Even though I had nothing but good things to say about Black Lightning early on, I must say that I’m quite pleased to see the young series hold steady after seven episodes. I mean, not only has it emerged as one of the best things to happen to DC TV this season, but it’s actually one of the shows that I most look forward to viewing each week.
Surprisingly, showrunner Salim Akil and company have decided to forego the “freak of the week” trapping that programs in this genre often fall into, instead keeping the rogues gallery small and taking a more serialized approach. Doing this has only added to the intrigue, effectively assuring that I’ll be tuning in the following week.
So, while Marvin “Krondon” Jones III continues to impress as big bad Tobias Whale, I’m still finding it difficult to forget Will Catlett’s La La, another villain who made quite the impact in the first two episodes. Unfortunately, he was murdered by Tobias in his jail cell, forcing me to think the series had lost an antagonistic gem.
To my shock, though, the closing minutes of last night’s episode saw La La resurrected in a motel room under mysterious circumstances. Furthermore, what appeared to be the spirit of LaWanda – someone he murdered, mind you – merged with him, forming a tattoo on his chest.
Now, we’ll just have to wait and see if indeed supernatural elements are being introduced to the series, or if something else is at play. Either way, we at least have a new promo to comb over for details as we wonder if La La will return a changed man, or try to snatch the underworld out from under the brazen Tobias.
For more on the appropriately titled “Revelations,” be sure to check out the official synopsis:
TRAINING DAY – Black Lightning (Cress Williams) works with Anissa (Nafessa Willaims) to help find information to clear Black Lightning’s name. Jennifer (China Anne McClain) begins interning for Lynn (Christine Adams). Meanwhile, Gambi (James Remar) finds himself in a precarious situation. Marvin Jones III and Damon Gupton also star. The episode was written by Jan Nash and directed by Tanya Hamilton (#108). Original airdate 3/13/2018.
Black Lightning airs on Tuesday nights on The CW.