Black Lightning Review: The Book of Little Black Lies (Season 1 Episode 9)

Black Lightning, Season 1 Episode 9, “The Book of Little Black Lies,” is another thrilling encounter that addresses Jennifer’s reaction to learning the truth about herself and her family. We also see Gambi work to redeem himself, while Jefferson and Anissa launch a direct attack on Green Light.

To say that this show has been getting better each episode would be a huge understatement.

It advances a slow burn perspective that has enshrined the characters and story lines in the minds of viewers, and the stories are told in such simple terms that it is very easy for anyone to catch up.

This episode, as with all others, is not just serious business alone; they still find avenues to infuse humor. Notable examples would include Jennifer’s reaction when Anissa lifts up her bed, how Anissa reacts to her father’s compliments and other minute details that make the show intriguing, yet light.

The title of the episode really captures its essence because it is dealing with the aftermath of secrets and lies dating back to several years ago.

In dissecting the plot, an interesting parallel is made with Jefferson and Gambi. Here’s the picture: Jefferson is upset with Gambi for withholding the truth about his previous clandestine activities and Jennifer is upset with Jefferson for not revealing the truth about himself and their family ever since she was a kid.

The motives behind those actions are basically the same: Love. Gambi hid the truth from Jefferson to protect him which was what happened in Jennifer’s case too. Lynn rightfully explains that parents hide certain information from kids to protect them, which many parents can attest to.

It is also commendable that they make no attempt to justify Jefferson’s actions over Gambi’s because in the end, they are both lies or as I like to think of them, untold truths.

This episode poses these salient questions: “what would you do if you found out you and your family had superpowers?” Or, “what would you do if you found out your family had been lying to you all your life?”

Considering the age we live in, it would seem like a fairytale to tell someone they had superpowers. Given Jennifer’s age, does she answer these questions well this episode? Absolutely.

From start to finish, we see Jennifer grappling with the reality of knowing that her father is the revered ‘Black Lightning’ and learning that her sister, her closest friend and confidant, is ‘Thunder.’ I particularly love that this entire episode is devoted to hashing out her feelings because her confusion, fear, and grievance are valid in themselves.

In reality, the only thing scarier than knowing that your loved one has killer superpowers is knowing that they aspire to fight the bad guys and change the world. That sinking feeling about the tendency to lose them in a flash is called to mind as the reason behind Jefferson and Anissa’s failed relationships.

When the possibility of Jennifer having superpowers first surfaced, one would have thought she would be the most excited about it, given her youthfulness and extroverted personality.

The reverse is the case and there is that shocking element of surprise that hits hard when she starts to revolt and question everything, all the possible side-effects to having superpowers, which Anissa didn’t really care about when she discovered her own abilities.

It’s like thinking you can predict a character and a string of events, only to realize that you don’t write the show. Brilliant choice of character dynamics from the writers.

It also makes sense that all the family members are involved in that conflict and in the resolution. When Anissa first has that discussion with her, she freaks out and runs downstairs only to meet her parents, who confirm Anissa’s claims. Then later in the episode, she has individual heart-to-heart talks with each of them, ending with her father, whom she rekindles her movie night dates with.

Again, Lynn acts as the glue that keeps the family together with her ability to act as the bridge between the supernatural and the ordinary, providing a sense of reason every time and reinforcing the humanness of each of the superhuman characters. That could be considered her own superpower.

We all have unique abilities that can make a difference and we do not need to dress in capes and armors to put them to use.

In other news, Gambi has found himself in a situation where he has to make up for not being entirely transparent from the onset.

They say it takes years to build trust, seconds to break it and forever to repair it. Hence, he is working really hard to make amends by helping find the brain behind the weapon that killed Lady Eve and also making that sexy power suit for Anissa.

Speaking of, Anissa makes a grand appearance in that suit, even rendering her father momentarily speechless.

The suit is similar to Jefferson’s and amplifies her strength and resilience; she is also introduced in that new regalia by an inspiring rap number that highlights her cause and the marginalized people her work benefits.

So far, the show has subtly but steadily hit the gender equality jackpot. The suit aside, we see Jefferson and Anissa help each other escape death when they take on the Green Light lab. Anissa is as important to the cause as Jefferson is and there is no doubt that Jennifer will enjoy same when she fully comes on board.

A striking part of Gambi’s character structure is the way it is designed to evoke the required reaction from viewers.

A few episodes ago, he was seen as the secret villain but at the end of this episode, it is safe to say he has almost regained his pride of place in the good books.

He is beginning to look trustworthy again and his efforts will likely pay off, especially since he has succeeded in intimating Anissa on his side of things.

I still have an issue with Henderson not recognizing Jefferson as Black Lightning, even at close proximity.

What they do this episode, however, is that during that encounter in the lab, Black Lightning emits a bright light with which he shields himself, such that it is difficult to look closely at him. If they keep up with that camouflage, it would be better than having him appear bare and trying to convince viewers that he is not recognizable.

By the end of this episode, it is safe to say that Jennifer has dealt with the hurt of being uninformed and it is expected that moving forward, we will see her powers manifest.

She already started conducting the needed research, she will be okay. By the way, China Anne McClain brings a lot to this character, especially this episode, and hopefully, her journey will be a treat.

What did you think of this episode of Black Lightning? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

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Black Lightning airs Tuesdays at 9/8c on The CW.

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