TV REVIEWS: FTN Reviews Black Lightning Season 2 Episode 3: “Master Lowry”

I truly believe that Black Lightning is one of the best superhero shows out there, for when it focuses on the family drama and struggles it shines. But it also has these quirks that just continue to pop up and weigh the show down, and that’s what happened in “Master Lowry”.

Let’s start with the positive, Jefferson and Lynn’s desire to help Jennifer with her powers led to the arrival of another meta. One who could let Jennifer release her feelings and troubles in a “mind world” of sorts. I do wish we knew more about Prenna’s exact powers, or how Gambi knew her, but she does seem like a great foil to Jennifer, so hopefully this will last for a while.

Furthermore, the return of Henderson was well done, as it led to some great scenes between him and Jefferson. Jefferson clearly wants to work things out with Henderson, and I think Henderson does too…but on his own time when he’s over his good friend all but lying to him for many years.

Thunder’s continued rise to become Robyn Hood (thank you to those who get that reference) was also compelling, as now she has Gambi on her side. No doubt this will backfire eventually, but for now, let her get her vigilante on.

And true to form, Black Lightning never lets anything stay stagnant, as by the end of the episode, Tobias Whale got kidnapped. We’re quite sure who ratted on his just yet, but it’s good to see Tobias be caught, for not unlike a certain other…kingpin…he’ll likely be even more dangerous behind bars.

Sadly, just about everything else didn’t work. Lyn getting help from a “psycho” doctor (one with comic ties to the Outsiders) felt really odd. And while Kalil’s personal conflict was good, I think it could’ve been handled a little better.

Which brings me to the “recurring problem” with Black Lightning…the cuts. Like where the scenes end before going to the next scene or to a commercial break. The last few scenes were a myriad of jump cuts where at times I had no idea where we were or what was going on for a while. And some of the commercial break cuts were so sudden I had to do a double take.

Finally, the arrive of the new principal to Garfield High should have been a major deal. In fact, the episode is named after him “Master Lowry”…but he only had one scene! What’s more, could they have made him anymore of a jerk without being outright racist? I like P.J. Bryne, but here with his debut scene? He’s not anything more than another angry white man to counter Jefferson. Hopefully we get some more development from him, because if not, it’s a waste of a plot line.

Still, for what it was, “Master Lowry” did some good things, and it was solid, it was just held back by a lot of weirdness. Hopefully next week is better.