WARNING: The following article contains spoilers for this week’s episode of Black Lightning, “The Book of Consequences: Chapter Three: Master Lowry."
The moment Black Lightning has been working towards ever since he returned to a life of crimefighting has finally arrived -- his nemesis, Tobias Whale, was finally arrested for the murder of his father, Alvin Pierce.
The shocking moment occurred in the closing moments of “The Book of Consequences: Chapter Three: Master Lowry." Tobias was in a darkened room lighting candles in front of a coffin with his last name "Whale" inscribed on its side, when a police squad ran in and began to aim their weapons on him. Deputy Police Chief Henderson then ordered Tobias to show his hands, revealing someone dropped a dime on the villain to the police, which allowed them to finally find him after spending decades underground.
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With Jefferson dedicating part of his life to avenging his father's death at the hands of Tobias Whale, Henderson stops by the Pierce residence to let Jefferson know the news in person. Jefferson is obviously rocked by the revelation, but we're left to wonder if he is stunned because justice has finally been served, or because he wasn't the one to find Tobias first.
Another thing to ponder is who served Tobias up to the police in the first place? He managed to stay under the radar for decades, and now all of a sudden someone close to him ran to the police. We have to admit, something smells fishy about the entire scenario. Did Painkiller decide he was tired of being Tobias' errand boy? Black Lightning and Painkiller had an earlier confrontation where the vigilante tried to appeal to Painkiller's alter ego, Khalil. Maybe their brief encounter was a net positive.
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The scarier scenario is Tobias planned everything himself, and being arrested is all a part of his master plan -- whatever that is. He's spent Season 2 getting rid of every loose end that could tie him to Alvin Pierce's murder, including the destruction of evidence and killing former associates. It's quite possible Tobias knows the police won't be able to stick Alvin's death on him, and if he's found not guilty, Tobias could then operate in Freeland as a literal free man. And nothing about that proposition is good news for Freeland or Black Lightning.
Airing Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on The CW, Black Lightning stars Cress Williams as Jefferson Pierce/Black Lightning, China Anne McClain as Jennifer Pierce, Nafessa Williams as Anissa Pierce/Thunder, Christine Adams as Lynn Stewart, Marvin “Krondon” Jones III as Tobias Whale, Damon Gupton as Billy Henderson, James Remar as Peter Gambi and Jordan Calloway as Khalil/Painkiller.