was charged with human experimentation.
1. Thank God for Gambi
Jennifer and Jefferson manage to survive last week’s cliffhangers after it’s revealed their suits are respectively installed with a bubble force field and an invisiblity cloak, meaning our girl doesn’t fall to her death, and our dad evades Ishmael. It all felt rather convenient, but if we’d known beforehand, then there would’ve been no tension — it was also funny Jeff thought he could still take on Ishmael while being the Invisible Man, but I’m not sure he would’ve, even if the cops hadn’t arrived and ruined his concentration.
2. Oh No, Jeff’s Jealous
At Lynn’s request, Anissa hires Keith Michaels (Will Blagrove), a brilliant lawyer who Lynn attended college with. Jefferson becomes concerned as to how they can afford him, but Anissa strongly implies she’ll use the funds she’s gathered as Blackbird to pay him. That was an interesting dilemma — not to get suddenly Biblical on you all, but have you heard the tale of Ananias and Sapphira? — but sadly by the end Jefferson admits he’s just envious Lynn didn’t ask for his help arranging her defense. That just feels petulant: you’re a school principal who’s been accused of embezzlement Jeff, so let them handle the clinic’s affairs.
3. Still No Respect From The Council
Whale has defanged his enemies, is on course to become mayor, and this week takes control of the Kobra Cartel after bribing Ishmael to work for him instead: but it’s not enough. During a holographic conference with the Shadow Board, it becomes apparent the leaders of the Cartel still do not consider him worthy enough of joining the organization’s global management. I loved how crestfallen Whale was when he realized that, and the way the board member who gently reminded him of how to end the call, didn’t care enough to acknowledge that. Tobias Whale: the man who has everything, and nothing — not even a fit of anger would’ve made him happier.
4. Khalil’s Interludes
Khalil’s solo storyline, where he keeps fighting through goons to get the evidence to clear Jeff’s name, is proving to be a gleefully violent, extended diversion each week. What struck me this time round was the decision to place the safe containing the ledger behind what appears to be a reproduction of Hieronymus Bosch’s Haywain Triptych, which depicts the story of Eden, the Last Judgment, and Hell. It’s an intriguing choice, and not just because it’s less well known than the similarly designed Garden of Earthly Delights: given the show has always described Jefferson as a Black Jesus, perhaps the painting’s presence here is meant to reflect how Khalil will pave the way for His return, and the cleansing of Freeland?
5. Oh No, Jen’s Cloned Herself
After electrocuting herself (definitely don’t try that at home, or anywhere really), Jennifer manages to regain some of her powers. Deducing that her lack of energy means she won’t overload if she returns to the ionosphere, Jen flies up, and manages to return to Earth, safe and rejuvenated (presumably, she gathered so much power she can override the emitter the way Red’s bracelet does.) More importantly, she leaves a lot of residual energy, that appears to be forming the image of an egg (as in the zygote, not the shape of the shell). She probably left a lot of DNA scattered reforming her arm; are we getting a clone? What if the original Jen’s consciousness was still floating up in space too? Will we really receive a Ship of Theseus scenario?
Bonus Thoughts:
– Jeff turning invisible could a droll reference to Ralph Ellison, as well as H.G. Wells.
– I hope Lalique appreciates the product placement here.
– Darius’s stuffed dog was so weird but funny: I’m sure it’s what he would’ve wanted to be remembered for.
– Khalil being claustrophobic is a good idea that brings back some disabled representation to the show.
OK folks, be sure to let us know what you think in the comments, and see you next week for “Chapter Two.”
