'Black Lightning' Recap: 'The Resurrection'

Written by John Edward Betancourt

THIS IS THE EMERGENCY SPOILER ALERT SYSTEM...YOU ARE ADVISED TO READ AT YOUR OWN RISK...

​These days, putting together a new superhero series on television, is a pretty by the numbers affair. You get an origin story in the pilot episode, where we learn about our respective hero’s powers and abilities before a massive threat or higher calling brings forth their alter ego and they set out to save the world time and time again. That kind of a formula isn’t a bad thing, since hey, we tune in week after week to see exactly that. But it does mean that it’s getting more difficult for superhero shows to separate themselves from the pack.
 
I make mention of that, because now that I’m over a nasty case of the flu, we need to talk about a brand-new superhero series, that quite frankly is a breath of fresh air. Because last Tuesday, Black Lightning premiered on the CW and well, I feel a strong sense of shame in not sitting through or recapping this particular show sooner because clearly, this series is going to be something special and I feel quite comfortable in saying that seeing as to how the series premiere of this new saga, ‘The Resurrection’, was unlike anything I’ve ever seen when it comes to the superhero genre.
 
In fact, I could probably write another two thousand words on all the wonderful moments this particular episode had to offer, but for the sake of today’s recap, let’s stick with two key story elements that stood out above the rest, starting with the fact that this story was filled to the brim with social commentary on race relations in America and well, that’s a stroke of genius, plain and simple. Because there are several moments in this episode that give you great pause and stay with you long after the story has come to an end because of how well they resemble our current world and one that keeps coming to mind is where Jefferson and his family are pulled over and profiled by the police and honestly, I wish more superhero shows found ways to speak to our world the way this one has thus far.
 
Which brings us to the second element that blew me away, the fact that this series ignores every single formula that superhero shows have to offer. Case in point, our main character; Jefferson Pierce. By the time we meet him in this story, he’s already been Black Lightning for many years and what makes his journey so incredibly different is that there is no origin story here, just a hero that’s seen the darker side of defending the innocent, to the point where he stepped away from the violence to try and do good for the world in a different manner and this was simply refreshing to watch. Because you so rarely join the hero in the middle of their journey and the best part about this little twist is that Jefferson has to make a choice to become Black Lightning again, but for vastly different reasons and his decision speaks volumes as to how sometimes, trying to stay on the sidelines when it comes to bigger issues in our lives, is downright impossible.
 
But what matters most when it comes to this premiere, is the sheer fact that I’m already starving for more. I love that the series already feels like an established franchise and the credit for that goes to the Writer’s Room and the cast of this phenomenal show since the characters and the performances instantly draw you in, and the best part? Black Lightning returns to the CW tonight with a brand-new episode and I certainly hope you’ll be watching with me this evening and in the weeks to come, because I really get the feeling that this show is just getting started and there will be plenty more brilliant commentary waiting for us as the show rolls on. Until next time. 

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