Black Lightning - first episode
Black Lightning was the savior who kept our streets and our schools safe. - Anissa
It almost seems if The CW broadcasts a new superhero show almost every year. Because of all these various shows there usually is either a drop in quality (Netflix Marvel shows, I'm looking at you) or it's just more of the same.
This time Black Lightning was up to the challenge. At first I had mixed feelings after seeing the suit and the casting announcement of Cress Williams (Hart of Dixie) as Black Lightning, but my opinion requires some adjustments. After I saw the pilot episode I even became slightly optimistic and I'll explain why.
© The CW
Black Lightning is a show that revolves around the life of Jefferson Pierce aka Black Lightning. This superhero retired nine years ago and has since then become the principal of Garfield High School. His school is successful, based on the grades of the students, which are incredibly high. The grades are, the students aren't. Or are they? He has promised his now ex-wife that he will never put on the suit again, as it became too dangerous for her and their two daughters.
But, danger is always present. The community of Freeland is full of various gangs, which the police are unable to deal with. Besides that, there is also a lot of racial discrimination, but I'll get back to that in a moment. What matters is that Black Lightning is needed!
Let's move on to the actors. Am I convinced by Cress as Black Lightning? No. The actor is struggling with his role. Sometimes he makes typical 'superhero decisions', as soon as someone starts talking about 'hope' he instantaneously forgets about all his promises and runs out of the door, whereas at other moments he considers his options, which results in better decisions.
The direction this show is heading to is determined by the actor and if he's able to portray his role well. Before someone starts shouting that it depends on the writers and not the actors, I agree, but in a CW superhero show (unfortunately) both the writer and the actor should be properly represented.
The remainder of the cast hasn't been fleshed out all that well in the pilot episode, and the 'bad guy' of the season has been barely introduced. This is not a bad thing, but it does mean that I can't write a whole lot about them.
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Visually the show looks stunning. It differs quite a lot in comparison to shows like Arrow or The Flash. Black Lightning is more rugged and realistic, but the main difference lies in the storyline.
In the first episode Black Lightning immediately enters the world of racial discrimination in the United States and the rest of the world. And the fact that a superhero show deals with that theme is unexpectedly refreshing.
The willingness to discuss controversial topics is also one of the biggest qualities of the pilot episode. The show isn't afraid to involve politics into its storyline, which is a big plus, but the show should be careful not to overdo it. If it becomes too much of a political statement, then it is likely that people will stop watching.
For now, a solid start; a 7.5!
