SPOILER WARNING: This article contains minor spoilers for the premiere of Black Lightning, debuting tonight on The CW.


The CW is filled with a number of flashy superheroes from the DC Universe, but none of them tackle the type of real-world issues that are found in the network's newest series, Black Lightning. Those who claim they tune into TV shows to be entertained, to forget about the type of problems they face on a day-to-day basis, may read this and decided not to watch the series premiere. If that sounds like you, you run the risk of missing out on what's shaping up to be the strongest addition to DC's slate of comic book television shows to date.

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Black Lightning stars Cress Williams as Jefferson Pierce, principal of Garfield High School and the retired titular hero. The opening minutes of the premiere fills us in on Black Lightning's nine-year absence from crime-fighting via a news broadcast featuring the late Amanda Davis, an Atlanta reporter who recently passed away following a stroke. We also meet Jefferson's two daughters; the civil rights activist Anissa (Nafessa Williams), and rebellious Jennifer (China Anne McClain). The older Anissa is, of course, the more responsible of the Pierce daughters, though Jennifer's wild streak can be chalked up to the enormous pressure she's under to be the "queen of Garfield High."

Despite the obvious pressures and friction, the Pierce family remains a tight-knit unit, even though the parents are separated. Christine Adams plays Lynn Pierce, who had a small role to play in Jefferson's decision to retire as Black Lightning; faced with an ultimatum from Lynn, he promised to hang up his suit for good. Showrunners Salim and Mara Brock Akil elect against a contentious relationship between the parents, presenting instead one where Jefferson and Lynn are in the midst of rekindling their feelings for one another.

Black Lightning focuses on the Black family dynamic, and many of the issues the pilot tackles are taken directly from current national headlines. Themes of racial profiling, school violence and gang conflict are all touched upon in the hour-long debut, though none of it seems forced or preachy. The topics all feel natural and crucial to the series' direction instead of deterring from the overall story. The episode illustrates how there can be two fundamentally different approaches to dealing with such complex issues, with neither one presented as inherently better or worsen than the other. For example, Jefferson and local gang member Lala each want the best for today's youth, yet they go about it in different ways. One uses a gentle hand, while the other chooses a firmer, more aggressive fist.

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Of course, there are other supporting cast members beyond those found in the Pierce family. Damon Gupton's Detective Henderson we learn is a friend to Jefferson -- and a rival to Black Lightning. It's understandable for a local cop and vigilante to not be the best of friends, but hopefully future episodes are dedicated to fleshing out their relationship and what appears to have happened between them in the past. And just like Batman has Alfred as his right-hand man, Black Lightning confides in Peter Gambi (James Remar), a tailor who is like a father figure to Jefferson. It's Peter who prepares Black Lightning's outfits, and does a fine job of filling the mentor role that so many superhero shows end up employing.

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As for the special effects, we get plenty examples of how Black Lightning's powers work. While he does shoot and control electricity, one aspect that came as a surprise was seeing how the hero uses his powers when physically striking opponents. It was just enough to add an extra flair to the fight sequences, which were put together well, and in a believable manner.

The pilot's musical score was a nice blend of hip-hop and R&B. The more dramatic moments, such as Jefferson preparing to rescue his daughters, will likely evoke comparisons to Batman Begins's use of music.

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If there is one complaint to be had with Black Lightning, it would be in the show's primary antagonist, Tobias Whale (Marvin “Krondon” Jones III). Tobias is a unique, intimidating figure, but it isn't until the episode's conclusion where he really makes his presence felt. One could argue Lala and his cousin Will have a greater impact on the show than Tobias, though he is the ultimate puppet-master behind them both, and the the personal vendetta Jefferson has against Tobias will likely fuel future episodes.

The premiere episode of Black Lightning brings our hero out of retirement for a good reason; aside from needing to save his family, the city of Freeland is in need of a savior. Jefferson Pierce can help shape Freeland's future as principal of Garfield High, but its when he puts on the suit and fights crime where his most obvious impact can be felt. This is what makes Black Lightning different from its sister-series on The CW, like Arrow and The Flash. Green Arrow and the Flash both want to protect their cities, but Black Lightning puts an emphasis on his community, making the show a welcome addition to The CW lineup specifically, and to superhero television as a whole.


Debuting Tuesday, January 16, Black Lightning stars Cress Williams as Jefferson Pierce/Black Lightning, China Anne McClain as his younger daughter Jennifer Pierce, Nafessa Williams as his older daughter Anissa Pierce, Christine Adams as Lynn Pierce, James Remar as Peter Gambi, Damon Gupton as Henderson, Marvin “Krondon” Jones III as Tobias Whale and Chantal Thuy as Grace Choi.