TV REVIEWS: FTN Reviews Black Lightning Season 01 Episode 05: And Then The Devil Brought The Plague

I think one of the reasons that Black Lightning is really succeeding in its inaugural season is that it’s blending many stories together in ways some may not expect. And in episode five, that continued in some surprising ways, including the potential origin of Black Lightning’s powers.

You see, we know he’s a metahuman of sorts, but how he got his powers is a mystery, for now. Having Anissa research her powers and find out that her grandfather was a reporter who had one of his stories about missing kids (who apparently were experimented on) pulled by his editor was interesting. What’s more, it appears that Tobias Whale kill him for that story, which is another key thing we learned tonight.

We knew that Tobias was a meta himself in some fashion, but now, we know that not only is he strong, he doesn’t age. What’s more interesting…is that we heard it from Gambi, while he talked to Tobias! Turns out, Gambi had a good reason for not telling Jefferson about Tobias’ involvement. Apparently, he’s ASA (government), and a deal was struck between him and Lady Even (even more intriguing) that would make Tobias leave the city. But he didn’t. Finding out Gambi has more going on is something I’ve been waiting for since the first episode, but how this will unfold is still unclear.

Tobias also got some much-deserved spotlight, as his reckless behavior led to his sister revealing the location of their abusive father. Most people won’t understand the struggles that Albino’s (the name for the genetic disorder Tobias has) go through, but it’s real, and that flashback with his father made it clear. And him killing him in the slow fashion he did proved his ruthlessness again.

Going back to Anissa for a second, her desire to find out the truth led to her getting her first “hero outfit”. Yeah, this is why men like Gambi exists, and I can’t to see her in her true outfit. But still, it’s a consistent path that’s leading her to become Thunder.

As for Jennifer, she got to do something worthwhile when two girls tried to beat her up because of who she was…and it didn’t go well for them. I loved the different reactions from the parents, as one was mad, and the other was like, “Two?” You could sympathize with Jennifer this time around, as she honestly didn’t cause the fight, but she sure as heck ended it.

The one thing I didn’t like about Black Lightning tonight was the “illness” that Jefferson suffered because of the new Hover ability in his suit. It seems to convenient, and just like a good TV trope, it happened in the worst spots, including after he found one of Tobias’ top lieutenants.

Aside from that though, this was another great episode of Black Lightning. I hate that we have to wait two weeks for the next episode, but it’ll be worth it when it returns.