*This review contains minor spoilers*
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A strong new superhero show that, despite the fantastical elements, is grounded by a down-to-earth family drama. Although this is a CW superhero show, it feels more often like one of Marvel’s Netflix superhero shows…which is a good thing. Due to the black cast, inner-city setting and the urban soundtrack, “Black Lightning” is a bit reminiscent of “Luke Cage.” Here, however, there is a focus on family that adds realism to the show.
The core characters of the Pierce family give this series its heart. The interactions between them feel natural. You can sense the family history. They are well established enough that this carries over as crime fighting and super powers are added increasingly into the mix. Cress Williams as Black Lightning is the show’s anchor. His moral core holds not only the family together, but most of the city. He has the presence of an educated man passing on his knowledge, yet strength of a man that can take down a small army by himself his always there beneath the surface. Nefessa Williams as Thunder is a mixed bag at first. Her need to make waves against the system does more harm than good. But, once she embraces her destiny of a hero, everything starts to come together. China Anne Mcclain as Jennifer is portrayed a bit too rebellious when we first meet her, sneaking off to clubs and getting drunk and high. Once they dial that back a bit, she becomes much more three-dimensional. Lynn Stewart as the family’s matriarch also seems wasted at first, and is portrayed as the character who wants to keep Black Lightning out of action. As she begins to accept her family’s role as heroes, she becomes the glue that holds it all together. Rounding things out is James Remar as Black Lightning’s mentor, Gambi. While initially he seems to be the Alfred-like character playing support for the hero, his actions become ambiguous for most of the season.
This plot for this season is a bit thin. It takes a few twists and turns and doesn’t really cement itself until late. Tobias Whale is an intimidating villain, but after thinking we’ve met the big bad, we suddenly see that he’s much lower in the hierarchy. Characters are introduced, seem important, but then are gone. Many are killed. One dies (and comes back.) We’re introduced to Thunder’s new girlfriend Grace Choi, who despite being an important character in the comics, is suddenly dropped from the show. It’s like there was an idea how they wanted it all to proceed, but changed their minds after two episodes and switched course. Despite that, this show is about the Pierce family and their journey. You become so invested in them that you forgive some of the plot holes and flaws.
The action sequences are solid, as are most of the effects. Black Lightning’s costume is horrible. A six-foot tall muscle bound man sneaking around lit-up in rainbow colors just looks silly. Thunder’s costume is much better, although the gold colored suit isn’t very stealth either. There’s also something corny about the audio effect they use for her “super breath” that we hear whenever she uses her powers. Also, as grounded as the rest of the show is, the technology that Gambi has access seems way too high tech. It’s on par with what they have at Star Labs and S.H.I.E.D.
Season one of “Black Lightning” is a solid start. Strong characters, social commentary and good old-fashioned super heroics blend together to give a unique take that helps the show stand out from all the other superhero shows out there right now. I would have to mention, that if you find shows like “Luke Cage” and “Black-ish” too liberal for your liking, you might have a hard time investing yourself into this show.
Season’s best episode: “The Resurrection” (Episode 1): You quickly find that this show will be thought provoking, occasionally shocking and have a unique style all its own.
Season’s worst episode: “Black Jesus” (Episode 4): The point where the plot start to get muddled, and not much of it ends up paying off later.
**** out of *****